Cherry Hill Students To Return To 5-Day In-Person Learning May 17

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill public school students that are currently enrolled in the hybrid learning model will return to in-person instruction five days a week beginning May 17, the district announced this week.

The announcement comes after governors in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut announced capacity limits at restaurants, stores, offices and other areas of life are set to be lifted by May 19. Read more here: 'Major' COVID Reopening In NJ: Here's What's Planned

Gov. Phil Murphy has also been advocating for a full return to classroom instruction, possibly by the end of the 2020-21 school year. Read more here: NJ Needs All Kids Back In Classrooms Amid COVID

“I know the past 14 months have been a challenge for all of us,” Cherry Hill Superintendent of Schools Joseph Meloche said in a letter to the community. “I appreciate everyone’s continued dialogue, grit and flexibility. I am grateful to the many members of the WE Return to Learn Committees for the countless hours they have dedicated in service to the educational community of Cherry Hill. Their efforts, creative approaches, and commitment were always dedicated to serving the needs of all the children of Cherry Hill. The committee’s work has provided an educationally and developmentally appropriate foundation from which we will continue to build as we look forward.”

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Every Monday for the rest of the school year except Memorial Day will become an in-person learning day for students currently enrolled in hybrid learning. In-person students’ arrival and dismissal schedules will remain the same.

Full-remote learning will remain an option, with students attending online continuing to follow their current log-on and log-off schedules as provided by their teachers for daily instruction.

Families with students receiving Special Education services on Mondays will be notified about their specific schedule of services, if there are any changes.

“End-of-the-year activities are being planned and your child’s school will share the dates, times and other details for the events,” Meloche said. “Thank you in advance for your patience and support as our building principals and staff work out the details. We look forward to celebrating our transitioning 5th, 8th and 12th grade students in appropriate, memorable ways.”

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has said proms must adhere to the protocols for indoor and outdoor dining. Dance floors will also be permitted to open, with mask-wearing and social distancing in place. Read more here: NJ Eases COVID-19 Rules For Proms, Graduations, Other Activities

For graduations and awards ceremonies, school districts and institutions of higher learning will have the option of using a large venue with a fixed seating capacity, the DOE and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) said. They don't need to count faculty, staff, and graduates when considering seating capacity, but they do have to count all other members of the general public.

“I look forward to our students and staff finishing the 2020-2021 school year strong as we continue to prepare for returning to school for full days, five days per week, in September 2021,” Meloche said. “If you have questions specific to your child’s situation, please reach out directly to your building principal.”