Cranford Schools In Fall: Superintendent Releases Guidance

CRANFORD, NJ — What will schools look like in fall 2021, after a year of coronavirus precautions? Cranford Schools Superintendent Scott Rubin, who was one of the first area school officials to get ahead of the crisis by releasing plans early last year, released preliminary guidance on Wednesday for the 2021-2022 school year.

The district has posted 53 slides that go over everything from screening students academically to social distancing.

"Please be advised that as the guidance becomes less restrictive, as anticipated, the plan will be updated to reflect these changes," Rubin wrote Wednesday.

In a message, Rubin wrote to families on Wednesday afternoon:

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I hope this letter finds you and your family well. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your partnership and support throughout this incredibly challenging year and also provide information on the current plan for September.

We, as a community, have so much to be proud of. Fifteen months ago, when the pandemic started, there was tremendous uncertainty as all New Jersey schools were required to transition to full remote learning and had to figure out a new way to provide instruction in a very short period of time. The obstacles that had to be overcome and the successful implementation of incremental in-person opportunities were only made possible through the collaborative efforts of the entire community working together. Cranford is truly a remarkable place that exemplifies passion, resilience, and an enduring caring and collaborative spirit.

Now, as we seek to put the pandemic further into the rearview mirror with every passing day, we set our sights on the fall. The district is focused on providing as close to a normal school year as possible and permitted.

Towards this end, here is The Plan Forward: September 2021, which features full-day, in-person instruction, every day, while conforming to the current executive orders and guidance from the NJDOH and NJDOE.

Please be advised that as the guidance becomes less restrictive, as anticipated, the plan will be updated to reflect these changes.

Additionally, here is a video which highlights and provides an overview of the current plan for September.

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What Does The State Say?

Meanwhile, the state of New Jersey expects schools to reopen on-site in fall, but for now, officials believe students will still have to wear masks. Read more about that here.

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