Freehold Twp Schools: Remote-Only Classes For First 2 Weeks

FREEHOLD, NJ – In the latest school reopening plan update, the Freehold Township School District revealed its completed Restart and Recovery Plan during a virtual board of education presentation on Aug. 11. Included in the plans are a hybrid in-person option as well as an option for students to learn in a completely virtual capacity (dubbed the “virtual academy”).

However, despite the two-pronged option, a two-week period of all-remote classes will be mandatory for district students during the first two weeks of the school year, with the exception of students in certain self-contained classes.

According to the district calendar, students enrolled in the hybrid learning option will begin in-person classes on Sept. 21. The first day of classes for pupils in the district is Sept. 8. For the September Hybrid Calendar, click here.

“This will provide us time to establish expectations and routines conducive to a highly effective virtual learning environment. Coaching and professional development will be provided to teachers throughout the two week time period,” wrote Superintendent of Schools Neal Dickstein in an Aug. 7 letter announcing the board of education presentation to district parents.

The district is currently working alongside the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County to determine child care options for children when attending school remotely. A flyer will be sent home to parents once a decision is made, according to Dickstein.

School schedules will be adjusted for the upcoming academic year, with middle school dismissal starting at 11:40 a.m. Applegate, Donovan and West Freehold schools will begin first period at 8:25 a.m. and dismiss students at 12:25 p.m. Catena and Errickson schools will begin first period at 9 a.m. and dismiss students at 1 p.m. ECLC will start at 9:20 a.m. and dismiss students at 1:20 p.m.

Freehold Township School District will be providing all students with two reusable cloth masks that must be washed after use. Students may also wear their own face masks.

Extracurriculars will also be conducted virtually and middle school fall athletics are cancelled. Field trips are not permitted until further notice.

A survey next week is slated to ask parents again whether they will opt for the hybrid or remote-only model of learning for students. Those who do not wish to change their previously provided answers do not have to complete the survey again.

Here are some of the additional measures that the school district is taking to combat the spread of the virus:

Classrooms and Social Distancing
The district will be implementing staggered arrival and dismissal through multiple entry points. Students’ desks will be spaced six feet apart facing forward, with 12-14 students per class. Plexiglass barriers will be utilized where appropriate. Masks are required by both staff and students throughout the school day.

Classroom windows will be open “as practical”. All schools are air conditioned with air filters in place. Signage will be posted throughout school buildings to establish one-way paths and clearly state health expectations. Hand sanitizing stations will be located in each classroom (for staff and older children who can safely use the product), at entrances of buildings, near lunchrooms and in bathrooms.

Meals
Prepackaged food will be offered at ECLC, and district students who qualify for free or reduced lunches will still be accommodated. Students may also pre-order lunches on an app.

Screening
Parents will be required to complete an electronic assessment in Genesis before sending their child to school. Teachers, bus drivers and staff will also be required to complete a similar self-screening. An isolation space will be established in each school building, with students and staff with symptoms related to COVID-19 to be safely and respectfully isolated from others.

If the school district becomes aware that an individual who has spent time in a district building tests positive for the virus, district officials will immediately notify local health officials, staff, and families of a confirmed case while maintaining confidentiality.

Technology

Middle school students will be issued a district Chromebook device by the end of August. Parents and staff in need of a device or internet connectivity should indicate such on the next district survey. Distribution will begin Aug. 23 and continue through Sept. 3.

Transportation
Students are expected to wear masks on buses at all times. Bus aides will wear masks and gloves at all times. Windows will be open to “the extent possible” and buses will be cleaned with EPA-approved cleaner after each run. Each seat will be occupied with one student at maximum (with the exception of siblings, who may sit together). When possible, students will be seated in alternating rows.

For the full presentation from the board of education, click here.

Have a news tip? Email nicole.rosenthal@patch.com.
Click here to get Patch email notifications, or get breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app, download here. Follow Freehold Patch on Facebook.