Lacey Schools To Hold Half Days For Potential Coronavirus Prep

LACEY, NJ — The Lacey Township School District will dismiss students early Monday and Tuesday. Staff will finalize their contingency plans for the novel coronavirus.

All after-school activities both days will be canceled except for middle and high school sports and Champions after-care for registered students. Assistant Superintendent Stephen Decker made the announcement in a Thursday note to parents and staff.

"We do realize calling for an early dismissal can cause a hardship for our families," Decker said. "However, this is necessary in order to ensure we are fully prepared with our response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Home Instruction plans."

A previous notification on the district website said the schools would have delayed openings those days. Decker clarified to Patch that schools will dismiss early, and the website has been updated.

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March 20 will be an early dismissal as previously scheduled. Anyone wishing to register children for the Champions after-care program can do so online.

The district has been preparing for the possibility of remote learning as the virus affects New Jersey. The district sent a survey to parents asking whether their home has internet access, technology or access to TV21, Lacey's student-run television station. Read more: Lacey Prepares For Possibly Going Remote In NJ Coronavirus Spread

There have been no confirmed cases in Ocean County as of 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Twenty-three people in the state have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Thursday afternoon. One person died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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