Schools In Long Valley May Adjust Masking Policies On Hot Days

LONG VALLEY, NJ — As the school year winds down across the region, some - including the Washington Township Schools - may adjust their masking policies slightly, based on daily temperatures.

Superintendent Jeff Mohre posted an update on Tuesday in response to Gov. Phil Murphy's Monday tweet on the topic, of how to handle extreme heat conditions in New Jersey's schools.

REMINDER: School officials are empowered to relax masking among students and staff in their buildings given extreme weather conditions. pic.twitter.com/oBIjUfBFgT
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) June 7, 2021

Mohre wrote in a message on the district's homepage that the Washington Township Schools would continue to abide by Murphy's Executive Order 175, which permits schools to lift masking requirements in cases of extreme heat.

Washington Township Schools, Mohre said, could "make exceptions when warranted based on daily temperature forecasts and indoor conditions during the final days of the children's school year."

"In the meantime, please continue to send your child(ren) to school with a mask," Mohre added. "Rest assured your children will be well cared for while under the care and supervision of our esteemed faculty and staff."

On Wednesday, Mohre sent out a letter to the the district's parents, guardians, faculty and staff, alerting them to one COVID-19 case of an unidentified individual at the Flocktown Road School. According to the letter, all close contacts were notified pertaining to this case.

Washington Township Schools’ last day is scheduled with an early dismissal on Tuesday, June 15.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.