Millburn Superintendent: Here's Why Schools Are Remote This Week

MILLBURN, NJ – Millburn Schools Superintendent Christine Burton explained, in an email Friday, the reasons behind the upcoming remote school days and the reasons for the decisions last week regarding the snowstorm.

Millburn schools are remote this week (a short week) and then again in early January. Many North Jersey school districts have decided to make the first week or two weeks after winter break remote, out of concern for coronavirus spikes.

Last week, amid a coming snowstorm, the Millburn schools went remote Wednesday and Friday and closed on Thursday. Read more about that here.)

In her email, Burton wrote:

Inclement Weather Schedules

In normal circumstances, to allow for post-storm cleanup, I would have called a delayed opening today [Friday]. The hybrid schedules do not give us the flexibility to have a delayed opening or an early dismissal for in-school students. With shortened and segmented schedules, we are limited to all-closed or all-virtual. A remote schedule is the only way to guarantee that students get their full schedule.

Monday/Tuesday Virtual Days before Break

There are a variety of reasons that it was decided to keep schools virtual for next week. There were concerns about inadequate levels of staffing, as both teachers and substitutes are calling in sick with seasonal colds and flu.

It is not possible, nor allowed by law, to operate in-person schooling without appropriate supervision of our students.

January and Beyond — School Schedules

Important updates to the January school schedule will be provided next week, including the elementary virtual model during the two-week period between January 4th through January 15th.

Planning for long-term schedules is also underway, with the ultimate goal of having all students in school for a full day by May or June. All plans are subject to approval by the local health department and the County Executive Superintendent.

Daily Health Form

Please note the daily health form has been suspended for next week and winter break. It will resume on Jan. 4, 2021.

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