4 Quick Updates As Montclair Schools Reopen From Coronavirus

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The signs of recovery keep growing in the Montclair Public School District.

Recently, Montclair Schools Superintendent Jonathan Ponds offered some coronavirus updates as the district continues to gradually reopen from the coronavirus pandemic.

One big metric has been students’ return to in-person learning. As of Monday, the district’s elementary, middle school and freshmen students are back in classrooms for hybrid learning, with an eye to making a full return in September. Read More: Montclair's New Task Force Has Big Job: Help Schools Reopen

Many high school students and their parents have been anxious to learn when they’d be returning to classrooms along with their younger peers. On Friday, they got an answer from Ponds.

High school students begin in-person/hybrid learning following their MHS Mountie/Bulldog schedule as follows:

• Sophomores - May 26
• Juniors - June 1
• Seniors - June 1

“Asynchronous lessons will be provided on May 24 and 25 for teachers to have professional development and time to set up classrooms,” the superintendent continued. “Students in AP classes may not receive asynchronous instruction and should follow directions given by their AP teachers.”

Ponds also gave an update on the situation for elementary schools:

“We are developing a survey about returning to school five days a week through the end of this school year to make an informed decision for ALL elementary schools. We will evaluate variables, such as, proper spacing, furniture, and even restructuring physical spaces. We are also considering implementing a five-day option for students in Tier III, Tier II, and those with 504s. Please know that once variables are considered, we will implement five days based on efficiency, safety, and equity in all schools.”

As for middle school students, Ponds said:

“An email was sent explaining the collapse to two rotation groups for the middle schools to begin May 24. Please continue to review principals’ messages for further information.”

Here are three other updates in the district, according to Ponds:

FACE MASKS – “According to Gov. Phil Murphy’s Executive Order No. 241, masks are still required for elementary students even when outside.”

PLAYGROUNDS – “We are happy to announce that our school playgrounds will be open following appropriate CDC guidelines. We will institute daily cleaning of high-touch surfaces.”

TRAVEL – “The guidance has changed again. We are following the CDC guidance requiring all non-vaccinated students or staff members who travel out-of-country or out-of-state outside the immediate region (NY, CT, PA, DE) for more than 24 hours to quarantine. Please note the COVID-19 health related guidance chart for staff and students includes the updated travel information.”

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