Montclair Schools Delay Reopening After COVID-19 Case At Watchung

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The return to in-person classes in the Montclair Public School District has been bumped back after a case of the coronavirus at Watchung Elementary School, officials announced Friday.

The district was one of several in Essex County that decided to start the school year with all-online classes due to the COVID-19 crisis. School administrators had been planning to reopen with a hybrid model, including some in-person learning, for grades pre-K to 5 on Nov. 9, and for grades 6 to 12 about two weeks later.

But that plan has changed, Superintendent Jonathan Ponds said Friday.

He wrote:

“As some of you already know, a confirmed case of COVID was reported this week in the Watchung Elementary School. Watchung families were informed of the cleaning steps and staff members in the building are in self-quarantine. As a result, we have moved our hybrid reopening date for PreK-Grade 5 until November 16 and for Grades 6-12 until November 30.”

Ponds continued:

“Although disappointing, this decision reflects our best judgment regarding the health and safety of all concerned. Our Buildings and Grounds team along with outside contractors are focused on preparing our hybrid classrooms. We are endeavoring to answer your questions and address your concerns as quickly and efficiently as possible. Likewise, we understand that even after in-person classes begin, new questions and concerns will arise. We appreciate your patience as we prioritize tasks and communications and remain confident in our plans for a safe and engaging learning experience.”

Read Ponds’ full message here.

• See related article: Teachers Union Worried As Montclair Schools Prepare To Reopen

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