Montclair Schools Release Plan To Reopen In September 2021

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair’s public school district officially has a plan to bring students back for a “complete return” to in-person classes in September. But the tentative blueprint may see some changes before the new school year starts, administrators say.

Last week, district officials submitted their “Safe Return to School Plan” to the state. It can be seen here.

Superintendent Jonathan Ponds explained more about the effort in a message to the community:

“This is a living document that will change throughout the summer and is based on our current state and CDC guidelines. As you will see, this plan calls for a complete return to in-person teaching and learning, full-time, six-hour days, and five days a week. It is broad and general in scope and the district is in the process of creating a structured, tiered approach to formally provide a detailed roadmap for our September return. We are prepared to respond to the impacts that COVID-19 has had on our district, educators, students, and families. Our plan will be designed to ensure a safe return, maximize the benefits of teaching and learning for all students, maximize inclusion for our special education students, and incorporate feedback from the Township Task Force. The final plan will include any new health and safety guidelines in place in September.”

Some highlights of the plan include:

FACE MASKS - “The district will follow the Essex County Department of Health guidelines for wearing masks. The district will evaluate guidance documents as updates are made to adjust district policies and procedures.”

CLASSROOM DISTANCING - “Physical distancing [in classrooms] will be in accordance with the CDC guidelines at the time of school reopening (September 2021). Staff and student furniture will be adjusted according to the current social distancing recommendations.”

COVID CASES - “Upon notification that a student, staff member or parent has tested positive for COVID-19, the school district will coordinate with the Essex County Health Department to determine close contacts to whom they may have spread the virus. Quarantine persons will be based on NJDOE and CDC guidelines at the time … The district will assist the Essex County Health Department in conducting contact tracing activities, including ongoing communication with the identified individual and/or their contacts.”

STAFF SCREENING - “The school district shall screen employees upon arrival to a school building or work location for COVID-19 symptoms and a history of exposure.”

SPECIAL EDUCATION - “The district special education department, cabinet, principals, district physician, school nurses, staff, and parents have engaged in a process to meet the health and safety needs of students with IEPs, 504 plans, nursing services plans, and specific requests due to COVID-19.”

CLEANING - “Deep cleaning will occur nightly and will include utilizing a district approved disinfectant. All classrooms, hallways, restrooms, large group areas, cafeterias, nurses’ suites, etc. will be cleaned and disinfected. Additional outside air will be introduced where possible by opening doors, windows, and HVAC dampers. High contact areas such as, but not limited to, door handles and push plates, light switches, desk and chairs, shelving, handrails, buttons, telephones, etc. will be wiped down with approved disinfectant.”

MENTAL HEALTH - “The district will provide mental health professionals to work with students and families who have emergent needs related to COVID-19. This will include two full-time district staff and contracted services providers.”

According to district officials, here’s what to expect in the months leading to September:

• July 14, 2021 – Superintendent of Schools will present a brief overview of the Safe Return Plans to the community at a regularly scheduled board of education meeting. Public comment [will be] sought at that time on the presentation and will be considered throughout the development of the plan.
• July 19, 2021 – Superintendent of Schools will submit the plan to the board of education for approval. Public comment on the plan will be taken again at that time.
• July 2021 – Superintendent of Schools will monitor changing guidance and update the community accordingly.
• August, 2021 – Superintendent of Schools will present to the board of education any changes necessary to the plan based on changing guidance throughout July and August 2021.

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