Princeton Schools ‘Pleased’ To Return In-Person In September

PRINCETON, NJ — As the state inches back to normality, local school districts are preparing to return to full in-person instruction in the fall. And Princeton Public Schools (PPS) is looking forward to it.

Gov. Phil Murphy recently announced that all districts will have to return to full in-person instruction with no remote option for the 2021-22 academic year.

Read More Here: NJ Lifts COVID Travel Advisory, Orders In-Person School Next Year

But PPS had plans to return much before the state made this announcement. At a Board of Education meeting back in March, the school district reiterated they will reopen for all students in September, “unless prohibited by the state.”

Read Full Story Here: Princeton Schools Confirm Plan To 'Fully' Reopen In September

Interim Superintendent Barry Galasso said remote learning during the pandemic posed a lot of challenges to staff and students.

“Our families, our students, and our staff are pleased that schools will be opening in September and that schooling will resemble pre-pandemic norms,” Galasso told Patch.

During the pandemic, many students reported feeling “isolated and hopeless.” They even discussed mental well-being with Mayor Mark Freda at a public forum in March.

Parents, too, highlighted the issue of mental health through online petitions or at school board meetings. But with a return to in-person classes, students can hope for some normality.

The past few months, Princeton was able to bring students back to school five days a week by combining cohorts.

“Our high school students have been pleased to be able to see their teachers, to see their friends, and to return to the classroom,” Galasso said.

The district said they are following guidance from the state as it relates to vaccinations or how to handle at-risk students when they return in September.

“New Jersey has encouraged all adults to be vaccinated and has made the vaccine available to anyone 12 or older. PPS has received the same information as other districts and the district encourages all who are eligible to be vaccinated,” Galasso said.

The Superintendent said the school district will work with students who have specific medical conditions and “make decisions and accommodations based on specific situations.”

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) is expected to release details on a Safe Return Plan soon.

School districts have been instructed to use this template, as well as guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) in planning their full return.

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