Princeton Schools Release First Plan For Safe Reopening In Fall

PRINCETON, NJ —Princeton Public Schools recently released Plan A for safe return to classrooms, ahead of a full reopening this fall.

As reported earlier, in preparation for September, the school district has prepared three plans that take into consideration different circumstances. Three teams — each from the elementary, middle, and high schools – have worked on the reopening plans.

The school district said it will follow State guidelines for masking and social distancing this fall.

Plan A assumes that the pandemic is under control and that all or nearly all students and staff members will return to in-person school. It addresses needs for in-person learning for most and, for a possible small number of students and staff members, the need for remote schooling.

Plan B was prepared assuming COVID-19, though mostly under control, may surge for short periods of time, and may require classes, schools, or the entire district to shut down for between one or two days and for up to two weeks. This plan addresses needs for short-term remote schooling.

The third plan - Plan C, assumes that the pandemic has surged out of control, necessitating a complete shutdown of the district for more than two weeks. The plan looks at needs for remote school that may extend beyond two weeks.

The district has first released Plan A, addressing matters related to facilities, staffing, and other functions. The plan includes recommendations for a typical school day, from screening and monitoring staff members' and students' early-morning health status to arrival, then through the instructional day, including lunch and recess, and, eventually, through dismissal.

Under Plan A, each elementary school will get at least two substitute teachers, to ensure there are no disruptions in instruction. Middle school will get at least four substitute teachers and high school will be provided with at least six such staff members.

The district will also expand outdoor instructional spaces by providing better connectivity and picnic tables with solar-charging stations.

PPS will establish screening procedures that will require symptom assessments via a shortened form. Taking temperatures of staff and students will be eliminated, but visitors will require assessments and temperature checks.

The district will provide safe eating conditions and follow a strict cleaning protocol across schools. During lunch and recess, PPS will provide safe eating conditions by creating rotations that allow for maskless seating.

Field trips are set to resume under Plan A, but only when possible. Through 2021, PPS will be taking students only on short-distance trips, and avoid trips where students will mix with students from other schools.

In May, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that all school districts across New Jersey will 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

The re-entry plan is based on feedback from students, staff, and parents. To read the entire Plan A, click here. The public can also comment on the plan. To do so, click here.

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