Warren Middle School To Start 5-Day Learning In April

WARREN, NJ — Warren students are slowly returning to school five days a week. Students in grades 4 and 5 returned to 5-day learning on Monday and grades 6 through 8 will join them beginning on April 12.

"It has been the district's vision all the way since last spring to safely return students and staff members to Warren Township schools and we've done that," said Superintendent Matthew Mingle.

Mingle said the district is prioritizing the health and safety of students and staff by following guidance from the state to encourage distancing, discourage cohort mixing during lunch or assemblies, and encourage and improve hygiene practice.

In order to meet classroom capacity limits, Mingle said a class will be separated into two rooms,

The biggest factor that is allowing students to return five days is the vaccination of teachers.

Warren Middle School Principal George Villar said he expects all teachers to be vaccinated by April 12.

"I think of where we all were one year ago at this time — particularly conversations having with staff members about how to continue student instruction in the pandemic," said Villar. "It's really excellent that we are here at this time and having a very different kind of conversation about how to create more normalcy or bring more students back into the building."

As part of the school schedule, Villar noted there will be time allotted for handwashing throughout the day.

In the end, Villar said it was a "point of pride" to bring students back to school.

During the Board of Education meeting on March 1, Mingle also noted the district is planning for end-of-the-year events such as field days, graduation and to bring all students back to school full-time in September.

"We will do whatever it takes to make that happen," said Mingle.

However, Mingle asked residents for their help as "March is on track to be the second-worst month of the pandemic locally."

The township has reported 777 total cases in March, 73 cases total at the school.

"We need your help to keep the caseload down to help us stay open," said Mingle.

See below to watch the Return to School Update:

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