Warren Schools Temporarily Relaxes Masks As Heat Rises

WARREN, NJ — As temperatures rise, Warren Township Schools will be relaxing their face mask policy for students temporarily.

Superintendent Matthew Mingle said the wearing of masks is optional for all students and staff members when outdoors on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"This adjustment to our health and safety procedures may be extended should conditions require. Students will continue to have scheduled mask breaks beyond this new weather-related allowance as has been our practice all year," said Mingle in a letter sent to the community.

The decision went into effect on Tuesday following a tweet from Gov. Phil Murphy saying districts can make that decision in cases of extreme heat.

REMINDER: School officials are empowered to relax masking among students and staff in their buildings given extreme weather conditions. pic.twitter.com/oBIjUfBFgT
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) June 7, 2021

The district created a Temperature Management Plan in 2016 which establishes procedures for monitoring indoor learning spaces for high temperatures and humidity and relocating classes when conditions require that go well beyond state requirements.

"Teaching staff members, buildings and grounds staff, and administrators reviewed the protocols with this week's weather conditions to ensure the best possible learning conditions for our students," said Mingle. "We are fortunate to have significantly increased the percentage of air-conditioned classrooms over the past several years thanks to the community’s support of the zero-tax levy impact referendum in January 2019."

Additional guidance for those attending kindergarten and grade five ceremonies will be sent out later this week.

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