All Westwood Regional Schools Transition To Remote Learning

WESTWOOD, NJ — "The school year started a month ago and each week we have had to address cases of COVID-19 in some way while implementing our reopening plan."

That was the statement issued from the Westwood Regional School District on Oct. 14, just four days prior to the district's decision to close all school buildings and shift to remote learning for two weeks.

On Sunday afternoon, district officials scheduled an emergency meeting with their partners at the Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission, and determined that remote instruction would need to be implemented until at least the beginning of November.

"We understand the inconvenience that this decision places on many of our families; however, the move to remote instruction was made in order to lower the transmission potential in our school community," the district said Sunday.

This move comes just days after the school told Northjersey.com that three students tested positive for the coronavirus, but it wouldn't impact the district's learning plan.

There were a few factors that went into this determination, according to a letter from the district.

First, there have been a number of cases reported within the school district since the year began in September. Second, the district said they are reacting to rising numbers across the region, as case numbers in the state continue to rise.

This shut-down will have an impact beyond the classroom, as during this two-week period, all athletics and extracurricular activities or Champions childcare are canceled.

Meal distribution will continue however, the district said.

As it currently stands, students in group one will return to in-person learning on Monday, Nov. 2, followed by a full remote learning day on Election Day, Nov. 3 and group two students returning to in-person learning on Nov. 4.

"The move to remote instruction is just one step to lower the transmission potential in our community. For this to be effective, it is imperative that everyone do their part by remaining vigilant and sensible in their approach to dealing with this public health concern," said the district.