October 19, 2020
Dear Millstone Families,
Thank you for taking the time to complete the “Phase 3 Commitment Form” and providing the district with the information needed to move forward with our reopening plans. As a result of the questionnaire, we now know that 72.5% of our families are committed to having their children return to in-person instruction five days a week. Based upon this response, the administrative team has begun making plans for accommodating more students on our buses, in the buildings, and in classrooms in a safe, organized, and well-structured environment.
As per the approved resolution at the past Board of Education meeting, the proposed date to return for full five-day instruction on October 26th was contingent upon mandated safety measures being in place. These include having appropriate barriers/partitions installed on student desks whenever six feet of distance cannot be maintained, creating balanced class assignments/schedules, and configuring classroom spaces, lunchrooms and common areas to accommodate an increased in-person population with numerous new procedures and protocols.
At this time, it is evident that the multitude of logistical challenges presented by this pending transition, especially obtaining the necessary student desk partitions for all, requires additional time. Therefore, the most prudent decision is to delay the start of “Phase 3” to November 2, 2020 from the original proposed date of October 26, 2020.
Though this news may come as a disappointment, please keep in mind that the decision is being made to help better ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of all. It is imperative to understand that the transition from Phase 2 to Phase 3 must be done carefully and deliberately to proactively address as many concerns as possible and increase the chances for a smooth transition. It is also important to acknowledge that we must all remain flexible as any/all projected transition dates are susceptible to change based on preparedness and health conditions within the school buildings and our community.
As a result of this change to our plans:
|
Monday |
Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|
October 26th Cohort A: In Person |
October 27th
Cohort A: In Person |
October 28th
Virtual Day for All Students *Early Dismissal |
October 29th
Cohort B: In Person |
October 30th Cohort B: In Person *Early Dismissal |
| November 2nd
Phase 3 Begins for All In-Person Students |
November 3rd
Schools Closed Election Day Parent/Teacher Conferences |
November 4th
Phase 3 Continues for All In-Person Students |
November 5th
Schools Closed for NJEA Virtual Teachers Convention |
November 6th Schools Closed for NJEA Virtual Teachers Convention |
While we strive to provide the best, and most equitable, education possible for all students, both virtually and in person, the safety of our students and staff remains a top priority. Thus, I again ask that you increase vigilance with wellness protocols outside of school so that we may maintain in-person instruction for students and the health of the school community. This next phase will require an even greater level of cooperation, and your support is appreciated.
Finally, to help keep everyone’s questions and answers regarding the district’s transition into “Phase 3” organized in one place, please submit any additional questions you have using the following form: Phase 3 Reopening Questions Answers will be provided and shared on the following document: Phase 3 Reopening Q&A Document which will also be made available on the Reopening Tab of our webpage.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris Huss
Superintendent of Schools
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