Hazlet School District Announces COVID-19 Policies For This Fall

HAZLET, NJ — In an optimistic tone, Hazlet Township Schools Superintendent Scott Ridley announced the district's guidelines for the upcoming school year.

"COVID notwithstanding, there's still a great deal to look forward to," Ridley said in a video posted on social media. "Kids will finally be able to connect with their friends on a regular basis and enjoy the school day as they're accustomed to."

The superintendent sent out a welcome back letter on Wednesday with details about COVID-related policies.

As required by Gov. Phil Murphy, masks will be mandatory for students, teachers, staff and visitors. Parents seeking a medical exemption for their kids must show documents from a doctor and requests will be reviewed by the district physician.

Despite this, just last week, the Board of Education sent a letter to Gov. Murphy calling for a repeal of the mask mandate.

"Adults are not required to wear masks in places such as supermarkets, movie theaters, or gyms. This is not only illogical but also removes the local school district's authority from making the same decisions that other businesses and entities in the State of New Jersey are permitted to make," it read.

The statement said that districts were now better equipped to gauge individual community' needs and monitor dangers, arguing against a one-size-fits-all-mandate.

The Hazlet district is also complying with the mandate ordering all school staff to be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing.

READ MORE: Hazlet Schools Superintendent Addresses K-12 Mask Mandate

As previously announced, school will be fully in-person, five days a week. Virtual learning will not be possible, except for students who are quarantined. Those students will be given the chance to learn virtually along with the rest of their class.

Every school in the district will offer five days of breakfasts and lunches. Schools will plan out the details depending on student size, student population and enrollment.

"We understand that the use of masks for prolonged periods of time can be difficult for some students and unsettling for their parents," the welcome back letter said.

In order to deal with this issue, the district wants to make sure there are frequent mask breaks throughout the day and outside learning activities to allow students to participate without wearing a mask.

The full letter is available here.

"I truly hope the community will join me in accentuating the positive and approach the school year with high hopes and good thoughts," Ridley said.