Sparta Closes In-Person Instruction Through Jan. 19

SPARTA, NJ - Citing COVID-19 concerns the Sparta Township School District will switch to a primarily remote instruction model Monday and stay that way into January, according Acting Superintendent of Schools Patrick McQueeney

"The anticipated date for a return of our students in Cohort A and B to in-person instruction in our alternating week hybrid instruction is Tuesday, January 19," McQueeney said in a statement. "With the Northwest region’s reclassification by the NJ Department of Health from yellow to orange and the upcoming holiday season, we are taking this preventative and proactive measure to continue to maintain the health and safety of our students and staff in our school buildings."

Students in Cohort A and Cohort B that participate in alternating weeks hybrid instruction will now move to remote instruction. Students that participate in our PreK program or any self-contained special education programs will continue to have the option of attending daily in-person instruction from Nov. 23 through Jan. 15.

"We will continue to be in contact with the Department of Health and monitor the information we receive to adjust our instructional plans for our self-contained special education programs or programs based upon individualized student plans as needed," McQueeney said.

All faculty and staff will continue to work from their classrooms while complying with all required health and safety measures including wearing masks and maintaining appropriate social distancing from others, McQueeney noted.

"We recognize the hardship this may create for various members of our Spartan Learning Community," McQueeney said. We encourage anyone in need of childcare support to register with our district provider AlphaBEST."

Those interested can reach the program through the link provided.

"I continue to appreciate the support of our learning community and the feedback and input I have received thus far. Please know that I do not take these decisions lightly, and always work towards the best interests of our incredible school district," McQueeney said. "Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation."

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