Due To COVID, Millburn Schools Will Have Half Days After Winter Break

MILLBURN, NJ — With winter break just beginning, Millburn Public Schools have already announced half-days for all students upon their return in 2022.

The announcement Thursday was not as far-reaching as announcements in a few New Jersey districts, like Maplewood, that they will be remote for the first week in 2022.

In a holiday message that was sent out on Thursday, Superintendent Dr. Christine Burton said there will be early dismissal days on Jan. 3 and 4, with a possibility of extending if needed.

This announcement was made to due the increase in COVID-19 cases within the Millburn community, as well as in New Jersey over the past several weeks.

Burton said this schedule gives the schools time to assess the COVID-19 situation and allow school nurses to follow up on calls and emails — most likely handling a lot of contact tracing.

"Half days give the district a chance to reopen the schools safely by reducing the amount of time students are around each other, especially when not masked during lunchtime," Burton said in her video message. "It also reduces the need to quarantine students when they are close contacts to a positive case."

Burton added that Millburn is trying to avoid moving to a remote schedule, unless it's impossible to operate due to excessive positive case counts, absences or an executive order by the governor.

She advised students to stay home on Jan. 3 if they are feeling sick or have been exposed to COVID-19 over the break. She also recommended getting tested before returning.

People can refer to this Frequently Asked Questions list if they have any further concerns or questions.

Millburn Schools are also continuing to do COVID-19 testing. For an appointment time, register at this link.

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