Point Pleasant Boro Considers Options For Reopening School

POINT PLEASANT BORO – The Point Pleasant Boro School District is considering options for reopening school – and officials have asked for the public's help.

In a recent letter to parents, Superintendent Vincent Smith said administrators have reviewed and met to discuss the options available for the Point Pleasant Boro schools to return, in some capacity, to in-person instruction.

"As we proceed to develop how the district will come back, be assured we are committed to developing a plan that fits the Point Pleasant schools’ needs to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff and community, while meeting the state’s requirements," he said.

Gov. Phil Murphy has issued a list of rules and guidelines for reopening schools this fall amid the coronavirus outbreak. But he's also said that he could force students back to virtual learning if cases spike up again. Read more: Gov. Murphy Issues NJ School Reopening Rules Amid Coronavirus

New Jersey teachers, meanwhile, have developed a back-to-school plan with a set of possible ground rules amid the coronavirus. Read more: NJ Teachers Develop Possible Back-To-School Coronavirus Rules

Smith said the district’s plan will be shared with the public, as required, on its website one month prior to the beginning of school on September 8th.

Smith asked residents to fill out a survey last week that asked the following questions:

• Are you planning on sending your child(ren) to school (in-person) in September?
• Would you send your child(ren) into school in September if they are required to wear a mask?
• Which schedule would work best for you and your family?
• Are you comfortable putting your child on a bus with a mask?

The schedules presented were:

• All students return to schools in person in September wearing masks
• Hybrid schedule where one-half of students are in school and the other half are completing remote instruction. Social distancing guidelines in place.
• Students attend either a morning session or afternoon session everyday with additional work to do at home. Social distancing guidelines in place.

Smith said there are still many uncertainties that lie ahead in the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the district recognizes "that we must be ready to adjust our educational plan utilizing remote learning."

To better prepare staff for the possibility of remote learning again, summer workshops are occurring, he said. Teachers will be trained and develop ideas on how to enhance the remote learning experience for students.