Point Pleasant Boro: Spring Break Won't Shrink Due To Coronavirus

POINT PLEASANT BORO – The Point Pleasant Boro School District said it decided to keep spring break intact because officials felt it was important for students to "step away" from remote learning and "focus on what lies ahead."

In a letter to parents, Vincent S. Smith, the Point Pleasant Boro superintendent of schools, said the question was raised asking why the break wasn't shortened as some districts have done. Spring break commenced on Friday.

"I felt it necessary to keep the break in place due to the fast pace of the last three-and-a-half weeks for students, staff and parents," Smith said. "Having the time off to step away from the remote learning will allow an opportunity to refocus on what lies ahead."

Smith said his decision was in line with 95 percent of the districts in Ocean County.

Sixty-five cases of the coronavirus have been diagnosed in Point Pleasant Boro. Read more: Latest Point Pleasant Coronavirus Updates: What You Need To Know

Smith also told the parents that he would like to take a moment to "thank everyone in the Point Pleasant School community for your hard work, dedication, and support over the last three and a half weeks."

"The efforts of our students, teachers, support staff, administrators and parents has been outstanding," he said. "This pandemic has forced all of us to make great changes in our lives, but we are rising to the challenge and will continue to do so over the next several months."

"Please take the time to remain safe, relax, and enjoy the moment with your children."

As far as what lies ahead remains to be seen, Smith noted that Gov. Phil Murphy has said on more than one occasion the earliest any announcement on the timeframe school buildings will remain closed will be April 17th.

"If for any reason that changes, I will let you know about information as soon as possible," Smith said.