Masks To Be Required For Shrewsbury Students This Fall

SHREWSBURY, NJ — Days after Gov. Phil Murphy announced a state-wide mask mandate for K-12 schools, Shrewsbury Borough School District Superintendent Brent A. MacConnell put out a statement with information about the upcoming school year.

MacConnell ensured the plan is for classes to be fully in-person. The school day will be from 8:15 a.m. to 3:01 p.m. for all students every day. Students won't be admitted on campus before that time unless requested by a teacher.

READ MORE: NJ K-12 Students Must Wear Masks This Fall, Gov. Murphy Says

According to the statement put out by MacConnell, the Executive County Superintendent has authorized the use of virtual instruction only in specific circumstances of individuals and groups of students quarantined because of COVID-19. In the event of a whole school closure due to COVID-19, the district will also use virtual instruction.

Apart from those situations, students won't be able to opt for virtual learning.

The superintendent also announced that many COVID-19 safety practices and protocols will continue to be imposed. Those include temperature checks, social distancing practices, individual desk shields in the classroom, "aggressive and thorough" cleaning and disinfecting and the use of HVAC units to exchange fresh air throughout the school.

The CareCheck daily COVID-19 screener, however, will no longer be used, but any parent, guardian or visitor to the school will be required to complete a health questionnaire to be admitted. They will also have to make an appointment at least 24 hours in advance, except in the case of an emergency.

The district plans to add lunch tables in multiple locations and increase the distance between students during lunchtime. There will also be a schedule for groups of students to have lunch outside when weather permits.

Additionally, MacConnell also encouraged everyone who is eligible to be vaccinated to do so.

"Vaccinations and fidelity to our school mask policy are the simplest, most effective way to avoid missing invaluable instructional, social, and developmental opportunities in school this year," MacConnell said.

The full statement can be seen here.