Teaneck High School Pivots To Remote Learning After Winter Break

TEANECK, NJ — The public school district is switching things up during the first week of classes back from winter break.

Officials announced that Teaneck High School will operate remotely through the end of this week, while local middle and elementary schools will open for in-person learning, but on a half day schedule.

High school students will attend virtual class on a full-day schedule, excluding Friday, which is a scheduled half-day, officials announced.

The post-winter break return came amid rising cases of COVID-19, COVID-19 testing shortages, and concern about the omicron variant. Add a potential teacher shortage as cases rise, and you've got a week-long shift to virtual learning.

"A challenge remains regarding the ability to get a COVID-19 test or even an appointment with a doctor," said Superintendent Christopher Irving. "Further, our greatest concern is ensuring we have adequate staff in place in order to keep our instructional and non-instructional operations moving."

He continued:

"This decision was made in an effort to maintain some in-person instruction - immediately following the holiday week when we expect to see a large number of COVID-19 cases - while greatly reducing the time in school when our students are not wearing masks."

Lunch will be provided in a “Grab and Go” format to all students before they leave each day at the middle and elementary school levels, Irving said.

Read Irving's full letter here.

Patch recently asked our readers what they thought about an in-person return to school, or whether they believed a virtual option was mandatory. Here's what they had to say: Virtual Option For NJ Students In COVID Surge? Readers Respond