BERKELEY – Citing the impact that the pandemic has had on students’ mental health and their ability to learn in a virtual environment, Central Regional schools announced its plan for reopening the schools to in-person instruction for all five days.
Students who have chosen to be all-remote will remain all-remote for the entire 4th marking period. Students may not switch between all-remote and in-person for the remainder of the school year.
Central is a regional district with students from Berkeley, Ocean Gate, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, and Island Heights attending its middle and high school.
The grades will be phased back in as such:
Grades 8 and 12: Week beginning Monday, April 26:
Grades 7 and 9: Week beginning Monday, May 3
Grades 10 and 11: Week beginning Monday, May 10
The only grades returning to school are the ones listed. Other students will follow their current schedule until it’s their turn.
The schedule will change if there is an outbreak or school closure, officials said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined that in-person learning has not been associated with substantial transmission of the virus as long as safety protocols are in place. Further, the CDC determined that schools have successfully reopened during this pandemic.
Central has had mitigation protocols in place since last year, said Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides. These include such measures as supplying personal protective equipment, using ultra-violet light daily, protective shielding, hand sanitizers and a daily disinfecting schedule.
Students will continue to wear masks at all times and must follow other safety protocols.
It was noted that social distancing will be enforced when practical, but it might not be possible in every classroom or on the bus.
“We appreciate your support and consideration as we look forward to developing some normalcy for our students in a safe and responsible manner,” Parlapanides said.
