The South Orange-Maplewood School District sent the following statement on April 9, 2021:
Dear South Orange & Maplewood School District Community,
Over the past several weeks, we have had ongoing conversations and negotiations about reopening with our various stakeholders. Today, on behalf of the Board, our Administration and our teacher’s union, SOMEA, we are happy to announce that we have reached a resolution that resolves health and safety concerns regarding building ventilation issues that will allow for significantly more instructional spaces to expand the roll out of in-person hybrid instruction for students whose families have opted in over the next few weeks.
Our reopening plans (as also discussed and supported by our local health departments) will begin on Monday, April 19 as detailed in the chart below. Updates to our reopening plan are guided by the Governor’s recent announcement reducing social distance for elementary grades, while keeping the six-feet social distancing guidelines intact for middle and high school students.
As a reminder: Parents/guardians of incoming “new to hybrid” students, please remember to send your child to school with an appropriate face mask (pack 1- 2 extra face masks for your child), hand sanitizer and a water bottle [Click here to view District requirements for face masks: bit.ly/SOMSDFAQs]
- Superintendent Taylor’s Video Message Update Regarding School Reopening
- View the SOMSD Reopening Update Letter for Phases 3-5 (via Google Doc)
- View the shortened Reopening Update presentation as shared by Superintendent Taylor
- Read COVID-19 Health-Related Rationale for SOMSD Updated Reopening Plan
