TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—Westwood Regional School District Superintendent Jill Mortimer wrote families in Washington Township and Westwood on Feb. 7 to note that, in light of Gov. Murphy’s announcement the same day — that the mask mandate inside schools, pre-K to 12, will end March 7 — masks will be optional in the district starting on that date.
“I am looking forward to seeing smiling faces once again. I can’t wait!” she said.
She also underscored certain parts of her Feb. 3 update on Covid protocols, allowing families to opt in to Test to Stay, an optional path that could see some kids ride out home quarantine at school, subject to restrictions.
However, on Feb. 11 Mortimer announced the suspension of that program, saying it was no longer needed. (See “WWRSD dropping quarantine/Test to Stay for unvaxxed/asymptomatic on Feb. 14,” Pascack Press, Feb. 11, 2022.) We have updated this web version of that story accordingly.
Here’s a roundup of where area districts, including in Hillsdale, Emerson, and Montvale, stand on restrictions following Murphy’s Feb. 7 announcement.
Emerson Public Schools
Citing “extremely low case numbers,” the Emerson Public School District, also K-12, does not now see a need for Test to Stay.
Emerson superintendent Brian P. Gatens told families on Feb. 8, Effective March 7, masks will no longer be required in Emerson’s schools — Memorial, Villano, and EJSHS — or on district property. Instead, masks will become optional for students, staff, and visitors.
He said “This is due to the continued downward trend of Covid-19 cases and our community’s continued commitment to public health. Thank you to everyone for putting the district in a position to move to a mask-optional footing.”
Gatens noted the NJDOE/DOH has not yet released additional guidance related to quarantine procedures, close contact identification, or other aspects related to Covid-19 mitigation. “Until that guidance is issued, community members are encouraged to send any relevant questions to my attention. A future community update will be sent offering further clarification based on the expected state guidance,” he said.
He told Pascack Press on Feb. 8 that Test to Stay was not an immediate consideration.
“Depending upon the impact of moving to a mask-optional footing, the district may elect to go in that direction. We are waiting for updated guidance from the NJ Department of Health before making any choices in that regard,” he said.
Hillsdale Public Schools
Hillsdale Public School District Superintendent Robert Lombardy told his community — whose students attend Ann Blanche Smith School, Meadowbrook School, and George G. White School — which is a candidate for replacement — told families the state mask mandate will be lifted.
“This step toward our pre-Covid experience was something that was anticipated by all and has now come to fruition. As a result of this change, and after speaking with our professional nurses and local public health nurse mask-wearing will become optional for all students, staff and visitors to the Hillsdale Public Schools” at the beginning of the school day on Monday, March 7.
He added, “As we move closer to the end of the pandemic, we recognize that all individuals may not be ready to remove their masks. Any child or adult choosing to wear a mask can still do so. We remind all individuals that this is now a personal choice and we must remain respectful of the choice each individual or family makes.”
Lombardy said, “Any parent who feels more comfortable sending their child to school with a mask is encouraged to continue this practice.”
He, too, said he was looking for new guidance from the state health department in the coming days or weeks.
“Upon receipt of this information we will utilize our professional nursing staff and local public health nurse to amend our procedures moving forward and communicate with all that are a part of the Hillsdale Public Schools. Thank you for your continued support, patience and passion for your child’s experience in Hillsdale,” he said.
Pascack Valley Regional High School District
Interim superintendent Daniel Fishbein wrote families to note that on Monday, Feb. 7, the New York Times first reported that the New Jersey school mask mandate would be lifted on Monday, March 7. This information was later confirmed by Gov. Murphy and school districts received information shortly after the announcement.
Fishbein, saying Murphy indicated that he made his decision based on the dramatic decrease in reported Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations in New Jersey, said the PVRHSD will move to “mask optional” status starting March 7.
The district’s two high schools serve families in Hillsdale, Montvale, Woodcliff Lake, and River Vale.
“We will continue to monitor infection rates in our school, local infection rates, the Covid-19 Activity Level Index, and work with our local medical experts, to determine if we have to pivot to masks in the future,” he said.
He added, “If infection rates increase dramatically, masking may once again be required and those decisions will be made in the best interests of district students and employee safety.”
Fishbein said, “I am hopeful that numbers will continue to remain low, and go even lower as we go into the spring. It is my, and the Board of Education’s, expectations that we will all be respectful of everyone’s individual optional masking choice on March 7 and beyond.”
And he said, “As of now, we are awaiting specifics on changes concerning contact tracing and quarantining. In the meantime, it is important that parents continue to keep their school nurses up to date about positive Covid-19 tests and symptoms. As we receive further guidance we will keep the community informed.”
He added, “I hope spring weather brings mild weather, so we can open windows and move closer to normalcy. Thank you in advance for your understanding and support.”
