The following is a statement from Newark Superintendent Roger Leon:
”I hope this communication finds you and your families in the best of health.
Given all of the factors and guidance regarding this global pandemic, we will extend remote instruction until after the start of the new year.
While the future may consist of factors beyond our control, our goal is to begin in-person (hybrid model) instruction for students on Monday, January 25, 2021”.
Please note the extremely important timelines we will be following in the next few days and months:
Newark Reopening Plan Timelines
October 19-30: The Newark Reopening Plan Survey needs to be completed by 10-month employees at the schools and Parents/Guardians of every student.
November 2-December 23: School Site Visits and Readiness Checks. In addition to the district continuing to conduct school site visits, the instructional staff at the schools who have not done so already will need to conduct at least two school visits to assess any additional needs for in-person (hybrid model) instruction. Please remember that you must follow all of the district’s protocols when entering any of our locations.
January 4-8: COVID-19 Testing Days. This is the window during which all staff are to be retested for COVID-19 (nasal, oral, or saliva swab). Please remember to submit negative results through the Employee Self Service system prior to your return to work. Central Office and schools will operate remotely during this time period.
January 11: Central Office Staff and School Administrators Resume In-person Operations.
January 19: Instructional and Support Staff Report to Schools. This week will afford school-level staff the opportunity to acclimate themselves to district protocols and to deliver instruction from the school.
January 25: In-person (Hybrid Model) Instruction Begins for Students.
In addition to these timelines, we have implemented an app for Kronos for staff and are in the process of implementing an app for symptoms screening to streamline our ingress procedures at the Central Office and the schools. You will be receiving additional communications with detailed instructions on how to utilize these tools.
In closing, I want to take this opportunity to let you know that I am very proud of you and your ongoing efforts to demonstrate flexibility and patience.
The next few days and months are intended to build confidence in our healthy and safe return to the schools. We will get through this because we will do it together.