Warren Hills Regional school district starts remote learning today, will continue until Jan. 8

WASHINGTON, NJ (Warren County) -The Warren Hills Regional School District starts remote learning today until January 8.

The district, including all specialized programs (Multiple Disabilities and Behavior Disabilities) will be closed for in-person instruction beginning Friday, December 11, 2020 through Friday, January 8, 2021. Students will receive their daily schedule each morning via email, Superintendent of Schools Earl C. Clymer, III said in a statement on Thursday.

“Over the past 24 hours, we have been notified of 6 confirmed positive cases and following a comprehensive and thorough review of the criteria above, contact tracing and due to circumstances beyond our control, we will no longer be able to maintain a safe, in-person learning environment,” Clymer said.

“During this entire pandemic, the administrative team and I have shared with you through emails, forums and discussions that our strong belief is that our students need to be in school to receive  quality instruction and an educational experience they deserve. We continue to hold firm to this Core belief and have stated as much during our multiple Community Forums. Through these discussions, we also shared with you that this situation is ever-changing, that changes could occur at a moment’s notice, and that some of the changes may be beyond our control,” Clymer said.

“Although the efforts of our entire school community are recognized and commended in regard to minimizing “in-school transmission” of the COVID-19 virus by following established safety guidelines, we are in the midst of growing cases in our county, in our communities and these cases are having a direct impact on our ability to maintain our in-person Hybrid Learning Model,: Clymer said.

During the course of the pandemic, the district has maintained a focus on remaining in the Hybrid Learning Model as long as they could successfully fulfil the following three criteria:

• The district is able to provide a safe environment for our students, faculty, and staff
• Abiding by the Guidance presented by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the Warren County Department of Health (WCHD)
• Safely staff our buildings to ensure an effective educational experience for our students

“Finally, please remain vigilant in following all recommended safety protocols as we approach our Winter Break. You are encouraged to follow these protocols including, but not limited to, social distancing, wearing a mask, limited numbers for indoor/outdoor gatherings and limiting travel outside of New Jersey. Your continued efforts are needed to ensure we are able to safely return to our Hybrid Learning Model on Monday, January 11, 2021,” Clymer said.