Dear ASAH Members:

As the COVID-19 virus continues to impact education, ASAH will strive to be a reliable source of factual information to help member schools make informed and prudent decisions. In this rapidly evolving climate, ASAH is actively engaged in efforts to ensure that member schools can continue to provide necessary services to students in the event of school closures. To that end, I have been invited to take part in a NJDOH Subcommittee on COVID-19, and I am in ongoing communication with members of the State BOE, NJDOE leadership and legislative leadership so that the needs of students with disabilities placed in APSSD’s – and the schools themselves – are considered in emergency response practices.

As always, if you have comments or feedback, please contact me directly.

Best regards,
Gerry Thiers

Resources for ASAH Members and Families – Updated as Info Becomes Available

ASAH continues to monitor the evolving COVID-19 (Cornonavirus) response, and is providing these resources for schools and agencies. We will continue to provide relevant information and updates as more becomes available.

August 23, 2021 – Governor’s Executive Order Requires Either Proof of Vaccination or Regular Testing of all School Employees

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order requiring public employees in New Jersey, including school employees, to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or to undergo regular testing for COVID-19 during the upcoming school year.

Read Executive Order No. 253 >>

August 6, 2021 – Governor Murphy Announces Indoor Mask Requirement for Beginning of 2021-2022 School Year

Today New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed an Executive Order 251, requiring all public, private, and parochial preschool programs and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools (collectively “school districts”), to maintain a policy regarding mandatory use of face masks by staff, students, and visitors in the indoor portion of the school district premises.

Read Executive Oder No. 251 >>

August 4, 2021 – NJDOE Issues Guidance on Implementing P.L.2021, c.109: Providing Additional or Compensatory Special Education and Related Services to Students with Disabilities

Nearly two months after the passage of S-3434, The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) issued a broadcast email regarding the implement of S-3434, signed into law at PL 201 c. 109.

Read the guidance >>

June 4, 2021 – Governor Murphy Signs Legislation and Executive Order Ending COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation (A5820/S3866) enabling the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency that has been in place since March 9, 2020. Immediately following the signing of the legislation, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 244, ending the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Under the legislation, the majority of executive orders issued pursuant to the Public Health Emergency will expire 30 days from June 4, 2021. The legislation keeps the following 14 executive orders in place until January 1, 2022, though they can be modified or rescinded prior to that date by the Governor: EO106, EO111, EO112, EO123, EO127, EO150, EO159, EO170, EO178, EO207, EO229, EO233, EO237, and EO242.

 

May 14, 2021 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 240. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, and August 1, August 27, September 25, October 24, November 22, December 21, 2020, January 19, 2021, February 17, 2021, March 17, 2021, and April 15, 2021. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.

EO No. 240 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Read NJ Executive Order No. 240 now

April 15, 2021 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 235. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, and August 1, August 27, September 25, October 24, November 22, December 21, 2020, January 19, 2021, February 17, 2021, and March 17, 2021. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.

EO No. 235 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Read NJ Executive Order No. 235 now

March 23, 2021 – NJDOH Updates Guidance on Reopening Schools

This new NJDOH guidance document updates NJDOH COVID-19 public health recommendations for school settings, and is intended primarily for use by local health departments (LHDs) in assessing risks and school-related responses.

Read the new guidelines now

March 19, 2021 – CDC Revises Pandemic Physical Distancing Guidelines in Schools

CDC today revised its school opening guidelines, confirming that students can be spaced 3 feet apart in classrooms. Under the new guidelines, physical distancing of at least 3 feet between students can safely be adopted in classroom settings where mask use is universal and other prevention measures are taken.

Specifically:

1. In elementary schools, students should be should be at least 3 feet apart regardless of whether community transmission is low, medium or high.
2. In middle schools and high schools, students should be at least 3 feet apart in areas of low, moderate, or substantial community transmission. In areas of high community transmission, middle and high school students should be 6 feet apart, if cohorting is not possible.

To support the change the CDC released three studies earlier in the week showing low transmission within school settings. The studies indicate that schooling is safe when masks are worn and other mitigation efforts are followed.

The new guidelines help ensure that more schools, especially those for which space limitations have restricted in-school instruction, will be able to reopen.

Read the new guidelines now

March 17, 2021 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 231. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, and August 1, August 27, September 25, October 24, November 22, December 21, 2020, January 19, 2021, and February 17, 2021. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.

EO No. 231 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Read NJ Executive Order No. 231 now

February 17, 2021 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 222. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, and August 1, August 27, September 25, October 24, November 22, December 21, 2020, and January 19, 2021. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.

EO No. 222 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Read NJ Executive Order No. 222 now

February 12, 2021 – CDC Releases New K-12 School Operational Strategy to Support In-person Instruction

A new CDC document provides updated operational strategy to support K-12 schools in opening for in-person instruction and remaining open through an integrated package of mitigation components. These essential elements include:

1. Consistent implementation of layered mitigation strategies to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in schools
2. Indicators of community transmission to reflect level of community risk
3. Phased mitigation and learning modes based on levels of community transmission

The following public health efforts provide additional layers of COVID-19 prevention in schools:

• Testing to identify individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection to limit transmission and outbreaks
• Vaccination for teachers and school staff, and in communities, as soon as supply allows

Color-coded zones

The update offers a few key changes to earlier language, including color-coded charts that divide schools’ reopening options into four zones: blue, yellow, orange and red. Districts with low community spread of the coronavirus (blue, 0 to 9 new cases per 100,000 in past seven days) or moderate transmission (yellow, 10 to 49 new cases) are encouraged to consider reopening for full, in-person learning.

Schools in areas with substantial transmission (orange, 50 to 99 new cases per 100,000) may still consider a limited reopening, as long as they can layer multiple safety strategies in the classroom. In hard-hit communities (red, more than 100 new cases per 100,000), elementary schools may consider limited reopening, with physical distancing required, but the CDC recommends middle and high schools be virtual-only unless mitigation strategies can be met.

Read the full CDC guidelines update now >>

January 22, 2021 – NJDOH Releases New COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines for Schools

New Jersey Department of Health has released new COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for Local Health Departments for K-12 Schools. Previous guidance called for schools in areas with high virus levels to quarantine entire classrooms or even close schools if multiple students or teachers were coughing or showing other COVID-19 symptoms — when they hadn’t yet tested positive. The revised guidelines provide more clarity on when specifically schools should quarantine or close.

Under the new guidelines:

• Schools in orange zones — currently the entire state — should consider closing certain classrooms or entire schools if two or more students or teachers test positive for COVID-19.
• If a region moves to red, indicating a “very high risk” of COVID-19 transmission, the new guidelines “recommend” implementing all-remote learning for all schools.
• If a school is in an orange zone, the guidelines continue to recommend that anyone who comes in close contact with someone who has the coronavirus should stay home from school for 14 days. But, the new guidelines lower the stay-at-home rules to 10 days for students or teachers in areas where the COVID-19 risk level is at yellow or green.

Read the new guidelines now >>

January 21, 2021 – Safe Re-Opening of Schools Included in New National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness

The safe re-opening of schools features significantly in the White House’s newly released plan, National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The plan provides a national response framework addressing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Released on the first full day of the Biden Administration’s term, the plan’s implementation seeks to:

• Ensure adequate supplies for reopening
• Guarantee full access to FEMA disaster relief and emergency assistance
• Support schools in implementing COVID-19 screening testing
• Develop and release detailed technical guidance on safely reopening
• Work with governors, local and school leaders, educators and unions to understand barriers and shape policy
• Create a Safe Schools and Campuses Best Practice Clearinghouse
• Track progress toward school reopening and use of federal funds
• Support learning – no matter the setting
• Protect workers and issue stronger worker safety guidance

On the same day the new administration issued related executive orders and memoranda that delineate agency support and authorities required by the initiative, several of which intersect with the effort to reopen schools:

• Executive Order Supporting the Reopening and Continuing Operation of Schools and Early Childhood Education Providers
• Presidential Memorandum to Extend Federal Support to Governors’ Use of National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 and to Increase Reimbursement and other Assistance Provided to States
• Executive Order on Protecting Worker Health and Safety

January 19, 2021 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 215. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, and August 1, August 27, September 25, October 24, November 22, and December 21, 2020. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.

EO No. 215 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Read NJ Executive Order No. 215 now

January 19, 2021 – Executive Order Allowing Flexibility for Schools Related to Graduation Assessment and Certifications for Substitute Teachers

Gov. Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 214 implementing three new policies for the 2020-2021 academic year. The policies allow for more flexibility and understanding due to the unprecedented times caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for high school seniors, teacher evaluations and substitute teachers.

Under the new order:

• The graduation assessment required for all 12th grade students will be waived if they have met all other education requirements.
• Student Growth Objectives would also be removed from education evaluations for the academic year.
• Extended time will be allowed in which certified teachers can serve as substitute teachers.

Read NJ Executive Order No. 214 >>

December 21, 2020 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 211. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, and August 1, August 27, September 25, October 24, and November 22. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.

EO No. 211 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Read NJ Executive Order No. 211 now

November 22, 2020 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 200. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, August 1, August 27, September 25, and October 24. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.

EO No. 200 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Read NJ Executive Order No. 200 now

October 24, 2020 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 191. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, August 1, August 27, and September 25. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.

EO No. 191 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Read NJ Executive Order No. 191 now

September 25, 2020 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 186. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, August 1, and August 27. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.

EO No. 186 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Read NJ Executive Order No. 186 now

August 27, 2020 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 180. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, and August 1. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.

EO No. 180 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Read NJ Executive Order No. 180 now

August 13, 2020 – New Jersey Schools to Open for In-Person Instruction Subject to Critical Health and Safety Protocols

Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Education Interim Commissioner Kevin Dehmer announced that New Jersey’s public and private school districts will be open for in-person instruction for the start of the school year. Public school districts can begin the school year via remote-only instruction if they cannot adequately meet critical health and safety protocols outlined in the state’s school reopening guidance, “The Road Back,” which was released in late June. Districts who need to delay the implementation of in-person instruction will be required to submit information to the Department of Education (DOE) describing the health and safety standards that they are currently unable to adequately meet, how they will address outstanding issues in a timely fashion, and a proposed timeline for reopening physical school spaces to students and staff for in-person instruction.

Read NJ Executive Order 175 now

July 24, 2020 – NJDOE Issues Guidance Clarifying Reopening and Fulltime Remote Learning Options for Families

NJDOE has issued clarifying guidance adding an additional Anticipated Minimum Standard to it “The Road Back: Restart and Recovery Plan for Education.” The amended guidelines represent a shift from guidance released four weeks ago by Gov. Phil Murphy that required in-person instruction, though school districts were given latitude to decide the number of days students would be required to report in person, and whether they could also use online learning. The new Additional Minimum Standard requires that school districts shall accommodate requests for fulltime remote learning from families/guardians. To ensure clarity and consistency in implementation of fulltime remote learning, district boards of education and charter school or renaissance school boards of trustees must adopt policies that address, at a minimum:

• Unconditional Eligibility for Fulltime Remote Learning;
• Procedures for Submitting Fulltime Remote Learning Requests;
• Scope and Expectations of Fulltime Remote Learning;
• Procedures to Transition from Fulltime Remote Learning to In-Person Services;
• Reporting; and
• Procedures for Communicating District Policy with Families.

Read the full NJDOE Clarification of Expectations Regarding Fulltime Remote Learning Options for Families in 2020-2021

July 23, 2020 – CDC Releases Updated Guidelines in Favor of Reopening Schools

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) late Thursday released new guidelines with a heavy focus on reopening schools in the fall. Under the new guidelines, the CDC recommends that schools follow a certain level of precautions based on the amount of community transmission in their area. The CDC advises that unless there is substantial, uncontrolled community transmission in an area, schools should reopen to some extent.

Read this CDC Guidance now

July 20, 2020 – NJDOE to Release New Guidance Allowing Parents to Choose All Remote Learning

At his Monday, July 20th briefing Governor Murphy presaged the release later this week of new guidance from the New Jersey Department of Education that will allow parents to choose all remote learning for their children. “There are a lot of moving parts with this, and this being back to school. This is about as complex a step as we will take or any American state will take and we want to get it right. We want to do it responsibly. We want to respect public health, but we also want to do everything we can to try to recapture that magic of some semblance of in-person education that no state does like New Jersey,” he said.

July 14, 2020 – NJSHA Publishes School-Based Speech-Language Pathology Services During Emergency Situations: A Guide for Practitioners and Districts

New Jersey Speech-Language Hearing Association has released this manual addressing a variety of speech-language issues of interest to the special education community in the COVID environment.

Read the NJSHA Guide Now

June 26, 2020 – NJDOE Publishes “The Road Back: Restart and Recovery Plan for Education”

The Restart and Recovery Plan provides educators and administrators with the information necessary to ensure that schools reopen safely and are prepared to accommodate students’ unique needs. The Plan presents guidance related to four key subject areas:

1. Conditions for Learning
2. Leadership and Planning
3. Policy and Funding
4. Continuity of Learning

CLICK HERE to read The Road Back: Restart and Recovery Plan for Education now

June 12, 2020 – NJDOE Issues Guidance on the Delivery of Extended School Year (ESY) Services to Students with Disabilities

Governor Murphy announced that on June 15, 2020, New Jersey will enter Stage Two of The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health.

Among the Stage Two phased-in activities is the operation of in-person summer camps that “provide daily multi-hour programming for youths” (Executive Order 149 (EO 149) (2020)). Permissible summer programming includes Extended School Year (ESY) programs.

If a school district or receiving school determines that it would not be possible to meet summer program goals through in-person summer programming in accordance with the NJDOH standards, the school district may conduct summer programming, including ESY for students with disabilities, remotely or by a combination of remote and in-person instruction.

Please note that pursuant to EO 149, if school districts wish to operate such modified in-person programs, or a combination of in-person and remote programs, the district must submit an attestation to the NJDOH no later than 24 hours prior to the anticipated opening date, attesting that they will follow all applicable health and safety standards.

CLICK HERE to read the full NJDOE guidance now

May 29, 2020 – Governor Murphy Cuts Proposed Aid to New Jersey School Districts

Governor Murphy is proposing to reduce direct aid to New Jersey K-12 school districts by about $335M from his original 2020-21 budget proposal. The cuts represent a pull back from increases Murphy slated in his original budget. The targeted adjustment comes in response to fiscal fallout the state faces related to the coronavirus pandemic. NJ Advance Media has assembled a searchable data table displaying district-by-district cuts. Search the table by county or individual districts. Click the button below to display the table.

May 28, 2020 – NJDOE Updates Guidance on Commencement Ceremonies

The New Jersey Department of Education has updated its guidance on the conduct of graduation and commencement ceremonies during New Jersey’s COVID-19 public health response.

The Department is providing three alternatives to traditional commencement ceremonies for public school districts, charter schools, renaissance school projects and nonpublic schools (collectively “school districts”): (1) virtual, (2) drive-through/drive-in, or (3) modified in-person, outdoor ceremonies. DOE has previously addressed virtual ceremonies, and has provided guidance accessible here. This guidance document provides information on drive-through/drive-in ceremonies, and modified in-person, outdoor ceremonies. Decisions about the most appropriate type of ceremony for each community will be made at the local level in consultation with local officials based on the specific circumstances in each municipality and school district.

Commencement Ceremony Options

• Prior to July 6, 2020, only ceremonies that take place virtually are permitted.
• Beginning July 6, 2020, drive-through/drive-in and modified in-person, outdoor ceremonies are permitted.
• Indoor ceremonies should not be considered.
• Modified in-person commencement ceremonies must:
  • Take place outdoors (i.e., no indoor ceremonies allowed); and
  • Meet the relevant capacity limitation on in-person gatherings in place at the time of the ceremony.

CLICK HERE to Read NJDOE’s Complete Updated Commencement Guidance, Including Detailed Information on Each Option

May 19, 2020 – CDC Updates Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Considerations for Schools.

As some communities in the United States open K-12 schools, CDC offers the following considerations for ways in which schools can help protect students, teachers, administrators, and staff and slow the spread of COVID-19.

CLICK HERE to Read CDC’s Updated Considerations for Schools

May 14, 2020 – CDC Releases New Activities and Initiatives Supporting the COVID-19 Response and the President’s Plan for Opening America Up Again.

This new CDC document provides updates on CDC activities and guidance related to surveillance for COVID-19, healthcare system surveillance, guidance on infection control and contact tracing, guidance on test usage (asymptomatic populations and serology), assessing surveillance and hospital gating indicators, and setting specific guidance.

CLICK HERE to Read CDC’s Revised Activities and Initiatives

May 12, 2020 – CDC Revises Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs

Guidance updates and clarifies appropriate mitigation strategies based on level of community transmission of COVID-19 and presence of COVID-19 cases within the school.

CLICK HERE to Read Revised Interim CDC Guidance

May 8, 2020 – NJDOE Issues Guidance on Graduation Ceremonies

“Executive Order No. 107 (EO 107), signed on March 21, 2020, prohibits gatherings of individuals for parties, celebrations, and other social events, which includes all in-person graduation ceremonies (see also letter to education community and Administrative Order No. 2020-12 from Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, State Director of Emergency Management). Since the Executive Orders will remain in effect until further notice, only virtual graduation ceremonies can be planned at this time.”

CLICK HERE to Read NJDOE Graduation Guidance

CLICK HERE to Read NJOEM Director Colonel Patrick J, Callahan’s Letter to the Education Community (Clarified May 11, 2020: “Drive-by wave parades don’t violate coronavirus rules if you stay in cars, don’t congregate.”

CLICK HERE to Read NJOEM Director Colonel Patrick J. Callahan’s Administrative Order No. 2020-12

CLICK HERE for Subsequent Legal Guidance Regarding Drive-In Graduation Ceremonies for the Class of 2020

May 5, 2020 – NJDOE Requires Updates to Public Health-Related School Closure Plans, Updates Plan Checklist

In light of Governor Murphy’s announcement that all New Jersey school buildings would remain closed for in-person instruction for the remainder of school year 2019-2020, each APSSD must update and post to its website its school health-related closure preparedness plan. Pursuant to P.L. 2020, c.27, the revised plans must be approved by the district board of education or board of trustees. The Department also updated its Checklist for School Health-Related Closure Plans.

CLICK HERE for the NJDOE May 5, 2020 Memo on Required Plan Updates

CLICK HERE of the NJDOE Updated Checklist for School Health-Related Closure Plans (Updated 5.4.20)

May 5, 2020 – Governor Extends Public Health Emergency

Governor Murphy issued an Executive Order extending the current Public Health Emergency: “…although the State’s social distancing measures have helped to slow the increase of COVID-19 cases and deaths in New Jersey, the total number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in New Jersey has continued to rise, and would rise at an even more precipitous rate absent these important measures… the Public Health Emergency declared in Executive Order No. 103 (2020) pursuant to the EHPA, N.J.S.A. 26:13-1, et seq., continues to exist throughout the State of New Jersey…”

CLICK HERE to read Executive Order 138

May 4, 2020 – Governor Announces Schools Will Remain Closed for Remainder of the School Year

Governor Murphy announced today that all NJ school buildings will remain closed for in-person instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 School year. All students and faculty will continue with remote learning. Private schools with longer academic years will remain closed until at least June 30th. Executive Order #104 signed on March 16th, which closed schools indefinitely, remains in effect.

“I had hoped that we could get back to a sense of of normalcy by allowing our children to return to the schools they love and to be with their friends and classmates. But the reality is that we cannot safely reopen our schools to provide student and families or faculty and staff the confidence needed to allow for a return to in-person instruction,” the Governor said.

Schools are directed to update their Preparedness Plans to ensure the continuation of remote learning.

Additionally, NJDOE will be leading stakeholder meetings on potential summer programs and the reopening of buildings for the 2020-2021 school year in September.

April 30, 2020 – Parental Waivers for the Delivery of Remote or Virtual Special Education and Related Services During COVID-19

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has issued a memo to New Jersey Directors of Special Education responding to instances in which school districts sought to require parents or guardians to waive certain legal rights or give written consent for services as a condition for receipt of special education or related services during COVID-19 school closures. The memo clarifies that these practices violate the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and NJDOE regulations.

“Requiring the execution of a waiver or release of present or future claims as a condition to implement a student’s IEP is prohibited.”

CLICK HERE to read the April 30, 2020 NJDOE Memo.

April 16, 2020 – NJ Governor Phil Murphy Extends School Closures Through May 15, 2020

“…today I’m announcing that our public schools will remain closed through at least Friday, May 15, another four weeks. I made this decision in careful consultation with Judy and the Department of Health, as well as Dr. Repollet at the Department of Education, among other key stakeholders.”

CLICK HERE to read the April 16, 2020 Briefing Transcript

April 7, 2020 – NJ Governor Phil Murphy Extends Public Health Emergency for Another 30 days

While the Governor’s original order remains in place indefinitely, this Executive Order extends New Jersey’s Public Health Emergency for another 30 days, until at least early May, when it is required to be reconsidered again.

CLICK HERE to read NJ Executive Order 119

April 7, 2020 – NJ Governor Phil Murphy Signs Executive Order Waiving Student Assessment Requirements for 2019-202o

The USDOE has waived the federal requirement mandating states administer annual statewide assessments required pursuant to section 1111(b)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, for school year 2019-2020. However, the federal requirement does not waive New Jersey statutory requirements for annual assessments. This Executive Order authorizes and empowers the Commissioner of Education to waive, suspend, or modify existing rules within Title 6A of N.J.A.C and to promulgate such changes in accordance with sections of N.J.S.A. 18A.

CLICK HERE to read NJ Executive Order 117

April 1, 2020 – Modification of N.J.A.C. 6A:14, Special Education, adopted by State Board of Education, Department of Education

Permits school districts or other educational agencies to deliver related services to students with disabilities through the use of electronic communications, virtual, remote or other online platforms during extended public health-related school closures.

CLICK HERE to read the 6A:14 Modifications Adopted

March 26, 2020 – Letter from Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D, Commissioner of Education, re: Continued School Closures

Excerpt: “…as noted in the Governor’s daily press briefing today, the decision to reopen schools lies squarely with Governor Murphy. We do not intend to assess the reopening of schools until at least April 17, 2020, at the earliest.”

Letter from Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D, Commissioner of Education, re: Continued School Closures [PDF]

March 26, 2020 – NJEDA Business Supports: New Initiatives to Support Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved a suite of new programs designed to support businesses and workers facing economic hardship due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. NJEDA Press Release, March 26, 2020.

March 21, 2020 – Governor Murphy Announces Statewide Stay at Home Order, Closure of All Non-Essential Retail Businesses

“All public, private, and parochial preschool program premises, and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools, shall remain closed to students as long as this Order remains in effect.”

CLICK HERE to read NJ Executive Order No. 107 [PDF].

March 16th – Governor Issues Executive Order No. 104 Closing New Jersey Schools

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 104, implementing aggressive social distancing measures to mitigate further spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey. Among the directives, Governor Murphy’s Executive Order indefinitely closes all public and private preschool, elementary and secondary schools.

“All public, private, and parochial preschool program premises, and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools, shall be closed to students beginning on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, and shall remain closed as long as this Order remains in effect.”

CLICK HERE to read NJ Executive Order No. 104 [PDF].

March 13, 2020 – NJDOE Updates Guidance Regarding School Closure

Supplemental Guidance Regarding Requirements for Public Health-Related School Closure.

March 9th – ASAH COVID-19 Update

Latest News

Click here for the latest from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

Click here for the latest from NJDOE: https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/

Closures and Cancellations

School closures in over a dozen countries due to the coronavirus outbreak have disrupted the education of at least 290.5 million students, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO. Across the US, and here in the NJ/NY/Philly area, schools have announced closures.

To follow school closures, click here: https://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/map-coronavirus-and-school-closures.html?cmp=eml-enl-eu-news2-rm&M=59061207&U=8545&UUID=96a96dbed0b9519822e2d9aa442229c4

Major public events, including Facebook’s Global Marking Summit and Austin Texas’s South by Southwest Festival have been cancelled. Several colleges and universities have announced on-line classes for the foreseeable future. On March 5th, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) joined a growing number of organizations by banning all events with 150 or more people. Click here to read: http://news.mit.edu/2020/letter-regarding-coronavirus-disease-0305

One ASAH member school in Region I postponed a public event last week in order to help prevent the spread of the virus and protect students. Please let us know if YOUR SCHOOL plans to cancel any events.

State Guidance

On March 5, NJDOE issued guidance. Click her to read the memo: https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2020/mar/05/Guidance%20Regarding%20Requirements%20for%20Public%20Health-Related%20School%20Closure.pdf

Q: Will schools be asked to close if there is a COVID-19 outbreak in the community?
A: Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are strategies that can be used when other measures like treatment or vaccines are not available to combat an emerging illness with pandemic potential.

• School closures and school dismissals are two recommended strategies to limit transmission within the community.
• During school dismissals, childcare programs and schools may stay open for staff (if not ill) while students stay home. This allows teachers to develop and deliver lessons remotely and for other staff to continue to provide services.
• Schools may be asked to close preemptively or reactively, therefore schools should be making plans for what to do if there are recommendations for closing schools or cancelling events.
• Childcare and school administrators should work closely with local health officials when making decisions on dismissal or closure

(From NJDOH Guidance document)

The New Jersey Department of Health has issued advisory for schools and business. Click here: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_schoolbusiness.shtml

Home Instruction and 180 Day Rule

NJDOH guidance identifies school closure as a potential strategy to limit transmission within a community. The New Jersey Department of Education has directed schools to make plans for home instruction in case they need to close due to worries about COVID-19, the disease triggered by the new coronavirus.

On March 5, the state confirmed that they will count days of home learning toward the requirement that districts provide 180 days of instruction.

“In the event a board of education is provided a written directive by either the NJDOH or the health officer of the jurisdiction to institute a public health-related closure, the board of education may utilize home instruction to provide instructional services to enrolled students. The provision of home instruction services should be guided by N.J.A.C.6A:16-10.1 and may include direct services, online instruction, services provided through contract with another district board of education, or any other means developed by the district to meet the needs of its students.”

Click here to view state rules on Home Instruction. Refer to Subchapter 10, beginning on page 123 https://www.state.nj.us/education/code/current/title6a/chap16.pdf.

Rules about home instruction for student with disabilities are minimal:

For a student with disabilities, the home instruction shall be consistent with the student’s individualized education plan (IEP) to the extent appropriate and shall meet the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. When the provision of home instruction will exceed 30 consecutive school days in a school year, the IEP team shall convene a meeting to review and, if appropriate, revise the student’s IEP. Here are a few other rules:

• There must be a certified teacher
• There must be sufficient time to ensure continued academic progress
• The students’ parents or other adult MUST be present

Any day in which students impacted by a public health-related closure have access to home instruction services provided consistent with the guidance in this memo will count as a day in which the board of education has provided public school facilities toward its compliance with the 180-day requirement in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:7F-9.

To be clear, this flexibility to count a day on which public school facilities are closed toward the board of education’s statutory 180-day requirement applies strictly to public health-related school closures and not to any other type of closure or other days on which public school facilities are not made available.

NOTE: Some New Jersey school districts are closing for an in-service day to allow teachers time to develop two weeks’ worth of virtual lesson plans.

Closures made absent a written directive from either the NJDOH or the health officer of the jurisdiction will not count. All boards of education should develop a school health-related closure preparedness plan to provide home instruction in the event of such a closure. The planned services should include equitable access to instruction for all students. Each preparedness plan should also address the provision of appropriate special education and related services for students with disabilities and the provision of school nutrition benefits or services for eligible students. The preparedness plans should be submitted to the Executive County Superintendent.

Keeping Your School Safe

The NJDOE also encourages boards of education to adopt enhanced school cleanliness and disinfection protocols, including disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and objects.

Education Week has offered a 5 Point Guide for Schools. Click here to download: https://www.edweek.org/media/6-steps-for-schools-to-respond-to-coronavirus-guide.pdf