In a nutshell: The Morris School District on Friday reported just five active cases of COVID-19. Per state and federal health guidelines, quarantines no longer will be required for anyone returning from travel within the United States. Non-vaccinated individuals returning from abroad still must quarantine. This fall, all students will be back to full-time classes–no virtual instruction–as mandated by Gov. Murphy. A federal program is offering broadband help for low-income families. And the United Way may provide free or discounted transportation to vaccination sites.
FROM THE MORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT:
MAY 21, 2021
- COVID Trends. As of this writing, there are only 5 active positive cases of COVID-19 in the Morris School District, and we are hopeful that with increased vaccination and continued vigilance, we will keep our rates very low through the end of the school year. Last night, Morristown High School welcomed students and families onto the practice field for the first in-person music concert since December, 2019, which indeed marks a significant milestone in this unprecedented school year. Additional momentous occasions are forthcoming at all of our schools, and we look forward to celebrating safely throughout the District.
- Revised Guidelines for Travel and Quarantine. Based on recent changes to NJ Department of Health recommendations and in concert with our local health departments, the Morris School District will be implementing the following revision to our COVID-19 protocols regarding travel and quarantine, effective immediately:
- Individuals who travel within the United States will no longer be required to quarantine upon their return to NJ, regardless of their vaccination status.
- Vaccinated individuals who return from international travel do not need to quarantine.
- Unvaccinated individuals who return from international travel still need to quarantine according to current CDC guidelines.
- All travelers should still monitor closely for symptoms and take action accordingly; for students and staff, this means following the direction of the Daily Screening forms.
- COVID-19 Vaccination Sites. Everyone 12 and older who lives, works, or studies in NJ is now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine (only the Pfizer vaccine is currently approved for ages younger than 18).
- ShopRite of Greater Morristown is pleased to offer the vaccine through their Pharmacy Department. Appointments can be scheduled online at vaccines.shoprite.com or via phone (Monday-Saturday 9 AM-5 PM; Sunday 9AM-2 PM): 908-527-3600. ShopRite of Greater Morristown is located at 178 East Hanover Avenue. Click here for a flyer.
- Other Vaccination Sites. Please consult the NJ COVID-19 Information Hub for locations and schedules of vaccination sites throughout the state.
- Free or discounted transportation to a vaccination site may be available to you through United Way by dialing 211. Click here for details.
- Academic Year 2021-22.
- Governor Murphy has announced that Executive Order #175, which allowed NJ schools to provide remote instruction, will expire at the end of the current school year. This means that beginning September, 2021, the Morris School District will only offer in-person instruction, every day for a full day for all students.
- By the end of June, we will share with the district community our plans for a safe return to school in September.
- Emergency Broadband Program for Internet Service. The FCC has launched an Emergency Broadband Program for low income families. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a temporary FCC program to help households struggling to afford internet service during the pandemic. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting GetEmergencyBroadband.org. To learn more about the program, visit www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit. If you have questions, please contact broadbandbenefit@fcc.gov. Please click these links for more information in English or Spanish.
- Please review important information regarding your child’s district-issued Chromebook and/or MiFi hotspot in THIS COMMUNICATION from our Technology Department.
