Masks on, fingers crossed: Back to school in Greater Morristown

The masks may take some getting used to. But kids from one Morris Township neighborhood were pretty happy to return to in-person classes Thursday in the  Morris School District, where officials are hoping for something approximating a “normal” year.

“It was hard to wear the masks all day. But I just want the Coronavirus to go away,” said Jen Barkemeyer, who started her career at Morristown High School.

Although she acknowledged being a little nervous–MHS is a big place and she needed a hand to find her home room– she knew a bit about the school from two sisters who graduated ahead of her.

“Day One was good,” Barkemeyer said.  “I was happy to see some friends I knew from class a few years ago…and I liked meeting some new people.

“MHS rocks!”

Since the pandemic slammed New Jersey in March 2020, the 5,700 students in the 10-school district have done stints of virtual instruction and hybrid virtual/in-school schedules with shortened days…punctuated by quarantines.

The district, which serves Morristown, Morris Township and (for high school) Morris Plains, had high infection rates compared with neighboring communities.

Gov. Murphy has directed all schools to return to full in-person schedules, with masking required for students and staffs. Social distancing and quarantine procedures have been relaxed somewhat.

Morristown Green reached out to Superintendent Mackey Pendergrast on Thursday; we’ll update this story with any comments from him.

The Peirson triplets were excited to start 6th grade at the Frelinghuysen Middle School.”We had mask breaks, so it was okay!” said Siena. “Day one was good…they let us walk solo in the halls!”

She said it felt good being back in school. “I really love it!”

Her brother Liam said it was an “amazing experience” to be back.

“They treat us like mature young adults!” he said.

While “it’s better with no masks,” Chace also was thrilled to explore FMS.

Best of all: “There was free pizza.”

MorristownGreen.com correspondent Tracey Ulrich-Matalon contributed to this report.