Are students required to wear a mask?

Yes, students will be required to wear face coverings at all times except when eating or drinking or under specific circumstances outlined in guidance from the New Jersey Department of Education and the New Jersey Department of Health. This guidance was recently included in Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 175. Students must provide their own masks.

Will students have the opportunity to take a break from wearing a mask during the school day?

Yes, when students are outdoors and can effectively practice social distancing, they may remove their masks at the discretion of the supervising staff member. 

How will the school ensure social distancing during in-person instruction?

The school, under the guidance received from the NJ Department of Education, has reduced its attendance by 50% to increase social distancing. When we are outside and do not have 6 feet between individuals, students and staff will wear a mask to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19. Students must remain mindful of their important role in contributing to what must be a community-wide effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. In the event that a student refuses to wear a mask or observe all possible distancing, we may need to move that student to our full remote program.

How will the school conduct health screenings?

Temperature and visual wellness checks will take place when students arrive at school each day. Checks will be conducted safely and respectfully by HPS staff. Students who have a temperature or show symptoms of illness will be further screened by the school nurse and may be sent home on their bus.

Students who experience illness while at school will be safely monitored by HPS’ school nurse. If notified, parents will be required to transport their child home to rest, recover, and be referred to their primary care physician.

Are parents/guardians required to conduct a health screening on days students participate in in-person learning?

Yes, parents/guardians must conduct a wellness and temperature check prior to sending their child to school each day. Parents/guardians must also complete, sign, and send a COVID-19 Daily Screening Form to school with their child on in-person learning days. All students must remain at home if they are not feeling well, have a fever of 100.4 or higher, or if they are required to quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19 or if they have traveled to an area identified as a “Hot Spot” in the last 14 days.

How will the school handle quarantine and isolation?

An isolation room will be utilized for students who present with illness symptomatic of COVID- 19 during the day. Recent guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health offers more information on their protocols for quarantine and school closure. 

We have converted one of our rooms into a quarantine space for students. Students who present with concerning symptoms will be moved to this space. We will work with the Department of Health to ensure that the best and most comprehensive contact tracing can occur in the event of a positive case of COVID-19.

What are the recommendations for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine?

The NJ Department of Health has shared this graphical recommendation for isolation and quarantine under several specific circumstances. Please visit the NJ Department of Health website for the latest and most accurate information regarding isolation and quarantine.