Good afternoon. As of 2:15pm this afternoon, the district phone system is down. We hope to have the situation resolved shortly. In the meantime, please contact us via email. Thanks. Dr. Vincent Caputo
Due to the expected combination of heat, humidity, and masks, the Metuchen Public Schools will operate on an early dismissal schedule for Wednesday, September 15, 2021.
We are still missing screener forms for many students starting ESY tomorrow. This is a reminder that any student starting ESY tomorrow, needs to have this screening form filled out tonight. If you completed it already, there is no need to do it again.
https://forms.gle/ddZyMkBwU51WKevF9
Good afternoon.
I hope my last weekly message of the school year truly finds you and your family happy and healthy. For the last fifteen months, I have been sending these weekly messages to keep you up-to-date in a crazy, once-in-a-lifetime year. I trust you found the information timely and helpful (and maybe even a little inspiring or encouraging). I will return to the practice of using our notification system as an as-needed tool during the summer. Our district and school offices are open all summer long. Contact us for anything you need.
COVID testing: Our district facilitated COVID testing program concludes this week. Beginning on New Year’s Eve, we have offered testing weekly at MHS. We facilitated more than 2000 tests. Thanks to all who took advantage of the testing to limit the transmission of the virus.
CALI reports: Overall, the state of NJ remains in YELLOW (moderate level of COVID activity). While two of the six regions have dropped to GREEN (low level of COVID activity), our central-east region is still YELLOW. You can continue to access the weekly COVID report at: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/statistics/covid/
COVID cases: We have reported on 163 positive cases (staff and students) over the course of the school year. While even one case could be devastating, I want to thank all of families and staff for their efforts. From social distancing, and masking, to getting vaccinated as early as you did, you significantly limited the number of cases in the borough and therefore in the district. Stay vigilant now. Those still unvaccinated should continue to mask up. Learn the facts about vaccination and please consider getting vaccines for you and your children as they become eligible. Talk to your pediatrician and feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance.
Schools this summer: The schools will see lots of activity this summer. As is typical, there will be regular and (some unique) maintenance projects going on at all four buildings. We will host our largest summer program ever this year. In addition to the special education Extended School Year program, we are providing a variety of offerings as part of Metuchen Summer Institute. This summer also sees the return of our STREAM program with over 140 students. Our gyms and fields will host summer workouts and camps. Summertime will see the transition from Mr. Peragallo to Mr. Porowski at MHS and the appointment of the next Campbell principal. We will be recruiting and interviewing for our teacher openings, too. We will certainly be busy this summer. We are proud to be a hub of activity in the borough.
Happy end-of -the-schoolyear! This summer brings 21st and 18th birthdays for my children and a 27th anniversary for Lori and me. Late summer will also see my son return for his senior year at Rutgers University (double majoring in accounting and criminal justice) and my daughter begin her freshman year at Lafayette College (planning to study engineering/environmental science). For many of us, summer also means pools and beaches, and maybe even vacations and travel sports teams. For others, though, summer brings challenges like childcare, food insecurity and lack of entertainment/learning opportunities. We have posted information on the availability of summer food for anyone in need: https://www.metuchenschools.org/article/478346?org=msd. Check on your neighbors this summer. Take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities right here in Metuchen. Be well.
With gratitude,
Dr. Vincent Caputo
Due due the forecast for high temperatures and humidity plus the masking requirement, the Metuchen Public Schools will operate on an early dismissal schedule on Wednesday June 9, 2021. Bussing will be provided. Lunch will not.
Due due the forecast for high temperatures and humidity plus the masking requirement, the Metuchen Public Schools will operate on an early dismissal schedule on Monday, June 7, 2021. Bussing will be provided. Lunch will not. The Edgar athletics dinner will still take place as scheduled.
As a reminder, Tuesday is already an all-remote, early dismissal day with all four building being used as polling places. Wednesday and Thursday are full days. Friday starts three consecutive scheduled early dismissal days for students. The Edgar promotion exercises are on Friday evening at MHS. The MHS graduation is Tuesday, June 15th.
Hello. I hope this email finds you well.
Our central-east region of the state and New Jersey are still in YELLOW status, indicating a moderate risk of transmission. Below are some updates regarding our practices:
Temperatures checks
The district will no longer conduct temperature checks on students and staff.
Daily Wellness/COVID Screening Forms
The district will continue the use of daily screening forms for all students and staff.
Guidelines continue to require some form of a screening process to confirm that students and staff are free of COVID symptoms.
Summer Programs
Temperature checks will not be required for district summer programs.
The need for wellness forms will be reassessed over the following weeks, depending on updates from the NJDOH.
Masks
The mask mandate is still in effect for schools.
There are no changes.
Close contacts
Vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine if identified as a close contact of a COVID-positive person. Proof of vaccination will be required. Unvaccinated individuals need to quarantine.
Travel
Vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine following travel. Proof of vaccination will be required. Unvaccinated individuals still need to quarantine.
Testing
· The last district sponsored Covid Testing for the school year will be on Thursday June 10th. Thanks to all the staff and families who took advantage of this testing to help slow the spread of the virus.
MHS play: Little Shop of Horrors. Go to Mhsfootlighters.com. Performances: Friday June 4, Saturday June 5, and Sunday June 6, each one at @ 7:00 pm. Performances will be viewed online. There is no on-demand option. Tickets - $12.00 - sold online. Check it out!
Edgar Promotion
· Friday, June 11th at MHS
· Rain date is Monday, June 14th at MHS
· 5 guest tickets per eighth grader (two for on the field and three for the bleachers)
· Only ticketed guests will be permitted on school grounds
· The event will be livestreamed
MHS Graduation
· Tuesday, June 15th at MHS
· Rain date is Wednesday, June 16th (and then June 17th, 18th, etc) at MHS
· 5 guest tickets per graduate (two for on the field and three for the bleachers)
· Only ticketed guests will be permitted on school grounds
· The event will be livestreamed
Tuesday June 8 is an all-remote early dismissal day because all four school buildings are being used as polling places.
Hello. I hope you are enjoying your Friday off and will have a nice holiday weekend.
On Monday, please take a moment to remember why we are off – to honor those in the military who have died while serving to keep us free.
Our central-east region of the state and New Jersey are still in YELLOW status, indicating a moderate risk of transmission. Below are some updates regarding our practices:
Temperatures checks
· Starting June 1st, the district will no longer conduct temperature checks on students and staff.
· As the outdoor temperatures soar, it is likely that thermometers will record elevated temperatures, resulting in false positives and causing unnecessary alarm.
Daily Wellness/COVID Screening Forms
· The district will continue the use of daily screening forms for all students and staff.
· The NJDOH guidelines have not changed.
· Guidelines continue to require some form of a screening process to confirm that students and staff are free of COVID symptoms.
Summer Programs
· Temperature checks will not be required for district summer programs.
· The need for wellness forms will be reassessed over the following weeks, depending on updates from the NJDOH.
Masks
· The mask mandate is still in effect for schools.
· There are no changes.
Close contacts
· Vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine if identified as a close contact of a COVID-positive person. Proof of vaccination will be required. Unvaccinated individuals need to quarantine.
Travel
· Vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine following travel. Proof of vaccination will be required. Unvaccinated individuals need to quarantine.
Let’s go Mets! And Knicks fans, “We here!”
The Metuchen Public Schools will operate on an early dismissal schedule on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 due to the unique combination of high temperatures, high humidity, and the indoor masking requirement. See your school websites for the early dismissal schedules. After-school sports will continue as scheduled. I understand that this decision creates child-care issues for many families, and I carefully weighed that against the benefits of an early dismissal. Thanks for your understanding. Stay cool and check on your neighbors and the elderly.
May 21, 2021
Happy Friday! I hope this message finds you well. It looks like we have a summer-like weekend ahead of us. Please enjoy the outdoors and your families. For the first time all year, this week we reported zero staff/student COVID cases. The state CALI report still has us in YELLOW (moderate risk of transmission) but we are definitely heading in the right direction.
Here is a summary of the mandates for K-12 schools as of May 19, 2021:
TRAVEL
· Students and staff who are unvaccinated should quarantine for 7 days (if they have a negative PCR Covid test 3-5 days after travel) or quarantine for 10 days without a test.
· Vaccinated students and staff returning from domestic travel do not have to quarantine.
SPORTS
Regardless of vaccination status, social distancing should be followed by athletes, when not actively playing, and by coaches, referees, trainers, and spectators. Masks are not necessary outdoors.
SCHOOL
Masks must be worn outdoors for physical education class and outdoor recess.
EXTRACURRICULAR
· Outdoor extra-curricular activities and outdoor events on school property, such as graduation ceremonies and other end of the year events held outdoors: masks are not required regardless of vaccination status.
· The guidance states that schools may implement more restrictive precautions if they desire to do so. We reserve the right to mandate masks if/when we deem them appropriate.
DISTRICT NOTES
Our school nurses still encourage masks whenever feasible.
For more information, here are the controlling documents:
· https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/RecommendationsForLocalHealthDepts_K12Schools.pdf
· https://nj.gov/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/COVID_GuidanceForSportsActivities.pdf
· https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2021/may/19/NJDOHTravelandMaskingClarificationsforK-12Schools.pdf
NOTE: The indoor mask mandate is still in effect. There are no changes.
REMINDER: Tuesday, June 8th is primary election day in NJ. As such, we will have an all-remote, early dismissal day.
Dr. Vincent Caputo
May 14, 2021
Good afternoon. I told you the nice weather was coming (eventually). I hope this message finds you well.
The board of education approved an update to the current district calendar. Tuesday, June 8th is now an all-remote, early dismissal day. In addition to the usual safety challenges that primary election day brings, we also cannot require voters to wear masks. Our students and staff have been so diligent in masking that it has become necessary to allow the buildings to be used exclusively as polling places on June 8th.
As a reminder, the last three days of the school year (June 11, 14, and 15) are all early dismissal days for students.
Details will be forthcoming from Mr. Peragallo and Mrs. Azevedo, but here are some important dates to keep in mind: Edgar promotion will be June 11th at MHS (note those changes) with a rain date of June 14th, MHS graduation will be on June 15th (rain date is June 16th), and MHS Project Graduation will be held June 15th even if outside graduation needs to be postponed due to rain.
New Jersey’s CALI report puts the six regions of the state, and New Jersey as a whole, in YELLOW (moderate risk of transmission). All schools remain open for everyday in-person attendance.
Here is what I sent to staff earlier this morning regarding masks: #1 - the CDC mask announcement yesterday does not apply to schools, and #2 – the NJDOH has not even adopted these guidelines for the general public, much less schools.
So, the result is no change. Mask up. Stay safe. Happy Friday.
VCaputo
Hello and I hope this message finds you well.
There is good news on the COVID front. Vaccinations are on the rise and readily available for those 16 years and older, and approval for usage in younger children seems to be right around the corner. Cases are down statewide and locally. The state’s CALI report this week shows that the state and our central-east region of the state are both in YELLOW status. We will continue to welcome all students who want to attend in-person, regardless of their A week/B week designation. Of course, you may also remain hybrid or all-remote. This week, we had the following in-person attendance averages at the four schools: MHS=29%, Edgar=57%, Campbell=77%, and Moss=58%. Please follow notification protocols at each school for changing your child’s designation among remote, hybrid, and fully in-person.
Have a great weekend. Happy Mother’s Day. None of us would have been anything without our moms.
Good afternoon. I hope this message finds you well. This weekend brings a trip to the Shore, some grilling, storm damage clean-up, and the Mets on TV.
Reopening: This week has been like most weeks during the last six months. It feels like we are moving at light speed. In a matter of days, we got brand new reopening information from the Governor, read his Executive Order 175, and saw new guidelines from the state department of health. We are certainly aware that districts around the state and in our county are in the process of applying to open the school year remotely in order to remediate issues with their planning. Currently, we are proceeding with our hybrid plan for opening the schools, but with our eyes wide open to the current situation. We have consistently promised flexibility as we prepared for in-person instruction as required by the state. Students are scheduled to return September 3rd. Three weeks is an eternity these days. As always, stay tuned!
Message from the state of NJ: New Jersey’s public and private school districts will be open for in-person instruction this school year. However, districts that cannot meet health and safety protocols can begin the school year via remote-only instruction. Learn more about the safety guidelines in place for this fall: https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/reopening-guidance-and-restrictions/will-schools-open-next-year-is-summer-school-open?utm_campaign=20200814_nwsltr_a&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Remote-only option for students: Thanks so much for your replies to our question of in-person vs remote-only for your children. Over 80% of you have answered. If you haven’t, please go into Genesis and submit. FYI - At last count, 37% of parents have selected all-remote for their child(ren). For those of you who have already answered, of course, you can also change your response. The survey remains open.
Class assignments and schedules: On or about next Wednesday, August 19th, principals will be releasing class assignments and schedules. There are several forms that must be completed in Genesis in order to unlock access.
Edgar update: I will make recommendations to the Board on August 25th for the next principal and assistant principal.
Face coverings: New information is coming out all the time about various types of face coverings. One thing remains constant: my mask protects you and your mask protects me. Wear a mask inside - and outside too if you can’t social distance.
Parent webinar: Click here for parent webinar form Common Sense Media: Building a Digital Ecosystem That Supports Kids' and Families' Well-Being on Wednesday, August 19th at 1pm https://www.commonsensemedia.org/events/conversations/aug-19?j=7930565&sfmc_sub=208093059&l=2048712_HTML&u=151286112&mid=6409703&jb=2519&utm_source=org_cwcs-upcoming-20200811&utm_medium=email
WORKING PAPERS
Students who may need working papers completed - please contact Mrs. Miranowic at mmiranowic@metboe.k12.nj.us. Students may download the A300 Employment Certification form here: https://www.nj.gov/labor/forms_pdfs/wagehour/A300.pdf
The School Performance Reports reflect the New Jersey Department of Education's commitment to providing parents, students and school communities with a large variety of information about each school and district. These reports can be used as a tool to help evaluate whether all students have equitable access to high quality education. Please visit https://rc.doe.state.nj.us/SearchForSchool.aspx to search for the reports regarding Metuchen Schools.
The Metuchen Public Schools stand with those in the Black community who face the pain and despair of racism. To read Metuchen District's statement on racism and current events, please click this link: https://5il.co/h1q6
The official school and district harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) grade reports, as required under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, are now available for public release. To view our report, click this link: https://5il.co/h1pi
PLAYGROUNDS, FIELDS ARE STILL CLOSED
Pursuant to Executive Order 107, all non-essential activities and group gatherings are prohibited. As a result, all school premises should all be closed at this time, except for essential functions like administrative duties. Be aware that no one should be on school district property without express prior written approval of the Superintendent of Schools.
As of May 14, 2020, the Metuchen School District is delivering 48 lunches daily. If you are eligible, or think you may be eligible for free and reduced lunch, please contact us by emailing Deb Finden at dfinden@metboe.k12.nj.us. For more info: https://5il.co/g9j8
The Spring 2019 NJSLA Science results are out. Please click this link to view them: https://5il.co/g9f4