The Princeton Public Schools, which brought students back into the classroom for hybrid learning, is putting it on hold and switching to remote learning for the next few weeks.
The last day of hybrid learning will be Dec. 18, said Barry Galasso, the interim superintendent of schools. Hybrid learning will resume Jan. 12.
This means students will learn remotely for the week leading up to the winter break, which runs Dec. 24 to Jan. 2. They will learn remotely for the first couple of weeks in January, before hybrid learning is implemented again Jan. 12.
Hybrid learning alternates between bringing small groups of students into the classroom for in-person learning for part of the week, and learning remotely at home for part of the week.
All students had been learning remotely for the first few weeks of the 2020-21 school year – except for pre-school and first-grade students and special education students, who began hybrid learning in September. The older students were brought back into the classroom for hybrid learning in phases during October.
Galasso said the decision to switch to remote learning for the week leading up to the winter break and into January was made after consulting with medical experts.
“Our coronavirus numbers remain low and we want to keep them that way. Having extra days to isolate or quarantine as necessary gives us a better chance of moving through January with healthy students and staff,” Galasso said.
Princeton school district officials implemented remote learning for students in the week after Thanksgiving break – Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 – to give students and staff some time to quarantine. The school district resumed hybrid learning on Dec. 7.
Meanwhile, as the 2020 calendar year comes to a close, Galasso offered his condolences to all those who had experienced a loss.
“It is my hope that we have a better year in 2021, and that we are able to get our students back into classrooms on a regular basis,” he said. “Our remote program gets stronger every day, but for the vast majority of our students, learning happens best in person and in a classroom.”
During a normal school year, the teachers are passionate and dedicated, Galasso said. They spend nights and weekends thinking about their students, preparing lesson plans and grading assignments.
But what has been asked of teachers this year has gone far beyond dedication, he said.
“To be a teacher in 2020 required actual courage. At a time when many people were working from home, our teachers, principals and supervisors donned their masks and marched into our schools,” he said.
Galasso thanked every teacher and staff member for their commitment, noting that it exemplified “the best kind of courage.”
And while a vaccine to protect against the coronavirus is on the horizon, “we are still in the midst of a pandemic. Vigilance, courage and endurance will continue to be necessary for at least the earl part of 2021,” Galasso said.
“I thank everyone for doing their part,” he said.