The Lakewood School District today is preparing to open its Extended School Year program – making it the first District in the State to do so under the regulations set forth by the Governor.
Beginning July 6, students will have in-person classes for the first time since the District shut due to Covid-19.
The ESY program comes with a list of guidelines (see document below), but despite the hurdles, District Attorney Michael Inzelbuch says he’s proud of the District’s efforts to make this a reality.
“As an attorney who currently represents students from Teaneck to Elizabeth, from Cherry Hill to Atlantic City, I can tell you that, sadly, there are few school districts providing summer in-person programming – despite the Governor allowing it,” Inzelbuch said.
But in addition to the guidelines, the District also took its own precautions to ensure children are fully protected.
The program will also allow for children from SCHI and the Special Children’s Center to receive the help they need.
“Our most vulnerable and needy kids can’t keep on zooming,” says Inzelbuch. “Credit to the Lakewood Superintendent, staff and Board of Education for being determined against all odds.”
2020 ESY COVID-19 Procedures and Protocols
Having the most needy children with special needs able to be provided with all their learning and therapy needs in-person is fantastic. I have heard first hand from families with children with special needs that they are so thankful and relieved, but they also are still worried about the amount of regression caused by the lack of professional in-person teaching and therapies over the past 3 months.
Also, while cudos and thanks go out to the Lakewood Board of Education in making a right decision in this matter, it also needs to be pointed out that SCHI (an APSSD) and THE CENTER for EDUCATION (the correct name for the APSSD, not SPECIAL CHILDREN’S CENTER.. two entirely different entities..
are also opening their doors on Monday to their students and families. Cudos to those school, also, and to the dedicated staff who will be there for the students.
I am sure all of you reading this would agree that these schools, and their students and families, deserve an applause, a thumbs up, and support from our whole community. Feel free to let all these schools know how proud you feel that they all have taken a brave and unselfish step by reopening.
May everyone be well and safe.
And may everyone keep their common sense.