Masks-Optional in Toms River Schools Due to Expected Heat at The Start of the School Year
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September 8, 2021Masks-Optional in Toms River Schools Due to Expected Heat at The Start of the School Year
Mask Optional
Due to the possibility of high heat in the buildings, students and staff will have the option of wearing masks on Wednesday, according to school officials.
As the COVID-19 epidemic continues, students and employees at Toms River Regional Schools will have the choice of wearing masks when classes begin on Wednesday, according to the school district.
Due to the increased transmission of the coronavirus in New Jersey and the rising prevalence of the delta version, Gov. Phil Murphy stated in August that masks would be compulsory in schools beginning in the 2021-22 school year. However, Murphy's executive order requiring masks contains various exceptions, including a provision allowing schools to make mask use optional in extreme heat scenarios.For this week, Toms River school administrators elected to choose that option.
The district said in an email to parents, "Due to the expected excessive heat inside our buildings and on buses during the first week of school — Wednesday, Sept. 8 through Friday, Sept. 10 — and in accordance with the exceptions outlined in Executive Order 251 (EO 251), the wearing of masks in non-air-conditioned spaces, while still recommended, will be optional. This includes buildings with air conditioning that may or may not be entirely functional in all areas."The Brick Township School District and the Lacey Township School District also announced similar conclusions.
Parents have been screaming and hollering at the Toms River school board at sessions this summer, urging that the board reject masks for pupils. In August, Toms River school board president Joseph Nardini wrote to Murphy, encouraging him to leave the mask decision to local districts. However, the district has stubbornly stated that it will obey the rules, infuriating those who requested the board disregard the mandates. Parents who support masking in schools have become more vocal, but have expressed concern about the hazards associated with the decision to do so. VISIT TOMS RIVER SCHOOLS
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