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Health and Safety Information

 

Students have returned to full-time, in-person instruction for next school year with a regular, full-length school day. This means that all students in all grades in KIPP Newark schools are learning in-person, five days per week this fall. In addition, the state of New Jersey has mandated that schools reopen this fall without remote learning as an option.

At this time vaccinations are not required for eligible students; however, this policy is subject to change if there is new guidance from health or government officials. We encourage eligible students who are still considering getting the vaccine to do so as soon as possible. We will also keep you informed about any upcoming vaccine clinics hosted by our schools and recommend that those interested in becoming vaccinated head to New Jersey’s Vaccine Appointment Finder site for more information.

You will receive more information about the upcoming school year from your child’s school in the weeks to come. 

Our guiding principles:

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We will protect the health and safety of students, staff, and families.

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We will provide a safe environment for our students to learn and thrive.

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We will make sure our students’ and families’ needs are met.

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We will create a supportive environment for staff to excel in their work and feel safe.

KIPP New Jersey Updates

Health, Safety, and Operations

Here is a quick summary of what you can expect for next school year. Please note that our health and safety plans will likely be updated as guidance from the CDC and local health officials changes.

School Days All students will be in school in person 5 days per week. There will not be a remote option for students.
Capacity Classrooms and buses will operate at full capacity as per new CDC guidelines.
Masks As of April 4th, masks will be optional for students and staff when indoors.
Activities We will resume sports, extracurriculars, and events where possible, in accordance with CDC, NJDOH, and NJSIAA standards.
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available across the state of New Jersey at healthcare providers and national pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS.

If you are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, head to the NJ Vaccine Appointment Finder site.

Earlier this year, KIPP New Jersey hosted a panel in partnership with Project Ready, where local medical professionals fielded questions on the vaccine’s development, safety, distribution, and much more. Head here to watch the panel.

Additionally we wanted to highlight these resources available to the public:

  • 5 Facts to know about the COVID-19 Vaccines.
  • Click here to learn more about getting vaccinated without health insurance. You do not need to have health insurance to get the vaccine.
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine’s breakdown of myths/facts surrounding the vaccines, for example, the myth that their development was rushed and therefore they are unsafe.
  • COVID-19 and the Vaccine for Communities of Color Webinar: An in-depth panel discussion with audience questions addressing concerns related to the vaccine options available to the public. Hosted by ABC’s Darla Miles, the panel includes Dr. Karma Warren, Dr. Pierre Vigilance, and Dr. Wayne Riley.
Nutrition and Resources
Nutrition

Click here for the Nutrition Plan page for KIPP Newark

Family Health Resources

We remain committed to providing community resources that will help our students continue their education remotely—and keep our families safe.

  • KIPP families who have questions about our school closures, are in need of services or food, or have been in close contact with someone affected by COVID-19 should call 973-679-7199.

The New Jersey Department of Health has established a hotline (800-222-1222) to answer questions about COVID-19. Operated by the Poison Information and Education System, the 24-hour public hotline is staffed with trained healthcare professionals and can accommodate callers in multiple languages. The New Jersey Department of Health Local Public Health Directory lists all local health departments in the state.

FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Our goal is to provide you and your family with as much information and resources as possible to support the health and safety of our team and family. Below, you’ll find the answers to a number of questions you may have related to the 2021-22 school year. We will be updating these FAQs throughout the year.

Can our family still choose virtual instruction?

In compliance with a mandate from Governor Murphy, we will not be offering a virtual learning option for students.

What safety measures are in place?

  • Ventilation: All KIPP New Jersey campuses have had their ventilation systems evaluated and updated—including adding additional filters and air purifiers. We will also – weather permitting- ensure that windows and doors are opened to encourage air flow.
  • Mask wearing: As of April 4th, masks are optional for staff and students when indoors. We will continue to reassess the situation throughout the spring and summer in case the health situation changes.
  • Contact Tracing: The CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance and now recommends that health departments deprioritize contact tracing. As a result of this change, we will send a notification to the entire classroom or grade if there is a positive case, instruct families to monitor for symptoms, and encourage them to get tested.

If my student tests positive for COVID-19, what academic support is available?

Students can join school remotely if they feel well enough to do so. Students will be marked present for any days they attend virtually by logging into classes via Zoom and absent for any days they do not attend virtually via Zoom. It is important to note that this option is not available unless a student is quarantined because of a positive test or a close contact. This is in agreement with the NJ state mandate for in-person instruction. In all other cases where a student is not present for school, unfortunately, they will be marked absent. Chromebooks will be loaned to students who need them for the duration of their quarantine.

Are students required to be vaccinated?

At this time vaccinations will not be required for eligible students; however, this policy is subject to change if there is new guidance from health or government officials. Vaccination is the most important weapon we have to mitigate the virus’s surge. We therefore strongly encourage our staff members, students, and families to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is available and free for all individuals age 5 and over.

Will my school continue to provide meals to students?

Yes, we are committed to providing students with meals. Please head to our Newark nutrition pages to learn more about locations for food distribution and what we offer.

Will extracurricular activities continue?

We will resume sports, extracurriculars, and events where possible, in accordance with CDC, NJDOH, and NJSIAA standards.