Following the updated CDC guidelines and direction from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the Berlin Community School will end the mask mandate for students and staff. This change also allows for face coverings to be made optional on school transportation.
Superintendent Joseph Campisi is hopeful about the upcoming changes, saying nobody has complained less than the kids at school. He looks forward to allowing the students to engage in regular activities again.
“[On the topic of masks] I talked to a lot of the kids [at school], they were not complaining,” said Campisi. “They looked at it as something they had to live with at the time…the kids will continue to do whatever is asked of them.”
Campisi states that, although he can’t predict how many kids or staff will continue to wear masks come March 7, those that choose to do so are more than welcome. Wearing masks is optional now, Campisi reiterated.
“I don’t know the exact figure of how many students or staff will still wear masks at school, but we will do everything we can to support those that do,” said Campisi.
Another important topic that Berlin Community School members are intrigued about, is the option for remote learning going forward. Although it was optimal at the peak of the pandemic, Campisi doesn’t envision it being an integral part of the curriculum going forward.
“I hope we don’t have to do the virtual option again. Face to face learning is very important for development. It’s really tough on everybody, from the kids to the parents to the teachers. I know a lot of people think we should be able to go remote instead of snow days, but legislatively we can’t do that,” said Campisi.
“It’s a lot of planning ahead for the future. We prefer to be in person and look forward to it.”
As for the Spring and Summer, Campisi looks forward to “normal” activities resuming. There are many events planned that the school is excited to host for community members and students including concerts and sporting events resuming.
“I think our outlook [going forward] is great. I can just see people smiling already. People are happy to be back, happy to see these numbers dropping…We’re trying to build back better than before. I really have a positive outlook…finishing the year strong,” said Campisi.
The removal of face coverings also allows for the school to no longer limit attendance at any events on school grounds.
“We have our spring concert coming up in March, baseball and softball teams will be playing, clubs as well. We’d love to get people out here. My biggest thing is we put our focus on the kids…their resilience has been unbelievable through all of this.”
