Message from the superintendent
Dear Parents:
As you may know, the New Jersey Education Association has cancelled its annual conference for educators in Atlantic City next week. In New Jersey, all schools are mandated by law to close during the annual Teachers’ Convention. The cancellation of the conference obviously negates the need for schools to close on those scheduled days. Shamong Township Schools will therefore open on a normal schedule on Thursday, Nov. 8, and Friday, Nov. 9.
Given the 158-year history of the New Jersey Education Association Convention, and its importance in our public schools, we are aware that this particular long weekend has been a fixture in our school calendar. We know that many of our families count upon this time as an offseason vacation advantage. However, our decision to alter the calendar and open schools must be based upon what is best for the education of our students. We have lost crucial days due to Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy. We have yet to enter the critical winter season, and the uncertain weather conditions that it may bring. Since the reason for the scheduled closure no longer exists, we must act in favor of restoring educational time to our students and staff.
Should you have particular questions regarding attendance the days of Nov. 8 and Nov. 9, please direct them to your building principal for clarification. Please note, that if your child is absent from school during this time, the absence will be excused and will not count against perfect attendance. Additionally, absent students will be able to make up work missed without penalty.
Thank you for your understanding of this sudden calendar change and your support of your public schools.
Sincerely,
Dolores M. Szymanski, Ed.D
Superintendent of Schools
