Millburn Schools Hybrid (In-person and Virtual) Learning Environment for Start of Year

The Issue

Millburn New Jersey public schools are one of the few districts that is opening fully virtual (remote) this fall. Other nearby districts like Summit and Chatham are opening in a hybrid learning mode, with both in-person and virtual learning. Because of this, we believe our children are not getting the proper amount of instruction, they are suffering both emotionally and psychologically due to isolation and missing social interaction with other children their age. Our family and some others relocated to the district specifically because of the reputation regarding its high-quality public schools; however, based on last year's experience and the poor quality of instruction due to remote learning and teachers inept in the online learning environment (Google Classroom), many are considering moving away. Our children are stressed and we parents think we are not getting the education we expect and pay for through our tax dollars in Millburn. Nor do we believe we should have to pay even more for private instructors, of which many are the same who are refusing to go back to the schools due to COVID-19. For those teachers who do not or can not return to school to teach our children, they could teach remotely while the students are supervised by an aide in the classroom. For the middle-school, MMS and HS students with special needs can go back in the high school building first until MMS is safer. Regardless, there are other options than simply 100% virtual. We would appreciate if you would consider: a) creating a plan WITH regular staff, faculty and parent input; b) start holding regular town hall meetings for feedback on plans; c) look into the many offers of testing for faculty staff and students the district has received to ensure that not only do we open, but we actually stay open without creating an outbreak. Thank you.

avatar of the starter
Anthony ScarolaPetition StarterI am Anthony Scarola of New Jersey, USA. I am a veteran of the United States Army. I served our nation as an enlisted soldier during the U.S. Invasion of Panama and the Persian Gulf War. I stand for democracy and freedom. God bless America.
This petition had 557 supporters

The Issue

Millburn New Jersey public schools are one of the few districts that is opening fully virtual (remote) this fall. Other nearby districts like Summit and Chatham are opening in a hybrid learning mode, with both in-person and virtual learning. Because of this, we believe our children are not getting the proper amount of instruction, they are suffering both emotionally and psychologically due to isolation and missing social interaction with other children their age. Our family and some others relocated to the district specifically because of the reputation regarding its high-quality public schools; however, based on last year's experience and the poor quality of instruction due to remote learning and teachers inept in the online learning environment (Google Classroom), many are considering moving away. Our children are stressed and we parents think we are not getting the education we expect and pay for through our tax dollars in Millburn. Nor do we believe we should have to pay even more for private instructors, of which many are the same who are refusing to go back to the schools due to COVID-19. For those teachers who do not or can not return to school to teach our children, they could teach remotely while the students are supervised by an aide in the classroom. For the middle-school, MMS and HS students with special needs can go back in the high school building first until MMS is safer. Regardless, there are other options than simply 100% virtual. We would appreciate if you would consider: a) creating a plan WITH regular staff, faculty and parent input; b) start holding regular town hall meetings for feedback on plans; c) look into the many offers of testing for faculty staff and students the district has received to ensure that not only do we open, but we actually stay open without creating an outbreak. Thank you.

avatar of the starter
Anthony ScarolaPetition StarterI am Anthony Scarola of New Jersey, USA. I am a veteran of the United States Army. I served our nation as an enlisted soldier during the U.S. Invasion of Panama and the Persian Gulf War. I stand for democracy and freedom. God bless America.

The Decision Makers

Dr. Christine Burton
Dr. Christine Burton
Superintendent of Schools, Millburn Township Public Schools

Petition Updates