Second N.J. School District To Have Post-Super Bowl Delayed Opening
A second New Jersey school district is giving parents a couple more hours to get their kids to school on Monday. The K-12 Washington Township school district in Gloucester County notified parents of the scheduling change on Wednesday (Feb. 8). The notice came shortly after the School District of Philadelphia also announced a two-hour delay for Monday. Since the Philadelphia Eagles are in the Super Bowl, the delays accommodate those who will be rooting for the Eagles .
“As we prepare for Sunday’s momentous occasion, with our Philadelphia Eagles playing in Super Bowl LVII, the Washington Township Public Schools is scheduling a two-hour delay for all staff and students on Monday,” Interim Schools Superintendent Jack McGee wrote in a statement posted to the district’s Facebook page.
“We believe it is important that our WTPS community has the opportunity to enjoy this exciting time together in a way that allows our staff and students to come to school the next day rested and ready to learn. We are hopeful that the delayed opening maximizes student attendance for Monday,” McGee wrote.
Other school districts in the area however will be sticking to their regular schedule including Haddon Township in Camden County. Haddon Township Superintendent Robert Fisicaro addressed the “frequent amount of emails and questions” about the district’s plan for Monday.
“We will not be modifying our school schedules for Monday, February 13th, because of the Super Bowl,” Fisicaro said in an email to the community, per NJ Advance Media.
“Although it is a great opportunity for families to positively experience the camaraderie and spirit surrounding the big game, there is also value in meeting our school and work responsibilities on time despite the potential for less-than-usual sleep. Preparing students for college, career, and life readiness is at the top of our priority list,” Fisicaro wrote per the publication.
“While respecting each school district’s own set of individual circumstances, setting an example of how to enjoy an exciting PM event while still meeting our personal and collective responsibilities is necessary for Haddon Township.” Fisicaro added, “Have a great day and go, Eagles!”
The Washington Township school district is the second South Jersey to announce a delayed opening. The Gloucester City school district previously announced that their students will also have a two-hour delayed opening Monday morning.