MO Schools Hoping for Normal Year

Normal. That’s the one word that Superintendent Robert Zywicki uses when asked about the 2022-2023 school year.

“My theme for the year is no new initiatives, I need a normal year. We’ve done a lot to support our kids through the pandemic, through response and prevention for academics or behavioral support. This year, I want to just strengthen those things that we’ve put in place.”

What is normal? Zywicki aims to give the students in his district as well as teachers and staff the ability to have a non-interrupted, in person school year. The schools headed back for the first day on August 31.

According to Zywicki, MOTSD will provide full-day, full-time, in-person instruction and programming for the 2022-2023 school year. The school district will continue to follow the guidance of the New Jersey Department of Health and the New Jersey Department of Education to ensure student and staff health and safety. 

Should COVID-19 call for more protocols, the schools have contingency plans in place. There are four options and currently option one is what the schools are abiding by. Option one is full in person school days. Option two calls for a traditional school day with social distancing, option three calls for split schedules and option four calls for virtual learning.

Over the summer months, renovations continued at Chester M. Stephens School, with painting,  new HVAC, new lighting, new doors, cleaning, and more taking place while students enjoyed their summer break. While no new programs or curriculums are being unveiled to keep the school year as normal as possible, many items are returning.

Parent University with Dr. Zywicki will kick off in September. Topics slated to be discussed are school safety and security, tiers of success, NJ health and PE standards, and taking advantage of MOTSD athletic programs. All times and dates are TBD.

Zywicki also wants potential employees to be aware that the school district is in need of leave replacements and substitute teachers. All interested can apply on www.applitrack.com/mtoliveboe.

At the end of the day, it’s about normalcy for Zywicki.

“I want a normal year where the teachers can teach, the students can learn and grow, and we can enjoy all the amazing things that are already in place in this district.”