Officials with Amity Regional School District say they plan to switch back to full in-person learning early next month, but many parents in the district say it's too much, too soon.
Traci Cipriano helped start a
Change.org petition that's already racked up over 1,000 signatures.
Orange Health Director Dr. Amir Mohammad told News 12 he would recommend sticking with the hybrid model for now, but says he hasn't been asked to weigh in.
Administrators say current COVID-19 metrics are well within state guidelines.
Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Byars says for many students, something is lost in translation with distance or hybrid learning models.
Parents are wondering how distancing can be maintained with a full school building. There will be 25 students per class, separated by 3 to 4 feet.
Byars says the district will take all of the most up-to-date data into account before a decision is made.
District officials say they'll consult with state and local health experts before making a final decision some time next week.
The Amity Regional School District serves middle and high school students from Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge.