NJ Schools Get New Reopening Rules with Remote Start Option

Many schools are preparing for more remote learning this fall. Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels

Updated August 13 - Amid increasing pressure, the governor of New Jersey will allow individual school districts to initially choose 100% remote learning this fall if they are unable to meet health and safety standards. Previous school reopening guidelines from the state had directed all districts to offer some form of in-person learning.

“We recognize for some districts there are legitimate and documentable reasons why some of these core health and safety standards cannot be met on day 1," Murphy said on Wednesday, August 12. "For these districts today, we are reaffirming our commitment for districts to do what’s best for their school community."

The governor has already said that any student or parent that prefers remote learning must be provided that option.

Funny School Memes for All the Back-to-School Feels

Funny memes are our favorite distraction at this time of year.

I'm pretty sure the only way to get through the stress that is back-to-school time is a heaping pile of funny memes.

Whether your kids are going full online learning, hybrid, podding up, or 100% in-person, the return to school seems to be incredibly anxiety-provoking for everyone: our kids, the teachers, and parents. I have a kid headed into the school system for the first time as a kindergartner, so I feel this deeply. The only silver lining I see—OK, maybe there are a couple more if I look really close—are the incredibly funny memes this pandemic is producing. I can't be the only one distracting myself from doomsday scrolling with those coronavirus meme threads, right? 'Cause what else can we do but laugh?

So if you want to just keep cry-laughing along with me through the emotional ups and downs of this pandemic, read on for our favorite funny school memes, from laughable school picture days to all-to-true remote learning takedowns.

15+ Philly Playgrounds with Shade to Keep Kids Cool

Franklin Square offers plenty of shade, and a host of other activities, including mini golf and carousel rides. Photo courtesy of Franklin Square

Families are fortunate to have plenty of playgrounds in Philadelphia from which to select. Even better, many of these locations have shade to offer a reprieve from these steamy Philly summer days. We rounded up a few of our favorite shady playgrounds in the city to help you beat the heat.

Looking for other ways to stay cool? Check out these nearby water parks and favorite Philly splash pads for more splashing fun. Find more outdoor play options in our Guide to Philly Parks & Playgrounds.

10 East Coast Beach Camping Sites from Florida to Maine

The Key Largo Campground in Florida is located on 40 acres of tropical foliage. Photo courtesy of the campground

Nothing is better than gathering up your loved ones and spending the night under the stars. With an extra dose of vitamin sea, beach camping brings your family adventure to the next level. Spend your days exploring the coastline and your nights around the campfire listening to sounds of waves gently crashing against the shore. 

From Maine all the way down to Florida, the East Coast offers some of the most epic beach camping spots whether you choose tent camping or an RV trip. Find more family adventures in our US Travel Guide.

Terranea Resort: Escape to the Mediterranean without Leaving Los Angeles County

If ever there was a time that needed an exit off the 110 freeway that leads straight to the Mediterranean, now is that time. Like so many SoCal families, my son and I have been desperate for a local getaway—something that feels a whole lot farther away than it is—and I was thrilled to discover that an exit off the Harbor Freeway could drop me straight into what feels like the South of Spain. Our destination was Terranea, a family-friendly resort on the Palos Verdes peninsula. It's a stone's throw from Long Beach and San Pedro, right here in Los Angeles County, and yet seemingly a continent away.

Our socially-distanced one-night vacation allowed us to escape 2020 reality and enjoy rocky beaches with critter-filled tide pools, a sandy cove with a rock-climbing-friendly sea cave, lush green cliffs hopping with bunnies, ocean breezes over moonlit water, and rolling waves lulling us to sleep through our open balcony. Anyone else need that?

Of course, we found plenty of kid-pleasing activities as well, without leaving the grounds of Terranea; read on for all the details of the relaxing, entertaining, socially distanced getaway that can be reached in less time than a typical Los Angeles morning commute.

Online Birthing, Lamaze, and Parenting Classes for Parents-To-Be

As if pregnancy weren't enough of a roller coaster, pregnancy during a pandemic is giving expecting moms and dads some extra twists and turns to navigate between changing birth plans, solo doctor's visits, virtual baby showers, and more. Amidst the seemingly unending chaos, one thing is certain: you'll finally be meeting your little one very soon, and birthing and parenting classes can be huge for helping ease your anxiety while you prepare for the big day.

If you can't make it to an in-person class, there are lots of great options for virtual classes for parents-to-be, whether you're looking breathing techniques for labor, breastfeeding tips, or just connecting with an educator who can answer your questions. We've collected 10 options for online childbirth and parenting classes.

How to Create a Homeschool Pod or School Pod: Top Things to Consider

As families prepare for the uncertainty of the school year, many are looking to learning pods.

As September approaches, many parents are navigating the idea of sending their children back to school with great trepidation and anxiety. 

With virus case numbers continuing to rise across the country, a number of America's school districts are turning to full remote learning or hybrid schooling that combines online learning with part-time in-person classes. The news has many parents scrambling for ways to avoid the distance learning disasters that were experienced in the spring. Enter homeschooling pods and micro schools.

If you're considering setting up or participating in a schooling pod or homeschool learning for your child and maybe a few classmates this school year, there are a few key things to consider. The emotional labor, the calculated risks, and the inequity of it all are far too real. We talked to community members about how they are navigating this complicated time and gathered helpful tips, resources, and advice from dedicated experts. 

Governor Clears New York Schools to Reopen for Fall 2020

New York schools got the OK to reopen for in-person class.

Governor Andrew Cuomo cleared New York's public schools to reopen this fall for in-person classes if they choose given the state's current "low viral infection rate." New York's more than 700 school districts were expected to submit reopening plans to the state by now but were awaiting the governor's final decision on in-person learning. 

"If any state can do this, we can do this," said Cuomo on Friday, August 7, 2020. "New Yorkers will decide how they want to do it, school district by school district."

A number of New York school districts also released tentative 2020-2021 school reopening plans to their communities while they awaited the state decision, including New York City, the country’s largest school district. NYC is offering a hybrid schooling model, or a full remote option, to the city’s 1.1 million students.

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