TRENTON, May 20, 2020—The latest additions to NJSBA’s COVID-19 Resource Center (www.njsba.org/COVID-19) include NJSBA’s special report on school reopening, a guidance document on restarting high school sports, a webinar series on the role of social-emotional learning and the arts during this challenging period, and information CARES Act funding.

Searching for a New Normal: A Special Report on the Reopening of New Jersey’s Schools The NJSBA report addresses the safe reopening of schools, students’ mental health, academic and extracurricular programs, budgetary issues, and preparations for the future. Posted May 20.

Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities A report from the National Federation of State High School Associations, released May 19, provides  guidance to state scholastic athletic associations in re-opening high school sports and other programs. Posted May 20.

Reopening Schools in the Context of COVID-19: Health and Safety Guidelines from Other Countries A brief from the Learning Policy Institute looks at guidelines and social distancing strategies used in countries that have successfully reopened their schools. Posted May 20

Social-Emotional Learning and the Arts The Spring 2020 Arts Education series, sponsored by Arts Ed NJ and NJPSA/FEA, offers two webinars: Arts Education: Navigating Uncertain Times and Preparing for the Future (on demand), and Transforming Schools through the Power of the Arts (broadcast 5/21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.). Speakers include Dr. Maurice J. Elias, director of the Rutgers Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab, and experts in arts education. Posted May 19.

CARES Act: Funding Update for School Districts The Grants Office, an NJSBA partner, provides direction on how New Jersey school districts can apply for their share of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund. The Grants Office also addressed the funding opportunity during a recent NJSBA Facebook Live event and an NJSBA Webinar. Posted May 17.

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 The New Jersey School Boards Association is a federation of the state’s local boards of education and includes the majority of New Jersey’s charter schools as associate members. NJSBA provides training, advocacy and support to advance public education and promote the achievement of all students through effective governance.