METUCHEN – In efforts to reach the ultimate goal of returning back to in-person school, the Metuchen School District is working with Hackensack Meridian Health to provide educators from pre-kindergarten to high school and support staff the opportunity to receive COVID-19 vaccines.
“I’m so happy for our staff and so thankful for the folks at Hackensack Meridian Health, who are awesome to work with,” Schools Superintendent Vincent Caputo said.
On March 15, educators from pre-kindergarten to high school and support staff, child care workers, transportation workers and additional public safety workers became eligible for the vaccines.
Board of Education (BOE) President Brian Glassberg recognized Caputo for his “tireless” efforts at a board meeting on March 9.
“We have known that we want our staff to feel as comfortable as they can in the building,” Glassberg said, noting the opportunity for vaccinations for all staff members who want it is a breakthrough through the tireless efforts of Caputo. “He cares about our staff. We care about our staff. We’ve been talking about this for a while and I’m so happy it has come to fruition.”
Mayor Jonathan Busch recognized Caputo’s efforts in a social media post.
“Dr. Caputo doesn’t brag much, it’s not his style, but I celebrate his quiet efforts over these difficult months to do the right thing on behalf of the people with whom we entrust our children,” he said, adding he has witnessed Caputo’s “tireless efforts to put our staff first and give them much needed access.”
“I am proud to say that, as a direct result of Dr. Caputo’s work and in consultation with the hard working staff at Hackensack Meridian Health and JFK Medical Center, every Metuchen Public School District staff member has been given the opportunity to receive or will be scheduled to receive a first dose of the vaccine within the week. I cannot underscore the importance of this effort enough.”
The vaccination collaboration follows the efforts of the district’s COVID-19 testing program for family members of staff and students in addition to the district’s staff and students, which began in January.
Team Vaccine
The borough has launched a new program – TEAM VACCINE – designed by residents to help their fellow eligible neighbors gain access to the COVID vaccine.
A group of dedicated and resourceful residents have been assembled and are willing to help eligible Metuchenites secure an appointment as soon as possible.
For residents who are eligible for the vaccine and would like assistance from TEAM VACCINE, complete the form at https://forms.gle/ZxL1D6bAFcAEFQ8F8. To participate in the program, residents must be currently vaccine eligible and registered with the state’s Vaccine Registry at https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/covid.
For more information, visit: https://ittakesaborough.com and/or e-mail TEAM VACCINE at onemetuchenvaccines@gmail.com.
