A school for special education students in Parlin is adapting to changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The New Road School serves about 100 students from ages 5 to 21 who have learning, language and social challenges.

It had to close its doors in March and go all virtual, but is now open for in-class instruction this year, with smaller class sizes and new safety protocols.

The school also has some changes to its valuable student mentoring program that News 12 got the chance to witness in February. Students at Immaculate Conception in Spotswood went to New Road School once a month to promote peer learning – and students from both schools got a lot out of the program.

While the program is on hold for now, in addition to virtual meetings, the school is considering a possible pen pal exchange with students from Immaculate Conception to keep their bond strong.