The Herald
Hoboken Public School District
Superintendent's Sunday Message - March 29, 2020
As I sat here looking out my window at the rain, before drafting this edition of The Herald, I could not help but think about all that I am grateful for in my life. In addition to my family and friends, this school community brings me great joy. While I appreciate all of the gifts that each staff member, student, parent and guardians brings to our Hoboken Public School District Table regularly, I am even more proud of what I am observing right now. I am seeing individuality and collaboration, trepidation yet courage, and community during a time of isolation. I believe that Parker Palmer had it right when he wrote in The Promise of Paradox, "Community is a place where the connections felt in our hearts make themselves known in the bonds between people, and where the tuggings and pullings of those bonds keep opening our hearts."
Today, Mr. Christopher DellaFave, Director of Innovative Programs, will be hosting a Zoom session today (Sunday, March 29th) for all district parents and staff at 4:00 p.m. In this session, Mr. DellaFave will discuss the concept of gratitude and the importance of socially connecting during this period of social distancing. I hope that you have the opportunity to participate.
Christopher Della Fave is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Innovative Programs: Physically Distancing & Socially Connecting
Time: Mar 29, 2020 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/340549875
Meeting ID: 340 549 875
A few additional questions came up last week that I would like to address.
First, I have been asked if we were going to stick with our BOE Approved 2019-2020 District Calendar, including the scheduled spring break or were we going to eliminate spring break and continue with remote learning. The Hoboken Public School District, along with Hoboken's Charter Schools, and the majority of districts across the state are not eliminating spring break. This decision will generate opinions on both sides, however we believe that a dedicated spring break will enable everyone to recharge. While students and teachers are home, we do understand that remote learning brings about its own set of challenges and stressors.
Second, I have been asked if the breakfast and lunch "grab and go" program will continue over spring break. Not only will it continue through spring break (Friday, April 10th through Friday, April 17th), we have also opened this meal program up to any family in need of this meal service, whether or not the child or children qualify for free or reduced lunch. We continue to feed students from the Hoboken Public Schools, each of Hoboken's Charter Schools, and residents of Hoboken that attend County Prep or High Tech.
Third, I have been asked about Gifted and Talented testing, results, and placement for next year. The Assistant Superintendent of Schools will be asking Mrs. Gaudio to organize the results of the CogAT so that they can be analyzed and letters drafted to families. If your child was not able to take the CogAT because he or she was absent, please do not worry. We will ensure that there is a way for him or her to take the CogAT when we return. We are also checking with Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth to see how they have modified their testing window for the SCAT. I will continue to keep everyone updated.
Fourth, I have been asked about the scheduled PK-3 registration that is on the calendar for the week of April 20th. While it is highly unlikely that we will host this registration as originally planned, we are in the process of developing an online registration portal for PK-3 that will open on Monday, April 20th and close on Friday, April 24th. We will not only provided detailed instructions but also develop a schedule for anyone that would like a phone conference for assistance. I encourage you to review the Preschool Information Session PowerPoint. It will provide you with a list of documents that you will need for registration.
Last week, the principals and I discussed the fact that some families may be in need of school supplies, such as paper or pens and pencils, crayons, or even folders. If your family is in need of any of these items, or anything else that your child may need to do his or her remote learning assignments, please email your principal. We will package up supplies that you need and bring them to the food distribution site at Hoboken High School each Wednesday for pick up between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
On Friday, Dr. Cecilia D'Elia hosted a Zoom Session for Kids. Her session was designed to enable students of all ages to ask questions that they may have or even provide some opinions. She plans to host one each week, so even if your child was not able to participate in her first session, he or she can do so this coming week. I will send an invitation link early in the week.
I encourage you to take time to review The Herald. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook too. I will be checking in with my Hoboken School District Families each day via the Herald. I hope that you will also check in with me. If you would like to send me photos of your children hard at work, please do so. I will include them in The Herald.
Stay well. I assure you that I will keep you updated every step of the way. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Johnson
Directions to Access Our District's YouTube Channel: HPS Video Highlights
- Google YouTube
- Click on Videos
- Type in the Search Box: HPS Video Highlights
- Click the red box to subscribe
Special Series On The Growth Mindset By Chris DellaFave, Director of Innovative Programs
Physically Distancing & Socially Connecting with Mr. Christopher DellaFave
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/340549875
Meeting ID: 340 549 875
A Hero Of Our Own
Hoboken Food Pantry
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
As many of you know, I am a mom too. Although my daughter is 24 years old, she continues to ask me questions about the Coronavirus. I provide her with a number of resources daily to read. I fully understand that talking to younger children about the Coronavirus can be difficult and confusing based on the number of messages that are coming your way from news media. I have attached a link that was sent to me by Carrie Ellis that may help make your conversations a bit easier. Click on the link below:
Resource from the Child Mind Institute entitled How to Make a Home Feel Safe
Social Emotional Resources from the County Office
Mental Health Support
The NJ Department of Human Services operates a toll-free “warm line” which is a resource for people seeking mental health service. The warm line is activated during events that impact the mental health of New Jersey residents. The warm line is available 24 hours and has language access; (877) 294-HELP (4357). NOTE: The “warm line” does not replace 911 and is not used to report emergencies.
Emotional Health Activities
2020-2021 Approved School District Calendar
You've Asked and We've Responded
For the Assistant Superintendent, you may email srodriguez@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Below, you will find each school's directory:
Hoboken Public Schools - A District Dedicated to Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships
Our Vision
The Hoboken Public School District will be recognized as a premier educational choice and widely known as a best-practice model for academic growth, high quality instruction, innovative and equitable programs, engagement, facilities and personalized pathways that are essential for college, career and life-preparedness in our ever-changing, interconnected global society.
Our Mission
The Hoboken Public School District will prepare confident and resilient graduates who value academic achievement, embrace challenge, honor diversity, appreciate collaboration, and respectfully contribute to their local and wider communities.
Our District Goals
The Hoboken Public School District will implement a rigorous, relevant and responsive curriculum that meets the needs of all students, fosters personalized pathways for learning, and ensures continuous academic growth.
The Hoboken Public School District will support its diverse staff in professional growth, encourage them to serve as role models, and empower them to provide the highest quality of instruction for our students.
The Hoboken Public School District will develop and implement unique and innovative programs that promote global learning, ensure equitable access, and foster the social, emotional and academic growth of each student.
The Hoboken Public School District will engage and communicate with families and the wider community to bridge understanding and advance partnerships.
The Hoboken Public School District will operate well-maintained and safe facilities that respond to our growing student enrollment, support our academic and co-curricular programs, and promote pride across the city.
Email: district@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Website: www.hoboken.k12.nj.us
Location: 158 4th Street, Hoboken, NJ 07834
Phone: (201) 356-3600
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HobokenPublicSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @HobokenSchools