The Herald
Hoboken Public School District
Superintendent's Daily Message (Day 17) - April 7, 2020
Today is another beautiful day. I am sending you The Herald early today because there are two Zoom sessions that you may be interested in.
Today and every Tuesday, Mrs. Kate DeCock hosts a kid friendly yoga session at 2:00 p.m. For music, you may follow along with my play list on Spotify (UN kpdecock) and the playlist is zoom II 2020. Or ask Alexa to play relaxing music. For session information, see below:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/354694892
Meeting ID: 354 694 892
Apr 7, 2020 02:00 PM
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Meeting ID: 354 694 892
Find your local number: https://us04web.zoom.us/u/fcbFZzISL
At 4:00 p.m., Dr. D'Elia, Director of our School Based Youth Services Program will be hosting a session for families and children to ask questions about their feelings, share their concerns, and discuss their experiences regarding our current situation. The session will run from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please use the password to join the conversation. Parents of children younger than 10 years old, please remain with your children. It is recommended that you log in ten minutes prior to the session. See the session information below:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/618842038?pwd=bml6S3JZdUdNS0pHWlVNVjI4emthQT09
Meeting ID: 618 842 038
Password: 320693
Yesterday, I put out a "Choice Board Check-In" asking families and staff to share a bright spot from the past week. Here are a few of the heartfelt responses that I received:
- Playing board games, riding bikes and eating ice cream
- Spending time together playing board games
- A short trip to Fairy Trail when there were barely any people around was definitely the highlight. The beautiful vastness after spending most of our time in our apartment was pure magic
- Getting to Zoom with Ms. Ayers class everyday!
- A family bike ride early Sunday while Hoboken was still sleeping in
- Making brownies and watching movies
- Drawing together “The Hulk” on the easel with my 4 year old following Ms. MCGeehin video instructions. She is an amazing teacher. The drawing brought a smile to our family
- One of my students sent me flowers to my house with a note that said “ I miss you so much and hope we can go back to school soon.” It brightened my day!!!
- When my zoom session was finished, one of my students said wait I need to give you a hug goodbye and gave me a virtual hug (by hugging her computer) It warmed my heart and put a smile on my face the remainder of the day
- Seeing the girls’ faces filled with excitement when’s their dad made a big fort for them
- I was able to get my most vulnerable students to submit completed work to fwd to their teachers. Although they have fallen behind for a number of reasons, this was a victory. I also created a quick video for my PLN to deepen their use of Zoom https://youtu.be/yUYRThzd910 'tis cool!
- My husband and I both work and sometimes we set up a date night once a month. We've been having date nights all week. We are finally sitting down and enjoying our time together. So see self isolation isn't all bad.
- Having the opportunity to spend time with my godson, watching him learn with curiosity, noticing his devilish sense of humor and spoiling him rotten. Silver lining during this time. Great idea. Thanks for making me focus on the good.
- A bright spot for our family this past week , was when my wife returned home healthy and safe from every one of her shifts in the ER
- I was able to get everything my family needed and also wash clothes in one day
I hope that those responses make you feel as good as they make me feel. I have included the second day of my "Choice Board Check-In" below in a Google Form. I hope that you take a moment and respond. Sharing connects all of us! So, share a moment from today that put a smile on your face...
Since I am sending The Herald out early, all of the videos that are normally present are not included. Therefore, I will be sure to include them tomorrow. I encourage you to take time to review The Herald each day. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook too. There is a Board of Education Meeting tonight. If you would like to watch the meeting live on Youtube, please go to our YouTube Channel (HPS Video Highlights). If you would like to make a comment during the public portion of the meeting, please email Ms. Victoria Lopez for information between 11:00 a.m. today and 6:45 p.m. tonight. 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
Daily Messages from our Early Childhood Supervisor and Principals
Hoboken Middle School's Virtual Band
Daily Theater Activities with Ms. Miller
The Kwok Family Contributes to Flattening the Curve
Taking Advantage Of This Beautiful Day To Work On The Back Porch
Namaste with Dr. A ~
Meditation with Ms. Ellis, School Social Worker
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:
COVID-19 Resources
What is Social Distancing?
We have heard of Social Gatherings, Social Media and Social Interactions, but Social Distancing? Social and distance do not seem like two words that go together. Social distancing seems like an oxymoron, like Jumbo Shrimp! The point of being social is to encounter other individuals. But in times like these, where direct contact is discouraged, how do we connect and continue to be social while still distancing ourselves?
Social distancing is reducing the direct contact with others who are not within your home. Keeping a distance of 6ft between you and others who do not live in your home and reducing your time spent in public areas. Even those who are part of your family but do not live in your home, like grandparents, should avoid close contact in order to prevent the spread.
So how can we continue to keep our sanity by social distancing but still feel social? Here is a list of some activities to incorporate into your day to feel social and to do your part in flattening the curve.
Use facetime, zoom, or just a regular phone call to connect with friends and family!
If you are using facetime or zoom, have a dance party, tell jokes, sing with each other, host a cooking lesson (if approved by your parents).
Some people still have to go to work to keep us safe in hospitals, work in our food stores, and drive the trucks to deliver our packages and food so even though we are spending most of our time inside, you can draw pictures or make signs for your windows to thank them! A simple thank you note goes a long way!
Explore and travel!! You ask, how? Many museums, zoos, and travel companies have free virtual tours online so check out the penguins, famous works of art or view other countries around the world, all from the comfort of your home.
Craft project: Make a passport and fill it with all the places you explore
Learn a new language! Many activity websites are teaching, for free, language courses so pick a new one and then facetime with your friends and try to teach them!
Don’t forget to laugh and smile and keep moving around and even though we have to be separated from others while outside, getting outside for a walk if you can daily, is very important.
Stay Healthy,
Nurse Beyer & Nurse DeMatteo
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