Tuscan Tidings
Newsletter, Issue 1, Vol. 17 | 02.18.21
Dear Tuscan Family~
Our efforts in planning for the expansion of hybrid in-person learning are moving forward. We are working tirelessly towards the same goal of safely returning all our students, teachers and staff to our beloved Tuscan.
As a reminder, February 22, 2021 is the current deadline for parents to request hybrid learning for their child's in-person return to school. At this time, additional students in Grades K – 2 are scheduled to begin as soon as possible with Grades 3 – 5 to begin the week of April 19, 2021.
If you would like to request a change from all virtual to hybrid learning for your child, please complete and submit the Tuscan Hybrid Return to School Preference Form that can be found in this week’s edition of the Tuscan Tidings.
There will be another opportunity for parents to request hybrid instruction for their child in April and additional information from the district will follow at a later date.
Also included in this week's newsletter is the updated Tuscan School Hybrid Reopening Guide with information regarding the following.
- If Your Child Is Approved for Hybrid and Remains All Virtual (page 2)
- What to Expect If Your Child’s Teacher is Absent on Hybrid In-Person School Days (page 10)
Additionally, we are delighted to feature four Black History Month videos created by Tuscan’s talented students from the Mrs. Smith/Mrs. Silvestri’s 4th Grade Team.
As our district continues to move forward with the phased in approach to reopening schools, we are seeking to do our best to overcome new challenges while adapting to numerous limitations.
Please know that we remain dedicated to supporting Tuscan’s children, teachers and families in every way that is possible. We deeply appreciate your efforts and we are listening with empathy and understanding to problem-solve and address your concerns. We value your insights and carefully reflect on your feedback for our improvement and grow. Please continue to reach out to us via email to ROARforTuscan@somsd.k12.nj.us.
Be well, stay safe and have a wonderful weekend!
~Ms. Majeed
MESSAGE FROM SCHOOL NURSES: PROCEDURE FOR CONTACT TRACING IN THE SCHOOL SETTING
The SOMSD school nurses developed a chart to summarize the response to COVID+ activity in the school community and to provide clarification on school notification procedures.
When a SOMSD staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19, it is the responsibility of that staff member or the parent of the student to notify the principal who notifies the superintendent. The respective local Department of Health (DOH) – South Orange or Maplewood - will be notified immediately. The local DOH, who receives the actual lab report, conducts Contact Tracing. Based on the circumstances of each case, the local DOH provides the District with guidance as to the appropriate and timely notification of staff and families of a confirmed case while maintaining confidentiality.
Click here to view the "NOTIFICATION OF SCHOOL COMMUNITY PROCEDURE" document
Parent Teacher Conferences / Early Dismissal / School Closings
- March 10, 2021 | Evening Conferences 4 Hr School Day | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
- March 11, 2021 | Evening Conferences 4 Hr School Day | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
- March 12, 2021 | Afternoon Conferences 4 Hr School Day | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
- March 29-31 2021 | Spring Break - School Closed
- April 1, 2021| Spring Break - School Closed
- April 2, 2021 | Good Friday - District Closed
2021-22 SY Kindergarten & PreK Registration Now Open
Additional Information & Resources for the Community
TUSCAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The School District of South Orange and Maplewood
Email: ROARforTuscan@somsd.k12.nj.us
Website: www.somsd.k12.nj.us/tuscan/
Location: 25 Harvard Avenue, Maplewood, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-378-5221