Sussex Star Bursts!
Principal's Corner
A Note From the Principal
I thank you for your continued support, patience, and flexibility during this very atypical school year. I am extremely proud of our accomplishments. Last week we continued to focus on building meaningful relationships with our students. Students who are surrounded by trusting adults are better able to open their hearts and minds to learning. I am grateful for our incredibly dedicated staff.
Our very first fire drill of the 2020-2021 school year was a success. Students and staff exited the building quickly and quietly while maintaining all social distancing guidelines. Excellent job by all!
The supplies are starting to coming in. As previously communicated, I'd like to wait until they are all in to avoid families from scheduling multiple trips.
For virtual learning, teachers are working diligently and purposefully to establish routines that promote rigorous learning opportunities in a virtual world. Last week, videoconferencing tools such as Google Meet were experiencing some global issues. This is to be expected as many, many individuals are utilizing this platform.
As the state continues to open, please be mindful that coronavirus transmission rates are rising both in Morris County and in New Jersey and each of us must be fully committed to taking personal responsibility for the behavior necessary to keep COVID suppressed in our local community. If your children are not feeling well, please keep them home and contact the school nurse.
The Morris School District will continue to share important information on the Coronavirus Update Center and on our MSD Forward pages. If you have any questions, or if I can be of assistance, please contact me at lorri.vaccaro@msdk12.net.
I look forward to our continued partnership and another great week!
In Your Service,
Lorri Vaccaro, Principal
Spirit Week
Acceptable Face Coverings
The CDC recommends cloth face coverings, but disposable masks are also acceptable, as long as the mouth and nose are properly covered. Please do not use masks with exhalation valves. Plastic face shields are not permitted as a substitute, except for students who are exempt from wearing masks due to a documented medical condition or disability. Bandanas, snowboarding gaiters, or other coverings without straps or ear loops will not be accepted.
The above guidelines can be found in the K-5 FAQs (Question 2) as well as on the MSD Forward homepage under Protective Measures for Students and Staff -- Face Coverings. Students who do not have an acceptable face covering as listed above will be provided with a disposable mask. Thank you for your understanding.
This part of the newsletter will have a question or a topic for you to discuss with your child(ren). This can be done on the way to school, on the way to sports practice, before dinner, at bedtime, etc.
Each week there will be a “something to think about” question and a “something to talk about” question. The “something to think about question” is for you as a parent to reflect on for yourself. The “something to talk about” question is for you to discuss with your child. These exercises are meant to stimulate a conversation on race, equity and inclusion in America.
Hablemos sobre raza, equidad, e inclusión
Esta sección del boletín informativo presentará una pregunta o tema para que puedan conversar con sus hijos. Esta conversación puede tener lugar de camino a la escuela, de camino a practicar los deportes, antes de cenar, a la hora de dormir, etc.
Cada semana habrá “una pregunta para reflexionar” y una pregunta “para conversar”. La pregunta “para conversar” es para ayudar a los padres a reflexionar sobre sí mismos. El propósito de estos ejercicios es generar una conversación sobre raza, equidad y la inclusión en América.
Let’s Talk About Race, Equity and Inclusion
Week Two
Parent Reflection Question: Do you think about your race? If so, how often?
Second Question For Child: Do you know what race is? (The term race or racial group refers to dividing the human species into groups. The most widely used human racial types are those based on visual traits such as skin color, cranial, facial features, or type of hair. We often refer to race as: Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Indian, Polynesian). Do you know what race you are?
Segunda semana
Pregunta para reflexionar: ¿Reflexiona sobre su raza? ¿Con qué frecuencia?
Pregunta para conversar con sus hijos: ¿Sabes qué quiere decir la palabra raza? (El término raza o grupo racial se refiere a la división de la especie humana en grupos. El uso más común de tipos raciales comunes se basan en atributos visuales como el color de la piel, rasgos craneales, rasgos faciales, o tipo de pelo). Nos referimos frecuentemente como raza a: personas de color, blancas, hispanas, asiáticas,
Staff Spotlight
The 3rd Grade Superstars!
I am thrilled to be teaching 3rd grade at Sussex Avenue School. This will be my 10th year at Sussex Ave. I feel very lucky to be working in such an amazing community, teaching wonderful students, and surrounded by such dedicated educators.
I grew up in New Jersey, with my parents, two sisters and two brothers. My twin sister, who is also a teacher, works at Hillcrest School in Morristown. I graduated from Rutgers University with a Masters in Elementary Education and Special Education.
In my free time I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy baking, reading, sports, and lots more. I especially love to travel. My favorite city is Chicago, Illinois. I am a huge Chicago Cubs fan and I also love going to Rutgers Football games (during non-social distance times!)
I am looking forward to this school year. I can’t wait to get to know my new students and their families. Although this year will be very different, I am looking forward to making it just as special!
Rebecca Weber
I grew up in New Jersey with my parents, two older sisters, and one younger brother. I attended Morristown High School and then graduated from Rutgers University with my Masters degree in Elementary and Special Education.
When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my four nieces and two nephews. I have a very large extended family in the Morristown area, including over 30 first cousins! I also have a two year old Boxer pup named Butter. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, cooking, playing sports, and spending time with friends.
Mrs. Karasiewicz (formerly Miss Devlin)
Teaching is a passion of mine and I’m delighted to welcome our new Sussex Stars to third grade! This is my eighth year teaching at Sussex Avenue School and it continues to be a pleasure collaborating with my colleagues to foster the intellectual and social development of our students throughout their educational years.
I grew up in New Jersey with my parents, two older sisters (who are also teachers), and my older brother. I graduated from Caldwell University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary and Special Education. I continued my professional development at Fairleigh Dickinson University obtaining a certification in Orton Gillingham.
Family time is very important to me when I’m not at school. My husband and I enjoy spending time with our families, especially our niece and four nephews. I also enjoy traveling, cooking, reading, watching Sunday football with friends, and volunteering.
I look forward to working with you to make this year a success for your child. Our journey with them will be filled with learning, laughter, and fun! I’m thrilled to begin this adventure with our new STARS!
Ms. Tuzzeo
Greetings! My name is Ms. Tuzzeo. I am a third grade teacher at Sussex Avenue School. This is my 25th year teaching at Sussex and one that has already become quite memorable! I have also taught science, fourth grade, and worked as a reading interventionist. I received my bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College and master’s degree/reading specialist certification from Fairleigh Dickerson University.
Sussex is a wonderful school. I have learned so much from my students over the years. Being able to watch my students grow academically and personally is what I love the most about teaching. I have also been very fortunate to work with the most dedicated staff who strive for the best for our students! Parents and guardians, thank you for all your help and support with your child’s education especially during these unprecedented times.
Here’s to an amazing 2020-2021 school year!
Ms. Leeson
I am so excited to be teaching third grade this year! This school year is my 11th year at Sussex Avenue School. I started by teaching fifth grade for 8 years and have taught third grade for the last 3 years. I am beyond excited to be back in person to meet all of my students this year!
I was born and raised in Morristown, New Jersey. My parents still live nearby and I have a sister, brother-in-law, and two-year old niece that live in Denver, Colorado. My husband and I got married in August, and we adopted a dog named Luna. When I am not teaching, I love reading, traveling, hiking, art, animals, and spending time with my growing family.
I went through the Morris School District as a student myself, starting in Kindergarten. For college, I went to Elon University in North Carolina, where I majored in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology.
I have very fond memories of being a student in the Morris School District, which has inspired me as a teacher to help my students succeed in the district as well.
This school year is especially special as I am more excited than ever to learn and be back in a classroom with students. I am here to help your child, as well as his/her family, so please do not hesitate to reach out to me!
Ms. Marvez
My name is Audrey Marvez and I teach third and fourth grade emergent bilinguals. This is my third year teaching at Sussex Avenue School. Prior to teaching full time, I worked as a substitute teacher in the Morris School District. I have a BA in Liberal Arts from William Paterson University and an MA in Teacher Leadership from Rowan University.
It is a pleasure to serve the community and work with students in the Morris School District. I am proud to be a teacher at Sussex Avenue School.
Ms. Gomez
Carina Gomez is the third and fourth grade bilingual education teacher. Her family emigrated from the Dominican Republic and settled in Paterson, New Jersey were she was born and raised. Mrs. Gomez's undergraduate studies include English, creative writing and film making. She began her career in middle school education shortly after earning her bachelor's degree.
After becoming a proud mother of two beautiful children, she continued her education to become a certified ESL/bilingual teacher. Having worked almost ten years in this field, what she loves best about it is the ability to incorporate her creativity and love for encouraging others to the best they can be.
Ms. Rodriguez
Hello! My name is Mrs. Rodriguez. I am a third grade teacher at Sussex Avenue School. This is my 1st year teaching 3rd grade.I also taught Spanish my first 3 years at the Morris School District. I received my bachelor’s degree from William Paterson University.
Sussex is a great school. I have learned so much from my students and colleagues over the years. It’s rewarding to see my students grow academically and personally.I’m so lucky to work with such dedicated staff who strive for the best for our students! Here’s to an amazing 2020-2021 school year!
Ms. Camelotto
Welcome to Third Grade at Sussex! My name is Sally Camelotto and I am the virtual third grade teacher. I went through the Morris School District myself and have been teaching in the district for almost a decade! I was a second grade teacher at Alfred Vail until last year, when I transitioned to an interventionist position at Sussex, and now circled back into the homeroom! I attended the University of Delaware where I received dual certification in Elementary Education and Special Education. I went back to graduate school twice, receiving my Orton Gillingham Certification and Masters in Reading Education. Time will tell if I am finished! Just like we strive to instill a mindset of lifelong learning within our students, I am of the same mindset!
I love to read, travel, teach, hike and be with family and friends. Though we may be off to a very different beginning than usual, know that just as much learning will continue to occur every moment just as any other year! I look forward to working with you and your children, and warmly welcome you to our Sussex community!