Folsom Weekly Update
April 8th
Message from Dr. Mazzoni
Dear Folsom Team,
Below you will find the latest news coming out of the Department of Education along with staff shout-outs from parents.
I wish everyone a wonderful day; be sure to get outside this afternoon to enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures. Happy Easter and we will see everyone back ready to go next Wednesday!
New Executive Orders by NJ Governor Murphy
For the 2019-2020 school year, student growth data shall not be used as a measure of educator effectiveness in the overall evaluation of any educator. This is due to state assessments, NJSLA, being suspended for this year.
Secondly, the statutory requirement of three observations and evaluations for all non-tenured teaching staff as outlined in N.J.S.A. 18A:27-3.1 is waived for the 2019-2020 school year.
NJTV Learning Live for Students in Grades 3-6
Starting on Monday, April 6, children throughout New Jersey will be able to tune into NJTV, New Jersey’s public television network, for NJTV Learning Live, a program featuring lessons taught by New Jersey teachers.
The initiative, designed to advance learning during the statewide school closures caused by the COVID19 pandemic, was created through a partnership between NJTV, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).
“This is a great example of how New Jerseyans are coming together, from educators to broadcasters, to help improve student learning throughout the state,” said Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet. “This partnership demonstrates the kind of commitment and idealism that epitomizes throughout New Jersey’s school community.”
Each weekday, NJTV Learning Live will offer four programs for grades 3 to 6. Third-grade instruction begins at 9 a.m.; fourth-grade programming is at 10 a.m.; fifth grade is 11 a.m.; and sixth-grade instruction begins at noon. Subjects will include English language arts, math, science, social studies, and a “special” such as art, music or physical education.
Each hourlong segment features a lesson recorded by a teacher from his or her home. The NJEA is working with the NJDOE to invite teachers to participate in the broadcasts, with the initial outreach attracting more than 200 educators who volunteered to provide instruction.
“Nothing is better than face-to-face instruction given by a teacher in the classroom, but while we are all doing our part to flatten the curve, NJEA members are also looking for every opportunity to help students keep learning,” said NJEA President Marie Blistan. “These lessons will provide valuable enrichment and supplement what students are already getting from their own teachers. They will also showcase the amazing work that our educators continue to do every day, even in the middle of a pandemic.”
Staff Shout-Outs from Parents
"I want to thank you for today. Taking some of the load off me. You've been great through this whole process. I can manage if you can't do the video meetings every day, But it was fun to watch him light up when he was on with you today. I think he misses you. Anyway thanks for all that u do for him."
Thanks for all your efforts to keep the kids engaged. I know she enjoys her morning connection with you and classmates. It makes her feel connected and not missing you as much.
Thank you for all you do for my kid and your other students. This “new normal” is quite an adjustment and as a fellow educator I just want to say I’m continually impressed with your guidance and flexibility with everything. Your patience with our daughter, Gianna, is so appreciated. When this is over, I’ll buy you a cup of coffee or beer if you prefer.
Respectfully,
Matthew Mazzoni, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Curriculum
BSI/GATE Progress reports were mailed out on Friday, April 3, 2020 (Thank you Denise )
Math Teachers in Grades K-5:
If you had not already set your curriculum for ST Math to be viewable from home, I went into each classroom and made the entire curriculum visible from home. This platform now can be used remotely to supplement your math instruction. Reflex Math should also be utilized as an online fact fluency tool to keep students math facts fresh in their minds.
ELA Teachers in Grades K-5:
I encourage you to use RAZ kids as a way to check for students' comprehension skills and build fluency. Kacey shared another platform, Really Great Reading, a program that aligns to our Fundations program. Please reach out to Kacey and Stephanie to learn more about this platform.
Kristin is utilizing a program entitled STEMfuse. This is an online platform that lends itself to STEM activities but has so much more to offer. If you would like to check it out the link is: https://stemfuse.com/.
Another platform shared by a few teachers is EPIC https://www.getepic.com/. This is a digital library for students 12 and under. You can sign up for a free account and use it for audio books and other activities.
Middle School and Special Area Teachers are utilizing Google Classroom and Remind app to communicate with students and collect assignments. I am working with Vicki Dugan, our literacy coach, to create webinars and remote ways to support teachers in the area of writing. I will be sending out more information after break.
I would like to applaud all teachers and support staff members on sharing different platforms and creating tutorials on how different apps are being used. There are so many things you all are doing, I could not even begin to list them all. You all have come together in a very uncertain time to encourage students, create lessons and broaden your professional knowledge with online learning. Thank you for all of your creativity, positive energy and collegial support. Being invited into your Google Classrooms has allowed me to see the diversity in your lessons, dialogue with students and materials you are all supplying students with to ensure their success in learning.
I hope everyone has a Happy Easter and stay safe! “See” you all next week.
Michele Hetzel
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Weekly Events
April's Character Trait is....Humility!
Spirit Wear
Happy Birthday to you!!
11th Debora DeRosa
13th Lisa Smith
15th Janet Weldon