EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
Central Office Communications: Week of February 21, 2021
OUR CURRENT REALITY
Dear EHT School Community,
As we move toward the end of February, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with information regarding the “EHT Road Forward” plan to move toward additional in-person learning opportunities for students.
During the last two weeks, building principals conducted School Pandemic Response Team meetings with their stakeholders to discuss our current, hybrid model and ideas for increasing in-person learning time. The information and ideas gathered from these meetings were shared with the District Pandemic Response Team on Friday, February 19th. The District Pandemic Response Team participants included all district administrators, the EHTEA Union President, and our school physician, Dr. Petrucci, with special guests Dr. Manish Trivedi and Ms. Gemma Downham, medical professionals from Atlanticare’s Infectious Disease Division, and four board members.
The District Pandemic Response Team meeting included an overview of the timeline of events dating back to August 2020, a presentation by Dr. Trivedi and Ms. Downham of mitigation resources and innovative models for increasing in-person learning, and group collaboration of ideas for increasing in-person learning time. Dr. Trivedi and Ms. Downham, briefed the District Pandemic Team on the Coronavirus, its variants, the transmission, prevention guidance, CDC guidance, county activity level, mitigation measures, the importance of social distancing to the greatest extent practicable, wearing of masks, use of PPEs, ventilation, and hand hygiene. After hearing their presentation, we were filled with a sense of reassurance that the information provided by the doctors concurs with our knowledge and understanding of COVID-19. The presentation indeed supports our decision making process.
In case you have not followed our journey thus far, here are a few links to the Superintendent’s Corner where you can find Superintendent updates, District Newsletters and Board of Education meetings and highlight videos, as well as our Road Back to School plan.
As a result of the District Pandemic Response Team Meeting, we are creating the EHT Road Forward, our plan to create more in-person learning opportunities for students K-12. We request your patience as we move forward, finalizing the plans and reviewing them with stakeholders (transportation, cafeteria, facilities, etc..) over the next few days. In order to move forward, we need accurate student data. Therefore, we will be releasing a survey via our Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Because this survey will be connected to a parent/guardian of an Egg Harbor Township student, this survey will be deemed relevant and reliable to our data collection and decision making for increased in-person instruction. Please note, you will always receive notification from us if and when we send out an official District survey. Surveys posted on social media sites are not official District surveys, they will not be considered by the school district. We will communicate with you directly when the survey is posted and ready for your response.
All of us in the Egg Harbor Township School Community are working hard to “Move Forward” and provide increased in-person learning opportunities for students, in a safe environment meeting the standards of the Road Back Plan, Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 175 and New Jersey Department of Health Guidance. We have been engaged in this process since August of 2020 by continuously staying abreast of the guidance that governs New Jersey public schools, following the data, and making decisions that are best for Egg Harbor Township. While we are moving forward, it is important to remind everyone of the importance of teamwork in our school community. Teamwork is defined as: Cooperation between those who are working on a task; the willingness of a group of people to work together to achieve a common aim. I am confident that with respect, understanding, and teamwork, our school community will come together to meet the needs of all of our students.
I look forward to working together! #EHTPride
Yours in Education,
Kimberly A. Gruccio, Ed.D
Superintendent
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
- Martin Luther King Jr.
#EHTREADY
Students in Egg Harbor Township are #EHTReady to come back to school. Here is an #EHTReady Video Playlist that we invite you to view and share with your child!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7-frtReHZMPYOk_Rm3qtlRyYz3RXGAjB
COVID-19 WEBPAGE and RESOURCES
Covid-19 Parent Resource Webpage
For the latest parent resource information, announcement and quick links visit: https://www.eht.k12.nj.us/c_o_v_i_d19_-_parent_resources_and_information
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
MAKING HISTORY: PRE-K EXPANSION BEGINS
TALONS PROGRAM WELCOMES PRE-K
The TALONS program is proud to welcome Full Day Pre K. Space is limited. Please complete the enrollment form no later than Monday, January 25, 2021: http://mvnt.us/m1182392
ONE STOP SHOPPING FOR EHT ED TECH
The EHT IT Department and Professional Development Committee have teamed up to bring an all-in-one Education Technology website for students, faculty, and families. Visit the website here: https://ehtedtech.weebly.com/
MORE SELF HELP VIDEOS...
- USE OF GOOGLE CALENDAR to BOOK APPTS. w/ STAFF: Students can book one-on-one appointments with counselors, CST/YST members, or even their classroom teachers. Here is a brief tutorial on how to book appointments in Google Calendar with staff appointment slots: https://youtu.be/-SJFfya0WGo
- GOOGLE CLASSROOM: VIDEO RESOURCE: Need help joining your Google Classroom? This video explains how to find your EHT School District Google Classroom codes and how to add or "join" an active Google Classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzvUOJKkh3k&feature=youtu.be
- GOOGLE MEET & GOOGLE CLASSROOM: For students looking to join their class for a live Google Meet session, this is a step by step of video of how to lactate and join the Meet from Google Classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=i6lgBOh1YpU&feature=youtu.be
- ACCESSING STUDENT EMAIL (GRADES 6-12): Egg Harbor Township School District now offers an internal email address for students in grades 6-12. This video will demonstrate how to access student email from the district website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVutLPNRs9I&feature=youtu.be
- BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS FOR REMOTE LEARNING: This video offers some basic troubleshooting tips for those using a Chromebook or their own device in the virtual environment: http://mvnt.us/m1154434
- GOOGLE RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS: Google for Education has a resource for parents/guardians to learn and navigate the Google Tools. Take a look at this pdf and click on the embedded links for tutorials and more: http://mvnt.us/m1112980
CLIMATE & CULTURE
The culture of our schools includes our school improvement efforts to increase student achievement for ALL students. Where with Every Hand Together, Every child, Everyday is provided a relevant learning experience. Through professional development opportunities we are building an effective learning culture where students are provided a safe learning environment. Our teachers collaborate in professional learning communities to review student progress in order to provide ALL students with the opportunity to learn at high levels. We have a district -wide initiative that includes individualized interventions through the RTI process to assist ALL students with learning. We know that in order to successfully educate each student, we must be cognizant of each student’s individual learning needs. This can only be accomplished if we work together to eliminate any predictability of achievement disparities by race, ethnicity, gender, language, disability, and/or economics. All faculty and staff participated in equity training during our professional learning days. The high school multicultural club will be preparing to join the district equity committee to participate in collaborative discussions and event planning. Together, we can achieve more!
#EMBRACE
2021-2022 TEACHER & EDUCATION SERVICE PROFESSIONALS VIRTUAL RECOGNITION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Each day is kicked off at 7:30 am with a member of our school community stating the pledge. Every morning, I look forward to seeing who the guest presenter is and you can too by following our social media pages! @EHTNJSchools
Featuring Renee, Marie, Joshua & Judith.
SCHOOL MESSENGER REMINDER!
JUST SEND "Y" or "YES" to 67587
EHT PARENT PORTAL ACCOUNT SET-UP
- Do you need an EHT Parent Portal account?
- Do you have access to log-in?
- Not sure how to request a Parent Portal account?
Follow the easy steps outlined in this video. Check out this short video to learn how to request an account. https://youtu.be/bL1Qqs8sNm4
INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL: ACCESS to GOOGLE CLASSROOM & MOBYMAX INFO.
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION: UPDATE!
See the following link for a daily list of resources: http://www.mhaac.info/uploads/3/4/4/8/34488857/mhaac_virtual_schedule_may_2020__updated_.pdf
SOCIAL DISTANCING SHOULDN’T MEAN SOCIAL ISOLATION
The NJ Department of Children and Families have compiled a list of resources available 24/7. Visit http://mvnt.us/m1157179 for more information.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT & RESOURCES
As time passes, it can become difficult staying at home day in and day out. Some days may be easier than others in dealing with this national pandemic amongst other issues. Please know that our guidance counselors, social workers, student assistance counselors, school nurses, and our High School Teen Center serve as available resources daily to assist with any concerns, fears, and/or anxieties. Our district website and school websites provide contact information or call 646-7911 x 1001.
Atlantic County Division of Public Health: “The Source” (linked)
Student resource card (Spanish/English)
EVERY HAND TOGETHER: PURSUING PUBLIC HEALTH
Every Hand Together: Pursuing Public Health: The following link is a playlist from Every Hand Together: Pursuing Public Health and a conversation with Mr. Santilli, Assistant Superintendent and Monique Corbitt from Avanzar discussing the topic of Dating Violence. http://mvnt.us/m1116217
PPH: Dating Violence with Monique Corbitt from Avanzar (linked and below).
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
DONATE NOW TO SUPPORT AN INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND
The students at Davenport school need your help to build an inclusive playground. The Community Partnership of Egg Harbor Township has begun a fundraising effort to support ALL the students at @ehtnjdavenport. To pledge your support, click the link here: http://mvnt.us/m1181036 @communitypartnershipEHT
GET A FLU SHOT!
Protect yourself and your community. Get a flu shot! Learn more at www.powertoprotectnj.org #powertoprotectNJ #fightthefluNJ
NJ DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID APP
STOCKTON OFFERS FREE VIRTUAL HOMEWORK COMPLETION PROGRAM
Stockton University's Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning is running a Virtual Homework Completion Program. For more information, visit https://stockton.edu/engagement
ATTENTION ALUMNI: YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A SUPERHERO!
The Egg Harbor Township High School Eagle Eye Newsletter is looking for alumni who are interested in being featured in an upcoming edition of the online publication. If you have a personal or professional accomplishment, a unique adventure or just something other EHTHS alumni may find interesting, please email:
COMCAST INTERNET ESSENTIALS
omcast will continue offering 2 months of free service to new Internet Essentials customers in response to emergency measures associated with COVID-19. For all new and existing customers, the speed of the program's Internet service has increased. Visit www.internetessentials.com/covid19 for more details.
JOB OPENINGS
For more information you can see all job openings and apply online at: https://www.applitrack.com/eggharbor/onlineapp/
EHT TRANSPORTATION: JOB OPENINGS
BECOME A SUBSTITUTE WITH EHT!
We're hiring for rewarding opportunities in Egg Harbor Township School District! To apply, visit https://bit.ly/3gGjAxX
UPDATED: MEAL DISTRIBUTION: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021
For questions about @ehtnjschools meal distribution, please call or email: 609-383-1464 or beckt@eht.k12.nj.us.
Our EHT Food Service Program will be providing free breakfast and lunch for all students on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021. We will be distributing food on Tuesday which will include 7 days of breakfast and lunch. In order to reach as many of our EHT families as possible, we are also now providing DELIVERY to several areas in the township. Please access all the images in this post to view the meal distribution stops and times. Additionally, the PICK-UP times at Davenport, Alder, and the High School are as follows...
EHTHS --> 8:00am - 11:00am
Alder --> 9:00am - 11:30am
Davenport --> 9:30am - 12:30pm
Nuestro Programa de Servicio de Alimentos EHT proporcionará desayuno y almuerzo gratis para todos los estudiantes el LUNES 22 DE FEBRERO DE 2021. Estaremos distribuyendo alimentos el lunes que incluirá 7 días de desayuno y almuerzo. Con el fin de llegar a la mayor cantidad posible de nuestras familias de EHT, ahora también estamos brindando ENTREGA a varias áreas del municipio. Acceda a todas las imágenes de esta publicación para ver las paradas y horarios de distribución de comidas. Además, los horarios de RECOGIDA en Davenport, Alder y High School son los siguientes.
EHTHS -> 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Alder -> 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Davenport -> 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Atlantic County Food Bank Resources
Free & Reduced Meal Program Information
THE NEST SCHOOL STORE IS ONLINE & OPEN!
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
The Egg Harbor Township Board of Education will be meeting, in person, on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 25 Alder Avenue, Egg Harbor Township at 7PM.
For members of the public that do not wish to attend the meeting in person, the meeting will be live-streamed via the EHT School District website through the above video player.
The public will be able to participate in public comment in-person (limited capacity) or by calling 609-653-0100 ext 1417 at the appropriate time. In addition, the Board will also be accepting e-mail and written comments on agenda and non-agenda items up to 4pm Monday, February 22, 2021.
You may e-mail comments to PublicComment@eht.k12.nj.us or mail them to Board Secretary at 13 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234. Comments will only be read aloud if they are received by 4pm Monday, February 22, 2021 and they include the name and home address of the sender in the e-mail and adhere to the three minute time limit.
Please note, we do not discuss confidential student matters during the public portion of the meeting and public members seeking a response on such items should e-mail the Superintendent separately. The Board reserves the right to not respond to any particular comment, and to not read aloud comments which are profane, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate under the Board’s bylaws. Please be further advised, that by reading e-mails during the meeting the Board does not endorse, or intend to endorse, any statements made during the public comment periods and the person submitting such statement is responsible for any statements found to be slanderous, defamatory, or in violation of the law.
*Please anticipate a 30-second delay for the broadcast to reach the stream.
ATHLETICS/FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS/ACTIVITIES
LIVE STREAMING VARSITY SPORTS
The Egg Harbor Township School District, in conjunction with EHT TV, is currently live streaming all varsity winter sports to support our community, families and students. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines by NJSIAA, spectators are not permitted to attend in-person, so instead we will bring the games to you no matter where you are. All live streaming can be accessed at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ehtsports
EARNED THOSE STRIPES!
Out in the stadium, the finish line is in and the last lap of installation was completed. Things are looking wonderful and much more safe!
Please note that the High School fields and stadium are closed during this time of virtual learning. If you need any assistance, please contact our athletic director, Mr. Pellegrino.
MESSAGE TO OUR STUDENT ATHLETES AND FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
We are very excited to announce that in accordance with Governor Murphy’s executive order, we will welcome the parents of our student athletes to attend indoor winter sporting events. In accordance with the NJDOH and NJSIAA recommendations, Egg Harbor Township High School will be allowed to invite two parents or caregivers per athlete to attend our contests in the gym and/or pool. Our attendance protocol will be aligned to the New Jersey Department of Health’s Guidance for Sports Activities and will include a health screening. More will be shared by our athletic department as we have prepared our facilities to accommodate fans. The attendance requirements of other high schools will vary due to the size and restrictions of their school and/or district as the attendance limit is 35% of the room’s capacity or 150 people total. Please be reminded that it is important for us all to work together to follow the NJDOH and NJSIAA guidance for safety so that our student-athletes can safely enjoy their winter season.
For those who are not permitted to attend, we are live-streaming competition and games can be viewed by our #EHTPride fans and families. Look for the link on our social media sites and webpage.
To all the athletes- thank you for your commitment to serving your passion and our high school! I am proud of you!
Good Luck Eagles!
#EHTPride #EHTStrong
Dr. Gruccio
NJSIAA:
- Mental Health of High School Athletes - Part 1 (linked)
- NJSIAA Announces Spring Sports Plan (linked)
- NJSIAA 2020-2021 Winter Update (linked)
- November: Winter Sports Return to Play Update (linked)
- 10-29-20: NJSIAA Misinformation on Wrestling (linked)
- October 2020: COVID-19 Winter Sports Return to Play Update (linked)
- 9-17-20 NJSIAA Media Guidelines/Fall 2020 Season (linked)
- 9-16-20 NJSIAA Announces Postseason Football Plans (linked)
- NJSIAA WEEKLY UPDATE MEMO: 9-4-20 (linked)
- NJSIAA Covid-19 Fall Season Guidelines (linked)
8-28-20 NJSIAA revises guidelines related to transfers and spectators attending games (linked)
8-25-20 The Case for High School Sports (linked)
8-20-20 NJSIAA Updates Plan for Returning to Play (linked)
- NJSIAA builds on Return To Play plan, provides updates on fall sports season
- NJSIAA provides return-to-play guidelines - Phase 1
NCAA
- If you are a student athlete you can visit the following NCAA COVID-19 Resource page
- NCAA Social Series: “Focusing on Mental Health”
- NCAA Eligibility Center COVID-19 Response FAQ Addendum (linked)
WEEKLY DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS
Each week our principals share an update on what is happening in their respective schools. Check out the Weekly Digital Newsletters linked below.
Week of February 14, 2021
G&T Times (January/February 2021)
EHT Media Specialists (February 2021)
EHT Nursing Services (February 2021)
ABOUT US
EMBRACE-ENGAGE-EDUCATE
Email: ehtsd@eht.k12.nj.us
Website: www.eht.k12.nj.us
Location: 13 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 609-646-7911
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EHTNJSchools/
Twitter: @EHTNJSchools