As a Matter of Fact!
SOMSD Newsletter | Vol 2. Issue 12 | March 26, 2021

IMPORTANT SPRING BREAK REMINDERS
Dear SOMSD Community,
As we prepare to begin Spring Break, March 29 - April 2 we want to remind families/students of important details and also share some new information. Please see below:
Food Service Distribution
Food Distribution will not be available during Spring Break
Food distribution will resume on Monday, April 5; “grab and go” lunches will be available for pick-up between 12 pm - 2 pm at CHS and Seth Boyden Elementary schools
If you are in need of food support during the break please view additional food support programs & information: https://bit.ly/3w9JAtk
Post-Spring Break - 2 Week District-Wide Virtual/Remote Instruction (April 5 - 16):
The two-weeks after Spring Break will serve as a quarantine period for staff and families after potential travel. Therefore allowing for the return of families who are selecting an in-person hybrid experience for their children
This means that following spring break, all students, across all grade levels, in all schools will have virtual/remote instruction from April 5 - 16;
Scheduling: In order to be as consistent as possible and to lessen the number of transitions for our students all schedules will continue as is during the two-week virtual period post-Spring Break.
Hybrid Instruction will Resume on Monday, April 19
In-person hybrid instruction for students will begin again on April 19 (this includes all Phase 3 students, Pre-K - 2, 6, and 9 as well as any additional grade levels the District will announce for tentative Phase 4 staggered re-entry).
The District will announce updates for Phase 4 during the week of April 5
Parent Agreement Letter of Compliance w/ COVID-19
REMINDER: Any parent/guardian choosing to switch to hybrid instruction must provide an e-signature via Parent Agreement Letter of Compliance with COVID-19 Guidelines in the PowerSchool parent portal. Please submit your e-signature by Tuesday, April 6.
You must use a computer or a mobile device web browser to complete the form. The PowerSchool iOS and Android PowerSchool applications are not compatible with our online forms.
If you do not agree to comply with COVID-19 Guidelines and the agreement is not electronically signed prior to your child's return to school, they will not be allowed in the school buildings and must continue their instruction virtually.
All updates and resources regarding the District's January 2021 return to in-person instruction.
District Events & Important Resources
Please view the Parenting Center in collaboration with community partners' spring support food support programs calendar. Programs are open to all District students and families. Click here to for more information and download flyers: https://bit.ly/3w9JAtk
Spring Holiday Emergency Food Distribution, 4/1Food Distribution event taking place on Thursday, April 1, starting at 9 am, at Essex County Branch Brook Park, Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Newark, NJ. Essex County Executive and the Board of County Commissioners provide a weekly Emergency Food Distribution Event to help those facing food insecurity during these uncertain times. | Essex County COVID Testing Sites COVID-19 Testing Sites for the week of March 30. To make an appointment, visit www.Es sexCOVID.org or call 973 -877-8456. Click here for more information. | April at the Parenting Center: Parent Support GroupJoin the Parenting Center parent support groups taking place during the month of April. Attend one or all of the meetings for any group. Click here to view the Parenting Center flyer |
Spring Holiday Emergency Food Distribution, 4/1
Food Distribution event taking place on Thursday, April 1, starting at 9 am, at Essex County Branch Brook Park, Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Newark, NJ. Essex County Executive and the Board of County Commissioners provide a weekly Emergency Food Distribution Event to help those facing food insecurity during these uncertain times.
Essex County COVID Testing Sites
April at the Parenting Center: Parent Support Group
Join the Parenting Center parent support groups taking place during the month of April. Attend one or all of the meetings for any group. Click here to view the Parenting Center flyer
The SOMSD Covid-19 Dashboard will be updated weekly and will track and reflect positive cases of both virtual and in-person staff and students
SOMSD Calendar of Events
- March 29 - April 2 | Spring Break - School Closed
- April 5 - 16 | District-wide Virtual Instruction (post-Spring Break quarantine)
- April 19 | Hybrid In-Person Instruction Resumes
- April 19 - Virtual Board of Education Meeting - Public Session, 7:30pm