Tuscan Tidings
Newsletter, Issue 1, Vol. 16 | 02.11.21
Dear Tuscan Family~
We hope that you will view this newsletter as an informative and useful communication for Tuscan School updates and highlights of student work. In this week’s edition of the Tuscan Tidings we are delighted to feature two Black History Month videos created by two of Tuscan’s talented students from the Mrs. Smith/Mrs. Silvestri 4th Grade Team.
As you know our district is continuing to move forward with the phased in approach to reopening schools. If you would like to submit a request for your child to change from all virtual to hybrid learning please submit the Tuscan Hybrid Return to School Preference Form.
The current deadline is February 22, 2021. If space is available your child will be approved to begin in-person hybrid instruction the week of March 8, 2021.
On March 1, 2021, Tuscan parents should be able to view their child’s approved hybrid change via the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
If you need help accessing or have forgotten your login information, email:parentportal@somsd.k12.nj.us.
There will be another opportunity for parents to request hybrid instruction for their child in April and more information will follow. Additional information can be found here SOMSD Reopening Updates & Resources.
In the meantime, for families with children already in hybrid or interested in choosing hybrid please view the above Video Greetings for information about what to expect if your child’s teacher is absent on a hybrid in person school day.
Although we are continuously adapting to numerous new challenges and limitations, we are eager to support Tuscan families in every way that is possible, please continue to reach out to us via email at ROARforTuscan@somsd.k12.nj.us.
Please know that we are always deeply thankful for your understanding, support and patience.
Be well, stay safe and enjoy the long weekend!
~Ms. Majeed
Sankofa
Sankofa is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. The literal translation of the word and the symbol is “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.”
“Look to the Past to Inform the Future”
The word is derived from the words:
SAN (return),
KO (go),
FA (look, seek and take).
“In order to understand our present and ensure our future, we must know our past.”
https://www.nps.gov/afbg/learn/historyculture/sankofa.htm
https://www.uis.edu/africanamericanstudies/students/sankofa/
If Your Child Is Approved for Hybrid
- Students approved for Hybrid, but remain All Virtual, are still approved for Hybrid and may attend in person whenever families feel comfortable.
- At this time, for attendance recording purposes only, students approved for hybrid in January but remained all virtual are currently coded as virtual in PowerSchool.
- When families are ready for hybrid approved students to attend school in person, please email your child’s teacher and TuscanASAP@somsd.k12.nj.us . At that time we will update PowerSchool to reflect student’s actual in person attendance.
If you need help accessing the PowerSchool Parent Portal or have forgotten your login information, email:parentportal@somsd.k12.nj.us.
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
Please Mark Your Calendar
· February 12, 2021 | Winter Break - Schools Closed
· February 15, 2021 | President's Day - District Closed
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