Let's Talk TPS

Full Swing

What a wonderful thing to be able to say that all of our clubs, activities, and athletics are in full swing! It has been wonderful to see our students walking to school, eating lunch at picnic tables, playing organized athletic events, and simply being students. We thank all of you for your continued cooperation, which has allowed us to continue offering all of these activities to date.

I want to assure our families that we are aware of the new gun store that has opened near Maugham Elementary School. We, like you, just learned of the new store and understand the concerns. We have been in contact with Mayor Zinna, the Tenafly Chief of Police, and our school administration team. Mayor Zinna has confirmed that all local zoning, and state and federal safety requirements for this type of store have been met and that the store applied for and received licensing from Bergen County. We will maintain communication on this matter with the mayor and police chief and will provide updates should they arise.

On a positive note, we hope that you will take a moment to nominate a teacher or other educational services professional who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference in your students' lives. It only takes a moment to recommend this person for the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program. More details on how to nominate a staff member can be found on the TPS website.

Finally, I hope that you will take a moment to enjoy the fall weather. Enjoy some time with family and friends, picking apples, jumping in leaves, or taking a leisurely stroll to enjoy the foliage. Until next week....

Yours in Education,

Shauna C. DeMarco

Superintendent Tenafly Public School

Give Peace a Chance

As reported previously, Mackay Elementary has been working on its International Peace Day project. This week, the students completed the project, creating flowers that were then used to created a peace sign and flower board. The school-wide art project led by art teacher Kathleen Bracero , was inspired by artist Takashi Murakami. Murakami’s Flowers have made an indelible mark on pop culture and his iconic joyful smiley flowers are an international mainstay. Visit Ms. Bracero's web page to watch the process that created this unique art in celebration of peace.

Tenafly's Got Talent 2021

The Tenafly High School Student Organization announces the 8th annual Tenafly’s Got Talent. A district-wide K-12 talent show. Auditions will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 9th and 10th from 3:20pm to 5pm in THS Room 126. You must register to audition. All Tenafly, Alpine, and Cresskill Students in grades K-12 are encouraged to try out. Click here to sign up and for more information.

THS Marching Band Marches into First Place!

After placing 5th in their division at the USBand's prestigious Yamaha Club competition at MetLife Stadium just one week ago, our THS Marching Band defended their title and marched their way into first place on Sunday, October 10th at the Bergen County Band Invitational at Rocco R. Montesano Athletic Stadium in Bergenfield, NJ. Way to go, Tigers!

Tenafly Public Schools Wins NJSPRA 2021 Award

Tenafly Public Schools received 3rd Place in the NJ Schools Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) 2021 Awards for the Website Category! Congratulations to Christine Corliss and all those who contribute to her management of our website for this prestigious award! The essence of the website category is focus and functionality. As per the NJSPRA, it is “based on overall impression derived from the website, content, clarity, appropriateness and freshness, graphic design including the use of color, fonts and photographs/videos, usability, functionality, navigability and overall depth of information.” We are so proud of this recognition and grateful to everyone who has supported the growth and development of our website over the past year.

Of Concern: Monthly Tik Tok Challenges

As we know, any social media stream has its benefits and concerns. Over the years, Tik Tok has posted challenges to engage students in various activities and then create/post videos of themselves that demonstrate their participation in the challenge, some of which have proven harmful. The monthly challenges currently being promoted are not only harmful but are in violation of school policies. We ask that our families consider speaking with their students to express unified vigilance against these challenges in our schools. Thank you.

October is National Principals Month

Celebrated every October, National Principals Month is an opportunity for district leaders, elected officials, parents, students, teachers, staff, school leaders, and communities to celebrate and honor our incredible principals for their visionary leadership and tireless pursuit of success for each student. Follow us on social media as we continue to highlight our extraordinary principals each week.

COVID Reporting Update

As of October 6th, we are no longer required to report individual COVID cases to the NJDOE. All reports of COVID - for any staff or student - are part of a weekly report now going directly to the Health Department. However, we will continue to update our website dashboard as cases arise within the district.

COVID Quick Look

Since last Wednesday, the district has had no individuals test positive for COVID-19. When a case does arise, the information is communicated to the respective school community on the day it is reported and updates can always be found on the District COVID Dashboard.

Questions/Concerns

Do you have questions or concerns related to your child? Please check the school/teacher websites for helpful information. Not finding what you need? Contact your building principal. They are here to help you and can be reached at:

Mackay School - byoo@tenafly.k12.nj.us
Maugham School - jferrara@tenafly.k12.nj.us
Smith School - dgeorge@tenafly.k12.nj.us
Stillman School - glander@tenafly.k12.nj.us
Tenafly Middle School - jfabbo@tenafly.k12.nj.us
Tenafly High School - jmorrison@tenafly.k12.nj.us