ESTLA BiWeekly Newsletter XIII
Week of February 1, 2021
The Desk of Ms. Taylor and Mr. Rodriguez
Good Morning ESTLA Families,
This month we celebrate and honor the contributions made by African Americans. The story of Black History Month begins in Chicago during the summer of 1915. An alumnus of the University of Chicago with many friends in the city, Carter G. Woodson traveled from Washington, D.C. to participate in a national celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of emancipation sponsored by the state of Illinois. Thousands of African Americans travelled from across the country to see exhibits highlighting the progress their people had made since the destruction of slavery. Awarded a doctorate in Harvard three years earlier, Woodson joined the other exhibitors with a black history display. Despite being held at the Coliseum, the site of the 1912 Republican convention, an overflow crowd of six to twelve thousand waited outside for their turn to view the exhibits. Inspired by the three-week celebration, Woodson decided to form an organization to promote the scientific study of black life and history before leaving town. On September 9th, Woodson met at the Wabash YMCA with A. L. Jackson and three others and formed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). He hoped that others would popularize the findings that he and other black intellectuals would publish in The Journal of Negro History, which he established in 1916. As early as 1920, Woodson urged black civic organizations to promote the achievements that researchers were uncovering. A graduate member of Omega Psi Phi, he urged his fraternity brothers to take up the work. In 1924, they responded with the creation of Negro History and Literature Week, which they renamed Negro Achievement Week. Their outreach was significant, but Woodson desired greater impact. As he told an audience of Hampton Institute students, “We are going back to that beautiful history and it is going to inspire us to greater achievements.” In 1925, he decided that the Association had to shoulder the responsibility. Going forward it would both create and popularize knowledge about the black past. He sent out a press release announcing Negro History Week in February, 1926.
Woodson chose February for reasons of tradition and reform. It is commonly said that Woodson selected February to encompass the birthdays of two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping black history, namely Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, whose birthdays are the 12th and the 14th, respectively. By the late 1960s, as young blacks on college campuses became increasingly conscious of links with Africa, Black History Month replaced Negro History Week at a quickening pace. Within the Association, younger intellectuals, part of the awakening, prodded Woodson’s organization to change with the times. They succeeded. In 1976, fifty years after the first celebration, the Association used its influence to institutionalize the shifts from a week to a month and from Negro history to black history. Since the mid-1970s, every American president, Democrat and Republican, has issued proclamations endorsing the Association’s annual theme. (The mission of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®) is to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community, https://asalh.org).
Additionally, we are approaching the half-way point in the school year, which is difficult to believe. We would like to offer a shout-out to our staff and parents. Our staff continues to work diligently to meet the instructional, social and emotional needs of our students in a variety of ways, at a time when the operations of our schools have changed dramatically. And to our parents, we could not do this work without you. Your continued partnership is valued and appreciated.
And finally, A message from Mrs. Taylor about our NEW Wednesday schedule and Expectations for Virtual Learning...https://prezi.com/v/u2jhckac78c3/. Se ha adjuntado al boletín una transcripción en español de este video.
The next newsletter will be out on Monday, February 15th. Again, should we need to communicate updates that are time-sensitive, you will receive a notice via text, email, and shared on all of our social media platforms.
As always, contact us if you have any questions or concerns, we are more than happy (and) prepared to provide support.
Sincerely,
Ms. Taylor, Principal
Mr. Rodriguez, Assistant Principal
REMINDER:
a. Absence notes are still required when a student is absent from a class or for a day. Notes can be submitted via email or Talking Points to your teacher(s). Please ensure students are keeping their cameras on during live class sessions.
b. Tenga en cuenta que si necesita traducir este documento, haga clic en el botón traducir o haga clic en la figura humana de dibujos animados y haga clic en traducir boletín. If you need this document translated please click the translate button or click on the cartoon human figure and click translate newsletter.
Mrs. Guy, ESTLA Teacher and Author
Mrs. Guy educates and empowers our youth to become productive citizens of their community. With her tenure as a teacher and relationship with her students, she has been able to incorporate the knowledge acquired regarding
pertinent topics -- such as bullying, perseverance, good manners, and positive character traits -- into children’s books. She is passionate about boosting children's self-esteem by creating characters in her stories that allow them to witness people who look like them engaging in positive behaviors and overcoming obstacles. She highlights family experiences that feature her children as the main characters within the context of her classroom.
Books can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, WalMart.com and Target.com.
Mrs. Guy will be releasing the third book in the Charity’s Big Dreams series as well as
another book in February 2021
Charity's Big Dreams
A Lovely Story About A Little Girl & Her Big Dream! Charity is a happy girl who loves history more than anything. One day, her schoolteacher announces a contest with a fantastic prize; a chance for her to visit a place she’s always dreamt of! Now Charity will have to do her best in order to win! However, it’s not that easy; many of her classmates are also excited about winning and have a chance to win too. Will she be able to work hard and claim her lifelong dream? Find out today! “Charity’s Big Dreams” is an adorable children’s book that will help your child realize that, no matter how hard it may seem, hard work and perseverance are the best way to get what your heart desires!
Charity's Big Dreams: Road Trip to D.C.
Mr. Hadrick, ESTLA Counselor and Author
Outside of his work and community service, Mr. Hadrick enjoys spending time with his wife and son.
Cheesesteaks & Clippers
Book can be found on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com
List of Books from African American Authors
1. A Hero Ain’t Nothin But a Sandwich by Alice Childress
2. A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
3. A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks by Alice Faye Duncan
4. A Weed Is a Flower : The Life of George Washington Carver by Aliki
5. Afro-Bets 1-2-3 Book by Cheryl Willis Hudson
6. Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
7. And the Sun God Said: That’s Hip by Ernest Gregg
8. Anna Carries Water by Olive Senior
9. As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds
10. Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions by Margaret Musgrove
11. Aya: The Secrets Come Out: Volume Three by Marguerite Abouet
12. Baby Says by John Steptoe
13. Bad News For Outlaws: The Remarkable Life Of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
14. Beautiful Moon: A Child’s Prayer by Tonya Bolden
15. Bird by Zetta Elliott
Resources
Counselor’s Corner
Resources
- Mobile Crisis 855-634-4673
- Mindfulness-informative page, article, videos and image https://www.mindful.org/mindfulness-for-kids/#parenting https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/mindfulness.html http://mindfulnessforteens.com/resources/videos-mindfulness/
12 Fun Things To Do With Friends And Family Members Over Video Chat https://indywithkids.com/kid-video-chat-activities/
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES https://www.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/public/studentsupport/sel/pubdocs/SEL%20Parent%20and%20Educator%20Activities.pdf
Website for local food pantries www.advocatesagainsthunger.org
And as always, please reach out to us,
Mr. Ernest "Tre" Hadrick, thadrick@nasd.k12.pa.us, 7th & 8th Grades
Ms. Kim Weber, kweber@nasd.k12.pa.us, 5th & 6th Grades
Mrs. Geena Spady, gspady@nasd.k12.pa.us
Centered around working with students who have individual or group counseling in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Curriculum Corner
Additional Digital Resources for parents and students;
Has reading passages in Spanish
Multimedia site to help elementary students improve their reading comprehension, as well as their ability to think and learn across the curriculum - available in English and Spanish
https://www.storylineonline.net/ This website records free videos of narrators, and sometimes well-known actors like Eva Longoria, reading children’s books aloud. Students develop their literacy skills by following along with text as the literature comes alive.
Instructional Support Team
Kathleen Shallow, M.ED
Instructional Support Teacher-Reading
Jason Ryan
Instructional Support Teacher-Math
HEALTH
The Office of Public Health will NOT be accepting any appointments for student required vaccines currently. Please schedule an appointment for required immunizations with your child’s doctor. I will update you as soon as the Department of Health resumes their vaccine clinics. Although this service is unavailable, all 7th grade students continue to be required to receive Tdap and Menactra by age 12. Students can receive these vaccines starting at age 11. Do not forget to send me a picture of your child’s vaccine record to smelsonasd.k12.pa.us or through Talking Points. If you have CHIP or MA you may be eligible to receive medical care and immunizations from: Norristown Regional, 1401 Dekalb St., 610-278-7787.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The Montgomery County Office of Public Health is working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Health in supplying COVID-19 vaccine. The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as large quantities are available. The initial roll-out of the vaccine will be in limited supply and vaccination efforts will focus on those at highest risk for contracting COVID-19 or developing serious illness from COVID-19.
COVID-19 Testing Information
Please use the link below to access COVID-19 testing sites! Scroll to the bottom of the page and simply click your closest site! Most sites are open to anyone who wants to be tested!
https://data-montcopa.opendata.arcgis.com/pages/covid-testing-page
Vision Van
The vision van continues to be postponed until further notice. If you had an appointment with the vision van, we apologize. We will let you know when this service will be available again. Please keep your eye open for an announcement in the future.
Lastly, although we are experiencing pandemic fatigue, please continue to:
Wear your mask.
Stay 6 feet apart.
Wash your hands frequently with soap & water or hand sanitizer.
Stay up to date on other vaccines.
Avoid large gatherings.
I am available Monday-Friday 8;00am-3:30pm by email at smelso@nasd.k12.pa.us. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions concerning your child’s health. I am always happy to help you! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any health-related questions!
Stay Well,
Nurse Melso
Phone: 610-277-8720
Fax: 484-831-1232
Certified School Nurse
Norristown Area School District
Eisenhower Science & Technology Leadership Academy
1601 Markley Street
Norristown, PA 19401
Bilingual Community Liaison/Enlace Bilingüe
This list of resources was created to provide information to parents/families of ELLs in supporting the social emotional needs of their children during and after the COVID-19 crisis. https://www.fordham.edu/info/21065/nysnyc_regional_bilingual_education_resource_network/11496/social_emotional_learning_parents_resources
Here is an additional resource for our Spanish Speaking Families - https://instagram.com/commonsenselatino?igshid=1mng9p7wsplwn
Ms. Vanessa Rivera, vrivera@nasd.k12.pa.us
Tel. (484) 270-2175
ESTLA ext.13799
Online Learning for Parents
NASD Technical Support Desk 610-270-2923
Click here for online resources...https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/domain/589
District Information and Upcoming Events
Update on NASD Phased Return to In-Person Instruction
Please click the link below with a video message providing an update on the District's plans to delay phased return to in-person instruction:
COVID-19 Dashboard
You can review district-level data on COVID-19 via our new dashboard, which is accessible via our website (where you can find other information related to the pandemic and instructional models) https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us.
Rental Assistance Agencies
Montgomery County Housing Authority
1875 New Hope Street
Norristown, PA 19401
Phone: 610-275-5720
Website: http://www.montcoha.org/
The government organization runs the Section 8 Housing Voucher (Subsidy) Program for very low income families. Also provides ongoing self-sufficiency, case management and transitional programs. The Federal Government rental subsidies and vouchers can be used as a form of rental assistance. One component can even help first time homebuyers.
Norristown Salvation Army
533 Swede Street
Norristown, PA 19401
Phone: 610-275-4183
Website: http://pendel.salvationarmy.org/easternpa/norristown
A number of services include emergency rental assistance for qualified families with children. Various other resources, social services and financial assistance are offered, as well as two separate homeless shelter facilities.
Montgomery County Behavioral Health/Developmental Disabilities formerly MH/MR/D&A (Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Drug & Alcohol) Human Services Center
1230 DeKalb Pike
Norristown, PA 19401
Phone: 610-278-3642
Website: http://www.montcopa.org/150/Behavioral-HealthDevelopmental-Disabilit This Montgomery County funded program can help the disabled with a number of needs including rental assistance and one-on-one counseling, as well as mediation on landlord/tenant issues.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, 2/2 5th Grade Math textbook distribution 9am-11am
Wednesday, 2/3 Fifth Grade Math textbook distribution 12:30pm-3:30pm
Wednesday, 2/3 8:00AM -10:00AM Meal Distribution @Gotwals
3:00PM - 6:00PM Meal Distribution @NAHS
Wednesday, 2/10 Second Marking Period Report Card Assembly
Monday, 2/15 Presidents’ Day (No School)
District Home and School Office-Housing Support
2) The Pennsylvania Department of Education has compiled a “Resources for Families” web page that includes a repository of information that could be particularly helpful for students and families. The repository includes topics such as: Applying for Benefits, Child Abuse, Child Care, CHIP, Equity and Inclusion, KinConnector, Mental Health and Well-Being, National School Lunch Program, and more.
Here is the link to the web page:
https://www.education.pa.gov/about/Resources/ResourcesFamilies/Pages/default.aspx
Meghann Radick, M.A.
Home and School Visitor/Homeless Liaison
Norristown Area School District
Family Support Center - Roosevelt Campus
1161 Markley Street
Norristown, PA 19401
610-630-5149 - Office
484-681-1932 - Cell
CATCH Healthy Corner
February is American Heart Month. Our heart acts like a pump for our bodies, circulating our blood so it can carry oxygen to every single cell. Because our hearts are so important, we have a whole month to celebrate and bring awareness to keeping this organ healthy. Here are some ways to keep your heart in good shape:
-Stay active: aim for at least 1 hour of movement each day
-Eat well: choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and water first
-Don’t smoke
-Find ways to distress: listen to music, practice deep breathing, exercise, talk to someone
-Make and keep regular medical check ups
“CATCH” stands for Coordinated Approach to Child Health and is proven to prevent childhood obesity. CATCH schools are committed to helping kids eat foods that are more nutritious and increase physical activity, as both behaviors are important to their health and wellness today and in years to come.
For more information about CATCH, visit www.catch.org.
Norristown SD Gear Up
Resources from our Norristown Gear UP staff
Grow with Cabrini tutoring sessions resumed on Monday, January 11th. Every Monday through Thursday, from 10AM to 11AM, please allow your students to join GEAR UP and Cabrini University student tutors for help with their core subjects and classwork. They can access the Zoom link in the GEAR UP virtual classroom, the morning announcements, or https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85639910641.
GEAR UP evening mentoring and tutoring workshops resumed Tuesday, January 12th. Every Tuesday through Thursday, from 7PM to 8PM, students can GEAR UP for success by receiving tutoring on Tuesdays, mentoring on Wednesdays, and college tours/career exploration on Thursdays. They can access the Zoom link in the GEAR UP virtual classroom, the morning announcements, or https://zoom.us/j/96353469220?pwd=d29Ya01EVzRZRVNBanVSSXRmUnNhdz09.
*Updated Real Essentials Program Information*
GEAR UP is working with Hakim Jones to provide the Real Essentials program for boys. It focuses on healthy relationships and leadership skills. Sessions are remote only for one hour per week. Please contact Hakim Jones 484-744-9040 for more information.
YMWIC is accepting registrations for this school year. Young Men and Women in Charge prepares students for careers in STEM through afterschool and summer programs. They even award scholarships for students who complete the program! GEAR UP is proud to partner with YMWIC to help our students have post-secondary success in STEM fields. For registration information please contact Richard Roberts III at 610-340-2844 or rrobertsiii@ymwicfoundation.org
Your GEAR UP team,
Stacey Sandle, Site Facilitator, GEAR UP
Desiree Dube, College & Career Coach, GEAR UP
GEAR UP is a college and career program that provides 8th and 9th-grade students with free programs and services to encourage post-secondary education.
NASD Website (NASD GearUp)
Instagram (Norristown GEAR UP)
Facebook Norristown GEAR UP)
Twitter (@nGearup)
EXTERNAL WEBSITES WITH CORONAVIRUS/ HEALTH DATA
Centers for Disease Control; https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
PA Department of Health;
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
Montgomery County Office of Public Health;
https://data-montcopa.opendata.arcgis.com/pages/covid-19
World Health Organization;
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
COMMUNITY BOOK DRIVE
Free Book drive and raffle for Families of Norristown on Saturday, February 6th! Select from a variety of Free books at
No Longer Bound Development Center
329 E. Main Street
from 11am - 3pm
MASKS ARE REQUIRED!
Information for Limited-English-Proficient Populations
CDC created this communication toolkit to help public health professionals, health departments, community organizations, and healthcare systems and providers reach populations who may need COVID-19 prevention messaging in their native languages.
This toolkit provides:
- Current messaging from a trusted source.
- Information in plain language available for downloading and sharing.
- Translated materials to help communities disseminate messages to a wider audience.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/communication-toolkit.html
ACLAMO Family Centers
ACLAMO stands for Accion Comunal Latinoamericana de Montgomery County, or the Latin American Community Action of Montgomery County. ACLAMO is also derived from the Spanish verb "aclamar," which means "to proclaim, to shout forth." We want our community to know that they, too, can achieve the American Dream of success.
ACLAMO provides services in three areas: Education, Health & Wellness, and Social Services. The one-stop approach means that individuals/families with diverse needs can receive assistance without having to go to multiple providers
ACLAMO Family Centers
512 West Marshall Street
P: (610) 277-2570
F: (610) 277-6434
ACLAMO Family Centers, a charitable, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, provides educational programs, social services and access to health and wellness programs to Latinos and other community members to empower them to fully achieve their life potential.
RSVP Youth Mentoring Program
Parents/guardians or school guidance counselors refer students in grades 3-6 who would benefit from the support of an adult mentor.
- Our evidence-based program matches thoroughly screened adults with students to form trust-filled connections that help increase the student's social-emotional skills and assist them in planning for their futures.
- During COVID, the pairs will meet virtually, via Zoom, for one hour every two weeks during after school hours.
- The pair will explore topics including goal setting, time management, managing anger and anxiety, and diversity and inclusion using a variety of resources including e-books or videos.
- Mentors are provided with ongoing training (provided by the National Mentoring Partnership and other youth-serving organizations)
- Mentors are required to obtain clearances including criminal background, child abuse, and FBI as well as submitting references.
Link to the RSVP Youth Mentoring Program Parent/Guardian Registration Form and Agreement;
RSVP is 1,200+ individual volunteers with a passion to improve their communities.
501(c)(3) nonprofit with 45 years of program management experience.
Child Guidance Resource Center: PARENT DISCUSSION GROUP
You're invited to a 5-week virtual discussion series for middle school parents/guardians. Join Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Sarah Messina, and connect with other parents as we explore five critical topics for adolescent development. This group is designed to strengthen parent's family management skills and parent-child bonding, while providing support through these unpredictable times. Ask questions, build
community, and learn together!
EMAIL SMESSINA@CGRC.ORG TO REGISTER
CGRC
Inspire hope, empower, and contribute to the well-being of children, families, and adults throughout the five-county Philadelphia region by delivering evidence-informed behavioral health services and community-wide wellness programs.
Immigration Assistance
DO YOU NEED HELP WITH AN IMMIGRATION CASE?
PROJECT LIBERTAD OFFERS LOW COST LEGAL SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH IMMIGRATION CASES.
TO SCHEDULE A CONSULT, PLEASE CALL OR TEXT:
484-302-8551
Mission: Empowering newcomer immigrant youth and their families by providing essential, youth-led and youth-centered legal and social services. We envision a world where all newcomer immigrant youth have access to the legal services, social services, academic support, and leadership opportunities needed to thrive.
Online Expections
Be Responsible
Be Kind
During LIVE Lessons...
1. Cameras MUST be on!
2. Our students are to remain LIVE the entire time.
3. Live lessons are just like being in the classroom, participation is necessary for learning.
We are taking roll during each class. If students log on and keep their camera off or leave the session they will be marked absent for the session. If a student is having connectivity issues or gets kicked out, email the teacher and we will help you out. Absence notes are still required when a student is absent from a class or for a day. Notes can be submitted via email or Talking Points to your teacher(s). Please include Ms. Thompson, sthompson@nasd.k12.pa.us
We mask up for our safety and the safety of others
ESTLA Community practices social distancing
Washing our hands while singing our favorite tune
Eighth Grade Team Contacts
Seventh Grade Team Contacts
Sixth Grade Team Contacts
5th Grade Team contacts
Special Area Team Contacts
English Language Development Team
ESTLA is on social media. Find us online and get updates:
Facebook - Eisenhower Science & Technology Leadership Academy
Twitter - @estlapanthers https://twitter.com/estlaPanthers
Instagram - @estlapanthers https://www.instagram.com/estlapanthers/
YouTube - ESTLA NASD https://rb.gy/yl55bo
Website: https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/
Location: 1601 Markley Street, Norristown, PA, USA
Phone: (610) 277-8720
Facebook: facebook.com/EisenhowerScience&TechonolgyLeadershipAcademy
Twitter: @estlapanthers