ESTLA January Family Newsletter
JANUARY 2022
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FROM THE DESK OF MS. TAYLOR AND MR. RODRIGUEZ
Dear ESTLA Families,
First, we want to wish you a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year! We are ready to do the work to ensure our students find success for 2022 and beyond.
We start the new year celebrating Ms. Winterbottom, 7th Grade Science Teacher and Co-Coordinator of ESTLA Courtyard and Library Initiative and the Grant she secured for the continued efforts we are making with our Educational Courtyard and expansion of our Library Center. ESTLA received over $48,000 from the Museum of Science & Industry of Chicago for our efforts and innovation of our STEM initiatives. Great things continue to happen for our school which reflects the importance of Science, Technology and Leadership.
As we honor and celebrate the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who lived his life serving others, we ask our families to build our Community through service. Commit to a month of service by serving our school, a local shelter, or lending a hand to help our neighbors – we bring to life his vision of neighbors working together to build a better future.
The new year has also brought some increased cases of CoVid, so we are asking families to prepare to be flexible and provide grace as we navigate the potential to pivot to online lessons at any moment. Additionally, January, February and March bring in some snow, but once again, we are prepared to shift to online.
REMINDER: Our doors open at 8:00am, students should be in their homerooms and ready for the School Day by 8:20am.
We would like to take this moment to ask all of our families to assist us in ensuring students are arriving and departing our campus safely. We are asking;
DO NOT drop students off in the middle of the street or across the street. YOU CAN ONLY DROP STUDENTS OFF IN THE LOOP (Picture and diagram below). The cars traveling the street in front of our school (Coolidge and Markley) do not always stop nor follow the designated speed limit.
When an opportunity presents itself please walk with your students to and from school. This ensures they are making good decisions as they pass our neighbors. Family presence is a key factor in demonstrating we are partners in caring and growing our children.
Upcoming Events:
Monday, January 17th District Closed in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, jr.
Friday, January 21st End of Second Marking Period
Tuesday, January 25th EARLY DISMISSAL
Friday, February 11th EARLY DISMISSAL
In service,
Christina Taylor, Principal, ctaylor@nasd.k12.pa.us
Mr. Joseph Rodriguez, Assistant Principal, jrodriguez@nasd.k12.pa.us
PS
We are always in need of masks. If you would like to donate masks, please have your student drop them off at the Main Office.
Safe2Say
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
REMINDER: PER SCHOOL DISTRICT REQUIRMENTS, ALL STUDENTS AND GUESTS VISITING NASD BUILDINGS MUST WEAR A MASK
I. PLEASE NOTE: It is strongly encouraged that students have extra masks with them.
-If you are willing we are accepting donations of disposable masks in case
a student looses a mask.
II. CHROMEBOOKS and CHARGERS MUST come to school everyday in a backpack. If Chromebook is broken or not working, please send into school.
Additionally, please monitor your students phone time! Be aware of all their passcodes and what social media applications they are using. Many incidents seem to derive from posting on Instagram, and SnapChat.
III. SCHOOL UNIFORMS-MANDATORY
Eisenhower is a FULL uniform School. Our uniforms are light/navy or white collared (polo) or button down shirts, Blue or Khaki pants/skirt/skort/shorts. Jeans are NOT Allowed! Students should wear a belt if needed. Sneakers are best, but NO open toe shoes, slides, flip flops, slippers without rubber soles. Gym uniforms can be purchased via our website. Those students who do not purchase a gym uniform can wear blue shorts/sweatpants (not jeans) and a white or blue shirt to school on those days they have gym class. Please keep accessories to a minimum. During the colder months, students may wear a sweatshirt.
STUDENTS MUST BE IN UNIFORM OR A CONTACT HOME WILL BE MADE TO BRING IN UNIFORM
ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL
1) GRADE ENTRANCES DURING ARRIVAL;
5th Grade = Enter through Middle Door (Number 2), next to Main Entrance
6th Grade = Enter through Door (Number 6) Near Gym
7th Grade = Enter through Door (Number 10) Back parking lot-next to loading dock
8th Grade = Enter through Door (Number 16) Back Parking Lot Door
DOORS WILL OPEN DURING REGULARLY SCHEDULED TIME...8:00AM.
+++PLEASE NOTE YOU ARE CONSIDERED LATE AFTER 8:20AM+++
IF YOU ARE DROPPING OFF YOUR STUDENT, PLEASE FOLLOW THE MAP FOR OUR CAR LOOP (map with red directional path).
ALL STUDENTS SHOULD BE DROPPED OFF IN THE LOOP AND THEY WILL WALK TO THIER DESIGNATED DOOR.
PLEASE DO NOT STOP/IDLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. DRIVE YOUR CAR TO THE LOOP. THIS IS FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR STUDENTS!
**SRO PETERSON WILL BE PATROLING AND CITING VEHICLES THAT DISREGARD TRAFFIC LAWS.**
2) DEPARTURE;
We will be dismissing our Buses and Vans first. We have unique situations and strict safety protocols...DO NOT PARK, STOP AT ANY TIME IN FRONT OF OUR BUILDING! From the corner of Coolidge/Markley to the entrance of our LOOP. **SRO PETERSON WILL BE PATROLING AND CITING VEHICLES THAT DISREGARD TRAFFIC LAWS.**
IF YOU ARE PICKING UP YOUR STUDENT, PLEASE FOLLOW THE MAP FOR OUR CAR LOOP. (map with red directional path)
HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.'s LEGACY
ABOUT THE KING CENTER
OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN ABOUT DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
HISTORY Classroom offers resources for families and their students including education guides, learning tools, and links to educational content.
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/martin-luther-king-jr
NASD ELECTRONIC ABSENCE FORM LINKS
Electronic absent notes have gone digital. An electronic absence form has been created in English and Spanish, and both are now available. I have attached the links to both forms below. The form is to be completed by parents/guardians within 3 days of the absence. The link to the English absence form can be found under the Parent's tab on the district's website. The District is working on posting the Spanish absence form link to the website.
Absence Form Link - English
https://app.informedk12.com/link_campaigns/attendance-excuse-english?token=cpUEnrd5scrfRS87wPTKSikF
Absence Form Link - Spanish
SCHOOLOGY INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES AT ESTLA
You can register for a Schoology account following these steps:
Sign up for a parent account
Go to www.schoology.com.
Click Sign Up at the top of the page and choose Parent.
Enter your Parent Access Code. This is a 12-digit code in xxxx-xxxx-xxxx format that you receive from one of your child's instructors.
Fill out the form with your information.
Click Register to complete.
Free Music & Dance Lessons from EXPRESSIVE PATH
Are you looking for a fun way to bring more music into your new year? Check out these free opportunities from Expressive Path and Rock to the Future!
For the Expressive Path Dance Classes (Free Virtually - Starting Monday, January 31st at 4pm), please email info@expressivepath.org
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Here are two food pantries in the area:
1) Hawes Ave -United Methodist Church
800 W. Marshall Street Norristown, PA 19401
https://www.hawsavechurch.org/visit
2) Patrician Society
121 E. Chestnut Street Norristown, PA 19401
https://www.patriciansociety.org/what-we-offer/
Celebrating 40 Years of Service!
The Patrician Society provides help for elderly people on fixed incomes, homeless persons, parents who receive public assistance while caring for children, residents of boarding homes, recently unemployed and underemployed family breadwinners and others in need. We have been serving the economically marginalized community in the greater Norristown since 1981.
THE FOOD PANTRY - Open each month on the third Tuesday (6pm-7:30pm) and the fourth Saturday (10am - 12:30pm)
MONTCO OIC
Montgomery County OIC and Skippack Pharmacy are
pleased to announce the return of our Covid-19
Vaccine Clinic! We are accepting walk-ins and appointments.
- Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson
- Ages 5 and above are eligible to attend
- 1st, 2nd, and booster shots available
1101 Arch Street
Norristown, PA 19401
Book your appointment at
www.montcooic.org or call 610-279-9700
HEALTHY NEWS
PA Department of Health announced that booster shots for the Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccines are all now available following FDA and CDC approval: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/health-details.aspx?newsid=1640.
Office of Public Health announced they are now scheduling booster shots for the Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccines following FDA and CDC approval for people who meet the eligibility criteria.
Pfizer & Moderna Boosters
For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot 6 months after their initial series:
o 65 years and older
o Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
o Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
o Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings
Individuals who received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as their primary COVID-19 series must wait at least six calendar months (not 180 days) to receive a booster dose. The booster dose can be either the Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J vaccine. Anyone who received the Pfizer or Moderna series must meet the high risk criteria outlined above to receive a booster shot. Individuals will sign a self-attestation form during their appointment to confirm they meet these criteria.
Johnson & Johnson Boosters
People 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson single shot COVID-19 vaccine must wait at least two calendar months (not 8 weeks) to receive a booster dose. The booster dose can be either the Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J vaccine.
Registration Information
Booster appointments can be made online at www.montcopa.org/COVID-19vaccine or by calling (833) 875-3967 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 and 4:30 p.m. Appointments will begin Monday, October 25. Due to recent guidance, anyone requesting a booster will be able to choose which vaccine they want when they arrive onsite for their appointment. All three COVID-19 vaccines are offered at all Montgomery County Vaccination Clinics. There is no cost to receive the vaccine.
The County operates four COVID-19 vaccine clinics at the following locations:
Human Services Center (First Floor, Community Room), 1430 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA 19401
o Tuesdays 11:30a.m.–6 p.m.
o Thursdays 9 a.m.– 3:30p.m.
King of Prussia Mall at the Court (Third Floor, former Thomasville Furniture) 640 W. Dekalb Pike, Suite 3010, King of Prussia, PA 19406
o Mondays 11:30a.m.–6 p.m.
o Wednesdays 9a.m. – 3:30p.m.
o Fridays 9a.m.–3:30p.m.
Can’t find a time or location that works for you? Visit vaccines.gov for a comprehensive collection of clinics in our area, from all providers.
For general COVID-19 questions or to register for the vaccine by phone, call the Montgomery County COVID-19 hotline at (833) 875-3967. The hotline is open five days a week, Monday through Friday from 8 am. to 4:30 pm. General questions can also be emailed to covid19@montcopa.org.
Lost Vaccination Card
Residents attending a County-run clinic for a booster must bring their CDC vaccination card or a picture of their card on their phone. If they have lost their vaccination card, they should call one of Montgomery County’s three health centers for assistance:
Norristown Public Health Center: (610) 278-5145
o Tuesday- Friday from 8a.m.- 12:30p.m. & 1:30p.m.-3p.m.
Flu Shots
Flu shots are available at all Montgomery County vaccination clinics. People can get their Flu shot at the same time as their COVID-19 booster but a separate appointment must be made for both shots. To make an appointment for a flu shot, visit www.montcopa.org/Flu.
Rapid COVID Testing is available in your child’s school, for students only.
To create an account and generate a QR code, please follow these steps:
1. Go to https://register.pennrapidtest.org/ (Please note this website is not compatible with Internet Explorer).
2. Follow instructions to create a personalized QR code. Parents should enter information for their children, and must repeat the process for each individual child.
3. After the QR code is created, print it out.
4. Please send the QR code to your school’s nurse.
5. If you cannot print email QR code to smelso@nasd.k12.pa.us
Vaccine and Physical Information for 6th grade:
All 6th grade students are required to have a physical from their doctor on file in the nurse’s office. This is a Pennsylvania state mandate. Please have your doctor print, fax, or email a copy of your child’s physical to the nurse (see nurse contact information below).
Tdap (Tetanus)and MCV4 (Meningitis) are required for your child to enter 7th grade-these vaccines should be given sometime during 6th grade. Any student who does not have these required immunizations on file with the nurse will not be able to attend 7th grade.
Susan Melso, RN, BSN
Certified School Nurse
1601 Markley Street
Phone: 610-277-8720
Fax: 484-831-1232
WINTER SPORTS 7th and 8th Grades
Locations after teams are selected:
- Boys Basketball @Eisenhower MS
- Wrestling @Eisenhower MS
- Girls Basketball @East Norriton MS
- Development League @Stewart MS
Please contact Mr. Panzullo, fpanzullo@nasd.k12.pa or Mr. Fahler, rfahler@nasd.k12.pa.us with any questions. Or 610-277-8720 and
ask to speak to Mr. Fahler Phys. Ed Teacher & Co-Athletic Coordinator or Mr. Panzullo, Tech Ed. Teacher & Co-Athletic Coordinator
NORRISTOWN WEATHER GETTING COLDER!
Entering December is a reminder that the weather is changing and we will be experiencing colder weather. Please be reminded that our school doors open at 8:00am, students should not be arriving an hour before school starts, especially with cold temperatures.
ESTLA is on social media. Find us online and get updates:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/estlapanthers/
YouTube - https://rb.gy/yl55bo
Website: https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/
Location: 1601 Markley Street, Norristown, PA, USA
Phone: (610) 277-8720
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Eisenhower-Science-and-Technology-Leadership-Academy-1628600127392616
Twitter: @estlapanthers