ESTLA Monthly Newsletter X
Week of December 14 2020
The Desk of Ms. Taylor and Mr. Rodriguez
Eisenhower Science & Technology Leadership Academy
1601Markley Street|Norristown, PA 19401
Office: 610-277-8720|Web: www.nasd.k12.pa.us
Good Morning ESTLA Families,
We hope this week's message finds you well and looking forward to Winter Break. It has certainly come upon us quickly! Winter Break begins with an Early Dismissal on Wednesday, December 23rd and schools will be closed Thursday, December 24th through Friday, January 1st, 2021.
Please be sure to review this newsletter which is full of resources from our counseling team. Additionally, we want to encourage you to register for Rock to the Future Winter 2021. Programs are open and spots are filling up! They will be hosting a virtual Student Information Session - tomorrow, December 15th for students and families to learn more about Virtual Programs and register for programs! Rock to the Future staff will go over classes offered, do an Instrument Petting Zoo, have a demo of the online platform Soundtrap, explain how to register, and answer any questions! All interested students, guardians, and families are welcome to attend. Information located under the Music banner.
The next newsletter will be out on Monday, December 21st. This will be our Holiday Break edition. 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.
We continue to be very proud of our students and staff and how they are achieving while operating under the current circumstances.
As always, keep in touch 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.
District Dashboard and Upcoming Events
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.
NASD Hybrid Parent Meetings
NASD will be hosting 4 meetings to discuss the Hybrid learning model.
The meetings will be broken out by Elementary, Middle, and High School, and will cover the following:
- Provide an overview of the plan
- Review a typical day for a hybrid student
- Address questions
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z-8RxriFR5SZ-xvTL-pRQw
Upcoming Events
12/16 Meal Distribution-@Gotwals Elementary 8AM-10:00AM and @NAHS 3PM-6:00PM
12/23 Early Dismissal
12/24 - 1/1/2021 Winterbreak
1/4 School Begins
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
District Information & Technology
Resources
Counselor’s Corner
Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping
From the Mayo Clinic
Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression. The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it's no wonder. The holidays often present a dizzying array of demands — cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. And if coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading in your community, you may be feeling additional stress, or you may be worrying about your and your loved ones' health. You may also feel stressed, sad or anxious because your holiday plans may look different during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.
Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression
When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.
- Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones for other reasons, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
- Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events or communities. Many may have websites, online support groups, social media sites or virtual events. They can offer support and companionship. If you're feeling stress during the holidays, it also may help to talk to a friend or family member about your concerns. Try reaching out with a text, a call or a video chat. Volunteering your time or doing something to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. For example, consider dropping off a meal and dessert at a friend's home during the holidays.
- Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children or other relatives can't come to your home, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos. Or meet virtually on a video call. Even though your holiday plans may look different this year, you can find ways to celebrate.
- Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
- Stick to a budget. Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone's name. Give homemade gifts. Start a family gift exchange.
- Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, connecting with friends and other activities. Consider whether you can shop online for any of your items. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That'll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for meal prep and cleanup.
- Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
- Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Try these suggestions: Have a healthy snack before holiday meals so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Eat healthy meals. Get plenty of sleep. Include regular physical activity in your daily routine. Try deep-breathing exercises, meditation or yoga. Avoid excessive tobacco, alcohol and drug use. Be aware of how the information culture can produce undue stress, and adjust the time you spend reading news and social media as you see fit.
- Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Find an activity you enjoy. Take a break by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm. Some options may include: Taking a walk at night and stargazing, Listening to soothing music, & Reading a book
- Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
Take control of the holidays
Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.
Reach out if you need help.
- 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/
Seasonal Affective disorder
articles and pictures
https://www.icarehn.com/blog/facts-about-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/
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
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
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).
Instructional Support Team
Please contact us at any time with questions or concerns about the instructional program.
Kathleen Shallow, M.ED
Instructional Support Teacher-Reading
Jason Ryan
Instructional Support Teacher-Math
HEALTH
A great opportunity to receive FREE vaccines for eligible Montgomery County Residents! Please read the message below if you have a child in need of vaccines.
Please take advantage of this opportunity. All 7th grade students are required to receive Tdap and Menactra by age 12. Students can receive these vaccines starting at age 11. Don’t forget to send me a picture of your child’s vaccine record to smelsonasd.k12.pa.us or through Talking Points.
Montgomery County Office of Public Health (OPH) is now reopen for Immunization appointments in the Norristown Public Health Center, 1430 DeKalb Street, Norristown PA (entrance on DeKalb Street).
OPH is accepting appointments. There will be no walk-in services. Parents or Guardians should call 610-278-5145 to schedule an immunization or flu only appointment.
Eligibility to receive Immunizations or a Flu Shot with OPH
A child will qualify for an Immunization appointment if they meet all 3 criteria below-
1. Live, work or attend school in Montgomery County
2. Are a child or adolescent under 19 years of age (if they are over 18, and attend school in Mont. Co. they are eligible)
3. Have no insurance or their insurance does not cover immunizations OR they have Medical Assistance (Medicaid/MA)
A client will qualify for a flu shot if they meet the first 2 criteria below-
1. Live, work or attend school in Montgomery County
2. Are 6 months of age or older
3. Anyone who meets criteria #1 and #2 will be vaccinated
To ensure the safety of staff and clients, all clients will be-
- SCREENED FOR COVID 19
- REQUIRED TO WEAR A FACE MASK OR CLOTH COVERING
Instructed not to bring anyone with them who does not have an appointment for a flu shot or immunization. (For children and adolescents under 18, only one parent or guardian should attend with them, and no other siblings should attend the appointment.)
Vision Van
The vision van has been 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.
I am available Monday-Friday 8;00am-3:30pm by email at smelso@nasd.k12.pa.us. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions concerning your child’s health. I am always happy to help you!
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any health-related questions!
Stay Well,
Nurse Melso
Phone: 610-277-8720
Fax: 484-831-1232
Bilingual Community Liaison/Enlace Bilingüe
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
Verizon has a "Lifeline" program for individuals/families. It's not free, but it's discounted ($20/month) for eligible people. Here's the link to more information: https://www.verizon.com/info/low-income-internet/
New Comcast customers can get 2 months of free service if they enroll before 12/31/2020. There's an "Apply Now" button in the top right corner. Here's the link: https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19
CATCH Healthy Corner
CATCH TIP
Holidays are often centered around food, but what about physical activity? Physical activity on a holiday can be a great way to reduce stress, balance out some Whoa foods, and connect with family. As always, it provides a break from sitting and screens, too!
Here are some ideas to try:
-Take a walk around the block
-Visit a park or playground
-Plan a bike ride or hike
-Turn on some music and dance
-Participate in a holiday-themed race or walk (even virtually)
-Throw or kick a ball around
“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
GEAR UP is working with Mr. Hakim Jones to provide the Real Essentials program for boys. From 5:30PM to 7:30PM every Monday evening, this program focuses on teaching about healthy relationships and leadership skills. Please contact Stacey Sandle at ssandle@nasd.k12.pa.us for more information.
December 14th
Hakim Jones' Respect, Power and Money Youth Enrichment Seminar Series runs every Wednesday until the end of the year. He has secured a safe space in the community where youth can get out of the house, enjoy a meal, safely socialize and learn. From 6PM to 8PM on every Wednesday in the month of December at the Holy Savior Club, students will learn about work ethic, keys to consistency, basics of banking, etc. Students need to register at www.respectpowerandmoney.com or contact Hakim Jones at 484-744-9040 for more information.
Tutoring and mentoring is still available. Students and parents will continue to receive weekly emails with the links and times. Students can also access the links through the GEAR UP virtual classroom.
December 21st
Hakim Jones' Respect, Power and Money Youth Enrichment Seminar Series will take place on the 23rd and the 30th. He has secured a safe space in the community where youth can get out of the house, enjoy a meal, safely socialize and learn. From 6PM to 8PM on those days at the Holy Savior Club, students will learn about work ethic, keys to consistency, basics of banking, etc. Students need to register at www.respectpowerandmoney.com or contact Hakim Jones at 484-744-9040 for more information.
Mentoring and tutoring with Cabrini University will return in 2021 on January 11th. More information will be forthcoming.
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
The GEAR UP team would like to thank you for your patience and perseverance through virtual learning thus far. We look forward to a safe winter break for all students and families and a joyous new year!
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
Rock to the Future Winter 2021
Registration for Rock to the Future Winter 2021 Programs is open and spots are filling up! We will be hosting a virtual Student Information Session- Winter 2021 on December 15th for students and families to learn more about our Virtual Programs and register for our programs!
Rock to the Future staff will go over the classes that we offer, do an Instrument Petting Zoo, have a demo of our online platform Soundtrap, explain how to register, and answer any questions! All interested students, guardians, and families are welcome to attend.
Tuesday, December 15th 5:30pm-6:30pm
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/98218411109
Please register here to receive the Zoom invitation in your email. Learn more on our website:
https://rocktothefuture.org/event/student-information-session-winter-2021/
GED and ESL classes available
I. EARN A HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA
GED/HiSET Test Preparation Classes
- Free classes for Montgomery County residents and Bucks County residents along the county line. ∙ Twelve weeks of class January through March ∙ AM and PM classes available
- Secure online classroom-study from the comfort of your home OR face to face classes available in Souderton
- Strengthen your academic skills
- Earn credentials
- Prepare for college or build work readiness skills If you are interested, please call 267-663-1001 or email bschwartz@keystoneopp.org
II. FREE English Class In Norristown
- Where: Reformed Church of the Ascension, 1700 W. Main Street
- When: January through March, Monday and Wednesday from 9- 11:30 a.m. in person
Learn English to:
o Increase your English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills
o improve your employment opportunities
o be able to speak to your child’s teachers
o prepare for US Citizenship
Safe social distancing measures in place in our classroom. Please call 267-663-1001 with any questions and to schedule an appointment for registration. Classes are open to Montgomery County residents.
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
PLEASE NOTE
II. 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.
III. 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
IV. Please ensure students are keeping their cameras on during live class sessions.
We mask up for our safety and the safety of others
ESTLA Community practices social distancing
Washing our hands while singing our favorite tune
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.
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