ESTLA Monthly Newsletter
April 2021
Hybrid (In Person and Remote/Virtual Learning)
Para Ver este Boletin en Espanol
From 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 Afternoon ESTLA Families,
Hello April! This month we began the transition to Hybrid (in-person learning) for the families that chose to return to school.
Transition to Hybrid
First, our priority remains the health and safety of our students and staff. The current guideline (per the Montgomery County Office of Public Health (OPH), the CDC, and NASD Health & Safety plan) regarding social distancing is to maintain;
- Physical Distancing--Six Feet
- Universal and correct wearing of Masks
- Handwashing
Arrival of In Person learning
The Week of April 12th return is for our 5th grade students.
The Week of April 19th return is for our 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.
PLEASE NOTE: In Person information was sent to all families that elected to attend classes in school.
REMINDER: STUDENTS CAN ATTEND IN PERSON CLASSES ON THE DAY THEY HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED, SO IF YOUR STUDENT ATTENDS MONDAY/TUESDAY, THEY BEGIN MONDAY, APRIL 12TH. STUDENTS DESIGNATED FOR THURSDAY/FRIDAY BEGIN THURSDAY, APRIL 22ND.
If you are attending In Person learning and you usually receive transportation, you should have received a letter in the mail with your pickup time, stop and drop off.
Beginning today, all students, virtual and in person will follow the schedule below. This schedule will be our new schedule until June 10th. All students, both virtual and in person WILL BE HOME on Wednesdays following our Alternative Wednesday Schedule (same schedule we have been using on Wednesdays).
We recognize this past year has been difficult for many. Please be reminded we are here for you. You can reach out to your child’s teacher, counselor or principal/assistant principal. We appreciate your support and want what is best for your child.
The next Monthly newsletter will be out on Monday, May 3rd. If 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 here to serve! You can also reach us at building Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm. We request you contact us first and please be prepared to follow CoVid protocols, mask and social distancing.
Sincerely,
Ms. Taylor, Principal
610-270-2981
Mr. Rodriguez, Assistant Principal
484-270-2111
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.
We mask up for our safety and the safety of others
ESTLA Community practices social distancing
Washing our hands while singing our favorite tune
FOR IN PERSON LEARNING: The link to the Frontline Health Portal has been added to all student ClassLink pages.
THIS MUST BE FILLED PRIOR TO ATTENDING SCHOOL.
Norristown Area School District will administer the PSSAs
PSSA Questionnaire
Message from Superintendent Dormer
Please click on the link below to view a video message regarding the approved revised plans to implement our phased return to in-person instruction:
En Espanol - https://youtu.be/AEAOZJLSqmw
Sincerely,
Christopher T. Dormer
Superintendent of Schools
District Information and Upcoming Events
May 11th Early Dismissal
May 13th School Closed
May 31st School Closed in Observance of Memorial Day
"Middle School Students: It's Time to get Ready for NAHS!" Thursday, April 22
Nichole Renee Mitchell
College & Career Counselor
Norristown Area High School
1900 Eagle Drive, Norristown, PA 19403
Expressive Path Presents: Frank & Jane Martin Memorial Scholarship, and Opportunity for Students
Frank & Jane Martin Memorial Scholarships
These scholarships were developed in honor of our Founder's parents, who both loved music. Frank Martin played the trumpet in the U.S. Army and in concert bands. Jane loved to sing and dance. The Martin household was always filled with music and art.
Amount: $500
Awarded: Annually
Category: The Arts
Information Attached
From Ms. Trifkovic, Art Teacher:
Hello Families!
We have another exciting opportunity for our students. I have sent it to them all, but if you think there is someone specific that would benefit from this opportunity, please let me know. I would appreciate it if you would share it with your student(s) since not all of them check their emails regularly.
Thank you for your support!
Ms. T
INFORMATION:
With the help of Expressive Paths, students have an opportunity to meet Peter Catalanotto virtually! He is an American book illustrator. In 2008, the First Lady, Laura Bush, commissioned him to illustrate the White House holiday brochure. Mr. Catalanotto published 49 books for children, 18 of which he has written. This is a rare opportunity for everyone, and I hope you can join and learn about writing and book illustration from someone that has had a successful career in this field.
Please have your students reply to my email ASAP if they plan on attending! I will send them the link to join Zoom next Wednesday, April 14th, at 1 PM.
Expressive Path
Visit: https://expressivepath.org/ For Painting Workshop to Kick Off April 28, 2021
Rock to the Future
The Registration for our Spring 2021 Virtual Programs is OPEN! Our Spring 2021 Virtual Programs will be from April 5 - June 10, 2021. The following are some important details and events coming up:
Spring Registration:Students can click Register Here to register for our new programs. Learn more information about our programs on our website https://RocktotheFuture.org/.
CATCH Healthy Corner
Spring is here as are lighter evening hours! This combination can lend to more opportunities to be physically active, benefiting our minds and bodies. What can you do this week to move outside and take in some fresh air? Here are some ideas:
-Walk or bike an errand
-Garden or yard work
-Walk with a friend
-Visit a park
-Play basketball
Snacks are an important part of our day. They can keep us full until our next meal and even give us a boost in energy. Some snacks provide more “power” than others- usually fruits, vegetables, whole grains or low fat dairy (in CATCH terms, these are Go and Slow foods). Here are some quick and easy ideas
-Apples and nutbutter
-Whole grain chips and salsa
-Hummus and whole grain crackers
-Cheese sticks
-Yogurt
-Veggies and low-fat dip
CATCHMVP_EatSmart_Poster_Eng.pdf (digitalcatchprod.s3.amazonaws.com)
CATCHMVP_EatSmart_Poster_Spn.pdf (digitalcatchprod.s3.amazonaws.com)
“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 evening mentoring and tutoring workshops resumed. 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.
Real Essentials Program
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.
Stacey Sandle, Site Facilitator, 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
Emergency Numbers in Town
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
MCIUEF awards summer camp scholarships
The MCIUEF awards summer camp scholarships to children with special needs to give them an opportunity to continue their learning through recreational experience. Families can select the camp of their choice. Average scholarship amounts are up to $200.00. Notification of awards will be
around the week of April 12-16, 2021.
IS YOUR CHILD ELIGIBLE?
The Foundation invites Montgomery County public school parents of school-age students with special needs to apply. Eligible applicants are children (grades K-12) with special needs with an active special education individualized educational plan (IEP) who are eligible for “free or reduced price meals” from the resident school district.
Application attached to this newsletter.
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.
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
133 Mental Health and Learning Resources for Kids and Teens https://onlinecounselingprograms.com/become-a-counselor/resources/ultimate-guide-to-mental-health-and-education-resources/
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
The April 2021 editions of Reading Connections (English & Spanish) and Recipes for Success (English & Spanish) are attached. The Recipes for Success are written for parents of children in grades Kdg through 6th grade. The Reading Connections are for parents of children in grades 3 through 5.
Instructional Support Team
Kathleen Shallow, M.ED
Instructional Support Teacher-Reading
Jason Ryan
Instructional Support Teacher-Math
HEALTH
Vision Van
The vision van is back and will be open for appointments on Mondays in April! Please contact me at smelso@nasd.k12.pa.us if you think your child may need glasses. This is a free service BUT requires an appointment.
The Office of Public Health
The offices 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. Norristown, PA 19401, 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!
Most sites are open to anyone who wants to be tested!
https://data-montcopa.opendata.arcgis.com/pages/covid-testing-page -Scroll to the bottom of the page and simply click your closest site!
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
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 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
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.
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