Tuscan Tidings
Newsletter, Issue 1, Vol. 12 | 01.11.21
Happy New Year Tuscan Family!
I hope that you and your children had a smooth transition back from a warm and wonderful Holiday Break!
We are intensely preparing for a smooth transition to hybrid instruction while diligently working to maintain the positive momentum of our all virtual instructional program.
In preparing for hybrid instruction, Tuscan is following district protocols to balance classes while keeping students in the same Cohort as their K-12 siblings.
Although we have limitations, we will continuously seek to support Tuscan families in every way possible, so please continue to reach out to us via email at ROARforTuscan@somsd.k12.nj.us
Wishing you and your family an abundance of good health, wealth, love, laughter and all the best throughout the New Year!
~Ms. Majeed
2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee
For the second year in a row, Tuscan School will be competing in the Scripps Spelling Bee! The Scripps National Spelling Bee website asserts that since 1925, it is “the nation’s largest and longest-running educational promotion” and that they have helped introduce students to the spelling and vocabulary words “they need to succeed in life.”
Below are some important documents to help families decide if their child/children would like to participate in the competition.
2021 School Spelling Study List
The Scripps Spelling Bee has a virtual platform and schools can use the new online testing platform to administer the spelling bee program through online tests.
This graphic illustrates the steps of the Scripps Spelling Bee.
If your child in Grade 3 – 5 has a passion for spelling this is an exciting opportunity for them to compete to participate in the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee!
Soon our Grade 3 - 5 teachers will announce this competitive opportunity to their classes.
Physical Education
The PE staff has worked very hard to develop fun and active lessons to keep all of our students moving and happy during virtual learning. Each lesson consists of 2 or 3 movement activities and a yoga cool down. The goal is to keep the students engaged and moving as much as possible. Many of our lessons resemble the HIIT concept (High Intensity Interval Training), which is structured by rounds of high intensity exercise immediately followed by a rest in between. The students are encouraged to take breaks when needed and stay hydrated.
We believe in all of our students! Everyone is successful if they just give it a try and do not give up! “The body achieves what the mind believes!”
Here is a sample lesson of some student favorites! We hope that you try them for some family fun!
Dance or Move!
Winter This or That Workout!
Brain Break: Gingerbread House - Would You Rather (Yoga & Stretches)
Yoga for Kids - Winter Sports Yoga
We also hope that you try the activities on the January Mind & Body Calendar each day as a family!
Noelle Sullivan
Physical Educator
Tuscan School
Parent Agreement Letter of Compliance with COVID-19 Guidelines : Due, Tuesday, January 12
Any family who has chosen hybrid instruction for their child must electronically sign the Parent Agreement Letter of Compliance for each child attending in-person instruction. The deadline to sign is Tuesday, January 12, 2021. If you do not agree to comply with COVID-19 Guidelines and the agreement is not electronically signed prior to your child's return to school they will not be allowed in the school buildings and must continue their instruction virtually.
The Parent Agreement Letter of Compliance with COVID-19 Guidelines must be completed utilizing the district’s PowerSchool Parent Portal by Tuesday, January 12, 2021. You must use a computer or a mobile device web browser to complete the form. The PowerSchool iOS and Android PowerSchool applications are not compatible with our online forms.
Click here for more information: https://bit.ly/CO-19ParentAgreement
Technology Updates: Devices for Students Returning for Hybrid Instruction
- During hybrid instruction, students are encouraged to bring to school the devices they used for remote / virtual instruction. The device type should be a Windows laptop, Apple laptop, Chromebook, Android Tablet, or Apple iPad.
- If a student is participating in a Hybrid schedule and has borrowed a Chromebook from the District, the student should bring the device to school during their in-person day.
- Parents are asked to walk students through how they connect their personal devices to a wireless network. This will allow students to become acclimated to connecting to the district wireless network.
- If the student does not have a device that they can bring into school, the district will assign a Chromebook to the student.
Date Change Request from Virtual to Hybrid
Please see below for clarification and updates for instructional request changes from families who wish to change their preference from virtual to hybrid. As school begins, across all grade levels parent/guardian request for changes should follow the deadlines and request format below:
- Tuesday, February 16, 2021: Parent/guardians must submit change requests to their building principals/administrators (you must provide your child's name, teacher, and ID #). Please note all requests are based on capacity (more information will follow in early February).
- Monday, March 1, 2021: Students will begin hybrid instruction
Additional Information & Resources for the Community
TUSCAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The School District of South Orange and Maplewood
Email: ROARforTuscan@somsd.k12.nj.us
Website: www.somsd.k12.nj.us/tuscan/
Location: 25 Harvard Avenue, Maplewood, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-378-5221