EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
Central Office Communications: Week of October 11, 2020
OUR CURRENT REALITY
Egg Harbor Township School Community,
I will continue to ask for patience, flexibility and understanding for the pivot that we will soon take to opening our school buildings for hybrid teaching and learning. I ask for everyone to stay positive in such an unwavering time in education and not forget how much we have done and how far we have come. We have feverishly worked on preparing our schools, building schedules, ordering and receiving PPEs, and implementing our ideas for flow and movement in the schools. (Mr. Brunetta, our Director of Facilities is very close to the completion of personally and perfectly installing over 6 miles of directional tape on the floors of each of our 10 schools!) We collaborated with many stakeholders, reviewed a ton of feedback, listened to the ever changing knowledge/recommendations from the Governor, NJDOE, NJDOH, ACDOH, and dealing first hand with the implications and tribulations of the virus itself. This has been a changing process from June 26th until now. We have provided professional development for teachers and staff, time for planning and collaboration, and support services for students, staff, and parents along the way. As promised, my staff and I have been addressing every part and piece to the RBS. With any new initiatives, one must expect changes, as for what was then, may not be now. If you have questions or concerns about what we have been doing, I encourage you to follow our updates and progress on our website at the Superintendent’s Corner where you can read about our journey:
https://www.eht.k12.nj.us/superintendent_s_corner/superintendent_s_board_report_2020-2021
The Road Back to School plan is a living document where adjustments that meet the needs of the NJDOE and school community may be needed as situations change around us. We have progressed greatly through this journey and I have been nothing but transparent in sharing our RBS plan and each of our steps along the way. We are in a state of change and with that comes movement from normalcy to a place of uniqueness. This school year has been very unique and we are all doing the best that we can to serve our students. What I will make clear once again, is that our RBS plan was approved by the County Superintendent and the NJDOE back in August. All of the planning and implementation phases and dates were reviewed and clearly approved. We are on a steady path to October 26th when our hybrid plan goes into effect. If you have ever worked in a large school district or went to school in a large school district, you can understand the complexities and time it takes to implement important change and get it right at the same time. It is my job to make sure all plans are 100% in place for facilities, transportation, IT, academics, social , emotional and learning supports, health, and safety. I will spend the next two weeks meeting with departments and double checking logistics.
I am very proud to share that class scheduling is completed and bus passes are being prepared for mailing this week. As you know we worked hard to schedule our 7300 students into equal numbers and into Group A and Group B to the best of our ability. Thank you Mrs. Elko! We used our student management system for some of this process, others parts needed to be hand scheduled. Our guidance counselors will be available for in- person services beginning October 13th. Any student who needs any social, emotional, mental health, or academic services should reach out to their school counselor to arrange an in-person or virtual meeting.
If you should have any questions for me or the central office staff, please feel free to email or call. I promise that you will receive answers quicker by way of a phone call or email, rather than using social media or seeking information elsewhere. We are your relevant source of information and we are always open to building relationships and learning about the needs of our school community; I encourage you to want the same. Please take the time to read through this newsletter and take notice of the links at the end where each principal shares updated information on their school community.
Together we will continue to be #EHTStrong! It is all about teamwork and we are here to work together to be the best we can be.
Stay Safe; Be Well.
“Begin each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart !” -Roy T. Bennett
Life is too short to be negative.
Yours in Education,
Kimberly A. Gruccio
WORLD TEACHERS DAY WAS OCTOBER 5th!
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY-OCTOBER 10th!
Egg Harbor Township School District celebrated World Mental Health Day; a day for advocacy, awareness, and education of mental health issues worldwide. For more information, visit http://mvnt.us/m1158751. @WMHDay #ehtpride #ehtstrong #WorldMentalHealthDay
Check out the Mental Health and SEL Resources below in the Climate and Culture section of this newsletter.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
USE OF GOOGLE CALENDAR to BOOK APPTS. w/ STAFF
Students can book one-on-one appointments with counselors, CST/YST members, or even their classroom teachers. Here is a brief tutorial on how to book appointments in Google Calendar with staff appointment slots.
GOOGLE CLASSROOM CODES BY SCHOOL
The following link will allow students and parents to access each staff members Google Classroom Code. At the bottom of the spreadsheet the codes are listed by school on each tab. This link can also be found on our Virtual Learning - Parent/Teacher Resources Page. Additionally, each teacher should have their Google Classroom codes posted on their own webpage.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19Bp8GQfW3ILFk88Vps1_4qWQrhOHg_9i8GTPkw_JE0g/edit?usp=sharingGOOGLE CLASSROOM: VIDEO RESOURCE
Need help joining your Google Classroom? This video explains how to find your EHT School District Google Classroom codes and how to add or "join" an active Google Classroom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzvUOJKkh3k&feature=youtu.be
GOOGLE MEET & GOOGLE CLASSROOM: VIDEO RESOURCE
For students looking to join their class for a live Google Meet session, this is a step by step of video of how to lactate and join the Meet from Google Classroom https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=i6lgBOh1YpU&feature=youtu.be
ACCESSING STUDENT EMAIL (GRADES 6-12): VIDEO RESOURCE
Egg Harbor Township School District now offers an internal email address for students in grades 6-12. This video will demonstrate how to access student email from the district website https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVutLPNRs9I&feature=youtu.be
BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS FOR REMOTE LEARNING
This video offers some basic troubleshooting tips for those using a Chromebook or their own device in the virtual environment http://mvnt.us/m1154434
COVID-19 WEBPAGE and RESOURCES
Covid-19 Parent Resource Webpage
For the latest parent resource information, announcement and quick links visit: https://www.eht.k12.nj.us/c_o_v_i_d19_-_parent_resources_and_information
GOOGLE RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Google for Education has a resource for parents/guardians to learn and navigate the Google Tools. Take a look at this pdf and click on the embedded links for tutorials and more: http://mvnt.us/m1112980
TALONS REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN AND SPACE IS LIMITED!
EHTNJ Schools - T A L O N S registration is now open for the 2020-21 school year! Visit the TALONS webpage for more information and to sign up.http://mvnt.us/m1141165
What does TALONS stand for? Talent And Learning Of Next-Gen Students
CLIMATE & CULTURE
The culture of our schools includes our school improvement efforts to increase student achievement for ALL students. Where with Every Hand Together, Every child, Everyday is provided a relevant learning experience. Through professional development opportunities we are building an effective learning culture where students are provided a safe learning environment. Our teachers collaborate in professional learning communities to review student progress in order to provide ALL students with the opportunity to learn at high levels. We have a district -wide initiative that includes individualized interventions through the RTI process to assist ALL students with learning. We know that in order to successfully educate each student, we must be cognizant of each student’s individual learning needs. This can only be accomplished if we work together to eliminate any predictability of achievement disparities by race, ethnicity, gender, language, disability, and/or economics. All faculty and staff participated in equity training during our professional learning days. The high school multicultural club will be preparing to join the district equity committee to participate in collaborative discussions and event planning. Together, we can achieve more!
#EMBRACE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Each day is kicked off at 7:30 am with a member of our school community stating the pledge. Every morning, I look forward to seeing who the guest presenter is and you can too by following our social media pages! @EHTNJSchools
Featuring Gregory and Gabrielle
EHT SCHOOL DISTRICT WELCOME MAT
@ehtnjschools is rolling out the "Welcome Mat" to our new staff! #ehtwelcomemat
SCHOOL MESSENGER REMINDER!
JUST SEND "Y" or "YES" to 67587
EHT PARENT PORTAL ACCOUNT SET-UP
- Do you need an EHT Parent Portal account?
- Do you have access to log-in?
- Not sure how to request a Parent Portal account?
Follow the easy steps outlined in this video. Check out this short video to learn how to request an account. https://youtu.be/bL1Qqs8sNm4
INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL: ACCESS to GOOGLE CLASSROOM & MOBYMAX INFO.
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION: UPDATE!
See the following link for a daily list of resources: http://www.mhaac.info/uploads/3/4/4/8/34488857/mhaac_virtual_schedule_may_2020__updated_.pdf
SOCIAL DISTANCING SHOULDN’T MEAN SOCIAL ISOLATION
The NJ Department of Children and Families have compiled a list of resources available 24/7. Visit http://mvnt.us/m1157179 for more information.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT & RESOURCES
As time passes, it can become difficult staying at home day in and day out. Some days may be easier than others in dealing with this national pandemic amongst other issues. Please know that our guidance counselors, social workers, student assistance counselors, school nurses, and our High School Teen Center serve as available resources daily to assist with any concerns, fears, and/or anxieties. Our district website and school websites provide contact information or call 646-7911 x 1001.
Atlantic County Division of Public Health: “The Source” (linked)
Student resource card (Spanish/English)
EVERY HAND TOGETHER: PURSUING PUBLIC HEALTH
The following link is a playlist from Every Hand Together: Pursuing Public Health and a conversation with Mr. Santilli, Assistant Superintendent and Barbara Sabath from Family Promise of Atlantic County: (Playlist) (Linked and Below)
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
THE STUDENTS HAVE SPOKEN...MEET MIGHTY!
The new eagle has a name...
"Mighty" Eagle of EHT Schools
Meet Mighty Eagle! Mighty has a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even TikTok. Follow Mighty at @ehtnjmighty on all social media channels. #ehtmightyegg
STOCKTON OFFERS FREE VIRTUAL HOMEWORK COMPLETION PROGRAM
Stockton University's Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning is running a Virtual Homework Completion Program. For more information, visit https://stockton.edu/engagement
ATTENTION ALUMNI: YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A SUPERHERO!
The Egg Harbor Township High School Eagle Eye Newsletter is looking for alumni who are interested in being featured in an upcoming edition of the online publication. If you have a personal or professional accomplishment, a unique adventure or just something other EHTHS alumni may find interesting, please email:
COMCAST INTERNET ESSENTIALS
Comcast will continue offering 2 months of free service to new Internet Essentials customers in response to emergency measures associated with COVID-19. For all new and existing customers, the speed of the program's Internet service has increased. Visit www.internetessentials.com/covid19 for more details.
JOB OPENINGS
For more information you can see all job openings and apply online at: https://www.applitrack.com/eggharbor/onlineapp/
EHT TRANSPORTATION: JOB OPENINGS
BECOME A SUBSTITUTE WITH EHT!
We're hiring for rewarding opportunities in Egg Harbor Township School District! To apply, visit https://bit.ly/3gGjAxX
WEEK OF OCTOBER 13, 2020: MEAL DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
Meal Distribution Plan UPDATE: For questions and concerns, please contact 609-383-1464 or beckt@eht.k12.nj.us.
Please note the change in date. Our EHT Food Service Program will be providing free breakfast and lunch for all students this TUESDAY due to the holiday closure. We will be distributing food on Tuesday which will include 4 days of breakfast and lunch. In order to reach as many of our EHT families as possible, we are also now providing DELIVERY to several areas in the township. Please access all the images in this post to view the meal distribution stops and times. Additionally, the PICK-UP locations at Davenport, Alder and High School will remain open from 7:30am – 11 am and will also be providing 4 days of meals on Tuesday only.
Tenga en cuenta el cambio de fecha. Nuestro Programa de Servicio de Alimentos EHT proporcionará desayuno y almuerzo gratis para todos los estudiantes este MARTES debido al cierre de vacaciones. Estaremos distribuyendo comida el martes que incluirá 4 días de desayuno y almuerzo. Con el fin de llegar a la mayor cantidad posible de nuestras familias de EHT, ahora también ofrecemos ENTREGA a varias áreas del municipio. Acceda a todas las imágenes de esta publicación para ver las paradas y horarios de distribución de comidas. Además, las ubicaciones de PICK-UP en Davenport, Alder y High School permanecerán abiertas de 7:30 am a 11 am y también ofrecerán 4 días de comidas los martes solamente.
Atlantic County Food Bank Resources
Free & Reduced Meal Program Information
THE NEST SCHOOL STORE IS ONLINE & OPEN!
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS
The Board of Education Work Session will be held at Alder Avenue Board Room on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. It is open for public attendance to a limited number in accordance with social distancing and capacity guidelines. Community members who wish to attend will go through COVID screening prior to entering the building. All attendees will be required to wear masks at all times. A live broadcast of the meeting for the public will be accessible on eht.k12.nj.us.
Public comments will be open to the live audience first. Call-in public comment will follow after all live comments are complete. To call in to ask a question or make a comment, please dial 609-653-0100 ext 1417 during the public comment portion of the meeting.
ATHLETICS/FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS/ACTIVITIES
OUT WITH THE OLD!
Work has already begun at the Egg Harbor Township High School as crews worked this past week to begin the removal of the old turf. We will continue to update our school community as progress with this project continues. #EHTPride
MESSAGE TO OUR STUDENT ATHLETES AND FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Our Eagles are off to a good start this fall giving their all with #EHTPride and brought home some wins again this weekend. Our band put on an awesome show in Atlantic City.
Just as a reminder, all student athletes and coaches are required to adhere to a health screening prior to joining any practice, entering any bus or our game fields. A nurse and athletic trainer will be on site to conduct the temperature checks and questionnaire process. Athletes are reminded to come dressed and equipped for participation in practices. This includes having a personal water bottle and a mask/gaiter. There will be no long trips, out of state trips, or state championships. Please know that if you are attending a soccer, field hockey , cross county, or tennis match, you must social distance and wear a mask. It is important that we adhere to the NJSIAA guidelines for high school athletics for the health and safety of all.
Construction has started on the track and turf and the area has been deemed a construction site. Crews have removed the turf, working on prepping the foundation for the new turf and track resurfacing will begin this week.
Good luck to all of our student athletes and band members as they embark on the 2020 Fall season! Play with pride ! Do your best ! Reach your Goal!
GO EAGLES!
#EHTPride #EHTStrong
Dr. Gruccio
NJSIAA:
- 9-17-20 NJSIAA Media Guidelines/Fall 2020 Season (linked)
- 9-16-20 NJSIAA Announces Postseason Football Plans (linked)
NJSIAA WEEKLY UPDATE MEMO: 9-4-20 (linked)
8-28-20 NJSIAA revises guidelines related to transfers and spectators attending games (linked)
8-25-20 The Case for High School Sports (linked)
8-20-20 NJSIAA Updates Plan for Returning to Play (linked)
- NJSIAA builds on Return To Play plan, provides updates on fall sports season
- NJSIAA provides return-to-play guidelines - Phase 1
NCAA
- If you are a student athlete you can visit the following NCAA COVID-19 Resource page
- NCAA Social Series: “Focusing on Mental Health”
- NCAA Eligibility Center COVID-19 Response FAQ Addendum (linked)
WEEKLY DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS
WEEKLY DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS
Each week our principals share an update on what is happening in their respective schools. Check out the Weekly Digital Newsletters linked below.
Week of October 4, 2020
ABOUT US
EMBRACE-ENGAGE-EDUCATE
Email: ehtsd@eht.k12.nj.us
Website: www.eht.k12.nj.us
Location: 13 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 609-646-7911
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EHTNJSchools/
Twitter: @EHTNJSchools