Bragg School Bulldog News
August 2020
Welcome Back!
We appreciate your patience and all of your questions as we navigate this new territory in education. I am sure you have read "The Road Back to Chester" document by now (it is linked below) which outlines our plan for a safe return for everyone.
Dr Van Woert has had several Parent Open House meetings that answered many questions stakeholders presented. Mr Evan Morley, our Director of Buildings and Grounds, and Ms Tanya Dawson, our Business Administrator, have posted a Chester Chat answering questions about Cleaning, Transportation and Lunch. There is a link to that video below as well.
In the next two weeks, the Chester Chats will feature Curriculum Updates with Mr. Currie, Mrs. Meekings and Mrs. Thieringer, followed by Q&A With the Principals, featuring Mr. White, Mrs. Fair, and myself. We appreciate you sending in your questions so we can be sure to address your concerns. You can find the link to submit your questions about Bragg below. I will do my best to answer everything whether in the video or directly.
Class placement will be available through the Parent Portal in Powerschool on Tuesday, August 18th.
There have been many questions about pick-up at the end of the day, which is addressed below. Also, a brief reminder about Face Masks. Finally, towards the bottom of this newsletter you will find School Supply Lists.
We look forward to seeing our scholars again - whether in person or virtually. Until then, take care and stay safe!
~Michele Stanton
End of the Day Pick Up
The adults picking up children will wait on the sidewalk leading to Bragg's front door, 6 feet apart and wearing masks, until dismissal at 2:00. Once at the door, the adult will let the staff member on duty know who they are picking up. The child(ren) will be called via walkie-talkie and come up to the front door for dismissal. Identification may be requested.
All students who have opted to not take the bus will be on the pickup list every day until the end of the first marking period . There is no need to send a note every day.
This may take longer but it is the safest procedure given the guidelines we are working within.
Your patience with us and each other is truly appreciated!
Face Coverings
As stated on page 11 in The Road Back to Chester, NJ DOE's Requirement is:School staff and visitors are required to wear face coverings unless doing so would inhibit the individual’s health. Students in Chester will be required to wear face coverings at all times including when social distancing unless doing so would inhibit the student’s health or they are outside. It is also necessary to acknowledge that enforcing the use of face coverings may be impractical for young children or individuals with disabilities.
On page 14, Chester's plan is as follows:
-Face coverings that cover the nose and mouth will be required to be worn by all faculty members and visitors unless an existing health condition precludes them from doing so.
- Face coverings will be required to be worn by all students unless they are outdoors or able to maintain 6 ft. of social distancing. It is expected that face coverings will be worn in classrooms. Of note, it must be acknowledged that it will be challenging for younger
students and students with special needs to wear face coverings.
- Frequent breaks will be offered to students and faculty members to get outside and spend time in the fresh air without wearing face coverings. This may occur for lessons, at recess, at scheduled break times, etc. and will be prioritized as much as possible at all three
schools.
Face coverings must cover the nose and mouth and be "closed", not hanging open at the bottom. We will take outside breaks as often as possible for some time without face masks.
Click below for Student Supply Lists
Take care and stay safe!
Bragg Intermediate School
Email: michele.stanton@chester-nj.org
Website: Chester-nj.org/Domain191
Location: 250 Route 24, Chester, NJ, USA
Phone: (908)879-5324
Twitter: @BraggSchoolCSD