EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
Central Office Communications: Week of January 16, 2022
SUPERINTENDENTS UPDATE
Egg Harbor Township School Community,
I am sharing a letter that was placed on our district website and was shared with parents and staff regarding the updated COVID- 19 guidance that our school district is adhering to.
Revised CDC Guidelines 1-16-22: English - Click HERE, Espanol - Haga clic AQUI
I want to explain that while the CDC released new guidance on December 27, 2021, it did not apply to school districts. We were ready to implement new guidance on quarantining at the onset of the new year, but we had to wait for New Jersey to adopt the guidance for school districts. On January 11th, the Governor implemented a new Executive Order and the New Jersey Health Department adjusted guidance for school districts to follow. We received that guidance on January 12th which prompted meetings with our nursing staff, our school doctor for new standing orders, the Atlantic County Division of Public Health, and county superintendents to discuss the rollout. The guidance was in place on January 13th, and the staff and students who were quarantined were personally contacted and informed. My communication to the school community captures more details regarding the guidance that pertains to us and will be followed moving forward. As stated in my letter, we are committed to in-person instruction and will continue to protect our students and staff by following the state mandated guidelines of correct mask wearing in all school buildings. We will continue to take mask breaks when needed based on teacher autonomy. Our teachers have done a great job with the coordination of mask breaks for students. Teachers are in tune with their students and have a better sense from students when and where breaks are needed. With the size of our schools and number of classrooms, this works much better with timing and use of space, than the administration determining when an overall mask break is to occur. Hand washing and sanitizing has become routine and will continue throughout the schools as well as social distancing to the greatest extent practicable. The recommendation of our December district pandemic team was to keep the desk shields in place in preparation of the highly contagious Omicron variant of the virus. Over the break, we replaced and cleaned desk shields. We have desk shields in places where social distancing of 3 feet cannot occur. As you know, we are a large school district with many children in our schools- therefore, most classrooms have desk shields. The recommendation stands worthy particularly when it comes to guidance for returning students from quarantine when eating lunch. Because we have desk shields in our cafeteria, students who return from quarantine can remain in the cafeteira to have their lunch. Together we are all doing our very best to keep the schools in our large school district safe and open for in-person instruction. It is my hope that this recent storm of the new variant is on its way out and we will soon be in a place for revised guidance.
We are closely monitoring our reported cases, communicating with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), the Atlantic County Division of Public Health (ACDPH) and the NJDOE via the county superintendent. At this time, we plan for our schools to be open to serve our students academically, socially, and emotionally. We will assess the impact of our cases on a case by case, classroom by classroom, school by school, department by department basis and do our very best to keep schools safely open.
We are committed to our school district mission to EMBRACE, ENGAGE, and EDUCATE the students of the Egg Harbor Township School District.
#EHTPride #EHTStrongerTogether
Dr Gruccio
Superintendent of Schools
#EHTREADY: THE ROAD FORWARD
FREE COVID-19 TESTING SITES & RESOURCES
FREE COVID-19 Testing Sites and other links to COVID-19 resources in the State of New Jersey, Atlantic County and surrounding counties can be accessed through the following LINK.
STUDENT HEALTH AFFIRMATION
Every student attending EHT Schools must submit a health affirmation form. This form should be reviewed and completed by a parent/guardian and submitted on the first day of school. We ask that in an effort to maintain a safe and healthy environment, you assess your child(ren) every day prior to school and keep them home from school if symptoms are present.
Forms in both English and Spanish are accessible at the following LINK.
Please monitor your child or children for Covid like symptoms prior to sending them to school every day. As per the district health affirmation, Covid-19 like symptoms and Covid-19 situations related to contact tracing, testing and diagnoses are seen in the image above as a reminder. In addition, if a child in your home is exhibiting Covid-19 like symptoms, not only should they remain home and follow-up with their health care provider, but siblings should also remain home and follow the same protocol.
COVID-19 INFORMATION & RESOURCES
For the most up to date information and resources regarding Covid-19, you can access this quick link on the district homepage at the following LINK.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
To access frequently asked questions related to Covid-19, as well as general district and school information you can access the following LINK.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
READING RESOURCES!
IC PARENT PORTAL ACCOUNT INFORMATION!
What if I do not have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal account? Send an email to icportal@eht.k12.nj.us with the parent/guardian full name, students full name, students school and grade level, students birthdate, home and/or cell number and the parent/guardians email address.
CLIMATE, CULTURE and #EHTPride
CLIMATE, CULTURE & #EHTPride
We are dedicated to learning together, growing together, and healing together within a positive school climate. Celebrations of recognition and reward for achievement, even the littlest steps, will occur in all of our schools as we value the importance of appreciation and respect. We have a lot of #EHTPride in taking care of our students and showcasing their achievements.
We are committed to setting a foundation of culture in our school that includes respect for diversity, inclusion and equity for ALL students and staff. To empower our school community to be positive, supportive, patient, and understanding.To unify all members around one central goal that includes nurturing a strong culture that allows students, teachers, staff, and community members to flourish as individuals and as a community.
With Every Hand Together, Every child, Everyday is provided a relevant learning experience. 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 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. Together, we can achieve more!
#EMBRACE
EHT POSITIVE VIBES 365
Start your day on the right foot with some positive vibes from @ehtnjschools! Every morning @ehtnjschools will post a quote of the day to help kick off your day with a positive mindset. #ehtpride #ehtpositivevibes365
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
ATLANTIC PREVENTION RESOURCES: ACHIEVING PERSONAL BALANCE
Atlantic Prevention Resources will be holding group meetings through the month of November as part of their "Achieving Personal Balance" program. Participants will increase skills that will help provide a healthy balance in their lives. Virtual meetings will begin Monday, September 27th. For more information, email Amanda Hartman at ahartman@atlprev.org.
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION: RESOURCES!
Visit http://www.mhaac.info/ubw-schedule.html to find The Mental Health Association of Atlantic County's virtual schedule.
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.
ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES!
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT & RESOURCES
During these difficult times, 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.
Atlantic County Division of Public Health: “The Source” (linked)
Student resource card (Spanish/English)
EVERY HAND TOGETHER: PURSUING PUBLIC HEALTH
Visit http://mvnt.us/m1273441 to see all the video playlists that "Pursuing Public Health" has to offer!
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
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
Egg Harbor Township School District is now hiring bus drivers, bus aides and subs. Interested applicants can call 609-927-2443 ext 1710 or can now apply online: https://www.applitrack.com/eggharbor/onlineapp/
BECOME A SUBSTITUTE WITH EHT!
We're hiring for rewarding opportunities in Egg Harbor Township School District! To apply, visit https://bit.ly/3gGjAxX
FREE AND REDUCED MEAL PROGRAM APPLICATION
Free & Reduced Breakfast/Lunch Program: The Free and Reduced Meal Program offers several benefits including free/reduced meals, test fee waivers, and an opportunity to earn free college credits at the High School with the dual-enrollment program. For more information and to determine your eligibility, click this letter for more information: http://mvnt.us/m1217905
ATLANTIC COUNTY FOOD BANK RESOURCES
Please visit the Atlantic County Food Bank Resources (linked)
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: alumni@eht.k12.nj.us
THE NEST SCHOOL STORE IS ONLINE & OPEN!
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
ATHLETICS/FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS/ACTIVITIES
MESSAGE TO OUR STUDENT ATHLETES AND FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Our boys basketball team is ranked 10th in the State of New Jersey! Keep an eye out for these young men and their quest to be a powerful force on the court.
Be sure to check out the Athletic Department's website and social media sites for team schedules and results. Our Unified Sports teams are practicing and dedicated to building teamwork and sportsmanship. The High School Orchestra will perform this week in concert on January 20th. Come on out to support our students’ passions and talents!
GO EAGLES!
Dr. Gruccio
NJSIAA: For the most up to date information from the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) visit their website at https://www.njsiaa.org/
NCAA: Thinking about participating in athletics after high school? Then visit the following link from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to prepare: https://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future
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 January 9, 2022
EHT Media Specialists (January 2022)
Eagle Eye Alumni Newsletter (Fall/Winter 2021)
Gifted and Talented Newsletter (Trimester 1 - 2021)
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