TPS Families -

Have you noticed the change? I know that I have as each day I see a bit more of the sun. This seems to apply to our COVID status as well. Our days seem to be getting brighter as our COVID numbers continue to hover on or close to zero. I know we all hope this is a trend that continues.

Although we are still awaiting additional guidance from the NJDOH, I have proposed to the Tenafly BOE and they have agreed that effective March 7th, we will make all school buildings mask optional. As additional specifics, updates, and guidelines are shared, we will share them with all of you. However, until March 7th, please continue to follow the mandate and our policy as they apply to mask wearing in our schools.

Our TPS students continue to celebrate Black History Month with speakers, books, videos, and more, focusing on the history and contributions of African Americans. We will continue to share some of these activities on our social media.

I would like to congratulate the host of TPS students and their teachers who continue to impress us with their knowledge, passion, and accomplishments. From Regeneron STS finalists and the American Junior Academies of Science presenters to the 2022 Northern NJ Junior Science & Humanities Symposium finalists and those who qualified for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination. You are an impressive group of students, and we thank you and the teachers who mentor you for making all of us Tiger proud!

A reminder that this weekend is our winter break. All TPS schools will be closed from Friday, February 18th through Tuesday, February 22nd, with students and teachers returning to school on Wednesday, February 23rd. We look forward to seeing all of you refreshed and ready for the next phase of our school year.

Yours in Education,

Shauna C. DeMarco

Beginning March 7th, as approved at the February 14th Board of Education meeting, Tenafly Public Schools will move to masks optional for all students and staff, with the potential exception of select conditions that may be identified by the NJDOH in their anticipated guidance (e.g.: days 6-10 following quarantine, etc.). For more details, visit the TPS website or see Policy 1648.11.

Some related reminders:

• As transportation companies follow Federal Law, all students and staff must continue to wear masks when on school buses.
• Please continue to use the Symptom Tracker prior to coming to school each day.
• TPS will continue to contact trace, quarantine, and provide virtual instruction where applicable pending further guidance.

Please note that our policy and practices will continue to support any individual’s right to continue wearing a mask.

Living Voices actor Brian Simmons visited with students at several of our elementary schools this month. Simmons performed as historical figures Raymond Hollis and Peter Freeman, allowing him to share some great moments from history with our students. For more on Living Voices, visit their website.

The Middle School Orientation meeting for parents of current 5th grade students will take place in person:

• Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2022
• Where: Tenafly Middle School Auditorium
• Time: 7–8pm

Unable to attend the meeting? The presentation will be linked on the TMS 6th Grade Information page after the meeting. The World Language and Music form are also found on this page. The form is due by Friday, February 25th.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Society for Science selected THS senior Hannah Park as one of 40 finalists in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

Hannah's research focused on “Altered Development of Thymus in Tmem131 Knockout Mouse Model of Down Syndrome”. Other finalists’ projects span a diverse range of STEM-related subjects, including the impact of COVID-19, the invention of novel therapeutic tools, and topics related to climate change.

Finalists will participate in a week-long competition from March 9-16, 2022, where they will undergo a rigorous judging process and compete for more than $1.8 million in awards. Good luck, Hannah! For more on Hannah and this incredible achievement, see the In the News section on our website.

TMS Vice Principal Patrick Comey is taking one for the team - the Smile Train Team! Each year, TMS 6th and 7th grade Ambassadors fundraise for Smile Train, an organization that provides cleft lip surgery free of charge for children worldwide.

This year, Vice Principal Comey has agreed to shave off his beard on live camera if the school meets their fundraising goal of $1000. Interested in contributing to the cause and joining the fun? Donate online or TMS students can donate during their lunch period in the TMS cafeteria from February 14-17th.

CAP and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Present: Internet and Social Media Safety, part of the Parent Education Speaker Series, a program for students in grades six to 12 and all parents.

Understand potentially dangerous situations arising from internet usage including chat rooms, snap chat, instant messages, email, TikTok, and blogs. Address common challenges parents face protecting their child’s privacy online and learn how to recognize if your child might be at risk. Discuss online predators, cyber bullying, and sexting.

Masks required.

Keynote Speaker: Detective Sergeant James Calaski, Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, Cyber Crimes Unit

Date: Wednesday, March 2nd

Place: Tenafly Middle School Auditorium, 10 Sunset Lane, Tenafly

Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm

On Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 7pm, CarePlus Clinical Program Manager Mackenzie Kuhl, LSW will present Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning+ (LGBTQ+) Youth: An Overview of Cultural Awareness & Supporting LGBTQ+ Folks. Learn how to best support your LGBTQIA+ youth through an overview of cultural awareness and competencies of the key principles related to the LGBTQIA+ community through this 30-minute presentation. Q&A to follow discussion.

The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics are well underway and we have a host of activities and informational sites to help you keep up with the competitions! Track medals, learn fun facts, find interactive activities, watch videos, and more on our Discovery webpage.

Have you recently moved or plan to move within Tenafly? Please remember to share your new address with us! Contact registrar@tenafly.k12.nj.us with updates or questions.

Need Technology Support? Visit our Help Desk.

For instructions on how to enter a ticket, visit the TPS website.