EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
Central Office Communications: Week of July 12, 2020
OUR CURRENT REALITY
Hello EHT!
Graduation was absolutely wonderful ! We were blessed with a beautiful day, amazing students, helpful and passionate faculty, staff and administration, and supportive parents. I am smiling and filled with pride to know that our seniors achieved and were able to have a ceremony to honor the education and experiences that they received in the Egg Harbor Township School District. They each deserved their moment in the sun, picture in their graduation gowns, and last chance goodbyes to classmates and faculty. I say it all the time and I will say it again - "We have the best students!" and I am proud to serve them. I want it to be known that there was no rehearsal for the ceremonies and you would never have known. The students walked on the field, followed the lead of their class advisors, sat quietly through many speeches, came to the podium to get their diploma cover, got their picture taken by Olympic Studios, walked back to their seat, stood to turn their tassels, and waited to be dismissed at the end! The second ceremony was just as special, where students walked in the stadium with their families, were introduced, received their diploma cover, got their picture taken by Olympic Studios, and returned to their family. #EHTPride! Kudos to the high school team for planning and facilitating this event. Best of luck to each and every senior on the next chapter of their lives. While “Stranger Things” did really happen, I encouraged everyone to make an effort to turn this ‘upside down’, right side up! Be sure to see the 2020 Commencement Ceremony on our website and social media sites. Wait for the ending where the 2020 district retirees will also be honored.
We are feverishly planning for the Road Back to School. Over the weekend, I released one more opportunity for stakeholders to join a subcommittee that will assist us in creating a plan for the reopening of our schools as per the Governor's mandate and NJDOE guidance. There are 11 committees: Academic Supports, Athletics/FPA, Elementary Schedules, Food Services, HealthScreenings/Cleaning,High School Schedules, Instructional Technology, Middle School Schedules, Attendance, Virtual Teaching and Learning, and Transportation. Each of the 11 sub- committees will be facilitated by an administrator who will be contacting those who signed up via email to inform them of a date(s) and time(s) of a virtual meeting (s), ask for questions and concerns prior to the meeting, and provide instructions for login for the Google Meet. The majority of meetings will occur this week to glean feedback from stakeholders. Keep in mind that these meetings are not a question and answer session, simply because we do not have any definite answers at this time. These meetings are an opportunity for stakeholders to present their ideas. Meeting minutes and a recording will be taken to share with anyone who could not attend. After the meetings conclude and data is collected, the administration will convene to review feedback and put the plan together. The plan will then be shared with the board of education and then stakeholders for review, submitted to NJDOE, and a survey will follow.
There are still many uncertainties, and I know that you have many questions, however we will do our best to formulate a plan that includes the feedback/data from our stakeholders; but also a plan that is feasible and relevant to our schools, transportation, food services, facilities department, teachers, administration, and staff. All school districts are different beginning with size, finances, personnel, etc.- and may or may not be able to have the same plan. The Commissioner of Education made it clear that plans will be based on the individual school district's capacity to implement. Some school districts have released a survey asking who will be sending their child back to school, who will use transportation, who is compromised, etc. I do not believe that this is the time for collecting that data. A plan needs to be shared first so that parents can review it and THEN decide if they are comfortable sending their child back into the school building based on our collaborative plan. I ask that you have patience and understanding of this complicated endeavor. We need to persevere through this process together. We are #EHTStrong!
*For the latest information on Athletics, please see the section at the end of this newsletter.
Dr. Gruccio
SUMMER HOURS
NOTE: Many employees are working remotely at this time. Virtual office hours, as listed above, remain the same.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
EHTHS GRADUATION INFORMATION
The livestream video is now in post-production editing and will be reposted at a later date to download for FREE. Stay Tuned!
The Press of Atlantic City's photo gallery of the EHTHS graduation ceremony can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/32bb31e
A download of the ceremony video will be available on ehttv.com during the week of July 12th.
EHT HIGH SCHOOL VIRTUAL GRADUATION!
EHT “VIRTUAL” HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR AWARDS 2020
ALDER MS 8TH GRADE AWARD CEREMONY
FERNWOOD MS 8TH GRADE AWARD CEREMONY
CHROMEBOOK RETURN
If you did NOT turn in your loaner chromebook you will need to do so no later than Thursday, July 9th at 3:00 p.m. If you do not turn in your loaner chromebook and charging cord by this date you will be charged the full amount for the device and charging cord as highlighted in the liability document you received.
Chromebooks can be turned in at the Central Registration Office ONLY. Please see the information below that must be followed when turning in your device.
- A drop off day/time must be established from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm between Monday, July 13th through Thursday, July 16th.
- Either call 927-4141, ext. 1103 or email registration@eht.k12.nj.us to set up a drop off day and time.
- The loaner chromebook and charging cord must be returned at the same time. If you know there is damage please be prepared to pay during drop off.
- You MUST wear a protective face covering when dropping off the device. Once you arrive you will call 609-927-4141 to let the staff know you have arrived.
- Please ensure the chromebook is fully charged. Also please have your students ID number, and first and last name ready. Additionally, we will ask that you open the device and turn it on so we can ensure operation and that there is no damage.
THANK YOU!
NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR BOTH 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS IN THE HALF DAY PRE-SCHOOL INTEGRATED PROGRAM!
Please only complete the following application/interest form (linked) if your child will be 3 or 4 years old on or before October 1, 2020.
NOTE: There is a $200 a month fee required to participate in the program which is to be paid in advance for each month. A $200 non-refundable deposit will be required and will be applied ONLY to the June 2021 tuition.
SEATS IN THE PROGRAM WILL BE FILLED ON A “FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE” BASIS.
ONCE THE SEATS ARE FILLED, STUDENTS WILL BE PLACED ON A WAIT LIST.
FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN: STILL ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS!
Register now for September 2020.
- Click here to complete your registration: http://mvnt.us/m1116199.
- Students must be 5 years old by 10/01/2020.
- If you have already registered earlier this school year, you do not need to register again.
ASPIRE 2020-2021
ASPIRE: VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP
Virtual ASPIRE SUMMER CAMP is off to a great start! The ASPIRE Camp incorporates Math and English Language Arts Enrichment as well as physical activity, art, technology, weekly science labs, weekly virtual field trips and so much more.
Below are some pictures from the Flipgrid individual videos the students made utilizing their Science kits with Mr. McClain and Mr. Baldwin! Also pictured are projects from "Math About Me" as 4th grade students created an about me collage with Ms. Mack this week and virtual art classes, where Ms. Cook lead the classes in a follow along drawing where they created a pop open surprise art piece!
CLIMATE & CULTURE
We have worked for the culture of our schools to include school improvement efforts to increase student achievement for ALL students. Through professional development opportunities, time and resources we are building an effective learning culture where students are provided a safe learning environment, where teachers collaborate in professional learning communities to review student progress, providing ALL students the opportunity to learn at high levels, and having 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.
#EMBRACE
INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL ACCOUNT
Do you need an EHT Parent Portal account? Do you have access to log-in? Check out this short video to learn how to request an account. https://youtu.be/bL1Qqs8sNm4
SCHOOL MESSENGER REMINDER!
JUST SEND "Y" or "YES" to 67587
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 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)
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
JOB OPENINGS
For more information you can see all job openings and apply online at: https://www.applitrack.com/eggharbor/onlineapp/
Atlantic County Food Bank Resources
Free & Reduced Meal Program Information
THE NEST SCHOOL STORE IS ONLINE & OPEN!
Virtual Board of Education Meetings
Our Board of Education is going virtual too! Until further notice, Board meetings will continue to be held on designated Tuesday evenings at 7pm, however will now use the Google Meet tool.
The Board of Educations Regular Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 14th will be held virtually. The live broadcast of the meeting can be found at http://eht.k12.nj.us/ During the broadcast, public comments will be accepted by dialing 609-653-0100 ext 1417.
ATHLETICS/FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS/ACTIVITIES
Fine & Performing Arts YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR THE "VIRTUAL" SHOWCASE!
check out the YouTube Playlist (linked)
SUMMER/FALL PHYSICALS
Message to our Student Athletes,
On Friday July 10th, the NJSIAA Advisory Task Force released their current plan for the fall sports season-Model 1- Delayed Fall Season. This entails flexibility related to the developments of COVID -19. The plan provides time for school administrators to open schools. The NJSIAA recognizes the fluidity of this virus and any needed changes would be made prior to August 28th. The summer workout schedule stays the same with opening days as July 27th for Football and August 3rd for all other sports and marching band. Violation of these guidelines could have a program face disqualification as all athletes need to go through Phase 1 prior to any official team practices. It is imperative that all coaches and players follow safety protocols that will be put in place. This includes the wearing of masks when appropriate, social distancing, health checks, 90 minute practices, no sharing of equipment, and no more than two days of practice per week. Athletes can not be working out as a team prior to this date. As a reminder, for the health safety, and welfare of our student athletes, student athletes should be supervised by a board approved staff member during any and all workouts and practices. August 28th will be the last day of summer workouts and a two week hiatus begins where all communications with athletes have to be virtual. No one is permitted on campus for in-person practices from August 29th to September 13th. Official pre- season practices can begin on September 14th. Games will begin on or near October 1st. There will be no long trips, out of state trips, or state championships. All student-athletes and coaches must adhere to this model in order to participate.
July 27th: Football "summer" workouts begin
Aug 3rd: All other sports and marching band "summer" workouts begin.
Aug 28th: All "summer" workouts end; No activity up to and including Sept. 13th
Sept 14th: Official Pre-season practice begin for all sports and marching band
Sept 28th: Tennis games can begin
Oct 2nd: Football games can begin
Oct 1st: All other sports games can begin
Go Eagles !
Dr. Gruccio, Superintendent
NJSIAA:
- NJSIAA builds on Return To Play plan, provides updates on fall sports season
- NJSIAA provides return-to-play guidelines - Phase 1
- NJSIAA Provides Updated, Return-to-Play Guidelines
- May 30, 2020 NJSIAA STATEMENT - Executive Order #149 - Return to Sports
- May 28, 2020 NJSIAA Adds COVID Task Force
- How We Return to High School Sports in New Jersey
- A Message from 2ndFloor Youth Helpline and NJSIAA
- May 8, 2020 Updated NJSIAA Statement - Short Term Guidance
- May 4, 2020 Updated NJSIAA Statement
- April 16, 2020 Updated NJSIAA Statement
- April 10, 2020 Update on Spring Sports Schedule
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)
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