Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff,
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Our thoughts are with all those affected by the senseless act of violence at a Michigan high school this week. This incident serves as a reminder that we must remain diligent in our efforts to protect our students and staff. We are consistently analyzing and updating our security procedures as safety is always our utmost priority.
Closer to home, the district mourns the passing of Board Member, Dr. Alfred Davis, Jr. He was a dedicated supporter of our schools, students, families and community; a noble and kind man. Please join me in keeping his family in your thoughts and hearts during this difficult time.
Outdoor Lunches
As we strive to continue outdoor lunch/recess as long as possible, since this is an important mitigating strategy against COVID, we ask that you please dress your children in weather-appropriate clothing. All building administrators will be working with their respective School Action Teams for Partnership on how to implement outdoor lunches. If the Real Feel temperature outside is 40 degrees or below, the Elementary and Middle School building administrators will look at a variety of other variables such as wind, precipitation and cloud coverage in order to determine if students will eat lunch inside or outside that day. Since the high school has an open campus, the students may elect to eat inside or outside. The district will be supplying heavy-duty tents to accommodate outdoor lunches during the colder temperatures.
Vaccination Information for Children ages 5 – 11
In partnership with the PTAC, the district will be hosting a virtual workshop about childhood vaccinations on Tues., Dec. 7 at 7 PM with Dr. Chris T. Pernell of University Medical Center, Newark, NJ. Dr. Pernell will also answer questions. Registration required for Zoom link.
Calling All Students – Reflections Campaign
The deadline for the “Reflections” art competition has been extended to Dec. 12. All students in all grades are eligible to participate in the National PTA’s program and may submit their completed works of art in Literature, Photography and Visual Arts. Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may enter in the Special Artist Division or grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities. See details.
Board Meetings
A special Board Meeting has been added on December 8 for a presentation by the New Jersey School Boards Association regarding Board ethics and legalities involving our new status as a Type II district and the special election on March 8 for two additional Board members. There will be no closed session and the meeting will begin at 5:30 PM. Both in-person and virtual public comment will be allowed. The Board is in the process of determining how best to implement and accommodate both in-person and virtual public comments so that all attendees have an opportunity to express their views.
Enjoy the weekend,
Dr. Jonathan Ponds
Superintendent