Dear Families, Caregivers and Staff,
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As we enter the last month of this school year, we want you to know that plans are in place to deal with extreme temperatures. Please be sure to read our heat advisory message posted in Announcements on the website. Students will be encouraged to take water breaks as it is vital to drink plenty of fluids, and nurses will be alert for any signs of heat exhaustion. There may be times when recess is restricted, and you will be notified no later than 6 AM if an early dismissal is being called. Although we have measures to deal with extreme heat, we are encouraged by future plans for air conditioning which would alleviate much of our concerns. Thanks to a generous donation from the Nishuane PTA and work by the Buildings and Grounds Department, air conditioners have been installed at Nishuane. At Glenfield air conditioners are being installed in some rooms before the end of the school year. Please know that with our Community Investment/Bond Referendum, air conditioning is included at all schools.
We encourage your support for this referendum which will be an investment in the future for all of our students, staff and families. Our community deserves to showcase schools that provide safe, healthy environments that are conducive to learning and growing in an ever complex and changing world. During the summer and through the early fall, we will be rolling out a campaign to promote this investment around town so that all stakeholders who may or may not have children in our schools can learn about the benefits of this community investment.
Be the Change – Volunteer for PTAC 2022-23
On behalf of the Board and the district, I extend a huge thank you to the parents and families who have served our students and schools through their countless volunteer hours working on initiatives, engaging our students in new avenues for expression; such as, the Reflections Program, and always being a consistent and constant support for all. Do you have an idea, a creative solution or simply care deeply about the schools and want to meet and discuss topics of interest? Please consider volunteering with the PTACfor 2022-23.
Good News
NJMEP
Montclair High School has entered into a partnership with the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) whereby high school students will have opportunities for apprenticeships and alternative career pathways to become credentialed in manufacturing, logistics and supply chain industries. See presentationfrom the June 1 Board meeting. Students from the Class of 2022 without definite post-high school plans can inquire about this unique opportunity by seeing Counselor Siobhan Meyer and Science Teacher Lynn English. The high school will be providing more details soon, as this partnership was just passed by Board Resolution at the last meeting.
Reminder: Community Events this Weekend
Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation Festival
The Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation Festival will be held on Saturday, June 4, from 1 to 6 PM in the TD Bank parking lot on Bloomfield Avenue. The Festival will feature live music, dance performances, games for kids and more. All are welcome; please join us!
Rescheduled Lantern Festival
AAPI’s rescheduled Lantern Festival for Justice and Remembrance will take place Sunday, June 5, from 6 to 9 PM, at Edgemont Park.
June is PRIDE Month, and I would like to take this moment to reaffirm our commitment to providing an environment in which everyone can learn, work and live with dignity and respect. We celebrate the contributions and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community and will continue our work to ensure that our district is a place in which our LGBTQIA+ students, staff and families feel safe and supported.
I wish you a relaxing and enjoyable weekend!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jonathan Ponds
Superintendent