October 16, 2020
Dear families,
Here is information provided by Principal Kuwabara from her update today. Please reach out to us at presidents@bullockpta.org or Principal Kuwabara at nkuwabara@montclair.k12.nj.us with any further questions related to CHB…
There are many questions coming in about the Return to School Plan. Please understand that there are still many moving parts and I will always communicate what I know. Based on the emails I have received, I have compiled common questions and am providing answers below.
School day – 8:50 to 12:50
Building Entrance Plans – Plans are still being finalized, but will follow the safety procedures and protocols put in place by the district.
Daily Schedule – It is still being finalized, but core instruction will happen during the in-person time.
Masks – Teachers will be wearing masks. It is a requirement to be in the building.
Afternoons – Students will participate in a variety of instructional activities after in-person dismissal, depending on their grade level.
Devices – Students with District Chromebooks are asked to bring them to school. All other students will not bring their home device, but will use a school device.
Mounties or Bulldogs – The assignment will depend on the number of students who are returning for in-person instruction.
Zoom – Yes, all in-person students will continue to engage in learning through Zoom. This is to ensure continuity of instruction, engagement and connection for those students who remain all remote.
YMCA Before and After Care – The District is in communication with the YMCA to determine if this will be offered.
School Counselor Long Term Sub: I am happy to report that a recommendation was made to the Superintendent, and the candidate is on the personnel report for Board approval at Monday night’s meeting. Which means I will be able to introduce them to the Bullock community on Tuesday. Thank you for your patience and understanding as Ms. G went on maternity leave earlier than expected. Please know you can always reach out to Nurse Christine or me with any questions or concerns that may arise with your child.
Working with Teachers College (TC): Your PTA dollars are hard at work and so are our teachers. I am pleased to share that all language arts teachers had their first session with TC staff developers over the last two Tuesdays. They discussed and explored best practices on engaging readers and writers in a virtual classroom. New this year are TC’s virtual resources for teaching writing. They spent time learning how to utilize this resource both in and out of the classroom. Our staff developers even joined a couple of classrooms to demo a lesson as well as offer feedback on how to conduct meaningful small group instruction remotely. This ongoing work is instrumental in keeping us at the forefront of literacy instruction. Thank you for always supporting the professional growth of our teachers.
Related Arts Classes: I have heard from some families that they would like to have an alternative plan for some related arts classes in an effort to reduce the amount of screen time. Please communicate with the related arts teacher when you are doing this so they can note that for your child. If not, they will simply be marked absent for that period. When making decisions for your child, please keep in mind that physical education is the only related arts class with state mandated minutes.
Digital Backpack: There are a plethora of community events and resources available on the District’s Digital Backpack. Please take a look at the digital backpack and remember to bookmark the page for future reference.
Food Service: Montclair Public Schools participates in the USDA Child Nutrition Program and benefits have been approved through December 2020 so that every student can receive a free meal. Distribution of meals is twice a week on Monday and Wednesday. Nutritious meals can be picked up at MHS, Northeast, Bullock or Nishuane from 11:30 to 1:30.
Looking ahead:
Thursday, October 22nd – Curriculum Thursday; 1:40pm Dismissal
Remember, we are in this together and always just an email or phone call away. Have a wonderful weekend!