TUSCAN CELEBRATES ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH!
Dear Tuscan Family~
Tuscan Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
We especially want to recognize and celebrate all of our staff, students, and community members of Asian and Pacific Island ancestry.
At Tuscan, we will continue to amplify voices from within the AAPI community to combat negative stereotypes to ensure that our students learn about the positive contributions that Asian American and Pacific Islanders has had and continue to have on our country. By hearing stories and learning about the histories, traditions and cultures of Americans of Asian and Pacific Island ancestry our students develop empathy, gain greater understanding of and appreciation for the diverse experiences of the AAPI community.
In this week’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month edition of the Tuscan Tidings we are honored to feature a beautifully narrated video presentation by Tuscan’s 4th Grade Teacher Mrs. Theresa Lee sharing a Korean tradition to celebrate a baby’s first birthday!
We are also deeply pleased to feature in this AAPI edition of the Tuscan Tidings an awe-inspiring origami crane project by Tuscan 4th Grader Nick Mansfield from Mrs. Smith’s homeroom! Last school year, Nick was a 3rd Grade student in Mrs. Bracey’s class. Through the story of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr, Mrs. Bracey sparked Nick’s interest in origami cranes.
On March 13, 2020, our school district transitioned to remote learning to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. While in quarantine Nick’s interest in origami cranes became a topic for research. Nick set a goal and embarked on a mission to fold one thousand cranes to create a “TUSCAN” mural to give to the school. Nick shared that he learned, “according to Japanese legend if you fold 1,000 cranes it is a symbol of hope and healing during hard times, and good luck to all."
One year later, Nick’s ambitious goal was accomplished. On Thursday, May 27, 2021, Nick presented to Tuscan School his beautiful mural of one thousand origami cranes. Prior to the installation of the mural, Mrs. Bracey and Mrs. Smith’s classes joined Nick outside of the front door of Tuscan for an impromptu Q&A presentation of his origami crane project. All students, faculty and staff in attendance for Nick’s presentation were completely captivated and highly impressed by his outstanding explanations and Nick’s dedication to completing such a long term and large scale labor of love.
We are deeply honored and very fortunate to have Nick’s beautiful mathematical work of art on display at Tuscan School! We anticipate that Nick’s next project may find another fitting home at the National Museum of Mathematics .
Below please find the link for Nick’s Origami Art 2021 project captured in amazing pictures by photographer and former Tuscan parent Chad Hunt!!
Thank you Chad it was really great to see you!!
We hope that you find time to enjoy this week’s AAPI features and also please view the special Memorial Day Weekend edition of the District’s “As a Matter of Fact” newsletter filled with reminders, updates, and upcoming events.
We will return to school on Tuesday, June 1 and until next time, have a safe and enjoyable extended Memorial Day Weekend!
~Ms. Majeed
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
By Eleanor Coerr
(Available in MackinVIA as an eBook and audiobook)
Here are instructions on how to make your own paper crane!
CONTACT TRACING IN THE SCHOOL SETTING
The SOMSD school nurses developed a chart to summarize the response to COVID+ activity in the school community and to provide clarification on school notification procedures.
When a SOMSD staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19, it is the responsibility of that staff member or the parent of the student to notify the principal who notifies the superintendent. The respective local Department of Health (DOH) – South Orange or Maplewood - will be notified immediately. The local DOH, who receives the actual lab report, conducts Contact Tracing. Based on the circumstances of each case, the local DOH provides the District with guidance as to the appropriate and timely notification of staff and families of a confirmed case while maintaining confidentiality.
Click here to view the "NOTIFICATION OF SCHOOL COMMUNITY PROCEDURE" document
TUSCAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The School District of South Orange and Maplewood
Email: ROARforTuscan@somsd.k12.nj.us
Website: www.somsd.k12.nj.us/tuscan/
Location: 25 Harvard Avenue, Maplewood, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-378-5221