Principal's Message
Greetings Tuscan Family~
We hope this month's edition of the Tuscan Tidings finds you and your loved ones safe, well and enjoying a Healthy and Happy New Year!
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance at Tuscan!
To highlight the history of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day, in Music classes at Tuscan, from January 10th – 14th, 2022, Mrs. Van Tine engaged students in learning by listening to the song "Happy Birthday" written, produced and performed by Stevie Wonder. Please give Mrs. Van Tine a round of applause for incorporating Social Studies and US History into music instruction in a manner that amplifies cross curricular teaching and fosters student learning.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the most prominent and highly esteemed activist of the Civil Rights Movement and spent his life advocating for justice, equality in education, equal opportunities for jobs and freedom for all. As a civil rights icon, Dr. King was undoubtedly a well-known leader and a powerful voice for human rights. The lasting power of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream Speech” delivered during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, is likely to be remembered as one of the most significant speeches in American history.
On Friday, January 14, 2022, during a morning announcement video presentation, Tuscan students were introduced to an unsung hero of the civil rights movement. As senior advisor to Dr. King, lead organizer of the 1963 March on Washington and LGBTQ+ history maker, Bayard Rustin was an influential civil rights activist who played an important role in the fight for social justice. You can learn more about Bayard Rustin’s life and influential role as an important American civil rights leader by exploring this Curiosity Kit Educational Resource from the National Park Service.
We believe that representation and recognition matters in teaching and learning and we plan to continue to foster dignity and respect for all people. We will remain diligent in our efforts to celebrate diversity and inclusion by spotlighting the stories, voices, histories, perspectives, traditions and cultures of amazing and notable people of diverse backgrounds. All of our students are important to us and we will continue to do all that we can to create and cultivate a safe, affirming and nurturing learning environment in which all of our students are able to thrive.
Know that the social/emotional and physical health and well-being of our school community is important to us. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email at ROARforTuscan@somsd.k12.nj.us as we are here for you and stand ready to offer guidance for accessing resources and support.
Thank you again for all you continue to do in support of student learning at Tuscan School!
Ms. Malikah Tamar Majeed, Tuscan School Principal
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