Return to in-person learning for Kindergarten-2nd Grade and Cohort C Students Only
Dear Tuscan Family~
Effective Monday, March 15, 2021
- Tuscan School Hours | 4 Hours Hybrid & Virtual Instruction 8:45 AM to 12:45 PM
- Virtual Small Group Instruction 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm
If you submitted a hybrid return to school request for your child prior to February 22, 2021, the return to in-person learning for Kindergarten-2nd Grade and Cohort C Students Only begins on Monday, March 15, 2021.
Any family who has chosen hybrid instruction for their child must electronically sign the District's COVID-19 Parent Agreement Letter of Compliance for each child attending in-person instruction. The agreement can only be accessed via the PowerSchool parent portal.
Parents can view their child’s cohort assignment via the PowerSchool Parent Portal. If you need help accessing or have forgotten your login information, email: parentportal@somsd.k12.nj.us.
Click link for Tuscan School Hybrid Reopening Guide Updated 03/12/21
that now includes information about the final opportunity for parents to submit a virtual to hybrid change request.
To ensure the health and safety of students and staff, all district protocols highlighted in the Tuscan School Hybrid Return to School Guide must be strictly followed and should not be considered or interpreted as a matter of choice or convenience.
If you would like to submit a request for your child to change from all virtual to hybrid learning, March 25, 2021, is the final opportunity for parents to submit a virtual to hybrid change request for our tentative phased-in re-entry scheduled for April 19.
IMPORTANT: Please note, regardless of the grade-levels that re-enter on April 19, the final opportunity for the school year for parents to make a virtual to hybrid change request for their child is March 25, 2021. In addition, a change request will always be subject to space capacity.
The link to the Tuscan Hybrid Return to School Preference Form can be found below in this edition of the Tuscan Tidings.
Although we are faced with limitations, please know that we remain dedicated to supporting Tuscan’s children, teachers and families in every way that is possible. We thank you for your continued support and patience.
Be well, stay safe and have an enjoyable weekend!
~Ms. Majeed
Tuscan School Celebrates Women’s History Month!
March is Women’s History Month! This is a time for students to celebrate women - past and present - who, even though they may have faced challenges, have achieved great things and have made the world a better place. Women’s History Month is also a time to celebrate special women in our own lives!
This year, it seems fitting to highlight our new Vice President, Kamala Harris, for Women’s History Month. There are several books about Vice President Harris in Epic! School and one in MackinVIA. In addition, please enjoy Vice President Harris reading her book Superheroes are Everywhere!
Available on MackinVIA
Drum Dream Girl : How One Girl's Courage Changed Music
By Margarita Engle; illustrated by Rafael López
This story was inspired by the first female drummer in Cuba, Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, and Anacaona, the all-girl dance band she formed with her sisters.
Available on MackinVIA
A Computer Called Katherine : How Katherine Johnson Helped put America on the Moon
By Suzanne Slade; illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison
This is an illustrated biography of NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson. She paved the way for women to join men in engineering and math-based jobs.
Available on MackinVIA
For The Right To Learn : Malala Yousafzai's Story
By Rebecca Langston-George; illustrated by Janna Bock.
This is a thorough account of Malala Yousafzai's stand against the Taliban for girls' education in Pakistan. This book should be read by students in grades three and up or with a grownup.
A Message from Tuscan School Nurse Ms. Thompson
National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.
One of the many ways we encourage good nutrition with our students is with MyPlate, a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) symbol for healthy eating. The plate features four sections — vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein — plus a side order of dairy in blue. The message is to
· Eat a variety of healthy foods.
· Eat less of some foods and more of others.
Fruits and vegetables take up half the plate, grains and protein each take up about one-quarter of the plate. The divided plate also helps keep portion sizes in check. Super-big portions can cause weight gain.
What’s a Grain Again?
You know what fruits and vegetables are, but here is a reminder about what is included in the three other food groups: protein, grains, and dairy:
· Protein: Beef; poultry; fish; eggs; nuts and seeds; and beans and peas like black beans, split peas, lentils, and even tofu and veggie burgers. Protein builds and maintains the tissues in your body.
· Grains: Bread, cereal, rice, tortillas, and pasta. At least half of the grains you eat should be whole-grains, such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, and brown rice. Whole grains have more fiber, help you feel full, and aid proper digestion.
· Dairy: Milk, yogurt, cheese, and fortified soymilk. With MyPlate, the dairy circle could be a cup of milk, but you also can get your dairy servings from yogurt or cheese. Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy most of the time. Calcium-rich dairy products help keep bones and teeth strong.
What about food allergies and sensitivities?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition and health. We are all unique with different bodies, goals, backgrounds and tastes...as well as potential food allergies and intolerances. Balancing your nutritional needs and eating safe foods should be discussed with your doctor or dietitian.
The plate can be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Practically, not every meal will include each food group, but aim to eat a variety of food groups at each meal.
The plate also shows how to balance your food groups. There is a reason the protein section is smaller: You don’t need as much from that group. Eating more fruits and vegetables will help you eat fewer calories overall, which helps you keep a healthy weight. Eating fruits and veggies also gives you lots of vitamins and minerals.
Remember, take time to enjoy your food, and the people you're eating with!
Please feel free to reach out to me by email if you need any further assistance.
Ms. Thompson (athompso@somsd.k12.nj.us)
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