Dear Tuscan Family~
Tuscan is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment for all of our students, families, faculty and staff. We are deeply dedicated to teaching in ways that expands our students’ capacity to demonstrate empathy, kindness, understanding, respect and appreciation for all members of our LGBTQ+ community.
We are mindful of the power of our words and work to ensure that our language reflects our dedication to equity and anti-bias education. Our goal is to ensure that we speak in ways to affirm, positively acknowledge and uphold the well-being of all of our students, families, faculty and staff. To be more LGBTQ+ inclusive in communicating with students, we use and practice gender neutral language to ensure that all students and families feel included and validated. You will likely hear us, for example, refer to our students as “Readers” or “Writers” instead of boys and girls. We refer to our students’ parents/guardians as “grownups” instead of “mom and dad” and practice using “siblings” rather than brothers/sisters.
Tuscan is a wonderful school for learning and we embrace feedback for our reflection and grow. Please know that we are continuously seeking ways to support Tuscan students and families in every way that is possible. Whenever we may fall short of our commitment to the use of gender neutral language, thank you for kindly bringing our misstep to our attention as we are deeply committed to creating an affirming a safe learning environment in which all of our LGBTQ+ students, families, faculty and staff feel appreciated and celebrated.
There is still time to continue to celebrate and enjoy Pride Month. Please view the SOMSD Celebrates Pride Month, special edition of the District’s “As a Matter of Fact” newsletter that includes upcoming events, activities and resources to celebrate Pride Month throughout the month of June.
Tuscan is so fortunate to have a thoughtful and compassionate school community that deeply cares for one another. As you may know, two Tuscan families (from Ms. Hunt/Mrs. Kavanagh’s and Mrs. Nelson classes) were displaced by house fires in late May and early June. We are thankful that both families escaped physical harm and secured temporary shelter with relatives. However, being displaced from one’s home and losing personal belongings due to a house fire is deeply impactful for children and adults. Below are ways to show concern and offer help as our Tuscan families continue to work to regain a sense of security and rebuild a comfortable home life.
The Snell Sisters & their three families
Thank you always for your steadfast and generous outpouring of support whenever Tuscan families are in need.
Please look forward to the "End of the School Year Wrap Up" edition of the Tuscan Tidings that will include an update on Tuscan’s construction project along with a welcome message to our incoming Kindergarten class of 2021 and much more.
In the meantime, get ready to enjoy a safe and well-deserved summer break!
~Ms. Majeed
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