Diversity | Equity | Inclusion
We believe that representation and recognition are important factors in teaching and learning and we will remain diligent in our efforts to celebrate diversity, achieve equity and embrace inclusion. We also believe that by spotlighting the experiences, voices, histories, and perspectives of amazing and notable people of diverse backgrounds, our students will be able to “see” themselves in the experiences of others who have shown perseverance, resilience and fortitude to overcome adversity and thrive.
March | Women’s History Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
In recognition of Women’s History Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month we shine the spotlight on internationally recognized disability rights activist Judith (Judy) Ellen Heumann (1947-2023) who was known as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement”.
As a strong advocate for disability rights, Judy Heumann worked closely with presidential administrations to advance disability rights and was instrumental in developing and implementing national disability rights legislation, including Section 504, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Please view our featured student video about Judy Heumann in this edition of the Tuscan Tidings.
According to the CDC, disabilities are “a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. About one in six children in the U.S. have one or more developmental disabilities or other developmental delays,” which include but are not limited to:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Fragile-X syndrome (FXS)
- Language Disorders
- Cerebral Palsy
- Intellectual Disability
- Learning Disorders
- Tourette Syndrome
April |Autism Acceptance Month
This month also provides an opportunity for us to continue to foster inclusion in our classrooms by continuing to teach in ways that reflect our commitment to further building awareness and supports for learners with developmental disabilities.
Always remember that your insights are important to us and we value and appreciate your positive partnership. Should you have a concern about any aspect of your child’s Tuscan experience, please continue to email your child’s teacher(s) and when needed school administration at RoarforTuscan@somsd.k12.nj.us.
In partnership,
Ms. Majeed, Tuscan School Principal
REMINDER: Sign-Up to Receive Text Message Updates & Reminder to Update Contact Information in School Messenger
Opt-In For Text Messages
In order to participate in the text messaging service, you must indicate your willingness to receive text messages to your phone, even if you received text messages this year. You must do this whether you have a child in the school system or belong to a community organization that wants to keep up-to-date with our alerts.
To learn more about signing up for SMS text messaging visit: website: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/headlines/district-news/2019/12/16/sms-text-message-communications-from-the-district/
REMINDER! Update Contact Information for All Parties Via School Messenger:
In order to communicate with you through School Messenger, it is important that we have the most up-to-date contact information available for all parties.
- Parents/Guardianss, if you have not yet completed the annual online parent portal forms, we are requesting you do so as soon as possible. More information for parents is found here.
- All staff members are asked to communicate any telephone number changes to the Human Resources department using the “Change staff contact information” form found on the Human Resources website.
2022-23 SY Student Code of Conduct & Restorative Justice Guide
As per Board policy the "Student Code of Conduct & Restorative Justice" information is to be disseminated annually to all school staff, students, and parents. This Code of Conduct & Restorative Justice is presented to assist students, staff, and parents/guardians to understand the expectations for acceptable conduct while in school or attending school-sponsored activities, on school grounds, and while on the way to and from school. All students are expected to follow the Code of Conduct & Restorative Justice. K-12 Principals will review core principles and key components of the Code of Conduct & Restorative Justice with their staff and students (as developmentally appropriate) at the beginning of each school year, and as needed throughout the year. We ask families to do the same with their children. It is the collective responsibility of students, staff, and parents/guardians to ensure that the expectations set forth in this Code of Conduct & Restorative Justice are adhered to.
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