As Black History Month (February 1st – March 1st) comes to an end, we liked to note that throughout the school year our students will continue to learn about prominent African Americans who have made notable contributions to American history. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion also encourages us to work toward ensuring that all students have opportunities to see themselves and their histories reflected and acknowledged through our teaching and learning practices.

In this edition of the Tuscan Tidings, to shine a spotlight on Rabbi Joachim Prinz’s prominent role in the Civil Rights movement and the March on Washington, we are delighted to feature a student video presentation created by Maggie Rickard from Ms. Hunt/Mrs. Lee’s 4th Grade Team. We hope that our students will be inspired to learn more about Rabbi Prinz’s work and the importance of speaking out against injustice, racism, hatred, bias, and bigotry.

We are also happy to share Industrial Revolution projects from a few of our fantastic 5th Grade students. Please take the time to enjoy our students’ outstanding work!

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 classroom teacher and when needed school administration at RoarforTuscan@somsd.k12.nj.us.

In partnership,

~Ms. Majeed

Dear Tuscan Family~

As a reminder, next week, Wednesday, March 8, 2023 through Friday, March 10, 2023 Tuscan students will be dismissed at 12:45 pm for Parent/Teacher Conferences. Please remember that lunch is not served on 4-hour days. If your child will be attending YMCA After School Care please remember to pack a lunch for your child.

Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled times for teachers and parents to collaboratively work on our shared commitment to enhance the academic, social, emotional and behavioral growth of our students /your children.

Although parent/teacher conferences may be a brief ten to fifteen minutes, these essential conversations can be highly insightful and productive for discussing your child’s strengths and their opportunities for growth.

Please contact your child’s teacher(s), if you need to reschedule your conference for another date or time.

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 classroom teacher and when needed school administration at RoarforTuscan@somsd.k12.nj.us.

Warm regards,

Ms. Majeed, Tuscan School Principal

Dear Parents and Families:

Get Ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!). Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them to become Bolder, Prouder, and Stronger Readers. AND—as always—every book they buy earns rewards for our school.

Here’s what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place from Monday, March 6 through Wednesday, March 8 in the Tuscan Auditorium. Children will shop the fair during the day with their teachers, and parents will have the opportunity to shop the fair Wednesday night, during parent-teacher conferences.

This year, say hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Note: cash will still be accepted!

If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair beginning Friday, March 3. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit Tuscan.

Visit our Tuscan Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/tuscanelementaryschool1

The countdown is on! Catch you at the Fair!

Happy reading,

Ms. Majeed

Principal

Tuscan Elementary

The caring and giving efforts of the Tuscan School community are deeply impactful and uplifting; especially during a time of need.

Kudos to all who donated!! You have our heartfelt appreciation for your compassion and generous support.

Thank you to Tuscan Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Sinclair for continuing our annual food drive to celebrate the 100th day of school.

Thank you to our students, teachers and parent volunteers for your helping hands in carrying bags and boxes of 1651 food items for curbside pick-up on Friday, February 17, 2023 for donation to our local food pantry.

The South Orange Maplewood School District provides all parents / guardians access to the district’s PowerSchool parent portal.

Having access to the parent portal allows you to view important information regarding your child.

Parents / Guardians can:

• View daily attendance records.
• View marking period grades.
• View printable report cards and progress reports.
• View school welcome letters (elementary schools).
• View schedules (secondary schools).
• View student Google account information (new students).
• View locker information (High School)
• Make changes to contact information.
• Review and acknowledge forms and documents.

If parents have any difficulties accessing a parent portal account, please review the information found here: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/district/information-technology/parentportalhelp/.

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.

Chromebook Distribution (New Students):

• Grades K - 2 Chromebook distribution will occur near the end of September (if not sooner).
• Grade 3 - 12 families of new students and students that will need upgraded devices were notified via email that appointments are required for families to pick up Chromebooks from the Technology Office starting August 29th, 2022.
• Chromebook appointment sign up and pick up location can be found here: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/district/information-technology/1to1/

Chromebook Information (Returning Students):

• Students who attended the district during the 2021 - 2022 school year and were assigned a Chromebook should continue to use that Chromebook during the 2022 - 2023 school year.
• The Technology Department will reach out to families to coordinate any device replacements for Chromebooks that are no longer compatible with current requirements.

Chromebook Repairs:

• Chromebook repairs will be coordinated through classroom teachers in the elementary schools.
• Elementary school students that have broken Chromebooks should bring their devices into the classroom and leave them in the class.
• Teachers will submit request for Chromebooks repairs to the school IT technicians.

Additional Chromebook info for families can be found here: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/district/information-technology/1to1/

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.

Click the link to view the 2022-23 SY Guide

Tuscan School 12:45 pm Early Dismissal 4 Hour School Days

Lunch is not served on 4-hour days.

If your child will be attending YMCA After School Care please remember to send a lunch.

• March 8: 4 Hour School Day/12:45 pm Dismissal / Evening Conferences

• March 9: 4 Hour School Day/12:45 pm Dismissal / Evening Conferences

• March 10: 4 Hour School Day/12:45 pm Dismissal / Afternoon Conferences

• March 21: 4 Hour School Day/12:45 pm Dismissal / Staff Professional Development

• April 3 -6 Spring Break / Schools Closed
• April 7 Good Friday / District Closed
• April 21 Eid al Fitr / District Closed
  

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