Reflection on First Four Days
Thank you all for your continued support, patience, and flexibility. I am extremely proud of our MSD and NPS community, as we continue to face this adversity together as one family. We will continue to build on our successes, and improve on our areas of growth.
The beginning of this year was not typical. However, with concerted efforts and partnerships across home, school, and community, we were able to welcome students back, both physically and virtually.
Last week, we were able to welcome students into our buildings, distributing supplies and Chromebooks for all students learning virtually and/or in-person. Students and teachers were extremely happy to see each other! In school, teachers were at their door each day to greet students. In-person and virtual classroom teachers began to build social connections with their students through discussion and guided activities. Teachers reviewed new routines and procedures (e.g. hand washing, using hand sanitizer, masks, signing on to Google Meets, etc.).In school, students utilized outdoor space at times throughout the day for mask breaks and snack!
Arrival and dismissal ran fairly well. However, there were a few late buses. Transportation is working extremely hard to ensure buses are running on-time this week. Please note, it does take longer to dismiss using the procedures we have in place to ensure safety. We have staggered arrival and dismissal times for drop-offs/pick-ups and busing. This year, we do have quite a few more pick-ups. Therefore, it is taking a little bit longer to get through the dismissal line than usual. I appreciate everyone's patience!
For virtual learning, teachers worked diligently to purposefully introduce and reinforce routines and procedures to promote SEL and online learning skills. Families were extremely supportive in helping support their children as they began their online learning journey. This week, students will begin to break out more into small groups, and work on teacher directed online and off-line activities. Last week, videoconferencing tools such as Google Meet and Zoom were experiencing global issues, as a result of many students signing on at the same time. We are aware that some students were experiencing slow connections and/or being dropped from Google Meets. Our MSD technology department is aware, and is working on ways to resolve the problem
Overall, this week went fairly well. I want to make sure we can keep it that way for as long as possible. Please be mindful that coronavirus transmission rates are rising both in Morris County and in New Jersey as the state continues to reopen, and each of us must be fully committed to taking personal responsibility for the behavior necessary to keep COVID suppressed in our local community, in and outside of school.
Please note, that MSD will continue to share important information on the Coronavirus Update Center and on our MSD Forward pages.
Please know that I am here to help and support in any way that I can. Feel free to reach out to me directly at christopher.miller@msdk12.net.
Let’s Talk About Race, Equity and Inclusion
This part of the newsletter will have a question or a topic for you to discuss with your child(ren). This can be done on the way to school, on the way to sports practice, before dinner, at bedtime, etc.
Each week there will be a “something to think about” question and a “something to talk about” question. The “something to think about question” is for you as a parent to reflect on for yourself. The “something to talk about” question is for you to discuss with your child. These exercises are meant to stimulate a conversation on race, equity and inclusion in America.
Week One
Parent Reflection Question: Does your family talk about race? Why or why not? Is this a difficult topic for you to discuss with your child(ren)? Why or why not?
First Question For Child: How are people different? How are people the same? (this can touch on physical differences, as well as social/emotional differences, skin color and facial features).
Grab & Go Meals (Update)
Grab & Go meals will be available for all students, who wish to receive them. The Federal Department of Agriculture has extended waivers that will allow MSD to serve ALL students meals for FREE through December 31, 2020.
PreK-5 homeroom teachers will take an account each day of who would like to order a meal; meals will be delivered to classrooms and distributed to students just prior to dismissal.
“Grab & Go” meals are also available on Monday and Wednesday for any students attending virtual instruction; multiple meals will be distributed on each day to cover the week: Morristown High School (50 Early Street) will distribute meals from 12:30 PM -1:00 PM in the back of the building near the flagpole; Lafayette Learning Center (31 Hazel Street) will distribute meals from 12:45 PM-1:15 PM from the auditorium doors. More information about School Breakfast & Lunch is available on the MSD Forward homepage under "Back to School Resources for Families."
K-5 Technology Overview for Parents and Caregivers
Overview of K-5 Online Platforms and Tech Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks
Date: 9/15/2020
Time: 10:00am or 7:00pm
Location: Webinar
Hosted by: Erica Hartman Director of Technology Heidi Biller K-5 Educational Technology Specialist
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Arrival:
- Student drop off will begin at 8:30am.
- For the safety of all children, please dismiss your child/children from the passenger side of the vehicle.
- Buses will arrive at school at 8:50am.
Dismissal:
- Dismissal will begin at 12:35pm.
- Pick-ups will be dismissed first. They will line up in the gym/cafeteria hallway (on floor tape marked 6 feet apart).
- Parents are asked to remain in their vehicles for dismissal. Students will be dismissed in the order in which parents arrive in the pick up line beginning at 12:35pm.
- Students who ride the bus will be dismissed at 12:55pm.
Please note:
Visitors will not be permitted in the building without an appointment. Visitors with an appointment will be required to complete a health questionnaire before entering the building. This is for the safety of the students and staff in the building. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Healthy Snacks
Students will not be eating lunch during the school day. Please send your child to school with a towel, blanket, and/or yoga mat to be used for outdoor seating.
Google Meet Etiquette
Google Meet is a videoconferencing tool that allows teachers and students to collaborate in real time using the built-in features (camera and microphone) of a Chromebook, iPad, mobile phone, or other device. Teachers can teach lessons, pose a question for discussion, or set up a virtual class activity through the camera or screen sharing, and students can respond and participate using the video, audio, and/or online chat feature of Google Meet.