Normandy Park School

I hope that everyone had a great weekend!

Monday (10/11) is a D Day.

This week, 4th and 5th grade students will participate in the NJ Start Strong Assessment (additional information below).

If there are changes in your child's dismissal plans (e.g. you are going to pick them up that day, instead of taking the bus), please use the attached form or call the main office.

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.

Testing will occur this week for grades 4/5.

The Start Strong Assessments:

• Are based on a subset of prioritized prior-year academic standards;
• Are available in ELA grades 4-10, Mathematics grades 4-8, Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II, and in Science grades 6, 9, and 12;
• Can be administered in approximately 45-60 minutes;
• Will provide immediate results to educators through the assessment platform

For additional information, please click here.

Dates for 4th and 5th Grade:

-October 12th and October 13th

Week of Oct 11th

We had a very successful week last week for the Week of Respect! The “Chalk it out” program was a huge hit with children and staff. I was so happy to see how many of you viewed the photos on class dojo. In addition to writings all over the pavement around school, several of the library classes wrote on poster paper in chalk which are displayed in the hallways. Some of examples of messages, which were written in English and Spanish included:

You matter!

You are beautiful.

You can do this.

I like who I am.

Stomp out bullying!

Continue to work with your child each and everyday on how they can show respect and kindness to others. Create your own kindness board or jar and as you do a random act of kindness or something that is respectful, put a marble in the jar or add a sticker to the board. When the jar or board gets filled up, do something to celebrate; go for a special walk and pick up some of the colorful leaves, bake something together or even write a story together about the kindness board or jar.

As always, stay awesome!

Cheryl Cohen

973-889-7960 x6115

cheryl.cohen@msdk12.net

In school, we will continue to highlight the history, colorful cultures, diversity, and contributions of the ancestors of American citizens who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South- and Central America.

Click here for Spanish Translation

Observed annually from September 15 to October 15: It is a time to appreciate and celebrate

the history, colorful cultures, diversity, and contributions of the ancestors of American

citizens who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South- and Central America.

September 15 is set as the starting date for the month for several reasons. It is the

independence anniversary for Latin American countries El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica,

Nicaragua, and Honduras. From here onwards, the independence days of Mexico and Chile fall on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

• Hispanic and Latino Americans amount to an estimated 17.8% of the total U.S. population, making up the largest ethnic minority. Around one-fifth of the U.S. population is Hispanic.
• The state with the largest Hispanic and Latino population overall is California with over 14 million.
• There are relevant Hispanic influences in American life: music, food, art, cinema, politics, literature, science & technology. Have you seen movies like “Coco” or Vivo”?
• Some inventions from Latin / Hispanics:

1. Color TV: Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena (México)
2. The electric brake: Victor Ochoa (México)
3. The artificial heart: Dr. Domingo Liotta (Argentina)
4. Bandage for administering drugs: Alejandro Zaffaroni (Uruguay)
5. The stent: Julio C. Palmaz (Argentina)

What heritage runs in your family?

Share some of your traditions with your classmates!

Notes for parents/teachers:

Observation of Hispanic Heritage Week started in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was later extended to a 30-day celebration by President Ronald Reagan, starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted via approval of Public Law 100-402 on August 17, 1988.

The HSA is excited to announce a new school-wide fundraiser that promises to be a hit with students and provide opportunities for our community to participate in new ways. We are looking to create a slate of both prizes and experiences students can win through a school-wide raffle in November. From throwing a pie in Mr. Miller’s face to guest starring on the morning announcements to toys, books, or visits to local venues and businesses, all children will get to choose where to place their tickets for a chance to win.

More information will be available as the fundraiser gets closer. Right now, we are building the list of potential prizes. Teachers will share experiences they can offer and we are looking to the NPS families to provide prizes or experiences to include in the raffle. Do you have a small business, service or special talent you could share? Do you have unopened toys or duplicate gifts you want to get out of your house? The possibilities are endless in this dynamic and interactive way to raise funds for NPS and provide an exciting experience for students.

Click here to access a Google form where you can share the details of a potential raffle item. Contact npshsafundraising@gmail.com with any questions or for more information.

UPDATE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TOOLKIT

If you haven't already updated your Membership Toolkit account, please do so now so you don't miss any HSA updates. Please make your account current by updating your children's grade and teacher.

You can access your account by clicking here: Membership Toolkit

The Membership Toolkit is the school directory for parents and signs you up for the HSA newsletter that announces HSA sponsored school-wide activities and fundraisers.

Are you having issues? Don't hesitate to reach out to Jenn Cromie at cromiej2@gmail.com.

Please pass on information to friends and family interested in enrolling in Normandy Park School for the 2022-2021 school year. I will be hosting an information session in December and February for prospective NPS families. The session will allow families to learn more about our program and community.

For additional information, please see below:

Date: December 9th, 2021

Time: 6:30pm to 7:30pm

*The session will be conducted virtually.

Students will be having snack time during the school day, with all necessary safety measures in place. Please send your child in with a healthy snack.

Breakfast and lunch will be served daily at school. All students will have access to school provided breakfast and lunch (if they choose to receive it).

As students enter the building, they will be able to grab-and-go breakfast if they choose to.

Click here for the MSD October breakfast menu.

For lunch, students will be asked at the beginning of the day if they would like to order (providing their choice of either the hot/cold option). Teachers will present the menu choices for the day.

Click here for the MSD October lunch menu.

Where will students eat lunch?

Students will eat lunch at 6 ft apart (seats facing the same direction). We will utilize classrooms, cafeteria, and lab to accommodate all students at 6ft apart.

Arrival Procedures: Students are permitted into the building at 8:40 a.m. Students bussed to school will be dropped off in the front of the building.

Drop Offs: Students being dropped off in the morning may enter through the back doors. Please use the drop-off/pick-up line in the back of the building. There is no supervision before 8:40, and children who arrive before that time, will not be permitted to enter the building. A staff member will be at the door between 8:40 and 8:55 a.m. to welcome students. Any student arriving after 8:55 must enter the front of the building and report to the nurse’s office with a parent or guardian to obtain a late pass.

Dismissal Procedures: Dismissal begins at the conclusion of our last period, 3:05 p.m.

All students are encouraged to ride the bus to and from school.

At dismissal, students will be dismissed from the back of the building. When picking up your child, please use the pick-up line. Stay in your vehicle. Teachers will accompany your child to your car.

Pick-Up During the Day:

If a situation arises that requires you to pick your child up during the school day, please use the attached form or call the main office. Students being picked up early are asked to be picked up before 3 p.m. Before leaving, you must sign your child out in the notebook provided in the office. Unless an emergency arises, please refrain from calling the office after 1:30 to make changes to your child’s dismissal.

• If there are changes in your child's dismissal plans (e.g. you are going to pick them up that day, instead of taking the bus), please use the attached form or call the main office.
• For written communication between you and your child's teacher, please utilize Class Dojo and/or e-mail, rather than hand-written letters (when possible).

• September 15th to October 15th: Hispanic Heritage Month
• October 12th-13th: Start Strong Assessment for Senior (4/5) Unit
• November 8th-12th: Primary Cultural Arts Residency (Freespace Dance)

• Parent Handbook
  
• Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
• School Breakfast and Lunch Information
• Sunset and Sunrise