The Weekly Update

STOKES weekend is here! We are excited to announce that our 6th-grade students will embark on their much-anticipated experience this weekend, marking a great start to their autumn adventures. Sixth-grade students will participate in various activities, including team-building events, Smores by campfires, and some camp stories and skits performed by our high school STOKES leaders. We are very fortunate to have staff that have worked hard to keep this adventure alive.

Additionally, we are pleased to report that our cafeteria is nearing completion. Our students can enjoy their meals in the new space beginning Monday, September 23rd.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm as we enter this vibrant season!

When calling in or emailing about a child's absence in the morning, please email Patricia Frasca, our new attendance secretary. Mercedes Priolo is the new office manager and is no longer overseeing attendance. Ms. Frasca can be reached at pfrasca@summit.k12.nj.us or 908-273-1190 ext 4455.

Parents, for those of you who could not attend the Principal's Coffee, I have attached my slideshow for your review. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

September Coffee Presentation

• Please refer to this district link for an overview of I&RS and MTSS.

• Also, please refer to this district link to find additional information on MTSS including the different tiers including specific resources and supports.

You are invited to an overview of your child's classes and curriculum. Please plan to arrive around 6:50 PM if you wish to attend the Overview in the auditorium. Our school counselors will be at the front door entrance with copies of your child's schedule, available as needed.

The schedule is as follows:

7:00-7:15 Overview of Music Program, PTO Intro, Principal Welcome

7:20-7:28 Period 1

7:33-7:41 Period 2

7:46-7:54 Period 3

7:59-8:07 Period 4

8:12-8:20 Period 5

8:25-8:33 Period 6

8:38-8:46 Period 7

When dropping students off in the morning, please pull all the way into the designated drop-off zone to ensure efficient traffic flow. For example, stopping by the 8th-grade door when there is space to move forward can cause congestion on Morris Avenue.

Additionally, kindly avoid parking in the teacher spots, as we have limited spaces available for our staff.

Sixth graders can also enter the building from the door on Oakland Place in addition to the door at the corner of the building. This will help alleviate the long line of sixth graders entering from the front of the building.

Next week, we will begin administering the I-Ready Diagnostic assessments. I-Ready is an essential instructional tool that helps us measure and track your child's growth throughout the school year. Students will take these assessments three times a year, giving us valuable insights into their progress compared to their peers within our school and across the state.

In addition to the scheduled testing dates listed below, teachers may use I-Ready periodically in the classroom to tailor their instructional practices. The end-of-year I-Ready results are also considered when determining course placements for specialized programs like Independent Study. Our teachers will emphasize the importance of doing their best on the I-Ready assessments to ensure we have the most accurate picture of each student's abilities and needs.

Beginning of Year- Assessment

Diagnostic 1: 9/17 & 9/18 Math
Diagnostic 1: 9/24 & 9/25 ELA

Mid Year- Assessment
Diagnostic 2: 1/7 & 1/18 ELA
Diagnostic 2: 1/14 & 1/15 Math

End of Year- Assessment
Diagnostic 3: 5/19 & 5/20 Math
Diagnostic 3: 5/22 & 5/23 ELA

In Summit, we take suicide prevention very seriously all year long. Suicide is a challenging topic to discuss and navigate with children. As we start a new school year, we thought this was a great opportunity to highlight some key information about this important topic for parents.

• Ask: Research shows that those who struggle with thoughts of suicide often find comfort when asked how they are feeling. Sometimes, the best and most productive way to help is to ask. Use open-ended questions that allow for conversation and remember that it is vitally important to keep an open mind to what may be brought up.

• Be There: Those struggling often feel better when they have a safe place and person to talk to. Whether it’s providing your child with a safe space to be themselves or a safe space to cope with what they are dealing with, this judgment-free zone can be a huge help. Your presence in your child's life can have a great impact on their success.

• Keep Them Safe: Keeping kids safe extends far beyond the realm of just knowing your child. As our children continue to grow, we have taught them the importance of not putting their hands on a hot stove or going off with a stranger, but we also need to help them learn how to stay safe in the evolving world around them. Keep an eye on their internet presence. Make sure you know where they are located and who they are with. Keep risky items out of reach (i.e. controlled substances, weapons, etc.). And most importantly, keep educating your children on how to keep themself safe.

• Help Them Stay Connected: Isolation is a big sign of someone struggling. By keeping our kids connected with our community and its resources, we decrease the risk of suicide. This means getting them involved in a positive sports environment, having them involved in clubs, and even going further and connecting them with outside mental health resources if needed. Reach out to a Counseling staff member for referrals within the community.

• Follow-up: Suicide is not a one-time conversation. Follow-up is vital to continue to convey our care to our students. Check-ins, open communication, and continued care can be great supports for our students to catch and prevent any future issues.

• Learn More: For more information, check out the suicide prevention website and this informative article on teen suicide prevention.

In the event of a crisis, quick action can help save a life. Call 911 or 988 for any emergencies.

Thanks to the generosity of SEF, the middle school has access to The Social Institute and its #WinAtSocial program. As part of the school's partnership with The Social Institute, you receive exclusive access to the Social Toolkit, which includes a full library of content specifically for families. All co-created with students and experts around the country.

Platform Playbooks feature expert breakdowns of the most popular apps and platforms and offer tips on how students can use them positively. TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, ChatGPT, Fortnite... the list goes on and on!

Family Huddles help you reinforce the important modern-day life skills that your child is learning at school. These topics align with #WinAtSocial Lessons to extend discussion beyond the classroom and encourage students to huddle with their families.

Use your Social Toolkit School Code and activate your free account today.

Activate Your Account or Log In

Our Social Toolkit School Code: 2760D6C62940E9

Questions? Email Nicole Finnegan at nfinnegan@summit.k12.nj.us

9/26- Back to School Night 7 PM

10/1- Student Club Fair- During PE Classes

10/3 - Picture Day