Week of November 30th
In-person learning will resume on Monday, November 30th. The Morris School District maintains, and has always maintained, that offering in-person instruction (safely) is essential to the academic, social, and emotional success of so many of our students. Even so, we urge families to be prepared throughout the remainder of the school year for periodic closures that may come without much advance notice. Please have plans in place for backup childcare arrangements.
This year, we continue to foster optimal academic and social emotional growth for all students, in-person and virtually. Thank you all for your ongoing effort, understanding, and partnership in helping us works towards our vision. I truly appreciate it.
This week, we will begin Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences (more information below). Teachers will share progress, areas of growth, and goals.
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 Twelve
Parent Reflection Question: Have you as an adult ever been someplace where you felt like you didn’t belong because of the color of your skin? If so, where? How did you feel? If not, why?
Twelfth Question For Child: Do you feel differently because of your skin color? Are you treated differently(even bullied) because of your skin color? If yes, why do you think that is? How do you feel when it happens?
Kindergarten Information Session
Please pass on information to friends and family interested in enrolling in Normandy Park School for the 2021-2022 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 10th, 2020
Time: 6:30pm to 7:30pm
*The session will be conducted virtually.
To register to attend please fill out the following Google Form by clicking here: https://forms.gle/cxSXM6JKcVKDU76w6
Message from Ms. Cohen:
This week I am resuming my meetings with students in all classes to continue our discussions on Accepting me, Accepting you, Accepting all of us. The topic focuses on culture, which includes traditions and languages. The children have been learning a song about saying hello in many different languages.
Lunch groups for all virtual students are continuing from 12-12:30.
4th and 5th graders meet on Monday
Kindergarten students on Tuesday
First graders on Wednesday
Second graders on Thursday
Third graders on Fridays
Every Thursday from 2:30-3:00 is the optional virtual 5th grade social group, which allows for all 5th graders to stay connected.
I continue to provide individual short term supportive counseling for students as well as run groups for children of all ages who are struggling with social skills, friendships, anxiety, parent separation or divorce. Please reach out to me if I can be of help to you or your child(ren).
-Cheryl
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.
More information about School Breakfast & Lunch is available on the MSD Forward homepage under "Back to School Resources for Families."
Please see the menu below for meals offered each day:
Communication between Home and School
- 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).