
Let's Talk TPS
September 28, 2022

October Musings
The leaves may not yet be turning, but the chill is in the air - autumn has arrived!
The safety of our students, their families, and our staff are always of paramount importance. Each year, we ask that all of our families and students take a minute to read the important safety reminders found on the Safety & Security section of our Parent Resources page.
In addition, we ask that our families and staff verify their Blackboard notification settings to ensure that all notifications, especially those sent as Emergency notifications, are received accurately and timely. Complete instructions for verifying and updating this information can be found on the Tools & Technology section of our Parent Resources page.
Please be sure to check your school’s website and calendar for important news and information, activities and event details, and any grade or school-specific forms or support services. As always, thank you for continuing to be mindful of any separate district or school communications that may notify you of changes to schedules.
Finally, a big shout out to our THS Marching Band who placed first in the USBANDS NVOT Competition this past weekend. What a wonderful way to start the school year!
Yours in Education,
Shauna C. DeMarco
Superintendent Tenafly Public Schools
October 24th - BOE Regular Public Meeting
THS In-Person Back-to-School Night - Tonight!
Our Tenafly High School Back-to-School Night will be held in person this year on Thursday, September 29th, starting at 7:05pm. For additional times and details, visit the High School News section on the THS website.
Tenafly Emergency Notification System Test - Friday, October 7, 2022
Despite the beautiful weather over the past week, last year's arrival of Hurricane Ida reminded us that the Blackboard Alert and Notification system is a necessary tool for communicating last minute and emergency news. For this reason we conduct annual tests of the system. This year's test of the alert system will take place on Friday, October 7th. Please update your account before the test to ensure that future notifications are received in the way that best works for your family. For instructions on updating a parent account, visit the Parent Tools and Technology page, or for staff, visit the Staff Resources page.
Tenafly Public Schools Shine on Niche.com
The Niche.com results for 2022-2023 are out and the Tenafly Public Schools District is once again an A+ school district, making it a great place for both students and staff.
This year's results identify the Tenafly Public School District as the #3 Best School District in Bergen County. Tenafly High School is also #3 on the list of Best Public High Schools in Bergen County and #1 among the non-academy, non-technical high schools. Among New Jersey's top public high schools, Niche.com places THS at #15, and #3 among the non-vocational, non-academy schools statewide.
Our excellence in Academics, College Prep, and Teachers remains at the A+ level, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence. Thank you for your continued support of our students, our staff, and administration. It is this support that allows us to ensure that the Tenafly Public School District provides our students with the skills and resources needed to become accomplished adults and successful citizens.
NJ Start Strong
The NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) began to administer the Start Strong assessments to all students in English Language Arts (ELA) grades 4-10, Mathematics grades 4-8, Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II, and in Science grades 6, 9, and 12.
The Start Strong assessments are based on a subset of prioritized prior-year academic standards, are administered in approximately 45-60 minutes, and include the same accessibility features and accommodations as the NJSLA. Additional information can be found on the NJDOE website.
Hispanic Heritage Month at Mackay
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Students at Mackay Elementary were treated to the wonderful sounds of Mariachi Oro de Mexico. Thank you Senora Guerrero!
Colorful Stillman
THS College Mini-Fairs
The TPS District Calendar
Did you know that you can customize the view of the TPS District calendar? For easy-to-follow instructions, visit Tools & Technology on the Parents Resources page of the TPS website. The calendar can also be synced to your personal calendars.
Upcoming Days to Remember:
No School on Wednesday, October 5th
No School for Students on Monday, October 10th - Professional Development Day for staff
Join Us for the First SEPAC Meeting of the School Year
The Tenafly Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, or SEPAC, is a state-mandated, district-level, parent-driven group that provides input to the Tenafly Public Schools District on system-level challenges in special education and related services.
SEPAC is designed to benefit all students with disabilities and is not intended to be a forum to discuss an individual IEP or particular student. Join us for the first SEPAC meeting of the year on Wednesday, October 12th at 8:30am via Google Meet. Meeting access details are available on the SEPAC page of the TPS District website.
Week of Respect
As we do each year during October, our TPS schools will be focusing on promoting the characteristic of Respect. The "Week of Respect" in New Jersey starts on October 3rd, however TPS promoted the characteristic all year long. Check your student's school calendar and notifications for specific activities and theme days.
THS Marches into First Place with "Breaking News"!
Congratulations to band director Michael Jacobetz and the entire THS Marching Band for their first place finish at the USBANDS NVOT Competition on Saturday, September 24th!
Meet the CarePlus Team
Tenafly Public Schools is grateful to have the Care Plus NJ team onsite supporting us each and every day. TPS partners with Care Plus NJ to provide a wide-range of onsite services, including counseling, care coordination, school clearance assessments, and access to CarePlus’ full continuum of integrated care and social support services. Care Plus clinicians are available to help Tenafly families learn about and access mental health resources in the community. Meet the team!
Noelle Bauer is a Clinical Social Worker who has school experience working on Child Study Teams as well as in Out of Districts, but is new to Tenafly School District this year! A Clinical Social Worker,Noelle has been working in schools for nearly 10 years on Child Study Teams and in Out of District schools. In addition, Noelle is a private practitioner located in Bergen County, NJ. Noelle currently is at the elementary level working on individual counseling, social skills groups, classroom lessons, and collaborating with school staff. Welcome Noelle!
Mackenzie Kuhl, Licensed Social Worker, is the clinician that manages the CarePlus program at Tenafly Middle School. She is excited to continue working with the CarePlus team and Tenafly schools to create a space that offers a variety of support to students. The Zen Den at TMS is open for student drop-ins as a comfortable space for students to practice relaxation strategies and where Mackenzie is planning to facilitate Executive Functioning, Anxiety, and Social Skills groups during the school year.
Heather Brown-Huston, LPC, is the Clinician at Tenafly High School. She values working collaboratively with the Tenafly team to support student mental health and wellness. The Blue Room at THS (located in the Guidance Suite) is open for student drop-ins during lunch, and provides Anxiety and Executive Functioning Groups during the year.
Thank you to the CarePlus Team!
Hosted by Mackenzie Kuhl, Licensed Social Worker
with Matthew Grey from CPNJ Addiction Services Program – Family Support Center
Questions/Concerns
- Mackay School - hchizzik@tenafly.k12.nj.us
- Maugham School - jferrara@tenafly.k12.nj.us
- Smith School - dgeorge@tenafly.k12.nj.us
- Stillman School - glander@tenafly.k12.nj.us
- Tenafly Middle School - jfabbo@tenafly.k12.nj.us
- Tenafly High School - jmorrison@tenafly.k12.nj.us
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