Superintendent’s Report

June 23, 2021

Annual Retiree Recognition & Val/Sal Recognition Tonight we have two special recognition ceremonies:
The first is our annual celebration of our district staff retirees. This year, we are recognizing 13 staff members who have retired since September 2020 - with a special “shout out” to Ms. Frederica Ogletree (TJMS teacher) has the longest tenure, having joined us in 1986! I am very thankful for all of their hard work and dedication to our district and especially to our students. I want to give a special thank you to my/our Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Ms. Angela Davis. Ms. Davis has been my right-hand person for the last two years and I am blessed to have had her as a colleague and friend.
I wish her and all of our retirees a happy, healthy and wonderful retirement!

Next, we are recognizing this year’s Class of 2021 - or as we say 2T1 - Valedictorian & Salutatorian, each having grade point averages over 5.0. Ms. Lilia Bose is this year’s Salutatorian. In the fall, she plans to attend American University. Ms. Amita Anand is the Class of 2021’s Valedictorian. Ms. Anand plans to attend Georgia Institute of Technology. These two young ladies deserve a big round of applause.

Summer Programs/End of Year Message
At the June Workshop Meeting, our C&I Department presented our comprehensive plan for academic summer programs Summer Program Presentation ; and in my year-end video, Ms. Golding-Cooper discussed the many Mental Health initiatives we have planned for the summer and beyond.
To view my End of Year Message which includes an overview our District Strategic Plan accomplishments from this year, go to: End of Year Letter
To view my End of Year/Mental Health Programs Video: Year-End/Mental Health Programs Video Please be sure to also visit our district website to sign up for our Summer Speaker Series programs for elementary, middle and high school students.

Aspiring Leaders Program
As I have mentioned in previous communications, our district sought applications for a special professional development program to build future leaders of the district. This program will begin September 2021. I am pleased to announce that our first cohort for the “Aspiring Leaders Program” have been selected and we held a “kick-off” meeting on June 15 to welcome them. Dr. Marnie McKoy is an outside consultant who will be leading this program - which officially begins this September.

COVID-19 Vaccines
In partnership with Holy Name Medical Center, the District held a successful vaccination clinic on June 4 at Thomas Jefferson Middle School with 94 Teaneck students, families and staff receiving their first dose of the vaccine (second dose will be administered on June 25).

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Together, we will continue to offer additional opportunities for our families, students and staff to get vaccinated over this summer at The Richard Rodda Center. For more information on registering for one of these “TPS Dedicated Days”, please visit: COVID-19 Vaccine Dates for TPS

School Year Closing Thoughts
This year was unlike any other - not just for our students and our families, but also for our staff. I want to thank our parents and guardians for stepping up during a time that they never saw coming. You had to take on more roles than you ever planned for, never mind wanted. I want to thank our students for all of their hard work and commitment to staying focused and simply “getting it done”. I was thrilled to see our 8th grade and high school students last week at their respective graduation ceremonies. I can’t wait to see ALL of you back to school this September.

But now, I want to take a moment to thank our dedicated staff. To say that you have worked tirelessly, is the understatement of the year. You have given it all that you have - to the point that I’m sure it was hard to find the energy to get up the next day. The term “Hybrid/Blended Learning” meant our teachers had to prepare for and teach our children in two learning environments at the same time. I bet they didn’t tell you that might happen while getting your education degrees! For our non-instructional staff and our school and district leaders, I know you were working all hours of the day, and most weekends, in order to ensure that the business of educating our children was done in an educationally safe environment. There are simply no words to express the gratitude I have for each and every one of you. It was wonderful to see many of you at our Summer Send-off Event last Friday. I truly hope that you are able to take time to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation with your friends and family this summer. May you have a healthy and safe summer and know that I appreciate you for all that you do!

Curriculum & Instruction
As the department reviews this past year, we are diligently planning for our summer work and possible projects for September and October. In doing so, we are currently evaluating our present curriculum documents and determining next steps. These next steps include instructional pacing updates for the 2021-2022 school year.

We are also preparing professional development sessions to support students as they return in September. These sessions include:
●	Supporting English learners
●	Assessing Students for Differentiated Learning Opportunities ●	Project-Based Learning
●	Accelerating Learning through Targeted Interventions

Retirement Dr. Marisa King - The Office of Curriculum and Instruction would like to recognize our colleague, Dr. Marisa King, Supervisor of Social Studies, Business and Practical Arts, on her retirement. In sum, she has served schools for 30+ years, and has been a model of excellence for our students. We wish her well on her retirement and we thank her for her years of service to the Teaneck School Community. Her impact as an instructional leader will not be forgotten, and we look forward to continuing the good work she started here in Teaneck.

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School Counseling Department
●	The School Counseling Department Summer Enrichment Programs:
o Fairleigh Dickinson University Summer Dual Enrollment Classes 2021/Virtual -- June 28-July 30, 2021 Offering Teaneck High School students an opportunity to earn college credits during the summer. Students will be able to register for 1 dual enrollment course to earn 3 college credits and 5 THS elective credits. Grades do not count toward students' GPA. The course will be taught remotely through Google Meets. Registration LINK
o Summer College Prep Program/Virtual -- July 6-July 29, 2021 -Students to craft their essay for college applications -Students to participate in workshops on advanced college search, preparing a college resume, advanced scholarship search. Registration LINK
o SAT Prep Course/Virtual -- July 2021 - August 2021 Open To: 60 THS Students in grades 11 & 12 -Students will participate in a SAT Readiness Course to prepare for the August 28, 2021 SAT test - Students will receive; 15 hours of live instruction with Horizon Prep expert teachers; Three full-length SAT® practice tests; Immediate results and personalized next-steps; Additional ‘Challenge’ resources to model testing strategy on more difficult items. Registration LINK
●	 Summer SEL & Mental Health Support - Students and families in grades pre k-8 will continue to have access to licensed mental health clinicians over the summer. Telehealth sessions are conducted utilizing Google Meets. Parents can access these services by contacting their child's counselor. Spanish-speaking counselors are available. More information to come regarding the summer SEL opportunities and Wellness Wednesdays. Stay tuned.
●	Communication
o Please visit the School Counseling Department website for information and resources o “THS Connections” Newsletter - THS Counseling Department a monthly newsletter is
available on the school website “School Counseling” tab. https://www.teaneckschools.org/SchoolCounseling.aspx

o YouTube Channel- All webinars will be posted for viewing. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDw7prx6aDcxJmeyAo5sgQw)
o Follow @TeaneckSchoolCounseling on Instagram and Facebook

Special Services
●	Extended School Year Program (ESY)
○	 ESY will be offered both in person and virtually this year from June 21, 2021 - August 2, 2021. The program runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Extended School Year services are designed to support a student with a disability as documented under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to maintain the academic, social/behavioral, communication, or other skills that they have learned as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
●	 Preschool through kindergarten students attending ESY will be at Theodora Smiley Lacey School.
●	First grade - postgraduate students will attend ESY at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School campus.
●	Retirement - Angela R Davis
○	The Department of Special Services would like to wish Ms. Angela Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services a blissful retirement. Ms. Davis, remember, retirement is not the end of the road. It’s the beginning of the open road.

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Communications, Community Relations & Volunteer Services District & School Websites & Mobile Apps
Great news for all of our schools! We are on schedule to offer district and school-level mobile apps for our parents, students, staff and the entire community. Training for school and district staff will occur over the summer with a full roll-out in September. Also, we will have a “soft launch” of the new and improved website on July 14. Please be patient with us as we continue to work over the summer to ensure the site is ready for September 1.

Annual Communications Survey Coming in May
Per the District’s Internal & External Communications Plan, we released our Annual Communications Surveys and we appreciate the overwhelming response that we received from our parents, students and staff members. This year’s survey results have been shared with our Executive Team and the Board’s Community Relations Committee. They will be presented at the August Board meeting.

Community Education - CAMP K
Our Camp K staff are excited to greet over 100 campers for the two, four and six week sessions taking place June 28 – August 6. Parents/guardians were given updated information on COVID-19 protocols.

Technology Department
The Technology Department has hired their newest member, Christian Taboada, as a Technology Support Specialist. Christian will be working with the Technology Department to continue to assist faculty and staff and provide high quality technical support.

Chrome Depot services will continue throughout the summer and continue to check the district website for dates and times.

Bryant School

●	Bryant School held a wonderful Moving-Up Ceremony for our pre-k 4 students on June 10.
●	We are looking forward to welcoming Mr. David Deubel as our new school principal beginning this summer. Parents should expect to hear more from Mr. Deubel very soon.

Theodora Smiley Lacey School
●	Lacey School celebrated our first graduating kindergarten class drive through event held on June 11th. The event was a huge success and was well attended.
●	Lacey School staff celebrated Ms. Wilcox’s retirement after 33 years of service with a luncheon held at Amarone’s on June 15th. Mrs. Wilcox and her family attended this joyous celebration and well deserved send off.
●	Many teachers had classroom celebrations
●	 On June 17th, we held our year end field day. Students participated in a variety of agility drills, gross motor skills and physical activities. Donations and Parent Volunteers were encouraged which helped to make the event a success.
●	Lacey School will be hosting the summer ESY program under the direction of Shellian Mirander and Special Services.

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Hawthorne Elementary School
●	On May 28, some of our third grade students in Mrs. Nunez’s class received a visit from Councilman Pagan. This visit was prompted by an email from one of our third grade students to the Councilman about hosting an event in honor of the women who were portrayed in the Hidden Figures film. Councilman Pagan discussed the importance of student voice and civic engagement with our students.
●	We all want to combat that potential summer slide for our students; therefore, our Literacy Enrichment Teachers distributed book bundles for our students during the week of June 7th. The parents/guardians of our remote learners were asked to pick up their children’s book bundles at Hawthorne School.
●	On June 9, third and fourth grade students attended a virtual science circus which was courtesy of the Liberty Science Center. The students enjoyed an engaging show and learned about concepts of energy and matter.
●	On June 14, the Hawthorne fourth graders and their loved ones walked through the Hawthorne hallways, were greeted with a sea of cheers from the Hawthorne staff, and entered into a transformed cafeteria with a remarkable backdrop for their moving up celebration. They were celebrated by their teachers, received special moving up mementos, and took photographs to memorialize the occasion.
●	Hawthorne School has received some notable updates. The staff lounge has been renovated. The gym floor has been re-done. What remarkable surprises for the staff and students when they return for the next school year! Additionally, a colorful and inviting new mural has been painted in one of the hallways, courtesy of the talented Amanda Meller (Hawthorne and Lowell School art teacher).

Lowell Elementary School

●	The 4th grade students participated in the Powerhouse Wild and Wacky Challenge on Tuesday,
			
	June 8. Fourth grade Hybrid and Remote students played outdoor games while winners of each
			
	challenge were allowed to select who they would like to throw water balloons at! Thank you,
			
	Mr. D for taking the majority of the water balloons! The Lowell PTO distributed 4th grade goodie
		
	bags as well as the 4th grade yearbook.
			
●	On June 7, Lowell 3rd graders went on a virtual field trip to the Museum of Natural to History
	,
		
	where they engaged in a virtual scavenger hunt.
			
●	On June 9, the playground perimeter fence was finally placed. The fence now provides safet
	y
		
	measures for the students when they go outside for outdoor recess. Lowell would like to thank
		
	the PTO for their persistence and dedication to the project.
		
●	On June 10, Lowell hosted the End of Year Materials Drop Off and Pick Up for remote students.
		
●	On June 11, Lowell's 3rd grade classes participated in Career Day. Students had the opportunity
		
	to interact with guest speakers from various professions. Special guests included Lowell's ow
	n
	
	Ms. Ryerson who spoke about being a PE teacher and Mrs. Le who talked about her prior life as
		
	a Brand Media Director.
			
●	On June 16, Lowell 4th graders participated in the Drive Up, Moving Up Celebration. Parents
			
	drove their students to school to receive their certificates as the entire staff “claps out” each
			
	student.
			
●	Lowell School would like to wish Mr. Cruz, our Outreach Worker, and Mr. Sellie Blackhall, ou
	r
		
	custodian, a happy retirement. We thank them for their many years of dedicated service and
			
	wish them the best in their new adventures.

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Whittier Elementary School
●	 On June 2, the Whittier School PTO sponsored a movie night for all fourth grade students. Students brought chairs and blankets to watch “Tom and Jerry The Movie.” The PTO supplied all snacks.
●	 On June 8, the Whittier PTO sponsored a virtual scavenger hunt for all Whittier students. Students raced around their house to find a list of items that matched the clues. The first two students who got all the correct items won an Amazon gift card.
●	 Whittier School hosted a Moving Up Ceremony for our fourth grade students on June 16th. Parents will drive their children to the school where they will receive their certificate to a clap out by the entire staff.
●	 On June 17, the Whittier PTO will host an ice cream social and yearbook signing party from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM for 4th graders on their final day at Whittier. The event is open to all 4th grade students, both hybrid and remote.
●	 The staff of Whittier School would like to wish a Happy Retirement to two of our wonderful teachers - Ms. Gladstein and Ms. Simpson. Thank you for your years of service to the district, your dedication to the students and your friendship to your fellow staff members. You will be missed.

Benjamin Franklin Middle School
●	 Benjamin Franklin Middle School began June with launching Pride Month to honor, and support the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ Community with a flag-raising outside of the school and providing another flag in the school’s lobby.
●	 Monday, June 7, was the kick off of “Week of the 8th Grader” which was a collection of activities to honor the work of our 8th grade students and staff. The following events were held:
o Monday -Virtual Kick Off with individuals from Teaneck High School sharing stories about the Castle on the Hill and welcoming the incoming 9th grade class.
o Tuesday events -Game Day (am) and Movie Night (pm) were both rescheduled and eventually cancelled due to inclement weather.
o Wednesday -Benjamin Franklin Middle School celebrated Virtual Spirit Day with students in the am and again in the afternoon
o Thursday, the School BFMS and PTO collaborated to bring a carnival event to the school grounds for the 8th grade students. The event was held from 1 - 5pm where students enjoyed video games, laser tag, cotton candy, food, and refreshments. Students also had an opportunity to take pictures in the photo booth that was on hand to capture them with their peers.
o Benjamin Franklin Middle School honored our 8th Graders during the 8th Grade Awards Ceremony which was held virtually this program awarded Mr. and Ms. BF -these two students addressed their peers at the Moving Up Ceremony on June 17.
o Benjamin Franklin Middle School ended 8th Grade Week with a Grab N’ Go Lunch, Yearbook Signing, and the start of distributed items for Moving Up Ceremony.

●	 On June 7, Benjamin Franklin Middle School celebrated its final Student of the Month ceremony with students from each grade level. Held virtually, this event was well attended by staff, parents, and the students who were awarded this honor.
●	 Book Drop Off began for 5- 7 grade students at the building. Benjamin Franklin Middle School learners can also drop items in the drop boxes located in the front of the building.

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●	BFMS held its virtual Moving Up Ceremony practice
●	 Benjamin Franklin Middle School’s final BFPTO meeting was held and the school accepted nominations from parents, and or guardians.
●	 Benjamin Franklin Middle School held a luncheon for staff where they were able to grab N’ go lunch from Firehouse Subs.
●	 BFMS and TJMS will work with NEEF this coming school year on the Greening STEM initiative. BFMS students and staff completed this project last year and signed on for another opportunity. The school and district were awarded about $10,000 and the program will now include students and staff from TJMS.
●     Benjamin Franklin Middle School hosted its End of the Year Drama and Theatre Production. ●     Benjamin Franklin Middle School celebrated the Moving Up Ceremony on June 17 before a
community of family, staff, and other stakeholders.

Thomas Jefferson Middle School
●	June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month. TJMS shared resources during instructional planning to educate our students.
●	On June 1 & 2 TJMS hosted our 8th grade Science Fair.
●	On June 8 - TJMS hosted the 8th grade Awards Ceremony at 6pm via Zoom
●	 On June 11 - PTA and TJMS held an 8th grade drive-by pick up for Awards, lawn signs, PTA graduation gifts, NJHS honor cords, and other items.
●	On June 17 - TJMS held Asynchronous day. Moving Up ceremony was held on the THS field. ●	The TJMS faculty and staff want to wish Ms. Ogletree and Ms. Wells best wishes on their
retirements. We will miss them tremendously.

Teaneck High School
●	Chromebook Depot and lunch distribution continues in June. ●	BLM Mural Painted on the Stadium steps.
●	Boys Baseball made it to the State Sectional Finals.
●	Aries Samek was selected to participate in the State Allstar Baseball game. ●	Project graduation held a lawn sign fundraising event for the senior class. ●	Community Service hours available through the FORUM.
●	Senior Week:
o Monday, June 14 Carnival at FDU North Parking Lot
o Tuesday, June 15 Athletic and Honors Convocation held at Biagio’s https://youtu.be/u9AkHAwi3TU
o Wednesday, June 16 Graduation at Yogi Berra Stadium https://youtu.be/GzrcUccWE9Y o Thursday, June 16 Project Graduation held from 4:45pm - 12:00am
●	 Summer Send-Off on front lawn of THS on Friday, June 18, 2021. Sponsored by Teaneck Public Schools and TTEA.

Human Resource Management –

Staff Vacancy Updates – see attached document

TEANECK BOARD OF EDUCATION Human Resource Management

VACANCIES as of 06.22.2021

DISTRICT

Speech Language Therapist (Special Services) (2)

General Mechanic (O&M)

School Treasurer – Business Office

Coordinator of Institutional Advancement & Grant Procurement

CST Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (Special Services)

Grounds Crew I (O&M)

Technology Support Specialist I (Part-time)

Safety & Attendance Officer

General Mechanic III/Electrician (O&M)

TEANECK HIGH SCHOOL

Physical Education Teacher

THOMAS JEFFERSON

Grade 5 Teacher	Special Education Teacher

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Spanish Teacher	Assistant Principal

TEANECK BOARD OF EDUCATION Human Resource Management

LOWELL

Grade 1 Teacher (2)

WHITTIER

Kindergarten Teacher

THEODORA SMILEY LACEY

English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher