Superintendent’s Report May 12, 2021

NJ State Seal of Biliteracy & Governor Educators of the Year Recognition Tonight we have two special recognition ceremonies:
First, we have four Teaneck High School students who will be receiving the NJ Seal of Biliteracy. These students became eligible because they demonstrated proficiency in English by meeting the English language arts graduation requirements or by reaching appropriate cut score on the ACCESS for ELLs assessment (for English Language Learners); and demonstrated a linguistic proficiency level of at least Intermediate Mid according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Guidelines, or demonstrated a level deemed equivalent to Intermediate Mid for languages.
●     2 students earned the Seal for Urdu ●     1 student earned the Seal for Arabic
●	1 student earned the Seal for Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines
This is an incredibly special accomplishment as this Seal is endorsed by The New Jersey Department of Education and will become a permanent part of their graduation transcript from the Teaneck Public School District.

Next, we are recognizing this year’s Governor Educators and Education Professionals of the Year for our elementary, middle and high school. Each of these recipients received a Certificate of Recognition from the NJ Department of Education as well as a personal letter from me along with our famous Teaneck Apple pin. In better times, we would recognize these outstanding professionals in person; but we want to make sure that we at least acknowledge them today.

Eid al-Fitr
As a reminder, the District is closed on Thursday, May 13 in observance of Eid al-Fitr - which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting or Ramadan. To all who are celebrating, we wish you Eid Mubarak!

Summer Programs & Fall Return to School Presentation
This evening, I will be presenting our upcoming plans for the district’s summer programs/offerings as well as our initial plans for returning to a full day, every day, in-person school day this fall.

Renaming Hawthorne Media Center after Lois Jean Bono
Tonight, our Board of Education will be voting on a resolution to rename the Hawthorne School Media Center after Ms. Lois Jean Bono, who passed in 2018. Lois Bono’s teaching career in Teaneck Public Schools spanned 47 years from 1969 until her retirement in 2016. Students, parents, administrators and teaching colleagues have described her as an innovative and collaborative educator with an exemplary commitment to all her students. She was widely appreciated for the loving environment in her

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classroom, her individualized instruction, and her mentoring of student teachers and new teachers. Her family has created a memorial scholarship in her name and our students have benefited from these scholarships as they pursue their future dreams. We have invited her husband, Mr. Patrick Bertollo and Principal Natasha Pitt to say a few words after the vote. An official naming ceremony will take place in the September timeframe - at Hawthorne - once a memorial plaque has been made.

Aspiring Leaders Program
The District is currently receiving applications for our special professional development program to build future leaders of the district. This program will begin September 2021. Applications for our “aspiring leaders” are due May 14 and we will host a kick-off event for our first cohort on June 15.

Annual Communications Survey
Per the District’s Internal & External Communications Plan, next week we will be releasing our Annual Communications Surveys for your feedback. These surveys (one for parents, one for staff, and one for middle & high school students) help us to gauge our progress on all types of communication platforms -from our website and social media to our school communications. Please look out for an email next week, and be sure to provide your input by Friday, May 28.

Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration for the 2021-2022 school year is now open through May. Children must be 5 years of age on or before October 1, 2021 to qualify for kindergarten. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.teaneckschools.org/GradesPK3PK4andKindergarten.aspx

COVID-19 Testing
During the month of May, the district continues to offer free COVID-19 Testing for TPS staff, students & TPS families (from 2 pm to 6 pm). Registration is required – see the “Our Latest News” section on the homepage of our website: Free COVID Testing

Curriculum & Instruction
Curriculum supervisors are in the process of planning the 2021 Summer IMPACT Academy. The program includes providing students with opportunities for intervention, enrichment and technology integration. Some of our exciting initiatives include: virtual robotics, problem-based learning opportunities, and courses focused in the arts. We are excited to share additional details as the weeks progress.

NJDOE Standards Update
Building-level administrators and curriculum supervisors have been participating in a series of collaborative meetings where we discuss and review the updated New Jersey Student Learning Standards in preparation for the 2021-2022 school year. To date, we have reviewed the revised science standards, and the Career Readiness, Life Literacies and Key Skills Standards. In the Wednesdays to come, we will review the World Language standards, Visual and Performing Arts Standards and implementation of the following curriculum mandates: Amistad, Holocaust, LGBTQ+ and Individuals with Disabilities regulations and code. These standing meetings have provided administrators with a different lens for approaching instruction going forward.

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School Counseling Department
●	 The Mental Health Initiative - Students and families in grades k-8 have access to licensed mental health clinicians. Telehealth sessions are conducted utilizing Google Meets. Parents can access these services by contacting their child's counselor. Spanish-speaking counselors are available.
●	Parent Night Webinar Events: Mental Health Services Program
o Thursday, May 20 - “Mindfulness and Stress Reduction” -- Meeting joining information and time is forthcoming.
o Thursday, June 10 - “Curbside with a Clinician” (chat with a Clinician about concerns) - -Meeting joining information and time is forthcoming.
●	College & Career
o A Scholarship Tab has been added to the School Counseling page. Students can still apply for scholarships via link: https://www.teaneckschools.org/Scholarships1.aspx
o College Acceptance Tab has been added to the School Counseling webpage. Click HERE to view the full list of colleges/universities
●	Upcoming events
o Virtual Student Job Fair 2021 - Wednesday, June 2, 2021 from 1:30-3:30pm -THS Counseling Department will be hosting their first ever virtual job fair. This event will enable businesses to interact with students, post applications, links, website information and much more. This platform is an opportunity for students to develop career readiness skills, develop their resume’ and gain insight on fiscal responsibility and independence.
In addition, conduct open interviews with applicants and students could potentially receive a job offer on the same day! Businesses Job Fair Recruitment Flyer, Virtual Job Fair Letter of Interest
●	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).

Transition Planning: Paving the Way for Your Child’s Future Success - May 18 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) The Department of Special Services and The Teaneck Special Education Advisory Group (SEPAG) will be
facilitating a virtual parent workshop. In this session, the presenters will provide an overview of state and federal transition policies according to IDEA; and post-secondary resources for parents to learn even more about supporting their child through the transition planning process.

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Communications, Community Relations & Volunteer Services District & School Mobile Apps
Great news for all of our schools! We are back on schedule with our plans to release district and school-level mobile apps. Requests were sent to Apple & Android app stores and we expect to have their approvals in the next few weeks. We will plan to launch this for each school population by September.

Annual Communications Survey Coming in May
Per the District’s Internal & External Communications Plan, we will be releasing our Annual Communications Surveys for your feedback. These surveys (one for parents, one for staff, and one for middle & high school students) help us to gauge our progress on all types of communication platforms -from our website and social media to our school communications. Please look out for the emails on this next week and be sure to provide your input by Friday, May 28.

Community Education - CAMP K
Registration is now open for the district’s summer camp (Camp K) via MySchoolBucks. Camp K is proceeding under a modified program for kinder through grade 6 and has a two, four and six week option. All staff and campers must be COVID-19 tested before this year’s camp program (June 28 – August 6). The district plans to provide free testing for this purpose. For more information, visit: https://www.teaneckschools.org/SummerCamps.aspx

Technology Department
Over the last month, the Student Information System Committee, led by the Technology Department, has begun meeting to discuss various needs in the district for a new Student Information System. Additionally, we have started to review and view demonstrations of various New Jersey based Student Information Systems. This aligns with our Strategic Plan Priority Area Three in “helping to improve operational efficiencies for Central Registration and Community Education programs that result in expanded services aligned to student growth and achievement objectives”.

Bryant School May Highlights:
●	Bryant School held outdoor, socially distant Picture Days for all cohorts on 5/18 & 5/21.
●	Virtual Kindergarten visits, planned in collaboration with Theodora Smiley Lacey teachers, will help children make a smooth transition to Kindergarten.
●	Teacher Appreciation was celebrated all week long from May 3 to 7
○	Monday, teacher’s were presented with a Kudoboard with over 100 pictures, videos, and heartfelt ‘shout outs’ from grateful Bryant families and children.
○	Tuesday, the Bryant PTO raffled off gift cards for the Cheesecake Factory, Amazon, Target and Dunkin Donuts.
○	Thursday, the PTO and Principal partnered to treat teachers to a “This Year Has Been Bananas. Thanks a Bunch!” bananas and bagels ‘grab & go’ breakfast.
○	Friday, the PTO surprised teachers with a ‘sweet treat’ visit from an ice cream truck and gift certificates to a local bakery.
●	During EMS week (May 18 to 22), Bryant parent Dr. Colosuano helped organize an ambulance tour in the Bryant parking lot to familiarize children with what happens during emergencies.

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Upcoming in June:

● The “Name our Red Eared Slider Turtles” contest winners will be announced. ● An end of the year Drive-Through celebration is planned for June 10th.

Theodora Smiley Lacey School
●	Congratulations to Ms. Smith for getting another project funded through DonorsChoose. She received Math and Language Arts Supplies, a shelving unit with bins, and an iPad. The project is estimated to be over $2,000.
●	Lacey held its annual Helping Drew Anti-Bullying Assembly virtually on April 21.
●	Lacey School’s Virtual Afterschool Program began on April 29. Students have been learning phonics and enhancing their LET and Math skills. They have also been engaged in the SEL component.
●	Lacey School received over 100 snack packs from the Jewish Foundation and the CFA snack pack distribution initiative. The snack packs contained non-perishables and fresh fruit.
●	Lacey School had a successful picture day, May 5th. More than half of Lacey students came out to take pictures.
●	Planning is underway for our “Next School Virtual Visit” and “Virtual Parent Open House” for PreK4 students and families. This event is scheduled for May 26.
●	Planning is underway for Express Your Health/Mental Health Awareness fair, funded through the TOPS Mini-Grant. Lacey School was awarded $500 toward the event.

Hawthorne Elementary School
●	In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, our teachers received generous gifts from the Hawthorne PTA, affirmations of appreciation from Hawthorne families on a KUDOBOARD, and a spotlight on the daily Hawthorne’s Wheel of Fortune game along with prizes.
●	 The Garden Club of Teaneck will be visiting our classrooms throughout the month of May to share their expertise about botany. Hawthorne students were also presented with complimentary plants from the Garden Club.
●     The Hawthorne School PTA hosted a Family Paint Night on May 10th. We want to send a special thank you to Ms. Meller who guided families as they worked on their masterpieces that evening.
●	On May 26, Hawthorne first grade teachers will be meeting with Kindergarten students to give them a glimpse into what first grade will be like.
●	 A Save-The-Date has been shared with our families of fourth grade students for the Moving Up Motorcade which will take place on June 14. More information will be forthcoming.

Lowell Elementary School

●	Lowell School is looking forward to the Month of May and all the great upcoming activities ○	Teacher Appreciation Week kicked off on Monday, May 3rd with a balloon tower
morning greeting from Mr. D, along with individual goodie pails filled with teaching necessities (pens, snacks, chocolates). On Thursday, teachers were greeted with a take home face mask for a relaxing treat. The PTO sponsored a morning Duck Donut breakfast on Friday, May 7th for the Lowell staff

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Grade level shout outs were given daily to our teachers with the PTO providing $25 Gift Cards that were given randomly to the grade level honorees. Click HERE for the Lowell School Teacher Appreciation shout outs.
○	National Physical Education Week: Click HERE for details
○	Picture Days: May 10 and May 14 for both Hybrid and Remote Students  Click HERE for in-person hybrid picture schedule by grade level  Click HERE for the picture day schedule for our remote learners
○	The next Virtual PTO meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 25 at 6:30pm Discussion items include 4th Grade Year End Activities
○	 On May 26 at 9:30am, the Rising Kindergarten Virtual visit will take place. Incoming Kindergarteners will meet the staff and learn more about what they will experience as they move from Preschool to Kindergarten.
○	 On May 26 at 2pm, the Rising First Grade Virtual Welcome will take place. Incoming 1st grade students will meet the staff and learn more about what they will experience at Lowell School.
○	 On May 27, BFMS will host a virtual Parent Night for Lowell’s 4th Grade students who will be attending BFMS next school year
●	 The April Edition of the Lowell Ledger was published on April 26 and can be found by clicking HERE

Whittier Elementary School
●	 On Monday, May 3, Whittier School celebrated Teacher Appreciation week with a “grab and go” Jersey Mike’s luncheon hosted by Mr. LoGiudice to show appreciation for their dedication, hard work and perseverance during this unprecedented time in education. The Whittier PTO also celebrated the staff with thoughtful gifts.
●	 Whittier celebrated National Nurse Appreciation Day by acknowledging Ms. Fahey for her hard work and dedication to the school and its students.
●	 On Wednesday, May 5th, the Whittier PTO hosted an in-person Scholastic Book Fair from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Many families, those both hybrid and remote, were able to come and support the PTO while purchasing great books for their children.
●	 A virtual presentation for all incoming first grade students will be held on May 26 at 2:00 PM. Incoming first grade students will meet the staff and learn about what they will experience at Whittier School.
●	 On May 27, Benjamin Franklin Middle School will host a virtual visit for Whittier School fourth grade students who will be attending BFMS next year.
●	On Wednesday, June 2nd, the PTO will sponsor a Movie Night for the fourth grade class. ●	The next virtual PTO meeting is scheduled for May 25 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.

Benjamin Franklin Middle School
●	 Benjamin Franklin Middle School began the month of May in celebration of Asian American/Pacific Islander & Jewish Heritage. Events will take place weekly to introduce our school community to the cultures of our Asian American/Pacific Islander & Jewish communities.
●	 The partnership between Teaneck Public Schools and Fairleigh Dickinson University yielded another group of students who graduated on May 1 from the GEE (Girls Exploring Engineering)

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Program. The program was held virtually and four of our bright young ladies completed the program. These students will be recognized at an upcoming Board meeting.
●	 BFMS kicked off Teacher Appreciation Week on May 3, with a breakfast for our staff; on Tuesday, the Administration at BFMS will do “Double Duty” and relieve our teachers of ALL duties; The week will conclude with a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the newly renovated teacher’s lounge. The BFMS PTO also gifted our staff with Amazon Gift Cards for Teacher Appreciation Week.
●	 May 3 -the PE/Health Staff and Counseling Department launched a collective effort to support a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative to support our learners as we begin transition back into school. This 4-week program takes place in our PE/Health classes and out counselors as “co-facilitators.” Students complete a check-in during the activities that provide the counseling staff an opportunity to meet with individuals and/or groups to address concerns that are pressing to our scholars.
●	 The Parent-Teacher Association of Teaneck continued its lecture series workshops with Benjamin Franklin Middle School. Entitled, “Know Your Community,” the events provide lectures from community stakeholders and a subsequent Kahoot game that allows students to win gift certificates. The next event will take place on May 12, 2021 and will be moderated by Mr. Williams. Our community speaker will be Rabbi Golden.
●	 NEEF (National Environment Education Foundation) has announced that the Teaneck Greening STEM with Benjamin Franklin Middle School funding will be extended. The video initial series can be found here NEEF Video Series. The funding for the project will be provided by Bayer and Benjamin Middle School will partner with Teaneck Creek Conservancy to engage our learners around environmental science.
●	 TheStudent of the Month Ceremony took place on May 7, where the school honored students based on “Teacher’s Choice” as the theme for the month. The event was well attended by parents and teachers, and of course the honorees.
●	 Benjamin Franklin Middle School kicked off its “BFMS Keep Reading; Keep Rising” initiative to promote literacy. QR Codes have been placed on each of the three Little Free Libraries at the school. Students are encouraged to log their reading. They can also indicate genres of interest from this form.

Thomas Jefferson Middle School
●     The PTA sponsored a Clothing and Shoe Drive from 9am-1pm in the Fycke Lane parking lot on May 1st with student volunteers from the NJHS assisting with the collection of donations.
●	 Teacher Appreciation Week was celebrated with the administration procuring an ice cream truck to give teachers a sweet treat for their dedication and efforts this school year. The PTA also provided each teacher with a gift certificate of their choosing to Bischoff’s or Coliseum Pizza. The scoop is we truly are thankful for all of their hard work!
●	 Ms. Brolewicz facilitated a Shark Tank program on May 4th. Our 7th grade Mathematicians presented business proposals to the school looking for sharks to back their plans.
●	 TJMS is holding a series of Kahoot challenges to find the top 5 students to compete against our top 5 faculty members throughout the month. Our final competition will be held on May 27.
●	Third Marking Period Honor Roll students were celebrated via a Zoom ceremony on May 6.
●	 TJMS will be raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society during the week of May 10. To make donations, community members can visit our page.
●	There will be a virtual PTA meeting via Zoom on May 18.
●	The TJMS Drama department will hold their End of Year showcase at 7pm on May 24.

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●	 The PTA Council will be sponsoring the "Get to Know Your Community" series at 1:30pm on May 26th celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month.
●	The TJMS Virtual Spring Choral Concert will be streamed at 6pm on May 27.

Teaneck High School
●	THS Sophomore, Kasai Sanchez, received a Leadership award from Northern New Jersey Coalition. We will recognize her at an upcoming Board meeting.
●	 On Friday, May 7, the Teaneck High School administration joined with the administrators from The Office of Curriculum and Instruction to set up a dessert bar for the Teaneck High School staff in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.
●	First Time Home Buyer Bootcamp 101 presented by The PTSO in partnership with the FORUM ●	Elder Tech Training The FORUM has partnered with Age-Friendly Teaneck, Teaneck Public
Library, and Brightside Manor to help senior citizens “master the digital world”.
●	Rotary Youth Leadership Camp will take place virtually June 25 and 26. The following students were selected to attend: Jo’el Pinkney, Armanado Manansala and Efuwmen Ewan. They are all juniors.
●	Bergen Community College Summer Intensive Program (SIP) is a six week intensive 3 credit course that seniors take over the summer prior to starting their college career.
●	FDU Weekend STEM Academy held its virtual graduation on Saturday, May 8. Angelis Heredia successfully completed the program and was invited to the graduation ceremony.

Human Resource Management –

Staff Vacancy Updates – see attached document

TEANECK BOARD OF EDUCATION Human Resource Management

VACANCIES as of 05.07.2021

DISTRICT

*Director of Special Education & Nursing Services

*Supervisor of Humanities and Gifted Education

General Mechanic (O&M)

*School Treasurer – Business Office

*Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services

*Custodian (O&M)

*Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts

*Groundsman I – (O&M)

*Coordinator of Institutional Advancement & Grant Procurement

*CST Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (Special Services)

General Mechanic III/Electrician (O&M)

School Comptroller

TEANECK HIGH

Mathematics Teacher	*Television & Production Teacher

Custodian

THOMAS JEFFERSON

*Grade 5 Teacher

*CST Psychologist

Special Education Teacher (2)

*Language Arts Teacher

*Anticipated vacancies for 2021-2022 School Year

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Library Media Specialist	*Spanish Teacher

LOWELL

*Outreach Worker	*Special Education Teacher (2)

WHITTIER

*Grade 4 Teacher *Kindergarten Teacher

THEODORA SMILEY LACEY

*English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

*Principal

HAWTHORNE

*Grade 1 Teacher

BRYANT

*Principal

*Anticipated vacancies for 2021-2022 School Year