Virtual Schooling Update from Mr. Romagnino

1.  Tomorrow begins Week 13 of remote learning.  The last day for students is Wednesday, June 17^th.  I would like to thank our parents and staff for their successful partnership the past 13 weeks which provided our students with the academic, social and emotional support they needed during these challenging times.
2. Our Middle School Virtual Graduation will be streamed on Monday, June 29^th and our High School Virtual Graduation on Tuesday, June 30^th.
3. Due to the Governor allowing 500 people at outdoor gatherings after July 6^th we are planning a live celebration for our Grade 8 and Grade 12 graduates.  Mr. Pinto and Mr. Bargna will be providing details to students and parents.
4. CHROME BOOK RETURN:  Principals will be contacting students and parents with a schedule to follow for the return of chrome books.  Students attending summer school will return their chrome book at the end of July.
5. We will be offering a VIRTUAL SUMMER SCHOOL for students who are recommended by their teachers. Summer school will begin on Monday, June 29^th and end of Friday July 24^th.  If this program has been suggested for your child, please take advantage of this opportunity. 
6. Our Grab and Go breakfast/lunch program will continue throughout the summer at School 3 from 12:45 – 1:45pm.

1.  Tomorrow beginsWeek 12of remote learning.  Our Grab and Go breakfast/lunch program will continue tomorrow at School 3 from 12:45-1:45pm.
2. VIRTUAL ATHLETIC AWARDS:  6pm, Tuesday Night.  Please visit our website to view this annual event which honors our senior athletes who took party in our winter and spring programs during their high school years
3. CHROME BOOK RETURN:  Principals will be contacting students and parents with a schedule to follow for the return of chrome books.  Students attending summer school will return their chrome book at the end of July.
4. We will be offering aVIRTUAL SUMMER SCHOOLfor students who are recommended by their teachers. Summer school will begin on Monday, June 29^th and end of Friday July 24^th.  If this program has been suggested for your child, please take advantage of this opportunity.

1. Tomorrow begins Week 11 of remote learning.  Our Grab and Go breakfast/lunch program will continue tomorrow at School 3 from 12:45-1:45pm. 
2. Virtual Academic Awards:  7pm, Tuesday Night.  Please visit our website to view this annual event which honors our senior students.  Thank you to all of our generous donors who took part this year.
3. We will be offering aVirtual Summer Schoolfor students who are recommended by their teachers. Summer school will begin on Monday, June 29^th and end of Friday July 24^th.  If this program has been suggested for your child, please take advantage of this opportunity.  
4. Please open the link below to learn about the many resources that are currently available to help your fellow community members.

Click Here for Community Resources

 

1.  Tomorrow begins Week 10 of remote learning.  Our Grab and Go breakfast/lunch program will resume tomorrow at School 3 from 12:45-1:45pm.
2. Next Tuesday, June 2^nd, we will be streaming our Annual HS Academic Awards.  Please go to our website at 7pm for the event.
3. After School – September 2020. We have been receiving questions regarding registration for our After School Program for the 2020-2021 school year. At this time, due to the current circumstances we are not accepting applications.  Once additional guidelines are received from the Governor regarding the opening of school in September, we will be posting information to our website and CP App regarding registration dates and procedures.

1. We will be streaming a live virtual MS Honor Society Induction tonight at 7 pm.  Please visit our website and follow the directions that will be posted to view the event.
2. The Board of Education meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 20^th will be streamed live beginning at 7 pm.  Please visit our website for more information.
3. Our Grab and Go lunch/breakfast will be closed on Friday, May 22^nd and will resume on Tuesday, May 26^th, same time, same location. 

1. Tomorrow we begin Week 9 of remote learning for all students in grades PreK-12.  We ask parents to encourage students to take part in all academic activities as well as any co-curricular or athletic activities that staff are providing for our students.
2. Schools will be closed on Friday, May 22^ndthru Monday, May 25^thfor the Memorial Day Weekend.  Virtual learning will resume on Tuesday, May 26^th.
3. We will be streaming a live virtual MS Honor Society Induction on Tuesday, May 19^that 7pm.  Please visit our website and follow the directions that will be posted to view the event.
4. The Board of Education meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 20^thwill be streamed live beginning at 7pm.  Please visit our website for more information.
5. Our Grab and Go lunch/breakfast will be closed on Friday, May 22^ndand will resume on Tuesday, May 26^th, same time, same location.

1. THANK YOU to all of our community members who voted YES to support our school budget.  The unofficial ballots indicate that you have once again shown your support and confidence in the programs we are offering your children!!  THANK YOU!
2. Bergen County has announced FREE COVID-19 testing on May 14^that 101 Anderson Avenue, Fairview (Ascension Greek Orthodox Church Parking Lot) from 10-3:30pm for those with or without symptoms.
3. We will be broadcasting a live virtual MS Honor Society Induction on Tuesday, May 19^that 7pm.  Please visit our website at 7pm to view this program.

Happy Mother’s Day

1. Tomorrow we begin Week 8 of remote learning for all students in grades PreK-12. We continue to ask parents to encourage their children to take part in all academic and co-curricular activities that are staff are providing for you children.
2. This week theCliffside Park School District celebrates Special Education Weekacross our district. Our teachers will be working with our students to create, learn and grow which is this year’s message.
3. The Governor and his office have notified all school districts that Executive Order #107 which limits gatherings to 10 people will remain in effect until further notice.  This unfortunately will not allow districts to have any type of gatherings, such as Graduations, Proms and Project Graduations.  We are planning a Virtual Graduation for our MS and HS and will keep parents and students informed.
4. Please be reminded to Mail In your School Budget Ballot by Monday, May 11^th.  Thank you for your continued support of “CP Schools”.

1.  Governor Murphy has officially closed schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. No decision has been made regarding summer activities or if there will be guidelines for September’s opening.
2. We have been preparing for a number of virtual events and will share the events, times and dates once plans are finalized.
3. Orientation for students moving from 4^thgrade to 5^thand from 5^th grade to 6^th would have taken place in early June.  Both of these orientations are now planned for September 2^nd and 3^rd.  Parents and students will receive a mailing in July/August with the details of these events.
4. Please remember to send in your ballot for the school board election and to complete your census information.

1.  Tomorrow we beginWeek 7 of Virtual Learning.  Each week brings different challenges to our teaching staff.  We thank our parents for their support during this process and ask them to continue working, reminding and encouraging their children to keep on task.
2. One of the things the Covid-19 Crisis has taught us is how importantCensus datais in determining the resources NJ and Bergen County receives from the Federal government. PLEASE COMPLETE the Census online, by phone or on paper. The information you provide is confidential and protected by federal law.  Using the mailing you received you can complete it online by going to https://2020census.gov.

Additionally, here is a link to the Census phone numbers in many languages, if you would rather complete by phone;

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PNZqyhZqkakxtswzWQUccb-2kf26Fjnz/view?usp=sharing

3. This week we celebrateNational Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4 – May 8.  Thank you to our CP teachers for your dedication to your students and for the great job you have been doing during these challenging times.

 

 

1. Tonight we are holding our April Virtual Board of Education Meeting.  You can attend our meeting by visiting our website at www.46t.cce.myftpupload.com and clicking on the link on the top left column.  Our meeting begins at 7pm.
2. Last night we held a Virtual HS Honor Society for 7 seniors who will be graduating in June. Congratulations to seniors Kelly Chucaralao, Jamie Garcia, Era Lushaj, Arsian Hashmi, Jennifer Perez, Nathalie Rodas and Anja Rundlett for being inducted into the CPHS Honor Society!!
3. Our Grab and Go breakfast/lunch program will continue to be available every day at School 3 from 12:45 – 1:45pm M-F for eligible students.  Last week we provided 800-1000 lunches/breakfasts to our students who qualify for the federally funded meal program.

1. Tomorrow we begin Week 6 of remote learning for all students in grades PreK-12.  We ask parents to encourage students to take part in all academic activities as well as any co-curricular or athletic activities that staff are providing for our students.
2. Residents of CP should begin to receive their ‘mail only ballots’ for the upcoming May 12^thschool budget/board election this week.  I urge you to complete the form and return it in the postage paid envelope.  Supporting our schools is so very important.  Without your support in the past CP would not have been able to provide your children with our successful virtual learning process.  Your support has allowed the district to purchase Chrome Books and update our tech infrastructure allowing for a seamless remote learning process. Thank you for your continued support!!
3. Our Grab and Go breakfast/lunch program will continue to be available every day at School 3 from 12:45 – 1:45pm M-F for eligible students.  Last week we provided 800-1000 lunches/breakfasts to our students who qualify for the federally funded meal program.

1. Every year the Cliffside Park School District offers a summer school and enrichment program for our students. I am planning a ‘regular’ program for this summer with the hope that schools will be open.  If we continue to be closed an option might be a virtual summer school/enrichment program.  On May 15^th, our Governor will be making a decision regarding school openings and/or closures for the remainder of this school year which will allow for summer planning. 
2. Parents are reminded that students must be signed into their CP Google account in order to access Google Classroom.  Student sign-in: ID@46t.cce.myftpupload.com.  ID=your child’s issued ID.

1. Tomorrow we begin Week 5 of remote computer-based learning for all students in grades PreK-12.  Students should be ready Monday morning by having their Chrome Books charged and pencils sharpened.  Governor Murphy schools has stated that schools will remain closed until May 15. Further decisions will be made at that time. 
2. 2. Agrab and gobreakfast/lunch will continue to be available tomorrow from 12:45pm – 1:45pm for students who qualify for the Free or Reduced lunch program.   Lunch will be available for pickup at one location; School #3 located at Park/Palisade Avenues.  Either a parent or student may pick up the lunch. 
3. 3.We have many upcoming events that were previously planned for late April, May and June.  Events that involve seniors, such as Honor Society and Academic Awards, are my initial concern since those students will be graduating in June. Decisions regarding these events will be made during the week of April 20^thwhen we return from our spring break.  I will make every effort, if we are still closed, to honor these students in some remote or virtual way.
4. The annual school budget election has been changed to May 12^th.  This year’s vote will be bymail only ballots.  Registered voters will receive a ballot in the mail along with a post marked return envelope.  When you receive your ballot, please vote for the school budget and return in a timely manner.  The deadline for the county receiving ballots will be announced in the mailing.
5. New Jersey students in grades 3 through 6 can tune into public television to follow some of the classroom lessons they’ve been missing since the statewide closure of schools due to the coronavirus pandemic. NJ teachers will be giving lessons on NJTV, the state’s public-access network, in an initiative designed to advance remote instruction at home. 
6. Families in need of emergency food can contact the FCDC Food Pantry at St. John’s Church. Intake over the phone: and pick up at end of the driveway between the Rectory and Convent on Anderson Ave.

FCDC FOOD PANTRY

Monday through Saturday

CALL:  201.941.1000, 201. 941.2977

1. Grab & Go Breakfast and Lunch will be closed on Friday, April 10^th. It will be available on Monday, April 13^th – Friday, April 17^th.

2. Below are some virtual Spring Break Activities that you may want to use with your children next week.

Spring Break Activities

Virtual Activities for Fun

Virtual Academic Activities

Zoos and Aquariums You Can Visit Virtually Free Virtual Harry Potter Escape Room Will Spellbind Your Kids Wizarding World of Harry Potter Games Hop on Disney Rides From Across the World Without Leaving Home Virtual Museums Are an Awesome Way to Keep the Kids Learning Free Online Dance Classes with Ballet En Demand Stream Broadway Shows, Operas and Symphonies for Free Online Crayola on-line coloring pages Disney-Loving Kids Can Start Their Imagineering Careers With This Free Course You Can Host Netflix Parties for Virtual Movie Nights Try Free Music Classes from Rockness Music While the Kids Are Stuck at Home Mo Willems Offers Daily Doodles While You’re Stuck Inside With the Kids Activities at Home Look through old photo albums and videos Start a journal Build a Fort Play Charades Foster a pet through a local Animal Shelter Rearrange your room Create an obstacle course Create a Scavenger Hunt Science Games and Apps Angry Birds Space App: Those wacky (and wildly successful) birds are now playing their physics puzzles in space, where gravity does some pretty strange things! Geo Walk: 3D World Factbook App: Geography nuts rejoice! This educational app contains pictures and facts on hundreds of places, plants and animals. Kinetic City: An amazing collection of science experiments, games, activities and challenges. You might choose to run the blood cell relay race or use a computer model to build your own interstellar slush business. Chicago Museum of Science and Industry – Experiment: Experience and learn science through interactive mobile apps and get hand-ons science activities you can try at home.

Weekly Math Brain Teasers to Keep Your Kids’ Minds Sharp Free Resources to Keep the Kids Learning and Entertained During Coronavirus Shutdowns Math Games and Apps   Geometry Quest App: Travel the world by solving geometry challenges along the way. You’ll receive passport stamps for perfect quests.   Math Blaster: Do you have what it takes to save the galaxy? You’re going to need your math skills to complete your training missions in this free online game. Motion Math: Pizza! App: Pizza, pizza! In this math-based game, you buy ingredients, design signature pizzas and sell them to customers Motion Math: Questimate! App: How fast is the world’s fastest train? How many jellybeans fill up a soccer ball? In Questimate!, you get to make up your own questions. Mystery Math Town: Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to rescue the fireflies hidden in Mystery Math Town. Be warned: you’ll need your math skills to unlock all the rooms and passages on your quest! Numbers League: In the Numbers League, only math can save the day. You’ll use everything from addition to negative numbers to assemble a team of superheroes and capture a horde of villains. CoolMath4Kids: Cool4Math is a great resource for kids who love playing games. It combines education with gaming, to deliver extra mathematical fun. Fun Brain: Funbrain is sorted by grade type, it’s for kids in grades pre-k through 8th grade. It has every mathematical resource your kids need. Code.org: No one is too young (or old, I might add) to code. Learn how to build an iPhone game, write your first computer program, draw in JavaScript and much more. Exploratorium: The website of the San Francisco-based Exploratorium is jam-packed with interactive activities, videos, apps, links and more. Extreme Science: Here you’ll find wild and weird facts about nature, resources for science projects and info on all kinds of world records. Museum of Science + Industry Chicago Online Science: Apps and activities and videos, oh my! Play games, watch baby chicks hatching, create virtual chemical reactions or use forensic science to analyze different types of candy. Science Channel: Question everything. Along with a rundown on the Science Channel’s TV programs, this website has plenty of videos, quizzes, games and the latest science news. STEM-Works: In addition to articles and job information, STEM-Works has stocked their site with interesting activities. Test your skills in the reptile quiz. Rescue an athlete in the Bionic Games. Or, simply follow the path of great whites with the Global Shark Tracker. Tynker: A computing platform that allows children to develop programming skills through fun, creative courses. Join the millions of kids from around the country learning to code with Tynker! Khan Academy: Khan Academy breaks down complex topics on a range of subjects including programming, math, and statistics! It has learning resources in almost all STEM subjects K-12. STEM Fun for Middle School Kids The Big Brain Theory – Discovery Channel: Competitors on this TV show have just 30 minutes to come up with a solution to an (seemingly) impossible engineering challenge. Bill Nye the Science Guy: Bill’s entertaining television episodes cover everything from comets to the science of music. Have some fun with his home demos. Kids Ahead: A STEM bonanza. Kids Ahead is packed with all kinds of resources, including scavenger hunts, videos, articles, links to local activities and fun events and info on cool jobs that inspire and excite. Science Bob: Bob is a science teacher who loves to experiment (often on Jimmy Kimmel). His website has videos, links and plenty of ideas for build-your-own experiments and science fair projects.

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

1. Reports cards for the 3^rdMP for grades 6-12 have been posted to the Parent Portal. Please review the document and if you have any questions regarding grades, please contact your child’s guidance counselor or principal.
2. Tips for parents whose children are learning at home.

• Limit distraction. …
• Make space for learning. …
• Maintain breaks   
• Allow them to interact with friends via video chats. …
• Mix screen time with old school learning
• Keep in touch with other parents.

3. Please be reminded that our school nurses, counselors and principals are available anytime during the school day.  Phone numbers are posted on each school’s website.

1.    We have many upcoming events that were previously planned for late April, May and June.  Events that involve seniors, such as Honor Society and Academic Awards, are my initial concern since they will be graduating in June. Decisions regarding these events will be made during the week of April 20^th when we return from our spring break.  I will make every effort, if we are still closed, to honor these students in some remote or virtual way.

2.    This week our HS is celebrating Virtual Spirit Week as our Elementary and Middle Schools did last week.  Please follow our district’s Instagram account for pictures that celebrate each day’s events.

4. Tomorrow begins week 4 of remote learning.  Please be reminded that staff will be providing instruction Monday – Thursday. There will be no instruction on Friday, April 10^th.  Schools will be closed Monday, April 13^th– April 17^th for our spring break.  Virtual instruction will begin again on Monday, April 20^th.
5. Grab and Go breakfast/lunch will not be available on Friday, April 10^th but WILL BE AVAILABLE THE WEEK OF APRIL 13^TH – APRIL 17^TH.
6. Grades for students in grades 6-12 will be posted to the parent portal on our about Tuesday, April 7^th.  I will notify parents when they are available.
7. Families in need of emergency food can contact the FCDC Food Pantry at St. John’s Church. Intake over the phone: and pick up at end of the driveway between the Rectory and Convent on Anderson Ave.

FCDC FOOD PANTRY

Monday through Saturday

CALL:  201.941.1000, 201.941.2977

 

1. Starting Monday, New Jersey students in grades 3 through 6 can tune into public television to follow some of the classroom lessons they’ve been missing since the statewide closure of schools due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Garden State teachers will be giving lessons on NJTV, the state’s public-access network, in an initiative designed to advance remote instruction at home. NJTV, the New Jersey Education Association, and the New Jersey Department of Education partnered together in the effort

 The lessons will be available during four programs on the show NJTV Learning Live each weekday. Third-grade instruction begins at 9 a.m.; fourth-grade programming is at 10 a.m.; fifth grade is 11 a.m; and sixth-grade instruction begins at noon.

Subjects will include English language arts, math, science, social studies, and a “special” such as art, music or physical education.

Families can find their local channel on NJTV’s “Where to Watch” webpage. The on-air classroom lessons will also be live-streamed and archived on the network’s website, NJTVonline.org. 

The program will supplement the instruction that students are already getting from teachers online and in paper packets amid the statewide shift to home-based instruction. New Jersey officials haven’t said yet when the statewide school closure is likely to end. 

Each hour-long segment will feature a lesson recorded by a teacher from his or her home. More than 200 educators volunteered to provide lessons, according to the department of education.“

NJTV Learning Live is scheduled to run until May and can continue into mid-June if needed. 

2. CP Virtual Spirit Week continues tomorrow with Pajama Day.
3. Today over 600 breakfast/lunch combos were served to our students.

1. Families in need of emergency food can contact the FCDC Food Pantry at St. John’s Church. Intake over the phone: and pick up at end of the driveway between the Rectory and Convent on Anderson Ave.

FCDC FOOD PANTRY

Monday through Saturday

CALL: 

201.941.1000

201. 941.2977

2. Middle School students as anoptional assignment showed their support and gratitude for healthcare workers.  Using their assignments, Ms. Matone was able to make the following video;

https://tinyurl.com/qkdg5ex

3. Grab and Go Breakfast and Lunch will be closed on Good Friday, April 10^th.  The good news is that during our spring break I will have the cafeteria open so our free/reduced students will receive breakfast and lunch from Mon-Fri, April 13^th– 17^th.

4. Beginning Monday, April 20^th, K-2 students will begin their virtual learning digitally.  If you are in need of a loaner Chrome Book, please contact your building principal.

1. The annual school budget election has been changed to May 12^th.  This year’s vote will be by ‘mail only ballots’.  Registered voters will receive a ballot in the mail along with a post marked return envelope.  When you receive your ballot, please vote for the school budget and return in a timely manner.  The deadline for the county receiving ballots will be announced in the mailing.

2. This week we are celebrating Virtual Spirit Week in all of our schools.  Today was Red & Black Day celebrated by students and staff who wore those colors while virtually learning.

3. Due to the length of our school closure, Principals have been loaning Chrome Books to students in grades K-2.  If you are in need of a Chrome Book, please call your child’s Principal.

4. Beginning next Friday, April 10^thand continuing through April 19^thall schools and offices will be closed for our spring break.  Virtual learning will begin again on Monday, April 20^th unless we hear otherwise from our Governor.

In Memory of CP Teacher, Ben Luderer.  Thanks for being a great coach, teacher, friend and always a mentor and role model for you students.

1. 1. Parents: Your participation is so important in order for our virtual learning process to be successful. Please be reminded of the following

Keep your child on a schedule!  As the days of school closure go on, it is tempting to let our children sleep in, however this is one of the most important recommendations for success with remote learning.  Routines establish clear expectations for children and they need to be held accountable.

Please respond to teacher requests for communication.  Teachers may call you or reach out to you via Class Dojo, email, etc.  Be on the lookout for messages and please respond in a timely fashion.  For many students in the lower grades, this will affect your child’s attendance.

Review the daily assignments together every day and check that they are completed.  Some days the teacher will ask to interact with your child on Raz-Kids, Google Meet or other “live” programs.  Such interactions are just like actual class time and student performance will be considered for grading purposes.

¡Mantenga a su hijo en un horario! A medida que avanzan los días de cierre de la escuela, es tentador dejar que nuestros hijos duerman, sin embargo, esta es una de las recomendaciones más importantes para el éxito con el aprendizaje remoto. Las rutinas establecen expectativas claras para los niños y deben hacerse responsables.

Por favor responda a las solicitudes de comunicación del maestro. Los maestros pueden llamarlo o comunicarse con usted a través de Class Dojo, correo electrónico, etc. Esté atento a los mensajes y responda de manera oportuna. Para muchos estudiantes en los grados inferiores, esto afectará la asistencia de su hijo.

Revisen las tareas diarias juntas todos los días y verifique que se hayan completado. Algunos días, el maestro le pedirá que interactúe con su hijo en Raz-Kids, Google Meet u otros programas “en vivo”. Dichas interacciones son como el tiempo real de clase y el rendimiento del alumno se considerará para fines de calificación.

2. Our school nurse, Maria Capano, School 4, provided some suggestions for parents regarding our students: Please take the time to review:

1. Suggestions for adjusting to long days at home:

• Movement – go for walks/runs/bike rides, exercise at home
• Connect with others – FaceTime, Google Hangout
• Do something for others – help parents/siblings, teach lessons to younger siblings, help around the house (cook with your parent, clean up your room)
• Learn a new skill
• Create a gratitude list
• Get creative – write, draw, paint, make music
• Keep a journal about this experience

1. Stress Management Tools:

Meditation Apps: 

Calm: https://www.calm.com/

Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/ (has the most free options)

Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/

1. Activities

Kid Yoga Videos:

 https://preschoolinspirations.com/kid-yoga-videos/?fbclid=IwAR39r-hY7VeZltA2Jp3gwqpWXMZEutOBAPmd8FJCAEc13PS3LtNUQLr_ers

At home workout videos for teachers/parents

https://www.youtube.com/user/FitnessBlender/playlists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=3

Yoga with Adriene:

https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

3. Please remind your child(ren) about social distance during this weekend.

1. The calendar for the 2020-2021 has been approved and posted to our website.

    https://cliffsidepark.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2020-2021-School-Calendar.pdf

2. The school budget election has been moved to May 12^thdue to the current situation.  This year the county of elections informed us that it will be BALLOT BY MAIL only. Every registered voter will receive a ballot in the mail.  Please vote and support your schools!!!
3. Congratulations to the CP Athletic Department for raising over $800 in donations that will be used to provide food to Holy Name and Palisades General Hospitals.
4. I received two emails from parents commending our staff for the great job they have been doing with our Virtual Learning Program:

Parent said, “My daughter’s teachers have done an amazing job! I know I was stressed out the first day of virtual learning and I apologize as I was impatient. Now I feel proud of the school district and specifically School’s # 6 staff, teachers and principal. I have shared what my daughter has been doing for her schooling with other parents and co- workers and they are simply amazed…Saying they don’t have that support or their school is not as organized as my daughter’s is. Keep up the good work”!

Parent said:  “Mr. Romagnino, I wanted to reach out to inform you of the amazing job Ms. at School #4 has been doing.  All year she has gone above and beyond with her assignments, making sure her students are truly learning the content.  My son has Ms. for Math and ELA. Switching to the new video learning so quickly was so helpful for my son.  It gave him a sense of normalcy during these uncertain times.  We will be forever grateful for all the work she is doing for my son and his classmates”.

5. Tomorrow completes week 2 of our virtual learning program!!

1. The Cliffside Park Board of Education will hold a Virtual Board Meeting tonight at 7pm.Please visit our website to access this live meeting.
2. What students are saying:

Student to a HS teacher: “I wanted to email you to let you know how much I appreciate how helpful you have been since the beginning of quarantine. This pandemic that’s going is really affecting me and I know it affects my teachers as well. You have been patient with all of us and I thank you for that because times now are rough. We see the effort you put into us, please don’t think it doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you and I appreciate you.”

3. Our teachers are doing a great job with our remote learning program. Their biggest challenge is making sure students are participating on a daily basis and that they are handing in assignments in timely manner. Please help us in this partnership by speaking with your child(ren) about taking part in the remote learning process every day from 8:30am – 12:30pm and that they are handing in ALL assignments on-time.
4. Our lunch count today was about 500.  Since day one we have tripled the number of parents/students who are taking part in our breakfast/lunch Grab and Go.

1. From Governor Murphy:  New Jersey has applied for a federal waiver to cancel student standardized testing scheduled for April amid the statewide coronavirus shutdown. “With students at home, and not in their regular classrooms, it is simply not feasible for us to be able to move forward with testing in any meaningful way,” Murphy said in a statement.
2.  Please visit our website atwww.46t.cce.myftpupload.comfor links to all of our school’s virtual learning sites.  Each site will provide information about your child’s classes, assignments and responsibilities.
3. PreK-2 parents: Please pickup your child’s packet for the weeks of March 30^thand April 7^th.  If you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher or your school’s principal.
4. After a morning of remote instruction, it’s important that your children take part in some recreational activities in the afternoon. I know most parents are isolating their children from their peers but you can arrange for playdates using Google Meet or Microsoft Zoom!!  Children, during these difficult times need to interact with their friends!

1. Governor Murphy announced today that schools will be closed for an indefinite period of time.  What that tells us is that virtual learning will be here for a while.
2. We are all experiencing some type of stress during these uncertain times, especially your children, who are our students.  While it’s important that we continue to provide your children with academic instruction, my staff and I are also concerned about the emotional and social well-being of your children.  It’s vital that you speak with your child(ren) every day.  Ask them things like, ‘”how do you feel”, “how is your virtual learning coming along”, etc. Anything that will spark conversation.  If you think that your child is experiencing bouts of sadness, depression or anxiety, I urge you to contact your primary care physician, our school nurse and/or your child’s guidance counselor for resources that are available.
3. Principals in Schools 3, 4 and 5 are sending out emails and Swift Reach calls to notify parents who have students in grades PreK-2 that packets for next week are available for pickup. Please contact your child’s Principal for additional information.
4. Staff in grades 6-12 will begin the grading process for the 3^rd marking period.  Please make sure that that your child(ren) are submitting all assignments.  Missing assignments will negatively affect grades.
5. EXTENDED HOURS: A grab and go lunch and breakfast is available Monday – Thursday from 12:45pm – 1:45pm and on FRIDAYS from 12:45 – 2:30 for students who qualify for the Free or Reduced lunch program.   Breakfast and Lunch will be available for pickup at one location; School #3 located at Park/Palisade Avenues.  Either a parent or student may pick up the lunch.

1. YES!!!We made it through the first week.  Thank you to staff, parents and students for creating a partnership that is working!!
2. The President mentioned no federal standardized testing this year. We would need to be notified from our NJ Department of Ed for it to be official.  I will notify everyone when I hear from our department.
3.  Any families needing helpwith bills, rent, food, etc, the NJ 211 Partnership of New Jersey has a COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund. Please call 877-652-1148 for information.
4. EXTENDED HOURS:A grab and go lunch and breakfast is available Monday – Thursday from 12:45pm – 1:45pm and on FRIDAYS from 12:45 – 2:30 for students who qualify for the Free or Reduced lunch program.   Breakfast and Lunch will be available for pickup at one location; School #3 located at Park/Palisade Avenues.  Either a parent or student may pick up the lunch.
5. Comments from our MS Students:

• I think it’s comfortable and fun but kinda of confusing by shifting classes. (Grade 7)
• I like remote learning but it gets boring sometimes without your friends. (Grade 7)
• Remote learning is fun but switching classes gets confusing.(Grade 7)
• I think it is better this way so we all can be safe. (Grade 7)
• In my opinion, I thought this was going to be hard but it is not. I love how all the teachers are trying their best to teach and help us at the same time. (Grade 8)
• To be honest, I’d rather be in class (Grade 8)
• Remote learning was a little bit difficult for me at first. I underestimated everything. But I got the hang of it on the second day. Even though we get to stay at home for school I would still rather be at school. I miss all my friends and teachers a lot.  Being at home isn’t really cool anymore but we do it to stay safe. Anyway have a great weekend and stay safe too!  (Grade 8)
• It’s easy but boring, I don’t like staying in one place for a few hours (Grade 8)
• I enjoy it. It goes by quicker than normal school and I haven’t had any problems with the lessons (Grade 8)

6. Comments from HS Student:
   From a HS student to his/her teacher, “I just wanted to say your videos are very good and easy to understand. Thank you so much for taking the time to make them for us. I know right now, online school is different and challenging, but you are making it a lot easier for us. Thank you so much for teaching us online through video, it helps a lot and I really appreciate the effort you are putting in.”

From a HS Parent to administration:  I hope you and your family are all doing well.
Just wanted to take a moment and thank you for talking to seniors including my daughter today via Google meet. She has been very sad these past few days complaining about missing schools and her daily routines.  Her mood completely changed after your call.”

1. An important SwiftReach call will be going out tonight at 8pm to all parents and staff.  A letter will be posted to the website at 8pm.
2. What a student had to say about his HS teacher, “Due to the remote learning, I would just like to thank you for going the extra mile to ensure your students understand the lesson you are teaching. All the work you put into your students’ education is greatly appreciated and never goes unnoticed. Hope to see you soon”.
3. What a parent had to stay about our HS Virtual Meeting, “just wanted to let you know how wonderful the idea of giving your time to the seniors was this afternoon.   You guys are rock stars right now, I can assure you.  The kids had a blast and this was certainly the highlight of today.   Please know that we appreciate all you are doing to make this situation as “normal” as possible.
4. More and more students are taking advantage of our Grab and Go breakfast and lunch.  Get the word out!!  Everyday at 12:45-1:45pm, M-F.

1. This is what students are saying about our ‘Virtual Learning’..

“Online school is actually quite nice as I get to stay home (lol), much quieter. I feel like most of the teachers are doing a great job at handling the situation and keeping the students up to date on assignments. I had my doubts at the beginning however it seems to be working out thus far.”

2.  Jersey Mike’s Subs in Fort Leeis offering free meals to students in need, Mondays to Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
3. A grab and go lunch and breakfast will be available starting Monday from 12:45pm – 1:45pm for students who qualify for the Free or Reduced lunch program.   Breakfast and Lunch will be available for pickup at one location; School #3 located at Park/Palisade Avenues.  Either a parent or student may pick up the lunch.
4. The NJ Depart of Ed will be deciding on whether state testing (NJSLA) will be rescheduled due school closings.  They will probably extend the testing window dates.

This is what is being said about the great job our staff is doing;“
Email from a Parent:

“I think you guys did a great job with the virtual thing.. cliffside park schools are well organized with this whole thing,  believe it or not, I work with a girl her kids go to W?, same grade and they are all over the place.. W? and N? the same, .I told them what you guys are doing and they are like WOW ..just thought to let u know”

1.  A grab and go lunch and breakfast will be available starting Monday from 12:45pm – 1:45pm for students who qualify for the Free or Reduced lunch program.   Breakfast and Lunch will be available for pickup at one location;  School #3 located at Park/Palisade Avenues.  Either a parent or student may pick up the lunch.
2. Guidance Counselors, Child Study Team Members and Nurses who are working from home are available by calling their direct phone number or calling our school office who will direct your call. You may also contact them by email.
3. Principals and secretaries are reporting to work each day between the hours of 8am -2pm.  You may contact your child’s principal by phone or email.

1. Our first day of ‘virtual learning’ went well.  If you have any comments or questions, please contact your building principal or email me directly at: mjr@46t.cce.myftpupload.com.
2. It’s very important with all the news reports and talk about the Coronavirus that parents speak with their children about the current situation in a positive manner. Children experience stress as adults do and it’s important to provide them with accurate information. Below are some helpful links that you can use to speak with your children.

• National Association of School Psychologists/National School Nurses Association: Talking to Children About COVID-19

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASN/3870c72d-fff9-4ed7-833f-215de278d256/UploadedImages/PDFs/02292020_NASP_NASN_COVID-19_parent_handout.pdf

• Child Mind Institute: Talking to Kids About Coronavirus.

https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/

• SAMHSA: Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/sma14-4885.pdf

• Link to a kid-friendly video of the virus

https://youtu.be/OPsY-jLqaXM

3.  A grab and go lunch will be available every day from 12:45pm – 1:45pm for students who qualify for the Free or Reduced lunch program.   Lunch will be available for pickup at one location;  School #3 located at Park/Palisade Avenues.  Either a parent or student may pick up the lunch.

1. All schools will be closed for students beginning Monday, March 16^th.  Students will take part in “Virtual On-line” learning beginning Monday as per the directions from their Principal and as outlined in the “Remote Plan” posted to our website.
2. A grab and go lunch will be available starting Monday from 12:45pm – 1:45pm for students who qualify for the Free or Reduced lunch program.   Lunch will be available for pickup at one location;  School #3 located at Park/Palisade Avenues.  Either a parent or student may pick up the lunch.
3. Working parents should be making child care plans for at least the next two weeks.  In doing so, please keep in mind that students in grades 3-12 will be required to complete daily virtual assignments.  Students in grades PreK-2 have packets to complete and may need parental assistance.  Assignments completed during the school closure period will count towards their report card/assessment grades.
4. If a student is having problems with his or her Chrome Book they are to contact their school and ask for assistance.
5. All sports and after school activities are suspended.
6. Parents whose children attend our After School Program in grades PreK-3 will have their tuition credited for the time we are closed.
7. The following services will be offering FREE Internet for K-12 students.  More information and enrollment is available by calling: Spectrum:  1-844-488-8395, Altice: 1-866-200-9522

 

 

1. Students will have an early dismissal today, Friday.

2. Schools closed Monday for students, online learning begins Monday.

3. All sports, school activities suspended until further notice.