District News & Announcements
Weekly Parent/Guardian Support Group to Begin on November 19
The Parenting Center is providing a free, weekly parent support group to help parents cope with COVID-related difficulties this school year. Positive Developments licensed therapists will facilitate the group, and parents/guardians can connect with others, gain information, and share ideas on how to address family challenges during COVID-19.
- Future Dates: December 3, 10, 17; January 7 & 14
- Time: 7:30pm - 8:30pm
- Meeting link: https://meet.google.com/hcp-cekd-jvp
- Pre-register here (you can pre-register, but registration is not necessary to join): https://forms.gle/rkibQC88xDbPgAP8A
Upcoming November Events: Drive Thru Flu Clinic, Weekly Parent Support Group, Food Donation Drive, Speaking to Your Children About Racism Event & Holiday Toy Drive Donation
- Click here for more information - Maplewood Township Drive-Thru Clinic, Wed., 11/11, 1pm - 3pm : https://www.twp.maplewood.nj.us/health-department/pages/immunization-clinic
- Click here for more information - Essex County Food Distribution Event, Weekquahic Park, Newark, NJ, Thurs., 11/12, 9am: file://root-users/users$/aeustach/Documents/Events/Parenting%20Center/food-distribution-flier-weequahic-english.pdf
- Haga clic aquí para obtener más información - Evento de Distribución De Alimentos de Emergencia del condado de Essex, Weekquahic Park, Newark, NJ, Jueves, 11/12, 9am: file://root-users/users$/aeustach/Documents/Events/Parenting%20Center/food-distribution-flier-Weequahic-Park-spanish.pdf
- Click here for more information - Our Lady of Sorrows Food Drive & Thanksgiving Donation, Sat., 11/14, 10am - 1pm: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/about/digitalbackpack/
- Click here for more information - Parenting Center Crisis Support Series: How to Speak to Your Child About Racism WebEx, Wed., 11/17, 7:30pm: https://bit.ly/2Ii09i7
- Click here for more information - Parenting Center: Weekly Parent Support Group: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/about/digitalbackpack
- Click here for more information - 2020 Holiday Toy Drive: https://bit.ly/PC2020ToyDrive
Parenting Center Series: How To Speak to Your Child About Racism, November 17 @ 7:30pm
JOIN BY WEBEX MEETING:
Link: https://bit.ly/3e3U30C
Meeting ID: 173 700 6036 | Meeting PW: 53482576
JOIN BY PHONE:
408-418-9388
Meeting ID: 173 700 6036 | Meeting PW: 53482576
Submit questions here: https://forms.gle/Tm3oeCLL8Xn9cKGm9
10/30 As a Matter of Fact District Newsletter: K-8 Textbook Updates, Proof of Immunizations Due, 2020 Toy Drive, Filipino-American Heritage Month, Community News, Upcoming Events and More
Your Best Shot at Good Health: A Message From Your School Nurses
With so many healthy habits to practice during this COVID-19 pandemic, here are SEVEN IMPORTANT REASONS TO VACCINATE YOUR CHILD:
- It is the law! Immunization requirements for children to attend childcare centers, preschool facilities, and schools in New Jersey - both public and private - are established by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH). These requirements are not being waived or extended during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of immunizations, including the annual flu vaccine, is even more evident for protecting individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. Routine vaccination prevents illnesses that lead to unnecessary medical visits, hospitalizations, and further strain the healthcare system.
- Immunizations can save your child’s life. Because of advances in medical science, your child can be protected against more diseases than ever before.
- Vaccination is very safe and effective. Vaccines are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals.
- Immunization protects others you care about. For example, some babies are too young to be protected by vaccination while other individuals may not be able to receive certain vaccinations due to weakened immune systems.
- Immunizations can save your family time and money. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can result in prolonged disabilities and can take a financial toll on families. The Vaccines for Children program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children from low-income families. To find out more about the VFC program, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/parents, or ask your child’s Health Care Professional (HCP).
- Immunization protects future generations. Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that killed or severely disabled people just a few generations ago.
Summary of vaccines required* by NJDOH to attend virtual or in-person school:
- Preschool – Up-to-date on: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DtaP); Polio; Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR); Haemophilus B (HIB); Varicella; Pneumococcal Conjugate; and Influenza (flu due by December 31st)
- Kindergarten: Up-to-date on above plus Hepatitis B plus boosters for: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DtaP); Polio; Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Sixth Grade and 11-years-old: Up-to-date on above plus Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap); and Meningococcal
- High School: Up-to-date on above
*Please consult your HCP. New Jersey still allows for medical and religious exemptions when applicable.
Students that do not meet the NJDOH vaccine requirements may be excluded from virtual instruction beginning on November 12, 2020. Please email, scan, or FAX proof of required immunizations to your school nurse immediately. Please keep a copy. Feel free to reach out to your school nurse with questions, concerns, or hardship.
See below for the list of school nurses:
School Nurse/School | |
Therese Crigler, CHS | tcrigler@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us |
Gretchen Shook, CHS | gshook@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us |
Hilary Conway, MMS | hconway@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us |
Keith Turpin, SOMS | kturpin@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us |
Joann Harrigan, Clinton | jharriga@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us |
Tanisha Anderson, Jefferson | tanders1@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us |
Jean Johnson, Marshall | jjohnson@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us |
Steffi Golden, Montrose Early Childhood Center | sgolden@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us |
Theresa Oweifie, Seth Boyden | toweifie@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us |
Sharyn Wills, South Mountain | swills@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us |
Julie Porter, RN, School Nurse Leader - South Mountain Annex | jporter@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us |
Angela Thompson, Tuscan | athompso@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us |
We hope you and your families are healthy and finding happiness and patience with yourselves during this time. Be well.