Our Lady of Sorrows Food Pantry in collaboration with Elementary School PTAs, has graciously offered to provide an emergency curbside pop-your-trunk food distribution event, Saturday, October 31 from 2pm – 4pm at Seth Boyden Elementary School @ 274 Boyden Avenue in Maplewood (circular driveway). First come, first served basis (limited # available).  Please wear masks and practice social distancing. Walk ups are also welcome.

​Please click here: [https://bit.ly/34K2NG0] for additional information in Spanish and Haitian Creole.

Excited to share more details about the Achieve Foundation Grants received by our very own Amy Popp, along with Clinton librarian Jen Latimer, in support of books and e-books for our Tigers! The Achieve Foundation provides private funds for public education, in support of SOMSD kids in grades K - 12. These are screenshots from Achieve's most recent eNews. You can subscribe, here. 

Tuscan is actively recruiting a new Achieve Foundation School Liaison for this school year. Please reach out to Jess Horan (current PTA president... and technically the current liaison!) to learn more about the role.

There are books ready and waiting for YOU at the Maplewood Libraries, located at 51 Baker Street (Main) and 1688 Springfield Avenue (Hilton). Check out their Kids page for events, e-resources and contact details... and if you're on Facebook, follow them for up-to-the-minute details. 

Thank you to the 50+ attendees at last night's virtual PTA GMM (General Membership Meeting). In addition to updates from Mrs. Majeed and Mr. Bertani, and PTA teacher reps Mrs. Donatelli and Mrs. Lamkin, members voted to approve the 2020 - 2021 budget, and got confirmation that the 2021 Tuscan Show *will* *happen*.

Minutes from the meeting will be published shortly, but important highlights from the budget include increased funding for our specials and special education teams; a comprehensive package of support to cover school supplies, yearbooks, class photos and more for Tigers in need; a return of Tuscan Teacher Grants starting in early 2021.

Lessons learned? We will allocate more time for "open speak" and Q&A at our next meeting. Every voice matters, and we'll build in more time, next time, to honor that.

New to Tuscan or ready to renew your membership? Click through and join today! Unsure if your membership status? Email us. 

TUSCAN PTA MEETING OCTOBER 28, 2020 - 8:00PM
Join Us on Zoom!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83298575419?pwd=ZTNQVXRaeU9IL0pSK21La3RyQmhYUT09

Meeting ID: 832 9857 5419                Passcode: 664536
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,83298575419#,,,,,,0#,,664536# US (New York)

Or, join by phone using the ID/Passcode above +1 646 558 8656 (NY)

SEPAC’s second meeting of the year, Thursday October 22 from 7:15 - 8:45 pm will feature information on the how-to of Special Education for families. Our featured guest is Gerri Colon, Supervisor of Special Education at the high school.  Gerri’s experience in our district covers a wide span of ages and her knowledge and insights will be beneficial for all who attend.
All are welcome! 

https://meet.google.com/mbc-ieza-xmg

Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) is a parent-led advocacy group focused on policies, programs, and practices within the South Orange Maplewood School District.  Families and caregivers of student(s) with learning needs or students eligible for or receiving services under an IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to attend SEPAC Meetings.
SEPAC provides parents with tools and information to work collaboratively with the school district and to be more effective advocates for their children with special educational needs. Our meetings consist of featured conversations/ presentations as well as support, resource sharing, and the ability to connect with other members of the special education community. Meetings with featured topics are our attempt to get those with similar concerns in the same room at the same time but all are always welcome!

​Did You Catch It?
No no no, not THAT. I meant "Did you catch the board meeting last night?" Whatever lies over the horizon, we will conquer it together. Read on!

The Achieve Foundation awarded 36 educator grants this month for technology equipment, software programs, professional development, books, educational materials, mindfulness support and more totaling $43,623!

Congratulations to the Tuscan teachers who will be receiving the following Achieve grants:

• Amy Popp: Virtual Author Visits for Tuscan School
• Deirdre Dore: "Encouraging, Supporting, and Facilitating Conversation in a Diverse Classroom"
• Amy Popp: "ROAR Books to Support Equality for All"
• Claire Van Tine:  "Reflections of My Class"

​In addition, Tuscan School students will benefit from the “Keeping it Real, Interactive E-books with Natural Voice and Fluency” awarded to Jen Latimer (lead media specialist for the District), which will fund access to Capstone Ebooks for students at all SOMSD elementary schools.

Board of Education Meeting TONIGHT 10/19:
Return to School presentation by Superintendent Taylor. On Monday 10/19 @ 7:30 pm, Dr. Ronald Taylor will provide more details about the anticipated return to school for SOMSD students from November 12. Read the agenda here. Log-in details are here. TUNE IN, IF YOU CAN!

A summary of some recent updates is available within this Village Green article.   

The Virtual ADHD Parent Group meets Wednesday 10/21 @ 7:30 pm. Connect with others who understand the challenges and rewards of parenting children with ADHD. Join us for judgement-free support. Drop-ins always welcome. Questions? Contact Alison Steiner at asteinerr@somsd.k12.nj.us and Hilary Andreini at hilary@hilarylifecoaching.com

​SEPAC's 2nd meeting of the year will be on Thursday 10/22 @ 7:15 pm. feature information on the how-to of Special Education for families. The featured guest is Gerri Colon, Supervisor of Special Education at the high school.