How Are We Coping Today?
Who's feeling rejuvenated and energized after a super relaxing 3-day/holiday weekend? No? Still cranky and exhausted? Wait-you've been cranky and exhausted SINCE MARCH??? Same, same!
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Happy new year to those who celebrate. May 5781 bring SOMETHING POSITIVE ANYTHING GOOD PLEASE.  
Here's a sliver of good news: we've got great (and timely) programming coming your way this week. Plus the book fair is here! 

I can't sign off without giving a very hearty THANK YOU to our Tuscan teachers and staff. We are most definitely all here together-even while apart. Especially when the kids refuse to put in their headphones. 

Cheers! Amy Schwinder

This weekend, hundreds of SOMA residents are running and walking around our towns in support of The Achieve Foundation's INstead 5K. The Achieve Foundation of South Orange & Maplewood raises funds to promote exemplary public education for all students and educators in our community. 
Technically, you can still register! No time for a 5K today? Then consider spending five minutes (or less!) making a donation to the cause! Click here to contribute. 

Nancy Kislin is a leading expert in helping parents, educators and communities cultivate resilience in kids in an age of uncertainty.

Join us for her live presentation and Q&A on Wednesday, September 30 from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. All are welcome. 

Direct Link: https://bit.ly/2ZZOdHX
Event Password: TKdMM88iqr2
Join by Phone: 1-408-418-9388 Event Password (phone): 8536688
Access Code: 173 936 9964

Complete the Census Today!
The Tuscan Tiger wants to remind you to fill out your census form! The census is safe, easy and important and only comes around once every 10 years. A complete Census count is vital to ensure that we get our fair share of government funding—including funding for our schools!—as well as fair political representation.  So far, 77% of Maplewood households have filled out their census forms. Your response is fully confidential.
You can fill out your form here: https://2020census.gov

Among other things, "the 2020 Census count impacts the federal funds that communities receive each year for programs and services that are critical for schools, students, and younger children, such as:

• Special education, Head Start, after-school programs, and classroom technology.
• Food assistance, including free and reduced-price school lunches.
• Maternal and child health programs."

Monica Minor Gant, PhD serves as the Chief Academic Officer for the State of Delaware, and is active in national conversations about school reopening and engagement during COVID-19. Join this valuable presentation and Q&A, tonight, Wednesday September 16 @ 7:30 pm. 
WEBEX MEETING  https://bit.ly/2QzhV12  Meeting ID: 173 193 964 9    Meeting PW: 35wMYCVF

Greetings, Tigers.
Have you recovered from week 1? Let's share a rose and thorn, shall we? Personal rose: spying on my second grader doing PE in her bedroom like a BOSS. Thorn: "MOM, I NEED HELP!" x 574. 
Despite some technical difficulties, I am in awe that our Tuscan teachers have successfully created cohesive virtual classroom communities in just a few short days. And now we all know that one kid in class who always forgets to mute, #amiright? No matter your thoughts about remote instruction/our district plan/SOMA Lounge, please provide kudos where kudos are due. We are some lucky caregivers to have our teachers taking such good care of our students every day. 

Cheers! Amy Schwinder