Springtime means it's time for the Tuscan Spring Thing! 
Mark your calendars (Saturday, May 31). 
We're always looking for volunteers - great group of people and a great cause. Drop us a note - we would love to have your help!

~ Sandra Kosik and Alan Stephenson

Last performance of
That's Entertainment, Tuscan Style! is Sunday the 30th at 2:00pm at Maplewood Middle School.

Find showtimes, photo and DVD information here

Parent Tech Talk with Tuscan Parent Esther Lewars
March marks the beginning of spring and a reminder that our precious 3rd - 5th grade students will be taking the NJ ASK statewide assessment in about two months. It is also the time to look forward to the 2014-2015 school year when our current second graders will be among the first group of students to take the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC). 

One of PARCC's main purpose is to determine students' knowledge and application of the new common core curriculum standards. As such, PARCC will replace the NJ ASK and will be a computer-based assessment for students in grades 3-11.

With a computer based assessment, it is important that students become familiar with the new testing environment and devices before the actual test is administered. Students also need to acquire grade-level appropriate technology and keyboarding skills.

Tuscan has a keyboarding tool for students in grades 3-5, however, parents in the lower grades can explore www.typingclub.com or www.typingweb.com as two free, online tools for students to practice their keyboarding skills.

Let us ensure that all of our students will be able to perform at their highest potential, regardless of this new integration of technology into our statewide assessment practices.

PARCC Information for Parents
https://www.parcconline.org/sites/parcc/files/PARCC1-pager-parents9-18-13.pdf

~ Esther Lewars
Esther Lewars is a member of the Tuscan PTA, works as a Technology Coordinator at Ivy Hill School in Newark, and has a Masters in Computing in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Stop the Madness – Parenting for Real Success w/ Lew Epstein, LCSW
Do you ever worry about whether your child is experiencing too much pressure?
There is a growing awareness that often  ............ (click below for full description)
Monday, March 3rd ~ 7:30 – 9:00  ~ Fee: $5

Parenting Anxious Children w/ N. Distel, Ph.D & E. Jeffries Ph.D
Is your child being hindered by excessive anxiety? In this workshop parents will learn  ...... (click below for full description)
Wednesday March 19 ~ 7:00 - 8:30  ~ Fee: $5 

Boys will Be Boys ...or Maybe Not with Mark S. Lowenthal, Psy.D.
In this workshop, we will identify the social and emotional challenges that boys encounter at school, at home and on .... (click below for full description)
Tuesday, April 1st ~ 7:30 – 9:00 ~ Fee: $5 

Helping your Child with Separation & Divorce with Laura Prato, LCSW
This workshop will focus on helping your child stay together while everything seems to be falling apart. We will examine how children of different ages....
Wed April 9th ~ 7:30 – 9:00 ~ Fee: $5 

The Green Teams of Maplewood and South Orange have teamed up with the PTAs of the South Orange/Maplewood School District to present the PTA Eco Forum. The purpose of this forum is to build stronger Parent-Led Environmental Programs through experience sharing and collaboration. The Green Teams offer support and assets.
To begin the meeting there will be a presentation of the environmental programs and upgrades that are currently in place or underway in the school system. Then the group will discuss experiences and ideas for parent-led projects. This will also be a time for us to compile a list of questions and requests for the District’s Administration and Board of Education.
We will focus our efforts on four categories:
Recycling, Grounds/Gardens, Transportation, Supplementary Curriculum.
For more information, please contact Tracey Woods at traceywoods@verizon.net 
find the flier here

The Superintendent's Town Hall Meeting scheduled for this evening, February 5th, is postponed due to inclement weather.

FROM FATHERLESS TO FATHERHOOD – Tuscan’s own Mr. Kevin Mason, Assistant Principal, is ready for his close-up!  Come see this timely documentary starring Mr. Mason Thursday evening in the Tuscan Auditorium.  Filmmaker Kobie Brown and Mr. Mason will conduct a panel discussion about the film after the screening.  Reception at 7pm in the library; screening at 7:30.  Do not miss this Maplewood premiere!

Tuscan School will be hosting an Open House for Prospective Parents / Guardians on Thursday March 6th between 2:00pm -3:00pm.  This is a great opportunity for those who are considering Tuscan School for the 2014-2015 school year to see the building and learn about our incredible community.   For the consideration of your fellow parents and the school staff, we ask that this be an adult-only event.  
If you know of a family starting school next year please help us spread the word!
Parents and guardians can find more information here and Kindergarten Registration information can be found here