April 14, 2022
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Here are the weekly updates from the middle school:
Critical Update from the School Nurse for Healthy School Environment: As you have seen from our dashboard, Northern has seen an increase in positive COVID cases that reflect larger trends across our state. This has been combined with positive flu cases, a bad allergy season and other illnesses such as strep throat, bronchitis, etc.
Upon our return from spring break, it is critical that parents screen their children at home and keep children who are sick at home. When in doubt please keep your child at home & consult with your medical provider and school nurse. Leave a message on the attendance line: 609.298.3900 ext. 4060.
We are still following the Burlington County Health Guidelines for COVID & illness:
COVID-19 Compatible SICK Symptoms that indicate school absence and a COVID Test
• At least one of the following symptoms: new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste and/or smell OR
• At least two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, shivers, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, congestion, or runny nose
Students who come to school with a combination of these symptoms will be sent home by the school nurse and require a lab negative COVID test before they can return to school.
The Health Department does not allow negative home tests as clearance due to a margin of error resulting in false positives, but we can accept POSITIVE Home tests.
Any questions, please contact our school nurse, Ms. Pugliese tpugliese@nburlington.com.
Day of Silence: The middle school GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) is organizing its annual Day of Silence event. The event is open to students only and is optional. Those who participate choose to remain silent for the day to draw attention to discrimination and bias directed towards members of the LGBTQ community. This event will be on Friday, April 29 and those students who wish to participate may sign up through the form that will be posted in the “Class of 2026” and “Class of 2027” classrooms.
2020-2021 School Performance Reports: The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) recently made the state's School Performance Reports publicly available for the 2020-2021 school year. This letter includes additional details as well as the link to access the reports.
Course Selection for 2022-2023 School Year: Middle school students have completed the process of meeting with counselors to confirm course selections for next year. If parents have any questions, please contact your child’s counselor.
PTSC Meeting: April 25th at 6:30pm in the HS Media Center: Topics to include Senior Citizen Soiree and final end of year items.
PTSC Clothing Drive: The Clothing Drive is Back on for the Spring!! Please use this time to clean out your closets and help raise money for our organization. The Clothing Drive will run from May 9th through May 23rd, with the last drop off being no later than 12 noon on the 23rd. You can drop off your clothing/items at the Pole Barn behind the Middle School. There will be signs up by the 9th of May guiding you to exactly where it is. Here are the items that are accepted/not accepted as well as instructions. Please follow these instructions:
All items must be in sealed black bags. Clothes need to be bagged separately from shoes.
What is accepted: All types of clothing, small toys (2 ft or less), comforters, quilts, curtains, towels, blankets, sheets, complete car seats, strollers,stuffed animals, bikes, and scooters.
Not accepted: Sports equipment, games, puzzles, books, pots, pans, electrical items, glass, cribs, high chairs, large toys, vcr tapes, furniture or play sets.
Any questions, please reach out to us or go to their web page at www.clothingdrive.net.
Burlington County COVID Vaccination Sites: The CDC continues to recommend vaccination as the best way to prevent the spread of COVID. Please see this LINK regarding more information on vaccination sites in Burlington County.
If you need it, the Burlington County Health Department is offering walk-in testing for COVID. Please follow this LINK for location and information.
Clinical Corner Spotlight:
Developing Adolescent Identity, by Joanna Lee Williams, PhD. Among the profound and exciting changes taking place in adolescence is the process of self-discovery. Our teens are working to figure out who they are, making adolescent identity development a central feature of teen life. They select the environments and people they want to be around. They adjust their beliefs and behaviors based on feedback. And they reflect on all of this while working to figure out who they are. While your tween or teen may not be doing all of these, here are a few ways they may be changing as they seek answers to the question, “Who am I?”: Click the link to access the full article Adolescent Identity Development: What to Expect in Teens
Supporting LGBTQ+ Teens – by Dr. Ken Ginsburg - Parents’ support for their LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, and many other terms) teens is critical to their healthy development. Whether straight or LGBTQ+, every young person thrives when they understand that their parents love and accept them just as they are. This is likely the most protective force for teens’ as they navigate life’s ups and downs. Too many LGBTQ+ youths endure challenges as they come out, making parents’ unconditional love and acceptance that much more important. Research and experience shows that when families support LGBTQ+ youth, they reap a range of positive benefits including greater self‐esteem, better general health, and strengthened family relationships. Critically, family acceptance also protects against bullying, depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Click the link to access the full article - Supporting LGBTQ Teens
Promoting Me, Myself, and I: This is an after school self-esteem skill building group for students at Northern that will run during the months of April and May. This group will have an open concept where psychoeducation and skills to build your self-esteem will be the focus. No sign ups will be required initially. Students that want to participate can simply stay after school on those specific days; Tuesdays at the High School and Wednesdays at the Middle School. If they would like to participate in the group every week, they will need to return a signed consent form, which will be provided on the first day of group. Late buses are available (except for Choice students) The following are the group dates and location:
Tuesday April 5th to Tuesday May 31st at the High School, 2:30 to 3:30 pm in room 107. No group during Spring Break or on half-days.
Wednesday April 6th to Wednesday June 1st at the Middle School, 2:40 to 3:40 pm in room 387. No group during Spring Break or on half-days.
Looking for parent support for your child with special needs? The Mom2Mom Helpline connects parents of children with special needs to our trained counselors who are also parents. Talk to someone who understands you and your family. Call 1-877-914-MOM2 (1-877-914-6662).
Looking for financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost resources: https://www.findhelp.org/
Important Dates:
Revised District Calendar as of February 22, 2022.
April 14: Early Dismissal/Beginning of Spring Break
April 15 to April 22: Spring Break
April 25: School Resumes
April 25: PTSC Meeting, 6:30pm in the HS Media Center
April 29: Day of Silence (Participation is voluntary.)
May 9 to 23: PTSC Spring Clothing Drive
May 10: Middle School Instrumental Concert, 7 pm
May 17 to 20: NJSLA (½ days): Early Dismissal of Students
May 24: Middle School Choral Concert, 7 pm
May 26 & 27: NJSLA (½ days): Early Dismissal of Students
May 30: Memorial Day: School Closed
Have a good weekend and enjoy the spring break.
Sincerely,
Andrew Kearns, Ed.D.
Principal