EMERSON—Superintendent of Schools Brian P. Gatens says the Board of Education has been working with the Borough of Emerson to help secure the hiring of SLEO-III police officers for both Memorial and Villano elementary schools for this September.
In a note to families on July 15, Gatens said “This additional layer of safety will join our ongoing and successful partnership with the Emerson Police Department as well as our internal district security protocols. We are grateful for the assistance of the borough in helping to make this a reality for our schools.”
In other district updates, Gatens said:
CHPE draft curriculum: “As noted by Mrs. Opperman [Alice Opperman, director of Curriculum, Instruction, & Technology] in her email last week, the community continues to have the opportunity to read and comment on the current draft version of the district’s Comprehensive Health and Physical Education curriculum,” Gatens said.
He said the initial approval date for the Board of Education slated for July 18 has been moved to Aug. 29. Any community members who would like to submit comments via the online form are asked to do so by Aug. 5.
Opperman wrote the community July 8, “The district is grateful for all who have participated in the curriculum drafting process regarding the Comprehensive Health and Physical Education standards. Whether your input took place at our onsite meeting on June 8, or via email or phone conversations we are thankful for your feedback.”
She said the following changes have been made to the draft K-6 document: Removal of the Grade 2 read-aloud text “Who Has What? All About Girls’ Bodies and Boys’ Bodies” by Robie H. Harris.
She provided a link to updates to the Grade 2 lesson on stereotypes and link to a district-created lesson in the new curriculum draft.
In addition to these changes, she said, there are language updates in both documents for clarity, including column headings. The BrainPop login information is provided directly in the document, as well as direct links to lesson plans where available under the “Suggested Emerson Teacher Resources” column.
She provided a link to a 5-minute video explaining Emerson’s curriculum template, as well as links to the most current draft documents: DRAFT K-6 Health and Wellness Curriculum and DRAFT 7-12 Health Curriculum.
Opperman said, “Please be aware that there is a fair amount of inaccurate information circling statewide as well as in surrounding communities. We ask that you please read our actual draft curriculum directly rather than relying on outside summaries that contain information that does not apply to the Emerson curriculum.”
She said, “As has always been the case, parents may opt out of Health and Family Life topics of their choosing. More details on the opt-out procedure will be available in August, as they have been in previous years.”
Parents and community members with concerns about the content of the New Jersey State Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education are welcome to directly contact the Office of the State Board of Education. Director Diane Shoener can be reached at (609) 376-9071 or stateboardoffice@doe.nj.gov.
Summer construction and projects: Gatens said, “The district makes good use of the quiet(er) months of the summer to undertake a variety of cleaning, maintenance, and construction projects around the district. This summer’s projects include the completion of the high school front entrance and new science labs, classroom renovations, painting, and some flooring replacement.”
He thanked the Buildings and Grounds Department for its hard work and dedication in all district schools during this busy time.
Parent SafeSchools online training: Gatens said, “For the past several years, parent volunteers have been asked to complete online training as it relates to identifying and preventing harassment, intimidation, and bullying, as well as addressing child abuse and increasing playground safety.”
He added, “Notifications will begin to go out to parents over the next several weeks. Thank you for being there to support your children and their schools. If a non-volunteer parent would like to take the training for their own growth and understanding, please contact me directly.”
Every Street Emerson Fall 2022: “A fun summer challenge for students to consider: If a person were to leave Emerson Junior–Senior High School on foot and plan to run on every street in Emerson in one big push, with the minimal repeating of streets, what route would they take and how many miles would it be? Send your route suggestions to me at bgatens@emersonschools.org. Don’t be surprised if the best and most efficient route is attempted this September. All will be welcome to join for all or part of it.”
Gatens wrote on behalf of himself and school board president Ann Pressimone, “It is our hope that all of our families continue to enjoy this summer and we look forward to welcoming your children back to their schools in September. Alongside future summer updates, please keep an eye out for communications from your child’s principal.”
The wonders of summer: Gatens also touted the local library in a section called “The Wonders of Summer.”
“For our students (and their parents), we hope that you are making good use of the long days and pleasant nights afforded to you during the summer break. This time away from your formal studies offers you the chance to pursue your own sense of curiosity and wonder and we hope that you are helping yourself to not only your own pursuits but also the programs available through the Emerson Public Library. It is an excellent community resource.”