Embedded Files
Important Notice - Letter from the Superintendent
Important Notice - Letter from the Superintendent
January 15, 2021
January 15, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students:
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students:
At the January 14th Public Work Session, the Wayne Board of Education approved a plan to continue with virtual instruction through mid-February. Click HERE to view the presentation for more details.
At the January 14th Public Work Session, the Wayne Board of Education approved a plan to continue with virtual instruction through mid-February. Click HERE to view the presentation for more details.
As we worked toward our goal of re-opening our schools for in-person instruction on January 19th, it became increasingly clear that we are not in position to achieve this goal. COVID has a major presence in New Jersey at this moment. While we understand that the decision to maintain our virtual instructional program is deeply disappointing to many, we must consider the reality of our situation from multiple perspectives and also weigh the overarching need to keep everyone safe.
As we worked toward our goal of re-opening our schools for in-person instruction on January 19th, it became increasingly clear that we are not in position to achieve this goal. COVID has a major presence in New Jersey at this moment. While we understand that the decision to maintain our virtual instructional program is deeply disappointing to many, we must consider the reality of our situation from multiple perspectives and also weigh the overarching need to keep everyone safe.
In considering a course of action, we must look back to our earlier experience when COVID cases were on the rise in December. Merged classrooms, a loss of services due to the need to provide classroom coverage, a sense of isolation even when students were in school due to an increasing parental preference for virtual instruction, a lack of instructional continuity due to the need to hire so many substitutes, and unexpected school closures were everyday happenings that eroded our programs and frustrated parents and students alike. Even if we had continued with the plan to re-open for in-person instruction on January 19th, a number of our schools would not have been able to open due to severe staffing shortages. For a variety of reasons, we simply do not have enough employees and substitutes to properly staff our schools and provide adequate supervision for students.
In considering a course of action, we must look back to our earlier experience when COVID cases were on the rise in December. Merged classrooms, a loss of services due to the need to provide classroom coverage, a sense of isolation even when students were in school due to an increasing parental preference for virtual instruction, a lack of instructional continuity due to the need to hire so many substitutes, and unexpected school closures were everyday happenings that eroded our programs and frustrated parents and students alike. Even if we had continued with the plan to re-open for in-person instruction on January 19th, a number of our schools would not have been able to open due to severe staffing shortages. For a variety of reasons, we simply do not have enough employees and substitutes to properly staff our schools and provide adequate supervision for students.
Now that we know we will not be returning for in-person instruction until mid-February, we are working on a number of enhancements to our virtual program. While some may disagree, virtual instruction can yield excellent educational results for our students. Every day we see examples of excellent virtual teaching. While we all hope to be “back to school” in the traditional sense as soon as possible, we must take a step back at this moment and we apologize for any inconvenience. We will keep you updated as we move forward.
Now that we know we will not be returning for in-person instruction until mid-February, we are working on a number of enhancements to our virtual program. While some may disagree, virtual instruction can yield excellent educational results for our students. Every day we see examples of excellent virtual teaching. While we all hope to be “back to school” in the traditional sense as soon as possible, we must take a step back at this moment and we apologize for any inconvenience. We will keep you updated as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Mark Toback, Ed.D.
Mark Toback, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Superintendent of Schools
January is School Board Recognition Month in New Jersey
January is School Board Recognition Month in New Jersey
On January 14, 2021, the Wayne Board of Education called on citizens to continue working together to advance the education of all students, as it recognized the contributions of colleagues throughout the state during School Board Recognition.
On January 14, 2021, the Wayne Board of Education called on citizens to continue working together to advance the education of all students, as it recognized the contributions of colleagues throughout the state during School Board Recognition.
Snow Day Fun with Preakness Early Childhood Students
Snow Day Fun with Preakness Early Childhood Students
Preakness Early Childhood students recently submitted photos from their Snow Day on Thursday, December 17th.
Preakness Early Childhood students recently submitted photos from their Snow Day on Thursday, December 17th.
"Snow" much fun was had by all!
"Snow" much fun was had by all!
Elementary School Counselors Online Resources
Elementary School Counselors Online Resources
The Elementary School Counseling Program mission is to provide a student centered comprehensive SECD program that is grounded in prevention and intervention services for all students in grades K-5. The program supports students in the formation of social skill and character development through direct instruction, collaboration with school staff, community resources and referral services. We strive to be instrumental in providing a safe, secure, supportive and nurturing school environment and promote the full academic, social, and emotional development of every child.
The Elementary School Counseling Program mission is to provide a student centered comprehensive SECD program that is grounded in prevention and intervention services for all students in grades K-5. The program supports students in the formation of social skill and character development through direct instruction, collaboration with school staff, community resources and referral services. We strive to be instrumental in providing a safe, secure, supportive and nurturing school environment and promote the full academic, social, and emotional development of every child.
Supporting Teens' Mental Health
Supporting Teens' Mental Health
Given the extraordinary circumstances that Covid-19 has brought into the lives of our students during this past year, the Families And Schools Together (FAST) committee has organized an event scheduled for our school community to address the mental health needs of our students at the Middle and High School levels.
Given the extraordinary circumstances that Covid-19 has brought into the lives of our students during this past year, the Families And Schools Together (FAST) committee has organized an event scheduled for our school community to address the mental health needs of our students at the Middle and High School levels.
Circle of Care for Families and Children of Passaic County will be presenting information on the signs of and helping strategies for stress, anxiety, and depression in teenagers.
Circle of Care for Families and Children of Passaic County will be presenting information on the signs of and helping strategies for stress, anxiety, and depression in teenagers.
This webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at 7:00 pm.
This webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at 7:00 pm.
Please join us by registering for this important event here: Click Here
Please join us by registering for this important event here: Click Here
Elementary Spanish
Elementary Spanish
Elementary students should visit their Spanish Google Classroom for assignments and information.
Elementary students should visit their Spanish Google Classroom for assignments and information.
New Increased Per Diem Rate for Substitute Teachers
New Increased Per Diem Rate for Substitute Teachers
At the December 3, 2020 Board of Education Meeting, the Wayne Board of Education approved the per diem rate of $150 per day for substitute teachers. This rate takes effect on January 19, 2021.
At the December 3, 2020 Board of Education Meeting, the Wayne Board of Education approved the per diem rate of $150 per day for substitute teachers. This rate takes effect on January 19, 2021.
Community Flyers
Community Flyers
Important Dates
Important Dates
Monday, January 18th - Martin Luther King Day, No School for Students and Staff
Monday, January 18th - Martin Luther King Day, No School for Students and Staff
Tuesday, January 19th - Virtual Instruction Restarts
Tuesday, January 19th - Virtual Instruction Restarts
Thursday, January 28th at 7:30 pm - Virtual BOE Regular Meeting, Anthony Wayne M.S. Media Center
Thursday, January 28th at 7:30 pm - Virtual BOE Regular Meeting, Anthony Wayne M.S. Media Center
Report abuse