April 20, 2020

Dear Craig Families,

Last Thursday, April 16th our Governor shared some unsettling news that all schools in the State of New Jersey will remain closed at least until Friday May 15th.

As our online learning continues we all challenge ourselves to keep our students engaged and upbeat. Although our mission has been to keep our students motivated to learn as a staff we will be coming together remotely to discuss ways to keep our students happy and focus on their mental well-being, amidst rising anxiety and isolation. Unfortunately, even teachers who are use to communicating regularly are forced to meet in totality in Friday group chats.

For the students Friday schedule will be slightly different. This Friday along with Art and Mindfulness we will begin health classes for the 2nd through 5th graders. The classes will run for the next three Fridays. An attachment with log ins and scheduled times will be included. Weekly “Nurse Check Ups” are on the agenda. We need to keep our bodies strong, safe, and healthy not only during online learning but throughout our lifetimes.

Also, on Friday we will begin the Family Life Program for our 6th through 8th grade students. Each grades’ programs are different so an attachment by grade has been emailed ahead. The program contains medically accurate and age appropriate concepts geared for our middle school students. The classes will be led by Melissa Keyes DiGioia, CSE Director of Education at Finding Your Individuality. Mrs. Edwards, our Middle School Clinician and Mrs. Meisenbacher, our School Nurse will also be present and moderating each of the sessions.

As we continue to assess our program not only for academic growth but also emotional well being we will continue to look at ways to help our students feel safe and loved. They have never experienced anything like this and neither have we. I once again thank you for your support and partnership as we remain hopeful that we will soon receive the positive news we have been waiting for and our doors will once again be opened.

Sincerely,

Janet M. Cozine