With the month of May, many exciting events are occurring as we slowly and safely emerge from the pandemic into our regular school activities and events!
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Staff Recognition
Congratulations to DLC – New Providence teacher, Chrystal Gerding, and DLC – Warren teacher, Kristine Rodriguez, for their nomination for the Union County Teacher Recognition Program!
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We also congratulate DLC – New Providence teacher assistant, Mary Natunen, and DLC – Warren teacher assistant, Dylbere Qiku, for their nomination for the Morris-Union Jointure Commission’s Teacher Assistant of the Year! |
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What's Happening at the DLC
May begins at the DLC – New Providence with students making cards to show their appreciation for classroom staff and related services therapists during Staff Appreciation Week, which is the week of
May 3. Students will celebrate World Laughter Day on May 3 and classes will be sharing and posting jokes on their classroom doors. Fun and learning continue with Star Wars Day/National Bird Day on May 4. Those who have a Star Wars shirt are encouraged to wear it. Additionally, classes will choose a bird to research and then share the information they have learned with other classes. Mother’s Day is celebrated during the month of May and DLC – New Providence students will hold their Mother’s Day Celebration on May 10 and May 11 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Two or three classes will be celebrating at one time outside by the back playground with one guest per student. Flyers will be sent home with information regarding this event including the time that guests may enter the building. Guests will wear masks and be socially distanced. Students will celebrate Armed Forces Day on May 14 with lessons on the Pledge of Allegiance, and all are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue. Finally, May 17 is Wear Purple for Peace Day and to celebrate World Plant a Vegetable Garden Day, students will be working on planting vegetables during STEAM class during the week of May 17.
DLC – Warren students will be celebrating Garden Month during occupational therapy and speech integrated sessions by learning about how plants grow and how to keep them healthy. Students will then apply the gardening concepts as they prepare the DLC garden for vegetable and flower plantings. May is also National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. DLC adaptive physical education teachers will highlight the importance of staying active through sports and other fitness activities during their classes. Classes will be encouraged to get up and move throughout the day to help students understand the importance of movement in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Mother’s Day is May 9 and students will be making special Mother’s Day cards and crafts to celebrate this special day. DLC – Warren students have been busy making decorations for the cafeteria and their classrooms in preparation for the DLC Prom, which will be held on Thursday, May 27, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. This year’s theme is “Hollywood,” celebrating our “Stars” and all the memories our students have made at the DLC as well as looking to a future of more wonderful memories. Our graduates will celebrate the Prom in the cafeteria while the other students will be joining and celebrating from their classrooms. Finally, graduation will soon be here and plans are being finalized for a fabulous in-person graduation! Stay tuned!
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Extended School Year Program and 2021 – 2022 School Year
As a reminder, the dates for the six-week 2021 ESY program are June 23, 2021 – August 4, 2021 from 8:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The Developmental Learning Centers will be closed on July 5, 2021 in observance of Independence Day. We are planning to slowly and safely phase in swimming and community trips starting with the ESY program. As we go into the 2021 – 2022 school year, we are hopeful that a full schedule of activities and trips can take place while following the guidance from the Department of Health. You will receive updates regarding the weekly themes as we continue planning for the 2021 ESY program. You can expect to receive classroom assignments the week of June 7, 2021. School calendars for the ESY and the 2021-2022 school year may be found on the MUJC website.
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Concurrent Instruction
As you have been previously informed, classes during ESY will consist of students who are learning both in-school and at home, allowing for a more inclusive learning environment for all students. Class groupings will take into consideration the age, friendships, learning styles, motivators, and behavior triggers of the students in each class. Students whose parents have selected virtual instruction will be interacting, seeing and hearing the teacher, teacher assistants, and peers who are in the classroom. Students and teachers who are in-person in the classroom will see classmates who are virtual and may hear whatever is occurring in the home at the time of virtual learning.
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Notification of School Closing or Emergency
As of July 2021, the MUJC will no longer use Honeywell Instant Alert to contact you in the event of a school closing or emergency. The new system will be SchoolMessenger. Over the next month, you will receive the contact information we have on file, via email or your child’s backpack, to verify that we have up-to-date information so that you do not miss important school messages. Updates to contact information can be made through your PowerSchool parent portal account. Please look for further directions and messages regarding verifying your contact information for SchoolMessenger.
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As a reminder, the DLCs will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. We hope you enjoy the day with family and friends. As always, thank you for your support of our students and staff.
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Morris-Union Jointure Commission
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