Welcome Letter for South Middle School Scholars

Dear Parents/ Guardians:

We are so excited to begin the 2021- 2022 school year!   We hope that you are all safe and have had a great summer. The building is ready and we are excited for the opportunity to welcome our students back in person.  Please review the important information below so that you are fully prepared for the start of the school year:

Please review the NECSD Family Guidebook for more detailed information:

• COVID-19 Protocols (Summary) 
• Masks: Masks will be required to be worn by staff, students, and visitors returning to the building. If students are in need of a mask, please just ask any adult as you enter the building.
• Screening: Screener questionnaires and temperature checks for students are no longer required upon entering the building. Parents are reminded to take the students' temperature prior to leaving the home and  keep their children home if they are not feeling well.
• Social Distancing: Students are strongly encouraged to maintain social distancing whenever possible. We recognize that this will not be possible in all settings, however, social distancing minimizes the risk of transmission of infection as well as the number of people required to quarantine if there is a positive case.
• ParentPortal: Student schedule information will be posted in the ParentPortal today.  Students will receive a copy of the schedule on Sept.1, 2021.

• Supplies: Please come to school with your Chromebook fully charged and  ready for a great first day of learning. Students should turn Chromebooks on prior to the first day of school to allow for updates to load, as this can take some time. Students should also bring a writing utensil and something to write on to be fully prepared for learning.
• Cell phones: We are an academic learning environment. As a school community we strongly enforce NECSD policy #5697 at South Middle School. Students are allowed to travel to and from school with cell phones.  However, there is no cell phone usage throughout the school day. All  cell phones must be out of site during the school day. If you need to reach your student in an emergency, please contact the main office and we will give the message to the student immediately.   

• Lockers: In order to maximize space in the hallways and maintain distance, we will not be using lockers at this time.

• BackPacks: Students will be permitted to carry a backpack with them throughout the school day. Student Athletes who have equipment packs will be permitted to store them in the locker rooms and should drop them off at that location before heading to 1st period class. Students that carry instruments will be able to drop them off in the auditorium prior to 1st period class.
• Students are required to wear proper clothing on days that they have physical education.  Locker rooms will not be used at this time.

• Support Staff: We are here to support and assist you with any questions or concerns you might have throughout the year. Below, you will find a list of our administrators and guidance counselors.

   

  Administration: 
• Ms. Brooks - Building Principal
• Mrs. Matos - 6th Grade Assistant Principal
• Mr. Brancato - 7th Grade Assistant Principal
• Mrs. Deida-Almodovar - 8th Grade Assistant Principal
• Ms. Amendola- Instructional Assistant Principal
• School  Counselors: 
• Ms. Martinez- 6th grade School Counselor 
• Mr. Donaldson - 7th grade School Counselor
• Ms. Perez      - 8th grade Counselor

If we can be of any assistance, please feel free to reach out to us. We look forward to a safe, engaging, and exciting year of learning! The first day of school is on September 1st and we will release another email communication and video explaining the first day of school procedures.

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!