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A letter from HMS Principal, Ms. Lynnette Brunger
June 2021
Dear Parent, Guardians and Families,
Our year has continued to be filled with changes and transitions due to the pandemic along with so much to celebrate. Below you will find updated information for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District and Heritage Middle School.
Downing Park Urban Farm and Food Initiative: Volunteering and Spring Onto the Green
The weather is getting really wonderful and it is a great time to be outdoors with family and friends! The Downing Park Urban Farm and Food Initiative has several volunteer opportunities for scholars and families that want to give back to the community. The "Volunteering and Spring Onto the Green" initiative is being offered on Saturdays and Weekdays for anyone interested in learning how to grow food in urban settings. Please include this information in your school newsletters or any communication with scholars or families. The link below provides information about the program and how to register for the gardening sessions. There is limited space per session. If you have any questions about this event or the Downing Park Urban Farm and Food Initiative in general, please contact Virginia at 914.441.3616.
Downing Park Urban Farm and Food: Volunteering and Spring Onto the Green Project
In the spirit of Mental Health Awareness and to further support the needs of our scholars and families in the transition back to in-person learning, the Division of Student Support Services will be collaborating with our CBST partners from the Orange County Department of Mental Health to host a “Real Talk” series on destigmatizing mental health. Some resources you may find valuable are below:
- NY Project Hope website -- Coping with COVID: Tips for parents of children and adolescents This is a resource that helps parents and other caregivers recognize and help children and adolescence cope with stress. https://nyprojecthope.org/
- A brief (< 4 min) suicide prevention awareness video from the Mayo Clinic (YouTube) provides valuable information. This is a video that dispels the myths about suicide and instructs parents on what to do if their child is depressed or if the parent suspects their child is having suicidal thoughts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BByqa7bhto
- Press Pause is a web page for students that includes wellness skills builder with videos and tips for reducing stress and coping with it. http://presspause.halfofus.com/
Sojourner Truth Awards: These awards represent a meaningful collaboration between the SUNY ORANGE College and local school districts. This event has been in practice for the past 31 years. Although we were unable to celebrate in the traditional way, it is vital to recognize the accomplishments of our students. This year we celebrated 44 Heritage Middle School students.
Upcoming Events for our Heritage Students:
*Wednesday June 16, 2021 1:00-2:00 PM Grade 8 Drive-Thru Celebration (Rain date is Wednesday, June 23, 2021 1:00-2:00 PM)
Friday June 18, 2021 9:00 AM NJHS Grade 7 Ceremony (Due to current CDC Guidelines students will participate live; ceremony will streamed live for family viewing)
*Friday June 18, 2021 11:30-1:30 NJHS Grade 8 Ceremony (Due to current CDC Guidelines students will participate live; ceremony will streamed live for family viewing)
*Virtual Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony: Available for viewing Tuesday, June 22, 2021 3:00 PM
*Wednesday June 23, 2021 Algebra Regents 8:00 AM
*Thursday June 24, 2021 Earth Science Regents 8:00 AM
Calendar for the last week of school:
Monday June 21, 2021: Full instructional day for all students grades 6-8
Tuesday June 22, 2021: Full instructional day for all students grades 6-8
Wednesday June 23, 2021: Asynchronous day for students
Thursday June 24, 2021: Full instruction day for students grades 7-8; ½ day instruction for Grade 6. Dismissal at 10:15 AM
Friday June 25, 2021: Half Day for Students Grades 6-8; Dismissal at 10:15 AM
Promotion: Moving to the next grade requires our students to pass three out of four of their core classes (ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies). Those students who do not meet this criteria will be retained OR must attend Summer School (ESYP) to move forward. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s performance, please contact the Grade Level School Counselor.
Grade Level Administration Grade Level School Counselors
Grade 6 Ms. Jessica Layne Mrs. Mary Ryan
Grade 7 Mr. Carlos Santiago Ms. Rossella LaTorre
Grade 8 Mrs. Shaneequa Cameron Ms. Susan Barringer
Additional Support Staff: Mr. Victor Cobo, Social Worker and Ms. Julissa Tonge; School Psychologist
As any information or changes are updated we will be sure to communicate with you. You can find the most recent news through newburghschools.org. Please don’t hesitate to call the school if you have any questions.
Stay safe and well.
Sincerely,
Lynnette Brunger
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!
