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Morris-Union Jointure Commission
Superintendent’s Spotlight
October 2024
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Superintendent’s Update
The spectacular fall season is upon us and the air has now turned just a bit crisper with autumn leaves starting to turn brilliant colors of orange and red. October also brings many important and exciting events to our DLCs. I am delighted to share them with you so that you can talk about these events with your child as well as participate in them at the DLC. Our students are amazing!
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DLCs’ News You Can Use!
Welcome, Officer Norton, to DLC - Warren
We are pleased to announce that Officer Tom Norton is our Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) at the DLC – Warren. Officer Norton, a recently retired police officer, started on Monday, September 23, 2024. His role is to ensure that our students and staff are safe from external intruders, and to monitor and make recommendations for our security measures at DLC - Warren. Officer Norton’s hours at the DLC-Warren are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on school days and he will join us on our Parent/Admin Chat on October 7, 2024, at noon to meet with parents who participate in the chat.
We are continuing to seek a SLEO for DLC - New Providence and we hope to enter into a shared services agreement with the Borough of New Providence for a SLEO in the future.
DLC Spirit Day
Our next DLC Spirit Day will be held on Tuesday, October 1. Wear your DLC spiritwear or the color blue to show your school spirit! Spirit days for the rest of the school year are November 5, December 3, January 7, February 4, March 4, April 8, May 6, and June 3.
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Week of Respect
The Week of Respect is October 7 - 11. Both DLCs will be observing the Week of Respect with instructional programs pertaining to social and emotional learning as well as character education. Stay tuned to our social media platforms to see how DLC students actively engage in the Week of Respect.
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School Violence Awareness Week
October 21 - 24 is designated as School Violence Awareness Week. There will be age appropriate instruction and activities at both DLCs about how to keep schools safe from violence. At both DLCs, students will participate in lessons involving cyberbullying, being an upstander, and knowing who is a trusted adult. Detailed activities for School Violence Awareness Week will be provided to families through EBB.
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Halloween Fun
Both DLCs have special Halloween events planned.
Join the fun at DLC - New Providence on Thursday, October 31 for our first annual “Spooky Sports and Ghoulish Games” event in the Professional Development Center. Each class will decorate a station table, offering activities and/or treats for students. New this year, we are seeking parent volunteers to help with our table top activities. If you are interested in helping, please sign up here.
Students may bring their costumes to school in their backpacks and wear them in the afternoon. if they would like. After the “Spooky Sports and Ghoulish Games,” students will participate in our annual parade and trick-or-treating at our Central Office, which are always favorite activities. If you prefer that your child not participate, please let us know and alternative classroom activities will be provided. Event details and times will be shared in the EBB soon.
DLC – Warren will participate in the Main Street Halloween Bash on Wednesday, October 30. Parents are invited to attend and participate in this event which will include music and dancing on Main Street starting at 1:00 p.m. Educational activities will also take place in the classroom throughout the day. Students may change into a costume to wear during the Main Street activity at 1:00 p.m. More information will be provided via Electronic Bookbag (EBB) soon.
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Autumn Event
Students had a great time creating their unique scarecrows and are excited for you to see them! As you drive into the DLC – New Providence campus during the month of October, you will notice our students’ scarecrows proudly on display outside the entrance to DLC - New Providence. This is an incredible opportunity to see our students' creativity!
National Fire Prevention Week
The week of October 7 is National Fire Prevention Week and students will participate in class activities centered around fire prevention. On October 7, some DLC - New Providence students will visit the New Providence Fire Department to learn about fire safety and prevention. Throughout the week, activities will focus on promoting fire prevention and safety. Look for more information to follow in EBB.
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Volunteers for Committees
We are looking for parent/guardian volunteers to join our school safety team and the district wellness committee. If you’re interested in participating, please click here.
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Warren Principal/Parent Meetings - Back for the 2024-2025 School Year!
Last year, in addition to our district-wide Parent/Admin Chats, the DLC - Warren Principals started the Warren Principal/Parent Meetings to discuss items specifically focusing on our building. We are happy to continue those meetings this year with our first taking place virtually on Monday, October 21, at noon. Please see our EBB for further details and the Google Meet link for the meeting!
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Announcing DLC - Warren’s “Brunch and Bingo” Family Activity!
At DLC - Warren, students have previously hosted pancake breakfasts for years. New for the 2024-2025 school year, students will now be hosting “Brunch and Bingo” for their friends at DLC - Warren and you, our honored guests! You will notice an updated food offering as well as the opportunity to participate in a fun game of Bingo with your child. Who knows - maybe you will even win a prize!
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Fabulous Features at the DLCs
Climate Conversation by Kim Spurlock, Supervisor, DLC - New Providence
We’re excited to announce that MUJC has received a $75,000 grant, making us one of only 34 districts selected for this incredible opportunity. This grant will allow us to take significant steps forward in providing impactful climate change education for our students. Our plan is simple yet powerful. Together, we are expanding access to climate education, emphasizing hands-on learning, building strong partnerships, and sharing the results with our community. Both DLC - New Providence and DLC - Warren will be purchasing new, high-interest textbooks to make climate education accessible for all learners. DLC - New Providence will also launch a garden project focused on food scarcity and will create a sensory garden for our students to explore and engage with.
DLC – Warren will kick off a greenhouse project that includes an advanced irrigation system to teach sustainable water management. DLC – Warren is also revitalizing the outdoor space into The Wildcat Café, an outdoor classroom designed to create a dynamic learning experience.
The DLCs have once again partnered with Take Action Global for teacher training, Young Audiences Arts for Learning for student assemblies, and Monmouth University and the Somerset County Parks Commission to offer even more hands on learning opportunities. We are excited about what this grant means for our students and staff!
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TECH TIPS by Evan Abramson, Director of Technology and Innovation
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advice
It's crucial to exercise caution when inputting personal identifiable information (PII) into AI systems. While AI can offer educational benefits, such as personalized learning experiences, the safety and privacy of your child's data should be a top priority. Ensure that any AI platforms used in education are compliant with stringent data protection regulations and that your child understands the importance of safeguarding their PII online.
- Set guidelines for all devices
It can be difficult to keep your kids out in the open while using portable tech devices in the home. The best way to get your child into a routine is to establish rules early. If they are brought up with guidelines on what they can watch and where, they’ll be more likely to comply with the rules as they get older. Know your child’s friends, online and offline.
Life360 is a free family locator app. Download and register your child’s phones to see their location on a map. In addition to your child checking in at their destination, you can create a circle of family members and caregivers that can help you keep tabs.
- Look beyond your online footprint
Log on to Google and search for your family name and your child’s name. It’s something we often do for ourselves, but it’s even more important to do for our children. Talk with your child about online scams and the permanence of social content. Let them know that poor online decisions can have severe or sometimes devastating consequences.
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Transition Talk
October begins a busy time of year for our parents of 2025 graduates. These parents and families are preparing their children to transition from public education to the world of adult services. To help parents navigate this transition and secure appropriate adult services for graduating students, the MUJC will be hosting a round table information sharing session at DLC - Warren on October 17, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. The room location will be determined at a later date. This event will serve as a great opportunity for parents, caregivers, families, and the transition coordinators to work collaboratively and discuss what steps parents/families should be taking in this process, what steps they have already taken, exchange information, and network with one another. Support coordination agencies and adult day programs will attend to answer questions and provide useful information to all in attendance! We hope this session will provide a clearer picture of how families of 2025 graduates may navigate the transition process and utilize the time before graduation more efficiently to plan for your child’s future. We look forward to seeing our parents and families of 2025 graduates on October 17!
Please save the following dates:
-MUJC Fall 2024 Transition Fair, November 14, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., at DLC -Warren.
-MUJC Spring 2025 Transition Fair, March 6, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at the MUJC Professional Development Center, 340 Central Ave., New Providence.
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Mark Your Calendar
October 3, 2024 - DLCs closed for religious holiday.
October 7, 2024 - Parent - Admin Chat 12:00 p.m - 1:00 p.m.
October 14, 2024 - DLCs closed for students only. Inservice Day for staff.
October 24, 2024 - Parent Training Series 12:00 p.m.
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As always, thank you for your continued support of our DLC students, staff, and schools! | |
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Morris-Union Jointure Commission
Website
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