We told you how Principal Malikah Majeed had stated fire and township officials were involved with the discussion, which they had denied.
Recent events, including Friday's Halloween parties, had a sharp curtailing of how many parents can be in the classroom during special events.
But Majeed this weekend issued the following letter that appears to indicate there will be exceptions for such events whenever a formal policy is adopted:
TUSCAN ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
Office of the Principal
25 Harvard Avenue
Maplewood New Jersey
07040
Malikah
Tamar Majeed, Principal 973-378-5221
Kevin Mason, Assistant Principal
November 3, 2014
Dear Tuscan Family~
We value and appreciate that
parents enjoy joining us to celebrate important milestones in our students
learning. Please know that we are committed to upholding Tuscan’s longstanding
history of providing opportunities for parents to attend traditional grade-level
celebrations of learning.
As you may know, since last
Spring, we have been in dialogue with Maplewood Fire Department Officials
regarding our shared responsibility for enforcing compliance with Township
Building Occupancy codes and Fire codes established by the State of New Jersey.
With heightened awareness, we immediately began to make the appropriate
adjustments to comply with all building occupancy and fire safety codes.
Initially we were alarmed and upset about what we imagined would result in a
significant change in our school’s practice of bringing classes together for
reading buddies, holiday celebrations, and shared learning experiences. We
began thinking about the manner in which we have invited all parents into
classrooms, at the same time, for Publishing Parties, Invention Conventions and
5th Grade Cultural Celebrations. I apologize for not managing the
formal communication, while we were in the process of seeking definitive
information, gaining clarity and considering all required adjustments to ensure
compliance with the various existing building occupancy and fire safety codes.
At this point, we are certainly
more conscientiously aware of our classroom occupancy capacities as all
classrooms have been re-measured to determine both the daily (functional) and
surge (occasional) occupancy limits. All required safety adjustments will be
subtly and seamlessly woven into our event planning process. Moving forward,
please trust that we will be flexible and creative as we thoughtfully manage
and maximize utilization of all available space. Please be assured that parents
will continue to be invited to join us for our traditional grade-level
celebrations of learning including Publishing Parties, Invention Conventions
and 5th Grade Cultural Celebrations.
We want parents to remain
actively engaged in Tuscan School in positive ways by partnering with us to
support our students learning. We understand your concerns and appreciate the
feedback we received from parents during the Principal’s Roundtable that was
held on October 20th, 2014.
Your understanding and support are needed as we continue to maintain
consistent and tight safety protocols that are followed without exception.
With your support we can have a safe
and positive environment for all members of our school community. Tuscan is an amazing school that will
continue to become better with your positive partnership.
Sincerely,
Ms. Majeed
1 comment:
Focus on not letting random adults in, like reporters.
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