TUSCAN PRINCIPAL HINTS AT PARENT LIMIT EXCEPTIONS

We have been following the ongoing discussion at Tuscan School to put in new limits on parents in the classroom.

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 5^th 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 5^th 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 20^th, 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