T.E.D Talk

JUMOKE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL MISSION

Our mission is to prepare children to successfully compete in the global marketplace despite the social and economic challenges they may presently face. The academy is dedicated to rigorous academic and social standards achieved by holding high expectations for all students during challenging instruction.

Please join us on August 31st for a virtual Meet & Greet with your scholar's teacher and other the grade level teachers. This meeting will provide families with an opportunity to connect with their scholar's teachers around the teaching and learning in the new school year.

Below are the codes needed to access each grade level's meet and greet.

Pre-K

https://meet.google.com/ezk-gtck-cow

Kindergarten

https://meet.google.com/lookup/cqnsxry7w4?authuser=0&hs=179

1st Grade

https://meet.google.com/lookup/d3hczsz6kp?authuser=0&hs=179

2nd Grade

https://meet.google.com/lookup/cwsnpwpbgy

3rd Grade

https://meet.google.com/lookup/bkejmthjru

4th Grade

https://meet.google.com/euc-uuxd-hur

* These note that these meetings will be held via Google Meet, not Zoom.

Instead of dismissing all scholars simultaneously at 4:05 p.m., dismissal times will be staggered between 3:45 and 3:50. To further reduce high levels of traffic at the main exit, teachers will walk their classes out to the front lawn of the school. All bus riders will be dismissed at 4:05 pm from their classrooms and escorted to their bus line.

August 30, 2020

Dear Jumoke Families,

Thursday, September 3rd, we open our doors to 350 + scholars. This year's opening will be quite different than in the past years. We will not only be opening our doors physically, but our teachers will be opening up their classrooms virtually to more than 40% of our scholar population as they return to school remotely. Whether you have chosen the In-Person mode of instruction or the remote learning path, we ask that you are patient with us. None of us with this school, district, or state has returned to school under such unusual circumstances.

We have prepared for this week for months. We have prepped and trained staff to the best of our ability. We have modified our facilities and how we operate to accommodate the needed changes required by the state and ensure the safety of scholars in person and those learning remotely.

As we return to school, we ask that you review our new protocols. We ask that you work with us in adhering to these protocols for the reopening of school. This school year will be a great year. Thank you all for your support thus far and for taking this journal with us to educate your scholar(s).

Sincerely,

Latoya G. Johnson

Principal

Thelma Ellis Dickerson’s Elementary School

Jumoke Academy Charter Schools

250 Blue Hills Avenue

Hartford, CT 06112

johnsonl1@jumokeacademy.org

www.jumokeacademy.org

Dear T.E.D. Jumoke Academy Scholar and Families,

I am excited to introduce myself as the Dean of Students and Academic Enrichment. Prior to accepting the position, I was the Instructional Coach for The CREC Academy of Aerospace and Engineering Secondary School. I have spent the majority of my 21 years in education as a Language Arts Teacher at the Academy of Aerospace and Engineering Middle School, Hartford Magnet Middle School, and Carmen Arace Middle School. Within this time I have been able write curriculum; lead a team of teachers; be a TEAM mentor; coach sports teams; coordinate afterschool programming; be a New England Association of Schools and Curriculum (NEASC) conference collaborator; and participate in the Educational Policy Fellowship Program sponsored by the Institute for Educational Leadership and led a team of teachers and administrators through a two-year program with the Harvard RIDES (Reimagining Integration Diverse and Equitable Schools) Institute.

I have always wanted to be a teacher. I thoroughly enjoy learning from scholars and being a part of the academic environment. I completed my teacher education training during my undergraduate years at HBCU Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, obtained my Master’s Degree in Education at Cambridge College in Massachusetts, and earned my administrative credentials from Sacred Heart University.

When I am not working, you might find me refinishing small pieces of furniture or watching HGTV. I love reading, especially adolescent fiction, listening to podcasts that focus on issues of racial equity and justice, and making sure I find something to laugh about daily. Above all of these is my love for music of all genres.

I have been blessed with 4 handsome boys and one of which is my husband of 20 years. They have been extremely supportive of my educational pursuits and continue to inspire me to grow. I have a wonderful support system that includes my family and church family. I believe in the power of family and know firsthand the value and of having those people build confidence in one’s ability to strive and succeed. I have heard of the power and commitment of the TED families and how their support of their scholars has enriched the school community. I am happy to have been invited to be a part of such a rich environment. I am looking forward to getting to know you and becoming a part of the fabric of your culture and community.

Best,

Anjanèe L. Wright

Dean of Students and Academic Enrichment

T.E.D. Jumoke Academy

This year remote learning scholars will connect to their classes through Google Meet.

Google Meet is an interactive online video conferencing platform. This platform allows teachers to connect to scholars in real- time to support their remote learning. Families will have the option to practice with Google Meet during the Virtual Meet and Greet this Tuesday (See Below for more info).

The Learning Care Packet that will be picked up during Chromebook pick-up will provide families with additional steps as best connect during remote learning.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I hope all is well and you are having a great summer. For those who are new to our Jumoke community, my name is Natacha Nestor, your school nurse. I welcome you to our Jumoke family.

The health and safety of our scholars and staff is my main priority. As your school nurse, I will work diligently in making sure that the health and safety of your child are never compromised.

We are strategically planning for a safe, in-person, reopening of our school amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We are adhering to all state, CDC, and DPH guidelines for a safe and productive reopening of our school.

It is understandable as parents/guardians that you have valid concerns in regards to the in-person reopening of our school in September. Please do not hesitate to contact me with all of your concerns or input. My email is nestorn@jumokeademy.org. I can also be reached by phone at 203-435-8637. We must come together and communicate effectively to ensure that our scholars have a safe and productive school experience.

It is understandable due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it might be some difficulties in scheduling physical examinations and immunizations for your child. Please let me know if this is the case for you. If your child has any specific health considerations, please reach out to me, so we can plan accordingly.

Please, anticipate further communications from me in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and the reopening of our school.

Best,

Natacha Nestor, RN

nestorn@jumokeacademy.org

If you have recently moved or have changed your telephone number, please contact the school as soon as possible so we can update your contact information.

Structure of the classroom

• In each classroom, scholars will be spaced using a distance of 3 feet between each desk.

• TED will have for regular hand-washing/sanitizing a during 5 minutes transitions blocks between each period

• TED will provide designated area for mask breaks within in the classroom and in the hallways

• Classroom doors will remain open to allow for appropriate air flow

• Each room will have specific markings to guide social distancing and furniture orientation

• Each scholar will be assigned to an individual chromebook for the entire year.

• Scholars electing to participate in Remote Learning will participate in some live virtual sessions

Remote Learning Structure

• Teachers will provide standards-based lessons for all scholars

• Teachers provide virtual office hours at least 3 times a week

• When providing in-class programming the teacher will work to include off-campus scholars into in-class lessons.

• Based on teacher discretion, teachers will provided modified assignments for Remote Learners

• District will be provide scholars with a Chromebook that will be distributed before the start of the school year

• District will be provide scholars with a google account and email address in order to participate in the Remote Learning program

• District will provide parents access to their scholars Google account

• District will provide video tutorials for accessing Google Suite and how to access to day to day lessons

• Scholars will receive 24 hours turnaround time as a response for technical issues

• Scholars will receive a date and time for the resolving of technical issues within 24 hours of the initial request

• Parents will receive instructions on how to contact IT in case of technical issues

Learning Care Packets will be provided to all remote learners at TED. Families will receive the care package when they pick up their scholar assigned Chromebooks.

• Additional workbooks and instructional materials will be available for pick- up at a later date.

Jumoke Academy has conducted a survey of all families that will be using the Remote Learning model this year and who will be In Person. For those who will be participating in Remote Learning, they will need to pick up a device from the school.

• Families of Remote Learners will be asked to pick up a Jumoke Academy issued Chromebook on Monday August 31 and September 1st from 10am to 1pm.

• The pickup event will happen in the JAH-HC Garage located at 875 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT. Please Note: This pick-up is only for scholars who have been identified as remote learners.

Pre- Kindergarten Team

Teacher: Mrs. Henry; Academic Assistants: Ms. Rodriguez and Mrs. Hall

Teacher: Mrs. Palmer; Academic Assistants: Ms. Rodriguez and Ms. Mitchell

Teacher: Mrs. Musco; Academic Assistants: Mrs. Henderson and Mrs. Valas

One to One Support: Ms.Janey

Kindergarten

Teacher: Ms. Karhu; Academic Assistant: Ms. Daley

Teacher: Ms. Bogle; Academic Assistant: Ms. Harris

Teacher: Mrs. McDonald; Academic Assistant: Ms. Fletcher

First Grade

Teacher: Ms.Brunelle; Academic Assistant: Ms. Prescod

Teacher: Ms. Louis; Academic Assistant: Ms. Feliz

Teacher: Ms. Delude; Academic Assistant: Ms. Heaven

Second Grade

Teacher: Mrs. Piazza; Academic Assistant: Mrs. Nugent

Teacher: Ms. Rodriguez; Academic Assistant: Ms.Appleby

Teacher: Ms. McCarthy; Academic Assistant: Mrs. Harris

One to One Support: Ms.Janey

Third Grade

Teacher: Mrs. Mercedes

Teacher: Mrs. Russell

Teacher: Mrs. Acosta

Academic Assistant: Mr. Simpson

One to One Support: Ms.Grant

Fourth Grade

Teacher: Dr. West

Teacher: Ms. Charlifour

Teacher: Ms. Sydney

Academic Assistant: Ms. Rankins

Specials Team

Art: Mrs. Lombordi

Music: Fubozzi

Physical Education: Mr. Brewer

Support Staff

Special Education Teacher: Mrs. Phenix; Academic Assistant: Mrs. Agyemang

Social Worker: Ms. Dickerson

Behavior Support Aid: Mr. Belin

Social and Emotional Support and Intervention Tutor: Mrs. Morris

Instructional Coach: Mr. DiGennaro

Academic Support and Intervention Tutor: Mrs. Goulston

School Nurse: Nurse Nestor

Speech Therapist: Ms.Bindino

Office Staff

Principal: Mrs. Johnson

Dean of Students and Enrichment: Mrs. Wright

Office Managers: Ms. Semprit; Ms. Scribner

Custodial Staff: Mr. Chambers; Mr. Poyser

Scholar Arrival & Safety Rules

Here at Jumoke Academy, the safety of our scholars is our highest priority. You can help to make sure that we maintain a safe environment by following the correct procedures when dropping scholars off in the morning. Scholars will enter the building and go straight to their classrooms as breakfast and morning meeting will be held there. Scholars will be greeted daily by staff who will escort them to their classrooms.

Due to COVID-19 and social distancing, parents will be limited from entering the building at this time. If you are dropping off your scholar in the morning, please be advised that although you may walk your scholar to their designated entrance, you will not be allowed to enter the building. It is encouraged that all Pre-K and Kindergarten parents or guardians escort their scholar to their designated entrance area. You are also able to drive around to the side door closest to the church if you are dropping off your child in a vehicle.

Please note that the side door closest to the playground area, which leads into the gym/cafeteria, is not an entrance or exit, and will remain locked at all times. Entering this door may risk the safety of our scholars and staff.

Early Pick-Up

If necessary, scholars may be dismissed during the normal school day. An email or phone call requesting an early pick-up must be sent to the main office a day in advance or by 11:00 a.m. the morning of. Please send all early pick-up email requests to both semprity@jumokeacademy.org and scribnerm@jumokeacademy.org, and include the reason for the requested early pick-up. Early pick-up ends at 3:30 p.m

Scholar Pick-Up & Safety Rules

Due to COVID-19, TED’s Dismissal Procedure will look different this year. We are asking all parents and guardians to work with us given these unprecedented times.

Each afternoon, scholars will be dismissed on a staggered scheduled. Dismissal zones indicate where parents/guardians will pick up their scholar. To ensure a safe and easy pick-up process, a name card will be issued to you with the following information: SCHOLAR’S FIRST & LAST NAME, ZONE COLOR and GRADE LEVEL. The reverse side of this card needs to be signed and dated by a parent/legal guardian. You must have this name card with you for staff to see at the time of pick up.

Please see below.

At 4:05 p.m., scholars who take the bus home will be escorted to designated areas by bus monitors. Scholars who take the bus will be checked off and escorted to their bus upon arrival.

If your scholar will not be taking the bus during afternoon dismissal, requests for alternate pick-ups need to be made prior to 2:00 p.m. Office staff will no longer take these requests after 2:00 p.m. as dismissal routines and protocols have to be followed closely to ensure an easy afternoon bus transition for all scholars and staff.

If your scholar will be a bus rider this school year, please complete the purple transportation request form. You will need to scan or take a picture of your form and return it via email to tedoffice@jumokeacademy.org.

OPMAD offers before and after care services to scholars for a fee. Scholars who participate in OPMAD’s before care arrive at school between 7:00 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. and are supervised by OPMAD staff. OPMAD after care is available from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visit https://opmad.org/jumoke-academy/ for more information.

Please note that Jumoke Academy does not accept payments made payable to OPMAD.

Student and Parent Hub

The CT Learning Hub provides high quality, high impact resources from experts in the field for academic content, social, emotional health and well-being, multilingual resources to support ELs, provide accessibility and universal tools for access and professional learning for all learners; parents and educators. Additional professional learning resources will be made available in partnership with teaching and learning organizations to support districts in their quest to reimagine classrooms for continuous learning that accelerates mastery and advances equity.

https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Academic-Office/CT-Learning-Hub

On the dates pictured above, at 7 pm, our Executive Director, Dr. Troy Monroe, will host a Zoom call open to Jumoke Academy parents and community members. Each call will feature a district update, possible featured guest speakers, and a Q&A session. Jumoke Academy leaders thought it would be helpful for questions to be submitted ahead of time, so please see the link below to submit questions.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71109252068?pwd=cGlYSHhyMlUyK3dtSG9Qczdxdjc0UT09

Meeting ID: 711 0925 2068

Passcode: fWS9u5

Our flagship school, affectionately nicknamed “TED” in honor of the illustrious founder is a Pre-K- Grade 4 elementary academy. This school serves as the model for each of the Jumoke Academy expansion schools that have followed. Located at 250 Blue Hills Avenue in Hartford, the elementary school is the heart of our organization. Most of our middle school students started their school years here at TED and continued through the halls of the other Jumoke Academy Schools. TED has a vibrant family community and staff and is a one of a kind place for education for our scholars.

Website: jumokeacademy.org
Location: 250 Blue Hills Avenue, Hartford, CT, USA
Phone: 860-527-0575
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jumokeacademy
Twitter: @JumokeInc

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 is the landmark legislation that bans sex discrimination in schools, whether it is in academics or athletics. Although Title IX is best known for breaking down barriers in sports for women and girls, it also opens the door for girls to pursue math and science, requires fair treatment for pregnant and parenting students, and protects students and employees from bullying and sexual harassment. Jumoke Academy is in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. (Title IX), and its implementing regulation, at 34 C.F.R. Part 106, which prohibits discrimination based on sex. Jumoke Academy as a recipient of Federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Education (USDOE) is subject to the provisions of Title IX. Complaints regarding acts of sexual discrimination or harassment in violation of Title IX requirements should be filed with Jumoke Academy’s Title IX Coordinator, or by filling out a Report of Harassment form available from Student Services or any school administrator. The designated individual at the Jumoke Academy for inquiries regarding Title IX is: Valena R. Smith Jumoke Academy 834 Asylum Avenue, Hartford CT 06105 (860)527-0575 smithv@jumokeacademy.org