Buckle up! Now that we’re facing the first FULL week of school, things are really up and running. Speaking of running, next weekend is the Newstead 5k! Read on for more info on that, PLUS a whole lot more. It’s a biggie folks, but a goodie.

Beyond The Bell is BACK

Pour yourself a coffee, crack your knuckles, and fire up your computer as registration for Beyond The Bell goes live on Tuesday (September 13) at 7am. All the info you need is here. Have any questions? Send them here: beyondthebell@somsd.k12.nj.us.

Remember, remember these dates for September

School is closed on September 26 and 27 to observe Rosh Hashanah. The District helpfully puts the full 2022-23 school year calendar on its website, which can be found here.

Come and meet the PTA

Our very first meeting of the year will take place on September 28 at 7:30pm and will be a great chance to hear from President and Tuscan parent, Nora O’Rourke on what to expect from the PTA over the coming school year. The meeting is open to everyone, so please come and join us. Can’t make it? Don’t worry! You can see upcoming meetings here. Dial in details will be shared closer to the date.

Lace up your runners

On September 17, the streets of Newstead will be shut for the annual 5km run/walk event. This run is the kick off to the SOMA running calendar and a great fundraiser for a wonderful cause. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in one of our most loved community events, with the race starting at 9AM from the South Mountain School Annex. This is a chip timed-run and there will be a dedicated Kid’s Fun Run (sponsored by the Able Baker) that will take place shortly after the 5K completion. And if you have a conflict for Saturday, you can still run or walk virtually anytime that weekend. Race registration is $35 and is easy to do through our RunSignUp page. All registrants receive our popular race day T-shirt, while supplies last!

Focus, snap, flash

Brush those teeth, get that hair cut, or at the very least, brushed, as picture day is upon us! Put October 3 and 4 in the calendar to send your kids into school with a nice shirt on and a clean face. Keep your eyes peeled for more info.

SEPAC chats are back!

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is hosting two informal, in-person gatherings to connect with other parents and caregivers in the district. The ‘Cup Chats’ are BYOC, so please bring your own coffee or another choice of beverage!

The chats will be held:

• Sunday, September 18, 3:00-4:00pm @ Leilo’s Sweet Shop, 306 Main Street in West Orange

• Tuesday, September 20, 9:15-10:15am (Rain Date: Thursday 9/22) @ Memorial Park, corner of Baker & Valley in Maplewood

Meet your teachers in real life!

Back To School Night is in person this year and slated for October 13 (that will be a half day, which you know already because you clicked on and printed the calendar). Save that date!

Start thinking about the yearbook

The school year has only just begun, but it is already time to start thinking about yearbooks!

Ordering in September means a 10% discount! (You have until May to order, so do not have to order now, September is simply the time to get a discount.) Treering prints beautiful books, plus for every book printed they plant a tree. You are able to customize pages with their user-friendly website - the first two custom pages are included in the yearbook price (approx $21).

Treering Website: Tuscan Tree Ring

Tuscan Passcode: 1014732707163566

*All 5th graders receive their yearbooks as a gift (additional personal customization for a charge). Families of students grades K-4 on Free and Reduced Lunch Program who would like a yearbook, please contact Ms Eva Buggy for information: ebuggy@somsd.k12.nj.us

As kids go back to school, the halls come back to life! Grab your cameras and get ready to capture yearbook memories.

We are starting to create the yearbook now, so please send first day of school photos, especially group shots, to: tuscanyearbook@gmail.com. Remember to include your child's full name and grade.

Throughout the year, around special occasions and events, we will send reminders for photos to fill our yearbook with tremendous Tuscan Tiger energy!

We NEED your stories and we need YOU!

We want to know what’s happening in and around the school. Who is doing something wonderful? We want to write about it! Get in touch via TuscanSchoolPTA@gmail.com.

And please join the PTA! We’d love to have you. We’ve upgraded our platform designed for PTAs, which will make it easier for you to use and us to operate. Instructions for how to sign up can be found here, but even if you don’t join the PTA (please, please join!), it’s still important to sign up for an account on our new site so that you can have access to information you’ll need.

SUBJECT: Tuscan PTA newsletter 9/11