August 7, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the very unique 2020-2021 school year at the ​Newark School of Global Studies (NSGS)​! I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones in good health and spirits. As a dedicated educator and Principal in Newark for over 20 years, I am excited about leading NSGS into the 21st century and preparing our first graduating Class of 2024. Our journey together at Global Studies begins now....I want to thank you for your continued collaboration and diligence in supporting the success of our students. An unexpected global pandemic has forced us to think creatively, communicate in unique ways,and has now brought us closer as a school community. I am so proud of the collaboration, hard work, and dedication that has been exhibited by all of you. While we continue to face many challenges due to theCOVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest in this nation, one important fact remains true--the residents of our great city of Newark are resilient and possess the grit necessary to overcome any challenges we face. At this time, I would also like to introduce our new Vice Principal, Hoda Abdelwahab.

On behalf of the staff, we are extremely excited to begin the process of restoring normalcy for our students. I know together we will ensure both remote and in-person learning models for the children are of high quality and are aligned with success for all students. Our staff is looking forward to a year filled with a variety of learning experiences and new beginnings. In order to protect the health and safety of all stakeholders and to promote maximum success, we need your support now more than ever to ensure the CDC, NJ state and Newark district guidelines are followed as we designed the school reopening plans.

Please read the following information carefully:

• The first day of school is ​Tuesday, September 8, 2020​ (more information regarding procedures for this day is forthcoming)
• Learning will take place in two formats:
  • Remote learning: This will occur based on parental request and individual student needs. In order to select this option, you must complete the consent form via SchoolMint/Newark Enrolls website.
    Note: ​August 14, 2020 is the last day to complete the remote consent forms​.
  • In-person learning: There will be a maximum of 10 students per classroom. In order to adhere to state and district guidelines regarding class sizes, the number of days per week students will attend in-person learning will be determined based on the total number of parents requesting this option.
• The online lunch application system is available. Please begin completing the lunch application for the 2020-21 SY now.
  • Note: It is imperative that ​all​ parents/guardians complete a lunch application for his/her child. This applies to all parents, including those who will be sending lunch from home and those who have opted for virtual learning.
• Since information is changing rapidly, we will be scheduling a ​Virtual Introductory Parent Meeting​​ on Thursday August 20th at 6:00 pm ​​via the following WebEx information:
  • Click here for the Webex Link
  • Meeting number (access code): ​120 982 1724
  • Meeting password: ​NSGS820
  • Join from a mobile device (attendees only): 1-646-992-2010, 1209821724## United States Toll (New York City)
  • Join by phone: 1-646-992-2010 United States Toll (New York City)
• Please continue to check the district website. ​​​I will also be communicating through Robo Calls.
• If you would like to update your phone number, please visit our website and ​update your contact information (email, telephone number, and address) on School Mint/Newark Enrolls website.
• Parents/Visitors will not be permitted to enter the school building until further notice. In the event that a parent/guardian needs to pick up their student, we ask that you contact the school ahead of time so that we can facilitate getting the student to the door, where a staff member will greet you and have you sign out the student at the door. Parents/guardians must also bring a valid ID in order to pick up their child.
• Everyone reporting to the school building and school grounds (this includes student drop off and pick up) is required to wear face covering and follow CDC guidelines for social distancing, 6 ft.apart, at all times to protect the safety of everyone. Signage will be displayed around the school to direct the flow of traffic.
• Face Covering and Uniforms are mandatory​:​ All students reporting to the school building and conducting in-person learning are required to wear a face covering at all times, and students must be in uniform every day. Uniform code is as follows: ​Wearing a face mask is ​REQUIRED​ for everyone while on school or district grounds.
  • Uniform Top/ Bottom:​ Ocean Blue or White Tops/ Grey Bottoms; only the approved uniform tops and bottoms are allowed.
  • Shoes:​ Clogs, flip-flops or slippers are not permitted.

Arrival Locations:

• 9​th​ Grade Entrance
  • Location: ​Playground Stairwell A and Playground Stairwell C
  • Ingress Procedure: ​Prior to entering any of our facilities or district grounds everyone must wear a mask and undergo a four step process which includes the following:
    • Step 1: ​Symptoms Screening – Employees and students will be asked a series of questions regarding their health.
    • Step 2: ​Temperature Check – Employees and students will have their temperature checked using a non contact thermometer. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be permitted into the building.
    • Step 3:​ Footwear Sanitizing – Employees and students will stand in a rubber tub with disinfectant solution to sanitize their shoes. (Everyone must wear closed shoes.)
    • Step 4:​ Hand Washing/Sanitizing – Employees and students will be provided foaming hand sanitizer or will wash their hands with soap and water before entering the building.
  • Link to District Reopening Plan
• Cleaning/Sanitizing: ​Increased frequency of cleaning all surfaces, foaming hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building and in every classroom, touchless dispensers will be available in all restrooms. Signs will be posted throughout the building with reminders about hand washing and social distancing.
• Orientation Day ​​will take place on Thursday, August 27, 202​0 for all 9​th​ Graders at 9am​. We will have a virtual orientation ​(refer to the access information below).​ Students will be able to pick up their learning packets on the following dates:
  • 9​th​ Grade – August 27, 2020​​ via the following WebEx information
    • Click here for the Webex Link
    • Meeting number (access code): ​120 970 3479
    • Meeting password: ​NSGS827
    • Join by phone: 1-646-992-2010 United States Toll (New York City)
    • Join from a mobile device (attendees only): 1-646-992-2010,,1209703479## United States Toll (New York City)
• Back to School Night will be conducted virtually this year and it will take place on Thursday, September 24th at 6pm. ​This is your opportunity to meet your child’s teachers(virtually), and to learn what their academic curriculum and goals will be for the school year.More information on how this will be carried out is forthcoming.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school at (908) 248-2165.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment.

Principal Ruiz