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November is Family Engagement Month:
Strong Families. Strong Schools. Stronger Communities
November is National Family Engagement Month, a time to recognize the important role that parents, guardians, and caregivers play in a child's educational journey.
Family engagement goes beyond attending school events. It is about building meaningful relationships, communicating with educators, supporting learning at home, and working together to help every student thrive.
Whether you attend parent-teacher conferences, volunteer, advocate for your child's needs, or simply ask about their school day, your involvement makes a difference.
Simple Ways to Stay Engaged:
Stay connected: Communicate regularly with teachers and school staff.
Stay infromed: Review school messages, academic updates, and district announcements.
Show up when possible: Participate in school meetings, family workshops, and district events.
Celebrate progress: Recognize your child's effort, achievement, and personal growth.
Share your voice: Ask questions, offer feedback, and advocate for your child's educational needs.
Every family has something valuable to contribute, and every act of involvement matters.
World Kindness Day- November 13
On November 13, we recongnize World Kindness Day, a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can make a meaningful difference.
Kindness helps build stronger relationships, welcoming classrooms, and school communities where students feel respected and included. Families are encourage to use this day as an oppotunity to talk with children about empathy, compassion, and treating others with care.
Parent Spotlight:
This month, we are proud to recognize Ms. Suelier Howell of Banneker Academy for her dedication, generosity, and continued commitment to supporting students, families, and the school community.
Ms. Howell is an actively engaged parent who consistently volunteers her time, attends schools events and meetings, and supports clasroom initiatives and family engagement activities. Her willingness to step in whenever needed and offer support and resources without being asked demostrates her genuine commitment to making a difference.
Through her kindness, involvement, and willingness to serve. Ms. Howell embodies Benjamin Banneker Academy's vision of creating a warm, caring, and highly engaging environment where students are encouraged to become future-ready leaders.
We celebrate Ms. Suelier Howell and thank her for being a wonderful example of parent leadership. service, and meaningful family-school partnership.
What's Ahead: Important District Dates and Updates:
November 18 - Student Progress Reports
Progress reports for students in grades K-12 will be posted on FOCUS on Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Families are encouraged to review their child's academic progress and connect with teachers if they have questions or need additional support. Progress reports provide an opportunity to celebrate achievements, identify areas for growth, and work togther to support student success
November 25, 2026 - Early Dismissal
November 26-27 - Thanksgiving Holiday
All schools will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
We wish our EOSD families a peaceful holiday filled with grattitude, rest, and meaningful time together.
December 2nd- Open House: Parent Information Session
Join us from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Cicely L. Tyson Middle/High School to learn about the 2027-2028 admissions process, application requirements, and auditiion procedures for Houston Academy, Cicely Tyson Middle/High School, STEM Academy, Campus High School CTE Programs, and Cochran Academy.
Empowered Parent University Fall Workshop Dates:
November 24, 2026 - Virtual
Whole Family Wellness Night- 7:30 PM
December 9, 2026 - In Person
EPU Holiday Family Celebration
January 13, 2027 - Virtual
Navigating School Systems: Getting Your Child the Support They Need
January 20, 2027 - Virtual
District Leadership Forum
All virtual information will be posted on our website and social media pages.
Location for in-person workshops: 199 4th Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07017 Conference Room A
Staying Connected This Month:
Families are encouraged to visit the East Orange School District website regularly for important updates, annoucments, calendars, resources, and district information.