Principal Madden’s Weekly Message—Week of August 30, 2021
Greetings Caregivers!
Welcome to a new school year!
I am honored to begin another year as the principal of R.K. Finn Ryan Road Elementary School! I hope families had happy summers and are ready for another great year here at school.
Please remember, we have new school hours from 8:00-2:10. Adult supervision begins on the playground at 7:45.
I hope that everyone received the summer mailing with information for the upcoming school year. If not, here it is again as an FYI. And, below, there is a lot more information!
Principal-Maddens-August-2021-Summer-Caregiver-Letter-I send a Principal’s Weekly Message at the beginning of every week via the email account that we have for you in our Student Information System. If you are not receiving the emails, please call the school office. The updates are also put on our school website. I always include a few photos from the past week at school.
After School Care
I know that after school care is presenting a challenge for many families. I am really sorry about that. Families have told me that the YMCA program, which operates an after-school program here at Ryan Road, is full.
Liftoff Learning
We will offer Liftoff Learning to some students in grades 3-5 who qualified for some extra academic support. Depending on how that program goes, we may be able to expand that to second and first graders. At this point, we have contacted caregivers for those students in grades 3-5 who qualify for the program based on assessment results from last year. Here is a link for more information about that program. Contact Principal, Sarah Madden, if you have any questions.
YEP
We will also be holding YEP (Youth Enrichment Programs) on Mondays and Fridays until 4:00. YEP runs three 8-10 week sessions throughout the school year. At this point, we have very few teachers/classes, but we are hoping to get more and have some options. Fingers crossed. We’ll send more information about YEP classes soon.
Girls on the Run
The other option for after school activities is Girls on the Run, and I have attached that flyer.
Ryan-Road-registrationStaff
I have attached our Staff List here. This list outlines all of the positions here at Ryan Road School. We have an incredible team of nurturing and skilled adults who work together to help our students thrive.
RKF-Staff-List-2021-22If you contact the office, you will be greeted by either my Administrative Assistant, Vanessa Keillor, or my secretary, Cheryl Michon. They are wonderful and helpful, and can help you with anything or direct you to me, as needed.
COVID Updates
We will be masked indoors when school begins. This is a safety precaution for all members of our school community. At this point, visitors are not allowed in the school building during school. Last year, when we were at school in-person, we operated very smoothly and had no transmissions of COVID 19. We are glad to be in-person, and we will do all we can to make sure your children are safe at school. Please send your child to school with a mask and an extra, but also know that we have extra masks at school for anyone who needs them.
We will, again, have some of our lunches outdoors, while we are able. One grade during each lunch period will eat outdoors. If it is too rainy or cold, all students will eat in the cafeteria. Last year, our students got very good at eating during lunch and not talking with masks off, and we will make sure this happens again. “No Mask, No Talk” was my mantra.
We will continue to use HEPA filters and fans in all classrooms. We have stocked up on sanitizer, and each classroom has a sink for hand-washing. We will certainly keep distanced as much as possible.
Very soon, I will be sending an online link to sign up for COVID testing. I have also attached paper copies regarding this process. You can send in the paper copy or wait until the link is set up. Either way, your child can get signed up for testing. Here is a letter outlining COVID information and the paper sign ups, if you wish to return that to school
Letter-to-Parents Letter-to-Parents-Spanish student-consent-form student-consent-form-spanishThe successful Trust the Facts. Get the Vax. statewide public awareness campaign is now focused on raising awareness and engaging parents. We know many parents and guardians may have questions about their children getting vaccinated and so the latest TV spot features pediatricians from our community health centers and hospitals on the importance of vaccinating our young people. A Spanish language version is also available featuring Spanish-speaking clinicians. Other short, animated messages are available on that site. It is available in 10 languages. Share with any unvaccinated people you know.
Art Show
And, a final wonderful share… Ms. Macutkiewicz created a visual art show at the end of last year, and here it is! Enjoy!
Art-Show-LetterImportant Upcoming Dates
September 2: First day of School!
September 2, 3, and 8: Kindergarten Orientation Meetings (call the school if you have not scheduled your appointment)
September 6: No School—Labor Day
September 7—No School Rosh Hashanah
September 9: First day of School for Kindergarten!
September 16: No School—Yom Kippur
Stay up to date with all of our school activities on our School Website’s Calendar!
I hope that all families and caregivers feel welcome, comfortable, and valued at our school. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I am happy to meet with any of you after school hours (when I can allow you inside!) or can talk on the phone anytime.
I am really looking forward to the year ahead!
Sincerely,
Sarah Madden, Principal