Principal Madden’s Weekly Message—Week of December 20, 2021
Greetings!
![snowmen-playing-snow[1]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PnZfzsstHXneaSfg3uCDa0mxtDAYmF9jfEUw1eC8bG9AUyOQIGHmFe4-ZEc6LytHv-ebiojD0tLrV4gMfMrxT--k5B1qyHqkRs_S7Qqooe8ZS01t4E-cpN8YsW7Va5kYbLKK1HZ5)
Winter Solstice Celebration
We will celebrate the new season on Tuesday, December 21st with a cheerful, noisy parade outside around the school at 1:15; join in the fun by cheering us on if you are able! Enjoying the start of each new season is a wonderful tradition here at R.K. Finn Ryan Road School.
For the Winter Solstice we like to have the students enjoy clementines. If you can donate a box/bag of clementines, please call the school office (587-1550). We would like to receive the clementines on Monday or Tuesday morning. Thank you!
Photos
This week’s photos show 4th grade and kindergarten buddies working on a project for our upcoming Winter Solstice parade. And, we didn’t have any snow to enjoy last week, but we had some good chalk artists making the most of the weather. Also, we had a couple of really beautiful sunrises before school last week!
COVID Updates
We had several students (who were close contacts to a positive COVID case) participating in our Test and Stay process last week—everyone tested negative and stayed at school. It was so great not to have to send students home. Thank you to caregivers for getting your children to school early to complete this testing when necessary.
We had (mostly) good news with our weekly safety check testing (pool testing). All pools, except for one) from Thursday (12/16) were negative. Close contacts have been notified and students will be participating in our institution of Test and Stay protocols.
Here is a handy QR Code to sign up for testing at school!
Testing-QR-Code-1Please stay vigilant regarding COVID safety and get vaccinated if you have not already done so. I am glad that I have heard from so many of our students that they have been vaccinated, as this is the best way to keep the whole school community safe.
Our transition to having all students eat in the cafeteria (nobody outdoors for lunch)has continued to go smoothly. We have seating plans (assigned seats) and classes are separated (just to limit contacts). We are continuing with our “No Mask, No Talk” rule. It is hard for them, but they are doing pretty well. Please reinforce with your children how important it is to remain safe at lunch and only talk with masks on. I always say, “It is not forever, but it is the way it has to be for now.”
Call (587-1557) or email our wonderful nurse, Karen Schiaffo, if you have any health questions.
Thank you for keeping your child home if they are ill. Here is a link with some guidelines to help you make the decision: http://www.northamptonschools.org/project/illness-prevention/
• Here us a handy document from Nurse Karen about where to go for COVID testing, if needed.
Covid-Testing-Resources
** Also, after the vacation, masks will not be required outside.**
Students will have to keep one in a pocket, if they choose not to wear one outside, as the masks will be needed when we get into the building.
Morning Drop Off
Thank you for doing all you can to get your children to school on time. It really helps to start the day right when they can be a part of morning meeting, when classes focus on community building and share information about the day ahead. Also, please use the drop off area and have your child use the cross walk. Cars should not be entering the bus loop. These safety rules and routines are important. Let me know if you have any questions. Thank you!
Warm Clothing
Please make sure to send warm clothes for your child for recess. We go outside unless it is pouring or below 15 degrees. Let us know if you need help with outdoor clothing. We will make sure your child has what they need. Thank you!
Florence Bank
If you are a Florence Bank customer, please vote for R.K. Finn Ryan Road School!
It’s easy! Voting ends on December 31st.
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Important Upcoming Dates
December 21: Winter Solstice
December 22: Last day of school before the Holiday Recess
January 3: Return to School—Happy 2022!
January 6: No School—Three Kings Day
January 17: No School—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 24-27 & January 31—Early Release Days (11:30 Dismissal) for Teacher/Caregiver Conferences—Teachers will be in touch with you about signing up.
January 28: No School—Teacher Work Day
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.
Best wishes for a wonderful break and Happy New Year! Welcome, 2022!!
Sincerely,
Sarah Madden, Principal
