Principal Madden’s Weekly Message—Week of December 6, 2021
December Greetings!
Photos
This week’s photos show second graders in art class, third graders in our wonderful library, creative kindergarteners, third grade readers, and second graders cooperating with the parachute in physical education class. It is always nice for me to observe all the wonderful happenings around our building every day.
COVID Updates
We had great news (AGAIN) with our weekly safety check testing (pool testing). All pools from Thursday (12/2) were negative. Yea! Our fabulous nurse, Karen Schiaffo, and/or I always accompany any testers as we collect all the swabs. We are getting this down to a pretty efficient routine. We have a large number of students and staff testing, which is fabulous. If you want to have your child participate or if you have questions about the testing, please contact Nurse Karen.
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) went smoothly last week. 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/
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!
Colder Weather
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. Vote Now! |
Important Upcoming Dates
December 8: Teacher Work Day: Half Day with an 11:30 dismissal
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.
Sincerely,
Sarah Madden, Principal
