Principal Madden’s Weekly Message—Week of February 14, 2022

Hello Caregivers,

Northampton Public Schools Caregiver Survey! 

Please take this caregiver survey regarding family engagement, so that we can hear your voice!

https://forms.gle/i3rBrLfAsx15TNFo7  English 

https://forms.gle/vZxsbsTer1XL18F49 Spanish 

https://forms.gle/AEPfWedanLQkwSfLA  French 

https://forms.gle/2GpTTV4XeLppzibJA Swahili 

https://forms.gle/sK4Jq3rbfQSwuzQS8  Kinyarwanda 

https://forms.gle/QizHD36TeonxXCSC7 Chinese 

https://forms.gle/eDREhajF44BJWv9E7 Burmese 

Photos

This week’s photos show some preparations for the 100^th Day of School—there are a lot of ways to think about and understand the number 100! Other photos show some fabulous “buddy” time with kindergarten and 4^th grade. The 4^th grade buddies were teaching the kindergarten students about electricity! And, the final photo shows some of our Lost and Found items? Does anything look familiar? Tell your child to bring it home or come to the front door, and we can help.

Read Across Ryan Road

On or around Dr. Seuss’s birthday (March 2), we have a Read-a-thon, and a Book Swap, where students can get new (gently used) books, and reading is celebrated in classrooms. If you have any books in good condition that you would be willing to donate for our Book Swap, that would be appreciated. Our fabulous librarian, Mrs. Crowther, is working with our PTO to get this organized. On the day of the Book Swap, everyone gets at least one “new” book, even if they have made any donations. Thank you! Paperwork will come home later this week outlining all the fun details for the week after vacation.

COVID Updates

Pool Testing Update

As you might have seen in district communication, one pool from Thursday came back positive, and we had two confirmed positive cases. We are doing additional testing if necessary and communicating with any close contacts. We continue to be very careful at school so that we do not have any in-school transmissions. 

Also, Superintendent Provost, recently called with information about at-home testing. Here is the link to that information and links to sign up:

Home tests went home with students who signed up for home testing on Thursday. 

I’ve also attached the District’s most recent Health Letter Update (2/8/22).

Here is a handy QR Code to sign up for testing at school if you wish to have your child participate in weekly testing and/or Test and Stay! If the QR code does not work for you, call Nurse Karen or the school office, and we can send you the consent form.

Please 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. 

And, here is an updated Testing Resource Document that Nurse Karen created in case you are looking for outside testing spots.

Call (587-1557) or email our wonderful nurse, Karen Schiaffo, if you have any health questions.

kschiaffo@northampton-k12.us

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/ 

Milk

 Please remember that if your child buys Milk Only or an extra milk, your account will be charged $.50.

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 Clothes

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!

And, speaking of clothes, Nurse Karen, would love some donations of gently used clothing for her supply in the nurse’s office. Students often need a change of clothes during the school day (for any number of reasons), and we are getting low on options. Thank you!

Nurse Karen would like to thank caregivers who have already sent donations! These are greatly appreciated!!

Important Upcoming Dates

Week of February 14: 5^th Grade will participate in Lego Robotics week!

February 16: PTO at 6:30

February 17: 100^th Day of School!

February 21-25: February Vacation

March 8 from 2:30-5:30: Kindergarten Registration here at Ryan Road

March 11: Early Dismissal (11:30) for Teacher Work Day

March 18: Report Cards (Grades 1-5) sent home

Stay up to date with all of our school calendar 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