Principal Madden’s Weekly Message—Week of February 7, 2022
Hello Caregivers,
Hello Caregivers,
Wednesday, February 9, is an early release day with (11:30 dismissal). You can always check the school calendar at this link:
Also, because of Friday’s snow day, our last day of school is now scheduled for Monday, June 27.
Photos
This week’s photos show fun in the snow! Thank goodness we had some good days for snow play before everything returned to ice. All of the snow people are quite creative and took a lot of great teamwork. Our students are such wonderful people.
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!
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
COVID Updates
Pool Testing Update: As you might have seen in district communication, three pools from Thursday came back positive, and we had three 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.
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.
Testing-QR-CodeAlso, Superintendent Provost, recently called with information about at-home testing. Here is the link to that information and links to sign up:
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.
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/
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 for Cold Temperatures
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
February 9: Early Dismissal (11:30) Teacher Work Day
February 16: PTO at 6:30
February 21-25: February Vacation
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
