Principal Madden’s Weekly Message—Week of January 18, 2022

Hello Caregivers,

Many of you know that my father has been sick. I was with him last week, and he passed on Saturday. It was good for me to be able to be with him during this time, but I missed your children and was very happy to see everyone at Ryan Road School today. I let students know about my dad so that they understood my absence. They offered lots of love. We have such sweet and caring students here. Thanks for raising them!

Sorry to have no photos this week, as I wasn’t here!

COVID Updates

We have a couple of positive pools in last week’s testing (on 1/13), and close contacts have been notified. Those notifications are coming by email. I am very glad that we can have students “Test and Stay”. Let Nurse Karen know if you have any questions. I know that it is all very hard to keep track of, and we all were hoping for a calmer winter, but we will get through this. 

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-Code

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.

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/ 

More and more caregivers are using rapid home tests which is great for peace of mind but these tests are not acceptable for clearance to return to school when students have had symptoms. Sorry about that. 

Here is a handy document from Nurse Karen about where to go for COVID testing, if needed.

Covid-Testing-Resources

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!

Important Upcoming Dates

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

February 9: Early Dismissal (11:30) Teacher Work Day

February 21-25: February Vacat

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