Principal Madden’s Weekly Message—Week of January 24, 2022
Hello Caregivers,
I hope you are doing fine. I apologize about all the disruptions to our school days this month. Just a reminder:
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
There will be NO Liftoff Learning or YEP on these early dismissal days.
I know that teachers are looking forward to meeting with you this week!
Photos
This week’s photos show lots of fun outdoors. First through third graders participated in outdoor learning with Ms. Katie from the Hitchcock Center. Also, we had lots of fun at recess, with even a little bit of snow. Unfortunately, the sledding hills are currently off limits at recess, due to all the ice. Also, there are some photos of 4th grade engineers working on Rube Goldberg machines!
COVID Updates
Pools Testing Update: All pools from Thursday (except one) came back negative. We tested all the people in the one positive pool on Friday morning, and everyone tested negative. We will cross check with the double swabs on all those in that pool, but that takes longer (will be done by Monday). So, not bad!
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-1Also, Superintendent Provost, recently called with information about at-home testing. Here is the link to that information:
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/
Reading Level Chart
I have attached a Reading Level Chart, as I know it can sometimes be confusing if your child’s teacher talks about your child being at a Level M (as an example).
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!
Cold 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!
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
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 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
