Principal Madden’s Weekly Message—Week of November 1, 2021
Hello! Happy November!
Reminder: No School on Tuesday (11/2) for Professional Development
I hope you enjoyed the weekend!
Photos
This week’s photos show some of our fabulous hats! AND, we collected quite a bit for UNICEF. I’ll send out the final amount when we have counted up the cash! Thank you to all of you who donated for such an important organization.
Other photos show our kindergarten pumpkin patch and activities, in addition to the creative spiders they created. Also, some students in Ms. Desmond’s 4th grade have been creating some decorations for the garden fence—perfect for this time of year, when the garden is being put to bed.
After-School Play on School Grounds
It is really wonderful that we have such wonderful property for all different types of play after school hours. I know that many caregivers enjoy having children enjoy outside playtime after school. I urge you to keep an eye on your children. You do not need to be “helicopter parents” and be right next to them, but I would encourage all caregivers to be able to see children. The woods are fun, but we have had students get hurt, and when students are out of sight, some might make decisions that they know would not be appropriate if they could be seen. It is good to be careful, and make sure you let your child know to come to you if something is happening that doesn’t feel safe. I am usually here after school if you need me. I sometimes come out to the playground, and have to stop rough play that we would not tolerate at school. Let me know if you have any questions.
COVID Updates:
We had great news (AGAIN) with our weekly safety check testing (pool testing). All pools from Thursday (10/28) were negative. Yea! Please stay vigilant regarding COVID safety and get vaccinated if you have not already done so. And, call me if you have any questions.
We will continue to have our safety testing on Thursdays. We begin at 8:30. Some members of the National Guard have started helping us with our testing starting. 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 testing, which is fabulous. If you want to have your child participate or if you have questions about the testing, please contact Nurse Karen.
It sounds like vaccinations for children will be available soon!
Call (587-1557) or email our wonderful nurse, Karen Schiaffo, if you have any 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/
Important Upcoming Dates
November 1: Photo retakes
November 2: No School—Election Day & Professional Development Day for staff
November 11: No School for Veterans Day
November 20: PTO at 6:30
November 24: Early Dismissal (11:30) for Thanksgiving (and no school on November 25 and no school on November 25 and 26)
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
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
