Principal Madden’s Weekly Message—Week of January 31, 2022

Hello Caregivers,

I hope that you all had helpful conferences with teachers last week. If you have not had a chance to meet with your child’s teacher, please contact them.

Photos

This week’s photos show some great climbers on our climbing wall in PE classes last week! Everyone did such a great job. 

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, so that we can hear your voice!  Please click one of the survey links below to share your family’s experience with our school. Your feedback will help us strengthen our partnerships and work on engaging with families. Thank you !

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

Pools Testing Update 

As you might have seen in district communication, four  pools from Thursday came back positive. We are doing additional testing if necessary and communicating with any close contacts. 

Sign Up For Pool Testing

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.

At Home Testing

Also, 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.

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!

Donations

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 1: Liftoff Learning resumes

February 4: YEP resumes

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