Principal Madden’s Weekly Message—Week of April 12, 2021
Dear Caregivers,
I sent this last week, but in case you did not receive it:
I wanted to let you know that we will be having two additional half days this spring that were not listed on the approved calendar. The Northampton Schools have been participating in monthly professional development on Wednesdays during the “O Day” afternoons. The professional development has been important anti-racist, anti-bias training. The plan is to continue with that training on two Wednesdays.
Wednesday, April 14th and Wednesday, May 26th will have an 11:30 dismissal for all elementary students.
In addition, there is a half day that was already on the calendar. Tuesday, May 11 is a half day (with a 12:20 dismissal).
And, as you probably are aware of, we have our upcoming April vacation the week of April 19.
I’m sorry for any inconvenience or confusion these days off may cause.
You can always check our school calendar for any updates.
In Person Learning/Full Time School Information is here, if you still need it.
Info-School-Start-April-5Photos
• This week’s wonderful photos show recess fun with jump-roping (don’t miss Dr. Provost swinging the rope!), chalk, four-square, and tree stump building (with yoga pose!), kindergarten outside morning greeting, ab-strengthening in PE, non-fiction writing from first graders, and our beautiful magnolia tree in the courtyard, which was blooming last week.
• Also, we will continue with our school gardening this week with our garden educator from School Sprouts, Hope Guardenier. Each class will have 4 sessions with Hope this spring (always on Tuesdays).
From our Nurse, Karen Schiaffo:
The COVID-19 protocol is as follows:
In order to minimize risk and keep the school community safe, district nurses are required
to send students home that have 1 symptom. Symptoms include: headache, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, chills, fatigue, body aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea, or fever since these mimic COVID-like illness. Caregivers will be asked to contact their health care provider to see if testing is needed. There may be other diagnoses that cause these symptoms and your provider can discuss that with you. In order for your student to return to school, you will need to provide a negative test result or a note from your provider documenting an alternative diagnosis as the cause for the symptoms.
Many students experience seasonal allergies at this time of year and allergy symptoms can mimic COVID-like symptoms. Please consult your child’s health care provider about treating your child’s seasonal allergy to avoid your child being sent home for symptoms that appear Covid-like.
Remember to review the Student Daily Checklist before sending your child to school.
Thank you for your cooperation.
• Our beloved Mr. Ted is retiring from the Hitchcock Center. Most of you know of Mr. Ted. He worked with our school community for many years as a knowledgeable naturalist, educational leader, nurturer or nature, and wise wonderer. He has a gift with children (and adults) and for years he brought an awe and calm appreciation of our natural world with him on hundreds of field trips with our students and staff.
If any of your children (graduates from RKFRR will remember him!) want to send a note of appreciation to Ted, please drop it off at school or email it to Andrea Egitto. aegitto@northampton-k12.us
Deadline for these notes/emails is April 15. Thank you!
And, if you are interested in some great masks:
Hi Ryan Road! The freshman class at NHS is selling Northampton Schools themed masks.
These masks have adjustable earloops, a nose wire, and come with a filter.
Each mask is 12 dollars and all proceeds support future school events! Masks can either be shipped to you or picked up outside NHS on April 22 from 1:30 to 3:30.
Order here: https://cart.silverscreendesign.com/northampton/shop/home
And Thank You for your support!
2021-2022 School Year
• The 2021-2022 school calendar has been approved by the school committee. Here it is. Please note the change in school hours (in the lower left-hand corner) that were recently approved by the School Committee to allow for a later start for high school students.
2021.2022.Calendar• Looking for information about Kindergarten for the 2021-2022 School Year?
https://northamptonschools.org/kindergarten-2/
Also, I have had many questions about whether or not we are planning to have our kindergarten students in-person full time, and that is certainly our plan. We are all looking forward to a typical and spectacular start at Ryan Road School!
• Please see flyers for a fun school vacation activity sponsored by the Northampton Education Foundation.
NEF-April-Vacation-School2School-Fun-Run_Walk_Ride-Flyer Spanish-April-Vacation-School2School-Fun-Run_Walk_Ride-FlyerImportant Upcoming Dates:
• Wednesday, April 14: Half Day with an 11:30 Dismissal
• April 19-23: Spring Vacation
• Wednesday, April 28: PTO Meeting at 6:30
• Monday, May 10: School Photos (taken outside) More information will be coming home soon.
• Tuesday, May 11: Half day with a 12:20 dismissal (Teacher Work Day)
• Wednesday, May 26: Half Day with an 11:30 Dismissal
• Monday, May 31: No School for Memorial Day
• Friday, June 18: Last day of School! 12:20 Dismissal
Stay up to date with all of our school activities on our School Website’s Calendar!
I hope that all families feel welcome, comfortable, and valued at our school. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Sarah Madden, Principal