Wednesday's Words
September 29, 2021
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe that we have already been in school for almost a month! It has been a busy few weeks as our students have been settling into new classroom routines, getting to know their teachers and classmates and adjusting to being back to full in person learning after the summer vacation. Over the first few weeks of school, our teaching staff have focused on supporting students’ social/emotional learning as they work to build safe and inclusive classroom communities. Additionally teachers have been assessing students' academic progress to identify areas of strength and areas of unfinished learning. As a district we have made adjustments to our curriculum based on local benchmark data in order to reinforce concepts that students need additional practice with in order to be successful in meeting new grade level standards. Teachers will also continue to differentiate instruction within the classroom to support individual students' learning and growth.
We are excited to be able to share more information about our schools, classrooms and special subject instruction through our virtual open houses this week. While we all look forward to being able to transition these important events back to an in person format, given the current rise in Covid 19 cases in Massachusetts and the guidelines of our district health and safety protocols, we are unable to do so at this time. All of our teachers have worked hard to prepare virtual presentations, tours and videos to provide parents with an overview of classroom routines, expectations and curriculum highlights. Additionally, under the curriculum tab on our district website you will find curriculum highlight documents for each grade level that outline the essential curriculum standards for each content area. Please remember that Open House nights are for providing general information to families about our school programs. Teachers are still getting to know your children and will not be able to address questions about individual student performance at Open Houses. Teachers look forward to discussing your child’s progress with you formally at the upcoming parent/teacher conferences. If you have specific concerns or questions about your child’s learning prior to conferences, please reach out to your child’s teacher directly through email or phone call. We are always happy to collaborate to support your child’s success.
Enjoy the Virtual Open Houses and have a great rest of the week!
Dr. Ingrid Allardi
AT HOME COVID 19 TESTS
If your child has symptoms of Covid 19 they MUST stay home from school and you should contact your healthcare provider. In order to return to school, symptomatic individuals must show improvement in symptoms, be fever free for at least 24 hours and provide documentation of a negative PCR Covid 19 test. For a list of testing locations click here.
If a student is identified as a close contact of someone at school who tests positive for Covid 19 they may be eligible to participate in the district ‘test and stay’ program as long as they remain asymptomatic. The district is only allowed to offer the test and stay option to close contacts who were potentially exposed in school. Numerous national studies have confirmed that the rate of Covid 19 transmission in schools (where multiple mitigation measures are in place) is extremely low. In order to participate in ‘test and stay’, students must be tested in school by school medical personnel. The district CAN NOT accept test results from rapid antigen tests administered at home.
The rate of Covid 19 transmission among close contacts exposed outside of school is substantially higher than those exposed in school. As a result, students exposed outside of school are NOT able to participate in ‘test and stay’. These students MUST stay home and quarantine. If they remain asymptomatic, they may choose to have a PCR test at least five days after exposure. If the test is negative, they may return to school on day 8 and should continue to monitor for symptoms through day 14.
For further information about Norfolk Public Schools health and safety protocols, visit our website at www.norfolk.k12.ma.us.
When Students Are Absent Due to Quarantine
If a student is required to quarantine as a result of having Covid 19 or being a close contact of an individual who has Covid 19, classroom teachers and special educators will put together missed assignments to be sent home to the student. These assignments will be available after the second day of absence. Teachers and special educators will also check in with students and families at least once during the quarantine period to ensure that children have the materials that they need. As always, our school adjustment counselors are available to answer questions or provide support if needed.
Students in our upper elementary grades (3-6) frequently access assignments and resources through Google Classroom. As a result, if your child is in grades 3-6 and requires the use of a chromebook during their quarantine period, students will be allowed to take home their device for the period of absence. In order to borrow a school device, parents should reach out to their child’s classroom teachers. Teachers will email parents the district Acceptable Use Agreement for parents to sign electronically and will work to arrange a time for parents to pick up the device from school.
Hello King Philip Community!
Please join Leo Club and King Philip DECA for our pumpkin painting event on Saturday, October 16th! Come bring your pumpkin for Halloween and paint it however you would like. There is a $5 entry fee which supports the KP DECA Chapter, and your pumpkin can be featured in the Norfolk Parade if you chose. We will be in the high school bus loop from 1:00-3:00 pm, all are welcome! Please invite friends, siblings, and our community!
We look forward to seeing you there,
Samantha Asprelli (DECA President)
and Makayla Hickey (Leo Club President)
The Henry Carr Memorial Scholarship 5K Color Run/Walk!
After two attempts of trying to run this event over the last two years, it's back - the Henry Carr Memorial Scholarship 5K Color Run/Walk!
Henry graduated from King Philip in 2015 and was so involved in Student Council and started up KP Cares as a DECA project. Unfortunately, Henry became ill during his time at KP and subsequently passed away during his sophomore year at
Holy Cross. Henry was always so upbeat and kind. We commemorate him every year for his passion, spirit and all the gifts of time and energy he gave to King Philip. Everyone loved Henry.
Please join us on Sunday, October 3 at 9am.
Here is a link to sign up!
https://www.familyid.com/programs/2021-king-philip-stuco-henry-carr-color-walk-run
Preschool Math with Pete the Cat!
Mrs. Mellick's art students create bravely!
SpikeBall weather!
gym class learning the fun and skill involved in playing SpikeBall.
Norfolk Public Schools
Email: allardi@nofolk.k12.ma.us
Website: norfolk.k12.ma.us
Location: 70 Boardman Street, Norfolk, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 528-1255