Goodyear Newsletter
September 26, 2021
WPS Annual Permissions Form
The form provides us with important information, such as emergency contact information and relevant health/allergy information.
COVID-19 Testing Update
WPS Testing Options Information from the Health Services department 9.21.2021
For the 2021-2022 school year, we have complemented our mitigation plans by adding a new COVID-19 testing program at every school.
This program has two components: symptomatic testing for students who show symptoms of COVID-19 at school and test and stay for students who may have been exposed while in school but are not showing symptoms. Each of these is a quick, non-invasive nasal swab that is collected under the supervision of a school nurse or trained health provider. Unlike COVID-19 tests of the past, these are not uncomfortable for students.
Students only participate with permission from a parent or guardian. It is important to us that you are fully informed regarding the process and that we can answer any questions that you might have in advance of asking you to sign the consent form. Below we describe both parts of our testing program, how they are conducted, and what they are used for.
Symptomatic testing is used when a student is showing symptoms of COVID-19 during school; students should not come to school if they are feeling sick while at home. Some symptoms of the virus look identical to other illnesses like the cold or flu, and this test tells us whether an asymptomatic student has COVID-19 or not. This is a rapid antigen test, and we receive the results of this test within 15 minutes.
Test and stay allows students who have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 while at school to stay in school if the student is not showing symptoms. Instead of needing to quarantine and miss school, these students will take a daily rapid test (in the nurse’s office, and await results) while they remain in school as long as they are not symptomatic. Students participate in test and stay for at least seven days after they may have been exposed.
If a student tests positive for COVID-19, they must isolate at home for the CDC-recommended ten days since symptoms appeared or ten days since the positive test before returning to school. The student must also be without a fever for 24 hours prior to their return.
Although students who are vaccinated are much less likely to spread or contract the virus, it is important for us to create an inclusive environment for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students.
To participate in the program, you must sign a consent form on behalf of your student. There is no charge for participating. If you participated in the symptomatic testing last school year, we require a new consent for this current school year.
To learn more about our COVID-19 testing program and to give your consent for participation please visit www.cic-health.com/consent/ma.
This is an OPT-IN program. If you do not create an account, your child will not be enrolled.
You can cancel your enrollment /consent at any time by contacting your school nurse.
The online consent mentions a third testing option called “Routine COVID Safety Checks”. This is formally known as “pooled testing”. The Woburn Public Schools will NOT be taking part in this option at this time. Your consent will be for the “Symptomatic Testing” and the “Test & Stay” options only.
If you have additional questions regarding the program, please contact your school building’s principal or school nurse.
Goodyear Arrival Update
We will continue to assist our kindergarten students at the front entrance.
Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 may enter through the back at the 8:15am bell or enter through the front entrance if arriving after 8:15am.
Please continue to follow all posted traffic signs around the school at arrival and dismissal. We appreciate your cooperation as we build the routines with students,
Before & After School Registration Information
After the Bell Session 1 Course Catalog (October 4th - November 12th)
- No classes Wednesday, October 27th (elementary early-release day)
After the Bell runs from 2:45pm - 3:45pm and will begin on Monday, October 4th. After the Bell paper registration will be sent the week of Monday, September 27th and must be returned by Friday, October 1st. Please note that families must provide transportation from After the Bell each day (the bus is not available). Please contact Colene Gibbons (cogibbons@woburnps.com) with questions or for additional information.
This year, the program will be held in our cafeteria and students should enter directly through the cafeteria at the back of the school. Vehicles may park in the side lot next to the gymnasium prior to 8:00am for Before the Bell drop off.
News from the Goodyear Library
Over the next two weeks your children will begin borrowing books from the school library. This is always an exciting time for them. This is especially true of our kindergarten students who are coming to school for the first time.
The students come to the library on a two week rotation, week one and week two. You can contact your child’s teacher for the day and week your child has library class.
Keep the excitement going by encouraging your children to read at home.
Encouraging Your Child to Read
Happy Reading!
Mrs. McElhinney
Character Trait for September
- Treat others with respect and follow the Golden Rule.
- Be accepting of differences.
- Use good manners, not bad language.
- Be considerate of the feelings of others.
- Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone.
- Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements.
Character Counts has resources for character building.
Community Events
Woburn Fire Department Fire Prevention Open House
- Saturday, October 16th from 10:00am - 2:00pm
Goodyear Bus Updates 2021 - 2022
Routes for Bus #7, Bus #15, and Bus #16 updated Friday, September 24th
All students must follow guidelines for safety and appropriate behavior on the school bus. This information is available in the Woburn Public Schools Elementary Handbook. Failure to follow the guidelines may result in consequences up to and including suspension from riding the bus.
Students receiving bus transportation through the special education department do not need to complete this form. Any changes to your child's schedule should be communicated directly to the special education department.
Elementary schools provide a lanyard with a bus tag to students in kindergarten, grade one, and grade 2. The tag will have each child's bus number along with their first name, last initial, and class code. The purpose of the tags is to assist the drivers so that our youngest students are released at the correct bus stops. Please ensure that your child has their bus tag each day. We will be ordering more supplies to update the tags as needed.
We understand that dismissal schedules may need to change at times. Please communicate any changes in dismissal to the school office by 2:00pm each day to ensure that the message is shared with staff prior to dismissal.
Goodyear Bus Routes 2021 - 2022
News from the Food Services Department
Once again, breakfast and lunch will be free for all students during the 2021 - 2022 school year through the Woburn Public Schools Food Services Department. Online applications are not required for free breakfast and lunch, but we encourage all families to complete the form each year.
Free and Reduced Application Form
Goodyear School Council
Important September Dates
- Monday, October 11th: No school in observance of Columbus Day
- Thursday, October 21st: Elementary progress reports for trimester 1
- Wednesday, October 27th: Early release day (12:30pm dismissal for all students)
- Thursday, October 28th: Elementary family conferences 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Student & Family Resources
- WPS Youth Engaged in Service (Y.E.S.) Information
- WPS Elementary Art
- WPS Grade 5 Instrumental Program
- MA DESE School Report Card
- MA DESE School Profile
- Title I Notification Letter (English)
- Title I Notification Letter (español)
- Title I Notification Letter (português)
- Title I Notification Letter (Kreyòl ayisyen)
Contact the Goodyear PTO
Email: goodyearpto@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodyearPTO/
Twitter: @goodyear_pto
Contact the Goodyear
Email: kkessaris@woburnps.com
Website: www.woburnps.com/goodyear
Location: 41 Central Street, Woburn, MA, USA
Phone: 781.937.8237
Twitter: @GoodyearWoburn