Bulldog Blast, 4/4/21
#dotherightthing #weareready
#weareready
Welcome BACK!!! #weareready
- If you need to inquire about busing, please call our main office at 508-222-6260
- Grade 5 MCAS (May 11 - ELA , May 13 - Math, May 18 - STE)
- Grade 6-8 MCAS - TBD
With our start right around the corner, I wanted to take the time to send what to expect with a full return with restrictions in place. We want you to be successful and prepared for your return to Brennan.
Grade 5 and 6 Full Return (5 days per week): Monday, April 5th
Grade 7 and 8 Full Return (5 days per week): Monday, April 26th
ATTENTION PLEASE: The APS 2020-21 Calendar has been revised to support our transition to a full in-person return to school. The half-day that was previously scheduled for April 16 has now been moved to March 31. There will be no school for students on April 1 and June 16 will be the last day of school. Please see the following link for more details
Here are some helpful tips to make your return as smooth as possible!
- Make sure you have a working Chromebook
- Masks need to be worn on the school grounds at all times
- A reminder that gaiters and vented masks are not permitted. This is now a point of emphasis with the shorter distancing that will be in place.
- There will be no class-wide mask breaks outside of lunch and outdoor recess/break. Students who may need an additional short mask break will be able to use the hallway on an individual basis, if needed.
- Students remain in their homeroom class all day (with exception of PE and lunch)
- No lockers, all student supplies are taken into their homeroom
- Have your school supplies ready everyday
- Review parent drop off/pick up (below)
- Review pick up times (below)
As we start each day, it’s important for you to know that your safety is our top priority and because of that, we have a few strategies and protocols in place so that everyone feels comfortable being in school, and we maintain a safe learning environment.
While we always want you to be here every day, it is important that if you are feeling sick to stay home. You and your family should monitor your health and check for symptoms daily.
The following things are important to remember while you’re in school:
The best way to avoid the spread of germs is to wear a mask correctly (covering nose and mouth) at all times, except for when eating, drinking and during a teacher-directed mask break.
Frequent hand washing is another important way we can help stop the spread of germs. Washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best way to keep your hands germ free.
When entering the building or classroom from anywhere, use a small amount of hand sanitizer, especially if hand washing isn’t available.
Remembering to maintain a distance of at least 3 feet from other students and staff. While our desks are appropriately spaced, we should follow distancing guidelines when outside before school, in the hallways, and at any other time you are in the building.
A good way to visualize this 3 foot distance is to be one arm-length away from other students and staff.
There are also a few other things you can do to minimize your exposure to germs:
In general, it’s a good idea to keep your hands away from your face to reduce the risk of getting sick.
Keeping your hands to yourself and trying to touch the least amount of common spaces is helpful to reduce the spread of germs.
Sanitize your hands before and after using any shared classroom supplies or equipment.
Cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm, and wash your hands after doing so. If you blow your nose, sanitize your hands afterward as well.
Newest members of NJHS!
Shout out to Matthew!! Always working hard!!
Newest members of NJHS!
Comprehensive Pooled Testing
How do I give consent for my student to participate?
All families must provide consent to the classroom pooled COVID-19 surveillance testing program. You can provide consent by filling out the Consent Form in your Aspen Family Portal.
The Aspen workflow now includes consent for the Pooled Surveillance Testing and the Individual Diagnostic Rapid Testing. If you provided consent for the Pooled Surveillance Testing prior to 1/26/21, you will need to complete this updated consent. Students cannot participate if they only have the first/original consent signed.
For instructions in all languages on completing the consent form, please CLICK HERE.
Need support?
Sarah Angelovski
sangelovski@attleboroschools.com
Kim Janssen
How to complete Consent Form Video
How to complete Consent Form Video
Family Support Sessions for Pooled Surveillance testing are here for families! These sessions are meant to guide families through the consent process and answer any questions related to the APS Pooled Testing Program. No registration is required. Interpretation is available upon request. Please email sangelovski@attleboroschools.com with questions.
Need more help understanding our testing? Family support sessions are available!!
We have Family Support Sessions available!!
- For support with submitting consent forms
- changing or updating consent
- questions and clarifications on the APS pool testing program
APRIL 1st, APRIL 8th and APRIL 29th at 9am and 6pm...see zoom info below.
Please note that Massachusetts has changed its travel order to an advisory. APS will be following this change effective March 29th. For more details, please click the following link: rmd.me/cqNi4KqLE9A
Some of our Brennan Basics!
Breakfast and Snack
What does this mean for me?
- Snacks will not be allowed in the classroom
- Breakfast will not be allowed in the classroom
Where and when will I get breakfast and lunch?
- Breakfast starts at 7:30AM
- Enter via the main entrance. See below diagram
- Once you come in, you cannot leave until homeroom
- We are not allowing a bathroom time during breakfast (you will need to wait until homeroom)
- Lunch will be served as you normally received under hybrid conditions (seating is subject to change)
Drop off and Pick up
Arrival
GENERAL STUDENT ARRIVAL PROCEDURE
Students waiting to enter the building will go to the above grade-level locations with areas specified for each homeroom. Students will wear masks and maintain proper physical distancing while waiting outside.
Staff members will be on duty at 7:45 a.m. with extra masks and hand sanitizer as students are admitted into the building.
At 7:45, students will enter the building single file at least *3 feet apart* (arm’s length) by homeroom via the following entrances:
5th Grade - Gym Foyer Entrance
6th grade - Parking Lot Entrance
7th grade - Main Foyer Entrance
8th grade - Rear Emergency Entrance/Exit
Upon entering the building, students will go directly to their homeroom without using lockers or bathrooms. Once checked in, teachers will follow bathroom protocol for any students requesting access.
Any student needing an ID will be provided a temporary badge by their homeroom teacher.
Dismissal
Students will remain in their Homeroom and dismissed by groups.
Walkers/Car Pick-Up will be called by homerooms
Buses will be called by number
Homeroom teachers will monitor classrooms and designated staff will be at assigned locations to assist students with physical distancing guidelines, as well as safety in the parking lot and crosswalks.
Transported by Bus
Students remain in homerooms with their materials to go home until their bus number is called. Walk single file to the Main Foyer and board the bus.
Transported by Family/Other
Families will pick up students via the normal traffic pattern (see diagram in the “Arrival” section). Additional staff will be on hand to ensure physical distancing guidelines are met.
Walkers
Walkers will be dismissed by homeroom and proceed in a single file to their identified grade level exit. Dismissal order will depend on numbers and the safest way to protect walkers from buses and parent cars.
Substantially Separate SPED Dismissal
Substantially separate students exit the building slightly earlier than others due to specialized busing. We will continue with this practice and utilize the Main Foyer and/or Library entrances to the bus loop to minimize exposure for students unable to wear masks.
Exit Doors
Walkers / Car Pick-up:
5th & 8th Grade … Rear Emergency Exit
6th & 7th Grade … Front Emergency Exit
All bus students will leave via the Main Foyer exit.
Virtual After School Activities & Clubs
Clubs marked **IN-PERSON** will need to be picked up at 4pm. We do not have a late bus at this time.
Art Club with Ms. Korneffel and Miss Jackson - Thursdays
Best Buddies with Miss Jackson, Miss Clark, Mrs. Brannagan, Mrs. Ring and Mrs. Erausquin - Wednesdays
Book Club with Ms. Skoog - Mondays
Math Games with Mrs. Benedetti in person after April break! Tuesday and Thursdays
NJHS with Ms. Korneffel, Mrs. Nourse and Mrs. McGourty on the 2nd Monday of every month
Prism with Mr. MacDonald - Wednesdays
Tutoring 7 and 8th Grade with Ms. McNulty - Mondays in person!!
Tutoring with Mrs. Battisti - Mondays
Tutoring 5 and 6th Grade with Mrs. Brannagan - Tuesdays
**IN-PERSON** Running Club with Miss Clark - Thursdays
**IN-PERSON** Student Council with Mrs. McKenzie - TBA
All clubs run from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Link to sign up and it is available under the student top tab on the Brennan Web Page.
BOP's Corner!! Please Review!!
www.meadowfarms.com
Click "Register" and use our school ID: MF1030012
Thanks for your support!
Brennan Middle School
Email: fsouza@attleboroschools.com
Website: http://bms.attleboroschools.com
Location: 320 Rathbun Willard Drive, Attleboro, MA 02703, USA
Phone: 508-222-6260
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brennanmiddleschool
Twitter: @attleboro_bms