Parent Update
Watch us SOAR!
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I am excited to be representing MA principals in Washington, DC this week. As the President of the MA School Administrators' Association, I am attending the National School Leaders' Conference and will be spending the day on Wednesday at Capital Hill advocating for funding and supports related to mental health, social emotional learning, and educator staffing shortages, as well as other relevant topics. I am proud to be able to share stories from our MA schools to help make the personal connections for legislators and advocate for all students and educators.
Clough staff have been keeping me in the loop about all the amazing things that I am missing while being here. And I have still been recording my morning video announcements so the students still "see" me and hear from me. This morning I told them all about the amazing monuments here that I was able to walk through and explore yesterday.
Here are a few quick updates:
- I am excited that Wendy O'Leary, a local author, educator and public speaker with expertise in emotional well-being for children and adults, will be providing some free training for Clough. I have worked with Wendy in the past, both with trainings for educators and students, and also trainings for parents. I hope you will try to join us virtually on the evening of April 4th at 6:30 to hear about helping our kids deal with big feelings. As a mom, this has been a helpful training for me! See more information below or on the flyers that were sent home.
- April 11 - We will be inviting 4th grade parents/guardians to come into school at 2:00 on April 11 for our Writing Celebration. We have spent 10 weeks working with our writer-in-residence Motoko to help all of our 4th graders write trickster tales. We can't wait to celebrate their amazing writing!
- We have been registering kindergarteners and preparing for the future of Clough! If you have not registered your child yet, please make sure to go to the website to start the process.
- ELA MCAS for 3rd and 4th grade will be happening next week. I sent out a separate MCAS specific update to 3rd grade and 4th grade parents.
- We will be seeking parent feedback through the form of a survey created by the Clough School Council. Be on the lookout for a Google form where parents can help us identify what we are doing well as a school and what we need to work on.
- Our core value this month is RESPECT. Students will be discussing respect during KCR time. Can't wait to hear all the discussions about demonstrating respect at school and at home.
- Thank you to everyone who attended our Family Literacy Night! Camping in Clough was so much fun!
Thank you for your continued partnership this school year!
Sincerely,
Liz Garden
Clough Principal
Book Order Forms
Notes from the Nurse...
Even though we are in March we still have confirmed cases of the flu, Covid-19, strep throat and the stomach bug. I would like to remind everyone of the importance of good hand washing. A good rule of thumb when washing your hands is to sing “The Alphabet song”. Do not rinse off the soap until you're done singing the song! Remember to always wash your hands prior to touching your face, eating, after using the bathroom and/or coughing or sneezing into your hands. (Try sneezing or coughing into your elbow if no tissues are around). If you or your child begins to have diarrhea and/or vomiting remember to stay hydrated. Small frequent sips of fluids work better than big gulps of fluids. Children should remain home until they have gone 24 hours without diarrhea or vomiting.
When your child is sick he/she is more vulnerable to other illnesses. Keep your child home until they are fever free for 24 hours without medication, have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and/or have their stamina back. Remember it’s not too late to get vaccinated for the flu or Covid-19.
Make sure your child is wearing appropriate clothing and jackets on the cold days.
Staying hydrated is essential for good health. Remember to send in fresh water daily with your student. Feel free to donate water bottles to the classroom teacher or nurse's office in case your child forgets.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s health please don’t hesitate to contact me. Please send in updated physicals as your children have their appointments.
Stay Healthy!
Tara Bellefontaine RN, MHS,BSN
508-634-9179
New State Behavioral Health Help Line:
The Department of Mental Health has launched a new Behavioral Health Help Line that people can call or text at 833-773-2445. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in more than 200 languages. The help line can help individuals and families navigate the behavioral health system and access treatment, including mobile crisis services. District and school leaders are asked to please share this resource with staff, families, and students, where helpful. For more information, please see the FAQ. Anyone with questions or concerns about the help line can email the help line director at Mio.Tamanaha@mass.gov.
Important Dates to Remember
April
April 4 - Free Parent Workshop online at 6:30 with Wendy O'Leary
April 4 and 5 - ELA MCAS in 3rd and 4th grade
April 6 - Community Reader Day at Clough
April 7 - Half day, dismissal @ 12:05, PD in the afternoon for teachers
April 11 - 4th Grade Writing Celebration @ 2:00
April 17-21 - Spring Break, No School
Connect with Us!
Email: lgarden@mursd.org
Website: https://www.mursd.org/o/henry-p-clough-elementary
Location: 10 North Avenue, Mendon, MA, USA
Phone: 508-634-1580
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HPClough-Elementary-School-102887309160164
Twitter: @HPClough