ECDC Newsletter
DECEMBER 2020
A Message from the Principal, "Miss Kelty"
Hello ECDC Families!
I must begin by saying how excited and proud I am that we have made it to December 22nd, our last school day before winter break, without a COVID shut down! This is absolutely a credit to each and every member of the ECDC community, staff and families alike. The diligence with which, together, we follow our cleaning regimen and our daily health checks have helped us to keep the virus at bay.
At this point in time, Franklin and most of the surrounding communities are in the “red,” and as a school community, we must not falter in our diligence. We all know and understand the risk involved with traveling and gathering inside with others who are not members of our own households. I also recognize that each of us will continue to make difficult decisions this holiday season, I just ask that if you choose to gather or to travel, that you follow the CDC and FPS guidelines before returning to school. As always, if you have ANY DOUBTS that your child should be in school because of exposure to, symptoms of or a diagnosis of COVID 19, please keep them home! This will be particularly important for the first week of January.
Please watch your email for a message from Dr. Ahern regarding whom to contact over winter break if you have any questions about potential exposure or risk and if or when your child can return to school. I will also be working one or two days and checking email periodically.
2020 Remote Learning Plan: Weather emergency and COVID shutdowns
At this point in the year I am feeling pretty confident that we will not have to shut down for an extended period of time! Our hope, and expectation, is to remain "in person" for the duration of the year, with the possibility of a short shutdown due to COVID. You can read the full plan at this link.
Last week we were able to test the waters with our "snow day" shutdown on Thursday. Although it was not perfect, I think it was a good opportunity to fine tune our plans. It is important that you share any feedback you can with me, or your child's classroom teacher.
If you were not able to participate because do not have a device (other than a phone) or if you do not have access to WIFI in your home, please let us know as we may be able to help you!
ECDC Update to School Committee
On December 22nd I will be presenting an update to the school committee. Over the next several months, there will be a presentation at each level within our PK-12 district, addressing Social Emotional Learning, Teaching and Learning, Communication and anything that is unique to a particular level. You can click here to view my presentation. To log into the school committee meeting, which starts at 7pm, you will need to open the School Committee Agenda for 12/22/2020 and then click on the Zoom meeting link.
Exploring Nature in the Dark
Winter is wonderful to teach your child about the sky and the stars! This is the only time of year, for most of your little ones, that they will be awake when it is dark outside. Here are a few ideas to make this time special:
Moon shadow hunt: Have you ever noticed moon shadows? I love stepping outside and looking around to see the shadows made by the light of the moon, particularly a nearly full moon! Maybe take your little one outside, or just look through the window! You could even read Owl Moon by Jane Yolen (one of my favorites-if the words are too much for your little one, just use the pictures to tell the story)!
Star gazing: Have you ever just laid on the grass and stared at the stars in the warmth of the summer? How about bundling in those winter clothes and laying in the snow to see what you can see? This is a great way to be mindful and use your senses to observe. Ask your little one what they hear, what the smell, what they see and what they feel. I recently downloaded the SKY GUIDE app (it was free) and I will often pull that out and point it in the direction I am looking and it tells me what I am looking at!
The Moon: Children often learn that the moon only comes out at night, but this really is not true. Wintertime is perfect for noticing the moon in the daytime--where is it? When do you see it or not see it? Does it look different in the day and the nighttime?
To capture these magical moments with your little ones, you can make a journal, just a book of blank pages, and encourage your little one to draw what they see. It may not look like much to you, but then ask them what they drew. Or, print out some pictures you take of your little one in the journal and invite them to add to the picture. Then use your child's words to put their ideas, their captions on their artwork!
Enjoy the dark, enjoy the twinkle of the stars, enjoy the moon as you ENJOY this precious time with your little ones!
Miss Kelty
Please feel free to reach out to me at Kelleyk@franklinps.net , our school nurse, Suzanne Roma (romas@franklinps.net ), our School Psychologist, Jennifer Curry (curryj@franklinps.net) and/or our team chair, Sarah Martin martinsa@franklinps.net , as well your child's class room teaching teams for support and guidance.
Miss Kelty's Weekly Video Check-in's
Remember, there are also LOTS of fun videos on our YouTube channel for you your little ones to explore and enjoy!
ECDC Parent Communication Council (PCC)
Quick Bits from your PCC
We had a productive virtual PCC meeting on Dec 7th.
We discussed some quick, simple fundraising ideas; such as, "Shopping with Scrip" and having monthly restaurant dine-out nights.
Our Papa Gino's night last week was a great success! Thank you to all who participated and helped to spread the word!
Our next restaurant night is Jan 13th at Chipotle so mark your calendars!
Some additional fundraising ideas we are looking into are through Stop & Shop A+ Rewards and Scholastic Book Fair.
We would love to hear your ideas for fundraisers and/or possible enrichment programs, so please join us for our next meeting being held Jan 11th at 7pm via Google Meet.
And don't forget to pickup your delicious pies on Wednesday December 23rd!!!
Happy Holidays and New Year,
Your ECDC PCC Board Members
Lindsay and Heather
Are you new to ECDC, or haven't yet subscribed to our PCC Newsletter? Click here to opt-in and stay in the know! https://franklin-ecdc.groupvine.com/subscribe
Notes from Nurse Suzanne
Winter Clothing:
The official start of winter will soon be upon us! Your children are enjoying their outdoor playtime in colder and often snowier conditions. Just a reminder to send in winter play clothes with your child- a jacket, snow pants, boots, mittens, and hats. It is fine to send them in a separate bag as they often don't fit in backpacks. While I do have a small supply of items on hand for borrowing, some things (especially boots!) don't always fit well. If your child is in need of winter clothing, please contact me.
COVID-19 Updates related to Franklin Public Schools:
Recently I and a few of the other Franklin Public School nurses came together with Ann Marie Tracey- the town’s Marketing and Communication Specialist to discuss some COVID-19 updates and information related to our school community. The podcast was aired as an episode of FPS Voice and is now available.
We share important information on:
- FPS Dismissal Procedures
- Reporting of Absences
- Testing and Timelines
- Travel Information
- Over the Counter Medicine
- Where to find information!
Listen here: https://anchor.fm/fpsvoice/episodes/Get-the-Facts-from-the-Franklin-Public-School-Nurses-enpre1
Flu Vaccine:
Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will now require an influenza (flu) vaccine, for the current flu season, for all students.
Influenza vaccine is always important to receive to reduce the risk of getting sick with influenza. It reduces the severity of disease if one does get sick (including the risk of hospitalization) due to influenza, as well as preventing the spread of influenza to others.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the influenza vaccine will be especially critical to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness on the population, protect vulnerable populations from severe illness, and decrease the overall burden on the healthcare system.
This immunization is required for ALL modules of learning, including remote.
Documentation of this vaccine should be submitted to me by 12/31/20.
Contact me with any questions or concerns: romas@franklinps.net
Daily Mask Check-in:
Is your child’s mask:
fitting properly?
Covers your child’s nose and mouth without a gap.
Adult surgical masks can be resized to fit a child (see video)
Stays in place when your child is actively moving around.
Allows your child to breathe comfortably.
clean?
Was it washed after it was last used? (In washing machine or hand washed with soap and water)
Does it look clean on the inside? (no leftover bits of snacks, spaghetti sauce, etc)
acceptable under the FPS guidelines (see image below)
For more information please visit: https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/health-safety
Suggestions from Boston Children’s Hospital: https://discoveries.childrenshospital.org/kids-masks-covid/
Planning for the fall of 2021
Here are some highlights of our efforts to facilitate the transition:
Kindergarten in 2021
- All students who will be 5 by August 31st are eligible to enroll in kindergarten. Students who are kindergarten eligible are NOT able to enroll again at ECDC.
- ECDC families will be provided registration kindergarten packets after the new year (no need to attend any Kindergarten Registration events).
- All health records will be gathered here at ECDC by Nurse Suzanne and shared with the school where your child will be attending.
- Kindergarten teams will have the opportunity to observe ECDC students as well as meet with ECDC team members to learn about each of their incoming students.
- Families of students with IEPs will have an opportunity to discuss and being to plan for your child's transition at the next annual IEP meeting.
Returning to ECDC
- Students who are 3 by August 31st and not yet 5 by the same date are eligible to re-enroll at ECDC
- Applications are now available
- Program options will reflect a pre-COVID schedule
- ECDC teaching teams will share information with each other to support and transition students to a new teacher, if necessary
- Students on IEPs may not have register, please check with your child's teacher regarding the transition process
Coffee and Conversation with Miss Kelty
Please join Principal Kelty Kelley for a virtual conversation about all things ECDC.
You can connect with other families,
as well as share your thoughts, joys and concerns.
.
February 9th @ 10: Topic: Kindergarten Transition
April 29th @ 10 Topic: TBD
Google Meet Link:
Please RSVP to Laura in the main office by calling
508-541-8166
or by emailing flanaganla@franklinps.net
Do you have a topic you wish to discuss such as transitions, curriculum, kindergarten, anxiety, etc.?
Please email your ideas to kelleyk@franklinps.net
Connections for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Join us virtually this school year via Google Meet:
https://meet.google.com/ggm-dqnt-esy?hs=122&authuser=0
7:30 pm on
February 4th
April 15th
June 3rd
This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to make
Connections; to share fears and concerns about what
challenges they face and what strategies have been
successful; and to gather information about additional
resources available to the community.
Please RSVP to flanaganla@franklinps.net
Weekend Food Program Available
All children in the Franklin Elementary Schools and ECDC are eligible, all you have to do is sign up.
For more information or to sign up, please contact Nurse Suzanne at Romas@franklinps.net .
ECDC School Council 20-21
The ECDC School Council is a group of educators and parents who work together with the principal to provide guidance and input into such processes as the development of a School Improvement Plan and the articulation of a school budget and operating in the time of COVID-19.
20-21 Members:
Miss Elizabeth (Reynard)
Miss Linda (Cournoyer)
Sarah Parmenter, Parent
Nicole Irabor, Parent
Miss Suzanne (Roma) , School Nurse
Open Parent Position--please reach out for information on joining our team!
School Council Meeting Schedule
All meetings for the 20-21 year will be held virtually
on Mondays from 1:45-3pm
December 14th: Meeting Notes Linked Here
February 1st
March 22nd
May 10th
The council met on December 14th, virtually via Google Meet and the minutes are linked above. This year we have expanded our council from 5 (including me) to 7, allowing for 3 staff and 3 family representatives. It made sense this year, given the pandemic, to include our school nurse on the ECDC School Council. We have ONE OPEN position for a parent/guardian, so please reach out if you would like to join our team!
We will be running a contest, beginning in January, to solicit a visual representation for our ECDC Core Values! If you want to start thinking...here they are...
Gift Ideas for Kids (adapted from Pocket of Preschool)
Gift Ideas for the Holidays:
As the holidays approach, consider gifts that support your child's learning, through open-ended games and toys. This is a list of great options, but you are your child's greatest gift and learning tool--your attention, your love, your time. This poem is a great reminder as we enter the holiday rush:
I tried to teach my child with books,
he gave me only puzzled looks.
I tried to teach my child with words,
they passed him by oft unheard.
Despairingly I turned aside, how shall I teach this child?,
I cried. Into my hand he placed the key, come,
he said, and play with me.
After all, it is not the size or the price of the the gift that matters, instead it is the connections they foster. As a mom of now young adults, let me assure you, that it is this connection, and those playful moments around the holidays that brings them home!
Blocks and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Legos, wood blocks, magnet blocks (an ECDC favorite), log blocks, train tracks, marble works, letter blocks, cars, trucks, trains, planes, animals, castle sets, tub connectors, tools
Arts and Crafts
Fun paper, smelly markers, paint, pipe cleaners, beads, art supply kits, art easel, stamps, desk, craft sets, letter stamps stickers, tape, beads
Puzzles
Wooden puzzles, floor puzzles, foam puzzles, alphabet and counting puzzles, traditional puzzles, pattern blocks, gears, transforming toys and letters
Games
Board games, card games, dominos, memory games
Science and STEM
Slime kits, rock kits, microscopes, telescopes, live bug kits (ant farm, butterflies)
Pretend Play Props
Play food, kitchens, vet kit, doctor kit, dress up clothes, construction kits, dolls and figurines and doll houses (fires stations, train stations and more)
Books
Your child's favorite author, favorite character, topic, fiction and non-fiction, real life pictures
Sensory and Fine Motor
Playdough and tools, playdough kits, sand, kinetic sand (less messy), sand toys
Gross Motor
Trampoline (out door or indoor), bike, trike, scooter, tent or tent tunnels for inside or outside, stepping stone, balance beam, hula hoops, playground equipment, balls
Stock up on your ECDC Spirit Wear!
You can now purchase shirts, sweatshirt, blankets, and even masks with the ECDC Logo right here! COVID friendly shipping, Items ship directly to you.
You can pick from many different styles and colors!
This year we have added fleece jackets for adults and base ball caps, both of which have a bit different logo as they are embroidered on!
Port Authority Fleece Jacket (adult )
Sweatshirt (youth and adult)
Baseball Cap
Volunteering May be Restricted Due to Covid--But We Will Find a Way!
Here at ECDC we have traditionally offered LOTS of ways to have parents and guardians involved our school and in your student's learning. With Covid restrictions limiting visitors to our building, our school team will have to get creative to find ways to maintain those opportunities.
- Talk to your teacher about volunteering in the classroom; she will find the "just right" way for you to volunteer that works for her classroom and your child (give us some time this year to figure out just what this can look like).
- Share a passion, a talent or a tradition with the students at ECDC (this could be done virtually)
- Consider joining our PCC (Parent Communication Council), our School Council, or attending our Connections for Parents of Children with Special Needs. Even if you are working, we can get creative and find a way for you to be involved!
- Help with our ECDC Community Garden...We can expect needing help in the with garden clean up in both the fall and spring and help with the planting as well!
If we get to a point where volunteers would be welcomed in the school (or on school grounds) all volunteers MUST attend a Volunteer Training their first year. In addition, all volunteers must complete a CORI form and sign the Confidentiality statement as well every year.
F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center
Kelty Kelley, Principal, M.Ed.
"There is no hand so small that it cannot leave an imprint on the world!" Klub Kidz
Visit our YouTube Channel @FranklinECDC
Email: kelleyk@franklinps.net
Website: https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc
Location: 224 Oak Street, Franklin, MA, USA
Phone: 508-541-8166
Twitter: @FranklinECDC