Wednesday's Word
January 26, 2022
What's Inside!
- Kindergarten On-line Registration Open!
- COVID Testing Plans
- COVID-19 Vaccination Status
- COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
- Family Wellness Information
- Message from Norfolk Recreation
- Classroom Happenings
Dear Families,
I wanted to update you on our progress and process in shifting our social studies curriculum to align with the updated Massachusetts History and Social Studies frameworks. As I mentioned in a prior newsletter, this school year we have been revising and updating our curriculum and assessments and incorporating the new social studies resources that were purchased this past summer. This is a significant undertaking by our teachers that takes time and effort to complete. The more we immerse ourselves in the process though, the greater our appreciation grows for the revisions that have been made with the standards and the rich resources we have available that support the teaching of this content area. The specific approach that was taken in planning the focus areas and progressions in the updated Massachusetts History and Social Studies frameworks have created an invaluable opportunity for our students to think like historians, develop critical thinking skills, and use the information learned to make informed decisions about their world. The Social Studies curriculum provides many opportunities for students to conduct research, engage with primary texts and make real-world connections by using all the various skills learned in other subject areas.
If you were to take a walk through any of the classrooms during the social studies block, you would see a variety of ways that students are immersed in the content. They might be listening to and reading firsthand accounts of a person who lived in a time period the students are learning about, discussing and analyzing how major events influenced life in the past and the present, or practicing presenting a research project with a partner. Through these learning opportunities, our students are also consistently developing and refining their skills in perspective taking and engaging in productive discussions.
This is a multifaceted subject, and as a district, we are committed to growing our skills as educators in teaching all aspects of social studies, history, and civics, through an inclusive and equitable lens so that all our students are able to engage with the topics in meaningful ways. Please click on this link if you would like to know more about the topics covered in each grade level.
As always, please feel free to reach out to either myself or your child’s classroom teacher if you have any questions about our social studies curriculum.
Sincerely,
Victoria Saldana
Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
NPS Kindergarten Online Registration is Now Open!
2022 - 2023 Kindergarten information and the online registration form can be accessed by visiting the Norfolk Public Schools' website at www.norfolk.k12.ma.us
To help us plan effectively, please register by February 18th, 2022. For additional questions regarding kindergarten, pease email kregistration@norfolk.k12.ma.us or phone the H. Olive Day School’s main office at 508-541-5475, extension 0.
Covid Testing Plans
The district is continuing to evaluate the new state Covid 19 testing options with our medical team and public health nurses. In the interim, we will be continuing to maintain our district test and stay program and will continue to contact trace and notify families if children are close contacts of a Covid positive individual at school. At our next School Committee meeting on February 9th the Committee will deliberate and decide on which testing option the district will adopt moving forward. If you missed last week’s letter describing the state testing plan proposal, click here to review.
COVID-19 Vaccination Status
If your child has been fully vaccinated (completion of either the Pfizer or Moderna series or two weeks following a single dose of the Johnson and Johnson Janssen vaccine) please send a photocopy of your child’s vaccination card in a sealed envelope to your child’s school nurse. Fully vaccinated students are exempt from test and quarantine requirements. Having a record of each child’s vaccination status will support our nurses with future contract tracing efforts.
H. Olive Day School Nurse- Ann Hurley
Freeman-Kennedy School Nurse- Barbara DiGiacomo
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
The King Philip, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham Schools, in partnership with Cataldo Ambulance, will be hosting a regional vaccination clinic for students, staff and families who wish to receive a first dose or a booster.
WHEN: Tuesday, February 8, 2022
TIME: 3:00-6:00 PM Appointment Registration Required in Advance Registration/Consent/Attestation Link
(No walk- ins during these hours)
6:00-7:00 PM Walk-ins only - up to 60 people
WHERE: King Philip Middle School Cafeteria, 18 King Street, Norfolk
For those receiving a 1st dose, a 2nd dose appointment
will be schedule for a clinic to be held on:
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
3:00-7:00 PM
Key Information:
Wear a mask when you get your vaccine.
Please arrive no more than 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
Keep in mind that children often require more time to vaccinate than adults. Appointments are scheduled to allow for this.
When a guest is getting a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine they will receive a text message and an email immediately following their vaccination. These communications are automated and this is the only way 2nd doses can be scheduled for our second clinic.
You do not need an ID or health insurance to get a vaccine.
The vaccine is free for everyone.
FAMILY WELLNESS INFORMATION
Options for COVID-19 Testing Outside of School
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen At- home Tests
Families and individuals have struggled to locate rapid antigen at-home tests for COVID-19. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests provided by the Department of Health and Human Services and the US Postal Service.
To order and for related testing information, https://www.covidtests.gov
For COVID-19 testing information, please visit https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing.
To find a testing location in Massachusetts, https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test
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HandHold MA
Worried about your child’s mental health? Not sure where to start or who can help? Visit HandholdMA.org, a family friendly website created by the Department of Mental Health, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and the Office of the Child Advocate for parents of school-aged children in Massachusetts.
Family Wellness Resources Website
Created for the families of the Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham and King Philip Schools. Information and resources related to mental health, substance use, parent supports, basic needs such as food access, and more.
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP is our nation’s most effective anti-hunger tool – providing key assistance to families & individuals so they can achieve self-sufficiency. @ProjectBread’s FoodSource Hotline counselors at 1-800-645-8333 can let you know if you’re eligible, and help you apply. #StartWithSNAP
A Messsage from Norfolk Recreation Department
Dogs Now Prohibited From Norfolk’s Playing Fields
Effective immediately, dogs are prohibited on or at the playing fields at any time that fall under the jurisdiction of the Norfolk Recreation Commission. This includes the fields at the Freeman-Kennedy School and the Pond Street Recreational Complex. Dogs are already prohibited on playgrounds.
Dogs on a leash will be permitted on the walking track that encircles the fields at the Pond Street Recreational Complex.
This discussion and subsequent decision were made after an incident was reported to the Recreation Commission by Officer Cohen, Norfolk’s Animal Control Officer, involving a young child being harmed by a dog on Norfolk’s playing fields. After lengthy discussion by the Recreation Commission which included input from Officer Cohen, Norfolk’s Animal Control Officer, other towns, as well as recognizing that many conscientious dog owners obey the rules, the Commission agreed that the decision to prohibit dogs comes down to protecting the health and safety of all residents and field users, especially the children who are most vulnerable.
Violations are ticketable offenses with fines up to $100 and will be enforced.
Ann R. Proto
Town of Norfolk, MA 02056
Mrs. Logan's class proudly displaying their D.A.R.E. Certificate of Achievement! Congratulations 6th graders!!
HOD students had an unexpected visitor at recess last week! A Snowy White Owl!
Norfolk Public Schools
Email: allardi@norfolk.k12.ma.us
Website: norfolk.k12.ma.us
Location: 70 Boardman Street, Norfolk, MA, USA
Phone: 508-528-1225