Summer Street School Family Updates
November 23, 2020
Letter from the Principal
Dear Families,
The rollercoaster of 2020 continues. Many of you endured a power outage and a downpour as you readied the children for school. Yet the children all arrived at school. My daughter's roommate tested positive for Covid and so my daughter won't be joining us for Thanksgiving. However, my son arrived last night and will spend a month with me. This Thanksgiving, as we cope with all highs and lows of the year and the people we are missing, I'll be thinking of you. Wishing you all the joy and gratitude you can muster to have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Karen
Upcoming Dates
November 25: Early release, dismissal at noon
November 26: No School, Thanksgiving
November 27: No School
Report Card Timeline
Due to the later start to the school year, the administrative team at the elementary level has decided to adjust the school terms and report cards associated with the school terms. This year, the parent conferences will serve as the first reporting of student progress and achievement. The second term will end on January 15 and report cards will be sent on January 29. There will be progress reports sent to families on March 31st. The final report cards will be mailed to families on June 24th.
Travel Policy
If a student travels outside of the approved lower-risk states by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, either of the following two conditions must be met before a student can return to the school building:
1. Produce a negative COVID-19 test result from a test that is administered on the 5th day after arrival back into the state of Massachusetts. The result of this test must be given to Toni Rebelo, the COVID Liaison, before returning to the building. (The COVID-19 test must be the PCR test. We do not accept the rapid antigen test)
2. Quarantine for 14 days from the date of arrival back into the state of Massachusetts.
Example:
Travel to high risk state: Nov 1 - Nov 5
COVID-19 Test: 5 days AFTER arrival = Nov 10
Return to School: Receipt of the negative test result must be confirmed by Toni Rebelo before the start of the school day. Students with tests received mid-day will be eligible to return to school the following day.
It's getting cold outside!
In addition, it is chilly in the classroom because we need to crack the windows open for ventilation. Wearing layers will be a good way for children to be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Notes from the Nurse
Flu shot update
The Lynnfield Board of Health in conjunction with the Lynnfield Public School Nurses, have been fortunate enough to be able to offer two Children's Flu Clinic over the last four weeks This has been done as State public health officials require that influenza immunization will be required for all children 6 months of age or older who are attending Massachusetts child care, pre-school, kindergarten, K-12, and colleges and universities. The new vaccine requirement is an important step to reduce flu-related illness and the overall impact of respiratory illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students will be expected to have received a flu vaccine by December 31, 2020 for the 2020-2021 influenza season, unless either a medical or religious exemption is provided. Also exempted are K-12 students who are home-schooled and higher education students who are completely off-campus and engaged in remote learning only. This new flu immunization requirement to enter school in January is in addition to existing vaccine requirements for all those attending child care, preschool, K-12, and colleges and universities in Massachusetts. Elementary and secondary students in districts and schools that are using a remote education model are not exempt.
If your child has received their influenza shot, please forward a copy of the note from your doctor to your student's school.
Missing Attestation Forms
Social Emotional Learning
This is a great resource for families. I encourage you to read it!
If the students talk about the "Summer Street Shoutouts", this is the work of Ms. Hunt as well who is working hard to develop joy and gratitude at Summer Street. Here is her note:
I put up a "Summer Street Shoutouts" bulletin board outside of the APR as a way to recognize all the hard work/positives of staff and students that may otherwise go unnoticed! There are thought bubbles in pouches on the bulletin board to write down the shoutout- these are meant for staff AND students! I'm also going to be bringing around some thought bubbles to each class so students have the opportunity to fill them out during mindful time/a free moment if they would like.
Technology
The response time is within 24-48 hours. Thank you!
Dismissal
Dismissal: Thank you to all the families who made signs! It helps tremendously.
For parents who do not yet have signs in their dashboards with the family name, please put large signs (8x11 or 8x17) in clear bold lettering to help us match students with your cars. That way, students can be ready for you.
Also, please refrain from using cell phones when you are in line. I am always worried about student safety and distracted drivers. Thank you.