Aiken Update
May 14, 2021
Message from the Principal
As we enter the last month of school and begin to reflect on the year, it is easy to start by identifying all of the challenges. There is no doubt that there were many, however, we have also found a myriad of unexpected silver linings. One of these has most certainly been the use of our outdoor space. Aiken is so fortunate to have such expansive, quiet and well maintained grounds that were always underutilized. The pandemic has forced us to think outside of the box and we are using our outdoor space more than ever before. At any given moment, you will see students eating lunch outside, going on nature walks, listening to read alouds, singing in the amphitheater, doing art in the courtyard, writing and sitting outside for morning meeting.
Yesterday, Ms. Jill, a teacher in our ELC, sent me a picture that she titled, "Music on the Green." In the picture, which you can see below, some of her ELC students are eagerly standing at the fence listening to one of our 5th grade instrumental groups as they practiced outside. When she was taking the picture, one student turned to another and said, "Wow, they are really good!" In a year of so many hard times, it is the small moments like these that continue to make my heart swell.
Have a great weekend,
Shannon
Updates and Events from the Office of Equity Advancement
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Fundraiser
Congratulations to Mrs. Bohle's Class!
1,2,3 Read With Me
State Assessments
Dear Aiken School Families,
During the months of April and May, the West Hartford Public Schools will be administering the annual state assessments in English/Language Arts (ELA) and Math to all students in grades 3-5. Next week, we will also administer the state Science assessment to students in grades 5. The state assessment results are one of many indicators of student performance and growth. The results of these assessments inform our continuous work to enhance the West Hartford curriculum and improve instruction.
You have the opportunity to see the types of test questions or even take the practice test online at the following website:
https://ct.portal.cambiumast.com/
Here is a short tutorial to help you and your child log in to start the practice test.
SBAC/NGSS Practice Test Log In Directions Video
I encourage you to give it a try!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding the state assessments.
Amy Schmelder
PowerSchool Parent Portal
Moving this Summer?
Moving this Summer?
As we begin the process of grouping students into classes for the 2021-2022 school year, it is helpful to know now if your child will not be returning to Aiken in the fall. Please call the school office and let us know! 860-233-6994.
Travel Guidelines
Domestic Travel:
CT’s travel guidance has changed and we have reflected that on our Covid Dashboard. While it is no longer a state requirement and mandate, we continue to ask that anyone traveling please demonstrate a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine for ten days before returning to in-person instruction. Thank you for continuing to work together to keep everyone healthy and safe.
International Travel:
The CDC recommends that you do not travel at this time. If you must travel, CDC guidance (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html) requires that if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested no more than 3 days before you travel by air into the United States and show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight, or be prepared to show documentation of recovery (proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel).
In order to return and engage in in-person classes at our schools after international travel, WHPS follows the CDC recommendation that students and staff members:
Get tested 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel.
Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.
If your test is positive, follow the Health District's guidance and isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
If you don’t get tested, you must stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
If quarantined, please contact your student's school principal for instructional guidance.
FREE Breakfast and Lunch Extended Until June
FREE breakfast and lunch has been approved for ALL students of the West Hartford Public Schools through June 2021. You may be thinking about what WHPS children will do for meals during the school year as a student participating in the hybrid model or in the Remote Learning Experience. The good news is that due to a change in the U.S. Department of Agriculture regulation ALL students are now eligible for FREE breakfast and lunch. There are no income requirements, and any student of the West Hartford Public Schools (WHPS) may enjoy a bagged breakfast and/or lunch. The following outlines information about In-Person/In-School meal service and “Grab and Go” pick-up meal service and other community food programs. please click here for more information.