The VES Bluebird
December 2019
We have been so busy at VES. Our final weeks of school will be filled with winter and holiday activities including music concerts, our holiday gift fair, class parties and a whole school meeting and sing along. Our VES family wishes you the very best for a happy holiday season and a Happy New Year! Enjoy this special time with your friends and loved ones.
Don't forget that Friday, December 20th is an early dismissal day! School ends at 1:30. Parent Pickup will begin at 1:15.
Upcoming Important Dates
January 17: Early Dismissal at 1:30 for Staff Professional Development Day
January 20: Schools Closed in observance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 25: Lunar New Year
February 14: Early Dismissal at 1:30 for Staff Professional Development Day
February 17: School Closed in observance of Presidents Day
Emergency School Closing Information
In the event of inclement weather, hazardous road conditions or any other emergencies requiring the closing of schools for one day, phone messages will be used to notify families. You may also check the following:
- District Website: www.mtsd.k12.nj.us
- Message Line: 609-466-7610
In the event of an emergency school closing, the 6-day rotation cycle will remain unchanged. For example, if there is an emergency closing/snow day on Day 1, the following school day will remain Day 2. Missed days will be made up later in the school year. Please refer to the district calendar for details.
VES Gives Back- UNICEF and YSI
VES is also gearing up for another Young Scholars Institute delivery early next week. Classes have worked really hard to contribute donations, food, and gifts for children and families in the Trenton area. We have been supporting this worthwhile program for more than 25 years. Stay tuned for more updates and pictures to come in the next edition on the VES Bluebird newsletter. Thank you for helping us to make the holidays a little brighter for a Young Scholar!
News from the Health Office
With the winter cold and flu season imminent, you often read advice of how to keep your children healthy. Unfortunately, children become ill and parents are faced with the question when is it necessary to keep my child home from school?
Children are more likely than adults to get sick and spread germs and yet, parents cannot discount the importance of their child’s school attendance.
It is recommended that you keep your child home when they have a fever, heavy cold symptoms (persistent cough, excessive nasal secretions) vomiting, diarrhea or a generalized body rash. These are indicators that your child is contagious and should minimize contact with others. Your child may return to school after they are symptom-free for a 24-hour period without the use of medications.
Medicating your child before sending off to school masks symptoms and exposes others to illness and may even prolong the time your child is sick. Illnesses are generally the most contagious during the first few days. Besides the obvious indications of fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, it may be difficult to decipher your child’s symptoms to determine if they should attend school or stay home.
If your child experiences a fever, unusual tiredness with body aches, uncontrolled coughing, an unexplained rash, or a severe sore throat, they should stay home to allow for rest and a speedy recovery before they return to school.
As their parent you are the best judge of their needs. Children who are too ill to participate in learning activities in school are better helped by taking a day or so to recuperate so they may return to their classrooms healthy and ready to learn.
In the event you are having trouble deciphering your child’s illness and their ability to attend school, please touch base with your child’s primary care physician or the school nurse. The school nurse is a great resource in determining if your child’s symptoms warrant time at home to recover. Also, when reporting your child’s absence, please detail the illness symptoms so the nurse can successfully track prevalent trends.
Minimizing the spread of illness protects others who may have a difficult time battling the cold or flu. And remember — thorough handwashing is the most effective prevention from spreading germs. Stay healthy!
Cold Weather and Recess
Please expect that we are planning for outdoor recess and dress your child accordingly. Hats, gloves, scarf, a heavy jacket and appropriate footwear are MUST HAVES!