The Common, Edition #17

Jeffery Dees, Elementary Principal, Wellesley MA Public Schools

Mr. Dees has been an elementary Principal in the public schools of Wellesley and, earlier, in Sudbury and on Cape Cod, for fourteen years. His career in education began as a teacher in grades four and five in Bentonville, Arkansas. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Arkansas Tech University, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas.

Kristin Moffat, Assistant Principal, Sudbury MA Public Schools

Ms. Moffat has served as the Assistant Principal at an elementary school in the Sudbury and Westford Public Schools for twenty-one years. Prior to beginning her administrative career, she was a fifth grade teacher in schools in Framingham and Chesterfield, VA. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree in Elementary Education and Geography from Framingham State College (now University), and a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration from the University of Virginia.

I hope you all have a wonderful vacation week and we will see the students back at school on Monday, February 27th!

Peace,

Kirk Downing

(He/Him)

“Be your best self. Pave your path. Impact the world.”

Every year, each public school and school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the school and district report card is designed to show families how our school and district are performing in different areas. A link to our district report card, along with each of our school report cards, can be found on our Teaching and Learning site, linked here.

These report cards include multiple measures of school and district performance by providing information on student achievement, teacher qualifications, student learning opportunities, and more. Report cards are designed to be useful tools for everyone connected to our learning community. Families can use the information to have meaningful conversations with us about what their child's school is doing well and where there is room for improvement. Community and education leaders can use the information to better understand how to support students, our schools, and our district.

As we look ahead, we will continue to work towards continual improvement for all students and encourage you to become involved in helping us improve. We see parents and families as critical partners in the success of our students, and we are grateful for your continued support. If you have questions about your child's school report card or would like to become involved in school improvement activities, please feel free to reach out to the principal of your child's school. To search for other schools report cards, visit this link.

Recently, there have been several confirmed cases of strep throat and COVID-19 across the district. COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes on a person or by talking. Strep throat can be caused by respiratory droplets or direct contact. The most important step to stop the spread of illness is proper hand washing and staying home when you are sick.

Some common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever, chills

• Cough and/or shortness of breath

• Runny nose or congestion

• Muscle or body aches

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

• Sore throat

Some common symptoms of Strep throat include:

• Sore throat

• Pain with swallowing

• Fever

• Red and swollen tonsils

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Stomach pain

• Can also include nausea and/or vomiting

If your child has developed symptoms of COVID-19 or strep throat, please reach out to your child's pediatrician for an evaluation. Your child should stay home from school until they are fever free without the use of medication and/or vomiting or diarrhea free for 24 hours. If your child receives a diagnosis of COVID-19 or strep throat, please contact your school nurse about their return to school.

What should you do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and strep throat?

• Thoroughly wash your hands and your child’s hands after any contact with mouth and nasal secretions and before eating or preparing food.

• Wash all dishes in hot, soapy water or the dishwasher.

• Do not allow the sharing of food or allow children to share cups, straws, spoons, or toys that are put into the mouth. In the bathroom: keep toothbrushes separate, do not share face cloths, or use a common glass in the bathroom.

• Complete the entire course of antibiotics for strep throat.

Please visit the following websites to learn more about COVID-19 and strep throat:

https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/about-covid-19.html

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/infections/Pages/Group-A-Streptococcal-Infections.asp

Celebrating everyday greatness! Is there a Nashoba teacher or staff member out there who you think deserves some special recognition? Send a Nashoba Notable Award their way! Fill out the form below and thank a Nashoba employee today!

Nashoba Notable Awards thank Nashoba employees for supporting students, families, and their school communities in all ways great and small.

Employees will receive a certificate that includes a brief explanation from the nominator of why they are Nashoba Notable. This form is open to everyone. Students, families, staff and community members can send a Nashoba Notable Award to any Nashoba employee.

There is no limit to the number of Nashoba Notable Awards someone may receive. Thank a Nashoba employee today!

Click here to tell someone they are Nashoba Notable!

Future Freshman Night

Class of 2027

DECA officers welcoming the Class of 2027 at Future Freshman Night

LBMS students reflect on our Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate competencies: Communication, Creativity, Empathy, Culturally Competent Global Citizenship, Learners Mindset & Perseverance and add their voices to our Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate Video Project.

FSS first graders learning about "Light and the Color Spectrum" with the Children's Discovery Museum

Teachers in grades K-5 examining student data