Next Friday, Feb. 4 is our “Red Out” for National Wear Red Day in recognition of Heart Health Month. Don’t forget to wear your RED!

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming back! The book fair will open on Friday, Feb. 11. Books are a great way to show your love for that special little someone… and they have zero calories!

High School students will be delivering “Singing Valentines” on Monday, Feb. 14. Look for the order form next week so that you can surprise your Valentine with a sweet song and a sweet treat!

Because you are special to us, Priority Enrollment is being offered Feb. 1 - Feb. 15. Enrollment packets for 2022-2023 are being released to current MSA families on Monday, January 31. So what does "Priority Enrollment" mean?

• Two weeks set aside specifically for our current families to re-enroll and receive priority placement in a program over new "outside" applicants. Secure your child’s spot before enrollment is opened to our waiting lists or new applicants.

• Feb. 1 - Feb. 15

• Special opportunities for parents of “risers” (students moving to a new level next school year) to see the classrooms in action

• Observations may be scheduled during this two-week period by calling the main office (864-226-5344) or emailing admissions directors, Melissa Hightower (mhightower@msasc.org) for Toddler & Primary or Amber Lockhart (alockhart@msasc.org) for Lower Elementary through High School.

• Reduced Enrollment Fee

• Current MSA students who are re-enrolled during the "Priority Enrollment" period (2/1-2/15) will pay a reduced enrollment fee of $250. This is a savings of $50 off the regular enrollment fee of $300 for new applicants and re-enrollments submitted after Feb. 15.

• FACTS registration fee credit

• MSA will provide a credit of $25 toward the FACTS monthly payment plan registration fee or $20 for the FACTS annual payment plan registration fee for current MSA families who re-enroll during the “Priority Enrollment” period (2/1-2/15).

We encourage you to take advantage of these "Priority Enrollment" opportunities that are only available to current MSA families from February 1 - February 15.

Warm wishes this weekend,

Dr. Dana Hill

Warm Winter Wear:

Please be sure that your student(s) has warm winter wear available to use on campus. South Carolina weather is unpredictable and we want to encourage outdoor play and exercise as much as possible. Additionally, amid the Covid-19 surge, we do not have adequate staffing to supervise students both outdoors and indoors if a student isn't properly clothed and cannot join in outdoor activities. Included on the appropriate clothing list are gloves, hats, closed toe shoes and coats. This recommendation is applicable to all students Infants thru High School.

COVID Notification:

Should your student(s) or anyone in your household have a diagnosis of Covid positive or a Direct or Indirect contact to a person diagnosed with Covid, please notify MSA immediately so we can take the proper course of action to reduce the rate of transmission on the MSA campus. Many Covid cases are now being diagnosed by antigen home test kits and are not being reported to DHEC. Therefore, the school may not know about a particular case and we are unable to perform contact tracing and protect the MSA community. Please send all notification communications to schoolnurse@msasc.org or administrator@msasc.org.

Covid Testing for the week of 1/31/22-2/4/22:

Covid testing will be conducted next week on Monday, January 31 and Friday, February 4 from 7:30 to 10:00. You must be pre-registered and have a QR code. If you'd like to participate and need a registration link and instructions, please email me at schoolnurse.msasc.org

National Heart Awareness Month:

As you are probably aware, February is National Heart Health month. During the month, global efforts are made to promote heart health and healthy lifestyles. It offers the opportunity to bring awareness to heart health and to urge Americans to continue to develop healthy behaviors and reduce their risk of developing heart disease/strokes. Research has shown that through exercise, diet, decreasing stress, proper sleep, regular check ups and managing your BP, Glucose, A1C, cholesterol, and reducing/eliminating risk factors, all play a role in reducing preventable heart disease and better outcomes during Covid-19. February's Heart Health month is a great opportunity to start the conversation with loved ones, friends and family about heart health, to engage our youth in healthy play and to model healthy behaviors.

Next Friday, February 4 is National Wear Red Day. We urge you and your students to wear red on this date to help raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and healthy heart habits.

Please see the following link for additional information on Heart Health and Self care for the Heart: https://www.heart.org/en/professional/workplace-health/lifes-simple-7

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/all-publications-and-resources/self-care-tips-heart-health

Blood Donation Request:

The Blood Connection and the Red Cross have an immediate need for blood donations. Because of Covid-19, the usual flow of donors has been disrupted and the need for life saving blood donations is great. If you are able to donate, call the Red Cross or please mention that you are part of the Montessori School of Anderson family!!! Your donation can make a significant impact and save up to 3 lives! ***Donation incentives are available.

Criteria for donors: The Blood Connection is a non-profit organization. Blood can be donated every 56 days. Donors must be 16 years or older and over 110 lbs. to donate. Sixteen year olds are required to have written consent to donate blood. Before you donate blood, make sure that you drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal. TBC Donor ID Card (preferred) or photo ID required to donate.

Stay safe, stay warm and I wish you continued good health.

Susanna Merriman, RN