The Pawsome Print
February 11, 2022
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Dear Pawsome Loring Families,
I wanted to start by giving a HUGE THANKS to our PAWSOME PTO for providing our hardworking staff members with a delicious meal last Thursday afternoon. The timing couldn't have been more perfect to be provided hot tomato soup, freshly baked baguettes, and yummy cookies the night before a snow day. Thanks for your continued support and fun, thoughtful treats!
Yesterday was our 100 day of school which is a big milestone in the elementary school year. Our fabulous front office ladies were excited to celebrate this day as you can see in the picture above! Many classes did 100 Day activities and Mr. Gaita shared a 100 Day poem on our daily announcements.
Black History Month
Black History Month began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
At Loring, we know that Black history is American history, and it should be taught throughout the year across the curriculum and not confined to a single month. We are doing this in addition to also taking some time during this recognized month to share books, stories, information, and learn about people that made a difference. All of our educators are dedicated, no matter what subject they teach to always infuse Black history into regular lessons throughout the year in a way that is prophetic and purposeful.
I recently had the opportunity to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C. with my family. It was an amazing experience and I highly recommend visiting if you have not already been there. https://nmaahc.si.edu/
Key Facts
Starts February 1
Ends Tuesday, March 1
The idea for an African American History Month was first conceived by the historian Carter G. Woodson
A Theme for Every Black History Month is selected. For this year, the Black History Month 2022 theme is “Black Health and Wellness.” It explores "the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.). (History.com Editors)
Below are some links to resources that hopefully will provide information to help continue conversations, and ensure that everyone has the information and understanding to appreciate each other.
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/childrens-books-to-celebrate-black-history-month
https://www.theconsciouskid.org/bhm
PBS LEARNING MEDIA | Black History Month | PBS KIDS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f00AatzvxC0
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/black-history-month
https://mcm.org/kid-friendly-ideas-for-celebrating-black-history-month/
Black History Month: Teaching the Complete History
Masks, At-Home Test Kits and Weekly Surveillance Testing
Masks Optional
As mentioned in Brad Crozier's recent communication, beginning March 7 we will no longer require masks to be worn by students, staff, or visitors. The choice is up to the individual and whatever choice is made will be supported. Please talk to your child about this change and if you feel they need more support in school, please reach out to your child's teacher.
For bus riders, please note that masks will continue to be required on school buses, per federal order.
At-Home Test Kits
DESE has approved the distribution of the at-home test kits in students’ backpacks. Beginning February 17th, the district will no longer mail home test kits. We are asking families to re-designate the distribution method by following this link even if you gave prior permission.
Families will be able to choose between the Thursday morning pickup (in the car line) or having their students bring the kits home in backpacks.
Weekly Surveillance Testing
We will continue to do our weekly surveillance testing on Wednesday mornings. On Thursdays, we will retest the positive pools. If your child is retested, you will receive an email from CIC. If your child is retested and found positive, you will receive a phone call from our nurse.
Safety
We have heard from a number of families about the unsafe icy sidewalks around the school. We have reached out to the town Facilities Director as well as DPW to share the concerns. We have learned that DPW only has the capacity to plow the sidewalks but not do any ice treatments. With this information, please be extra careful as you come to and from school each day.
We also continue to have safety concerns during drop off and pick up. I have communicated about this many times this year. I am asking for your help as we really need to work together to follow the school arrival and dismissal procedures and also be mindful of our neighbors. Here are a few main areas that need attention and support.
- It is not safe to pull over on roads near the school to drop off your child or to drop off your child in different areas of the parking lot not designated for drop off.
- Families should not be dropping off in front of the school unless you are signing in a tardy child. The front needs to be reserved for buses, visitors, and deliveries during this time.
- Cars talking left to come to the front of the school during drop off slows down the flow of cars trying to exit the parking lot.
- Please do not use Cutler Farm or Lettery Circle as places to U-turn and then come back down Woodside Road.
NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR WEEK
This week was National School Counselor week. As you can imagine during these challenging times, our counselors are working incredibly hard to support our students and their emotional well being. Thank you Karen Blumberg, Julia Pelletier, Jenn Vlacovsky and Melinda O’Neil.
Important Reminder
We have recently seen writing and drawings on the walls of some bathrooms. Teachers have talked to students and reminded them that this is unacceptable behavior. We are monitoring the bathrooms to make sure that this does not continue. At home, please talk to your child about the importance of respecting school property. We all want our school to look good and clean.
Loring Eats
Announcing our Winter Loring Eats fundraiser event at Mooyah!
Save the date for Thursday, February 17th
Watch the PTO Page for more information!!
February Breakfast & Lunch Menus
Daily Announcements
During our daily announcements, we have been practicing saying GOOD MORNING in Greek and Italian. If you do not speak these languages at home, we encourage you to practice these phrases with your children.
Good Morning in Greek
Kalimera
Kal- i - meri
Good Morning in Italian
Buon Giorno
Bon Ger-no
We also highlighted these flags:
Greece
China
Lithuania
Australia
Italy
MCAS Dates
Loring Core Values
At Loring School, we are PAWSOME because we show our Core Values! These values are part of everyday life at Loring and reinforced in the classroom, at recess, and all around our school.
Students are taught the meaning of each word and how they make us better students and citizens.
Respect ~ Responsibility ~ Caring ~ Best Effort
The Loring Pledge
The Loring Pledge is said every morning during our daily announcements. Loring students embody our pledge and we hope this stays with them not only when they are at school but home as well.
I am respectful
I am responsible
I am caring and kind
I show best effort
I am part of the Pawsome Loring Community
Important Upcoming Dates - Please mark your calendars!
February 1-28
Black History Month
February 21-25
February Vacation
February 19 and 26
Administer At-home Test (if you have opted in)
Contact Us
Important Websites:
Loring School
Email: loring_office@sudbury.k12.ma.us
Website: http://www.sudbury.k12.ma.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=52&Itemid=222
Location: 80 Woodside Road, Sudbury, MA, USA
Phone: 978-579-0870