Summer Street School Family Updates
January 7, 2021
Thought for the Day
Compassionate of heart
Clear in word
Gracious in awareness
Courageous in thought
Generous in love
--John O'Donohue
Letter from the Principal
Dear Families,
With the violence this week in Washington, DC, I wanted to let you know what has been happening at the school to reflect on it as it affects the students and families. As a district, I've been happy to participate in the Diversity Committee and the district letter that is being sent. In addition, I have been speaking with parents and answering emails in which parents are expressing their thoughts and concerns about what is happening in the country. This morning, I called for a faculty meeting to discuss how to help students best.
First, let me assure you that the students are in a safe environment. The staff is committed to providing an environment, in person and online, in which all people are respected regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. Our mission is to foster the growth of students academically, socially and emotionally. To do so, we must focus on children's physical and emotional safety and we are unified in our dedication to that mission.
Second, I am here for you, as is the faculty at Summer Street School. If you have a concern, please reach out to me. I want to hear from you. From my personal lens, I hope to integrate many different perspectives via experience, reading and conversation. And, I can always use help in broadening that perspective. It's important that I understand other viewpoints bout what is happening in the community and how we can improve.
Please know that in morning meetings, children often voice their own concerns and the violence on the Capitol has been brought up. The faculty are keenly aware of the developmentally appropriate explanations that children need. In our faculty meeting today, we discussed the differences that different grade level children will need, the emphasis that we can place on the importance of being good citizens at Summer Street, the nation and the world, how to handle disagreements, and how to give students' the historical perspective of what a peaceful transfer of power has been in our country. As is typical in schools, many teachers will be showing the inauguration to the class and talking about it.
In closing, I want to reiterate how important it is that we communicate with one another, support one another, and help our students in this turbulent time.
Sincerely,
Karen
WEEK 2
Report Card Timeline
Due to the later start to the school year, the administrative team at the elementary level has decided to adjust the school terms and report cards associated with the school terms. This year, the parent conferences will serve as the first reporting of student progress and achievement. The second term will end on January 15 and report cards will be sent on January 29. There will be progress reports sent to families on March 31st. The final report cards will be mailed to families on June 24th.
Travel Policy
If a student travels outside of the approved lower-risk states by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, either of the following two conditions must be met before a student can return to the school building:
1. Produce a negative COVID-19 test result from a test that is administered on the 5th day after arrival back into the state of Massachusetts. The result of this test must be given to Toni Rebelo, the COVID Liaison, before returning to the building. (The COVID-19 test must be the PCR test. We do not accept the rapid antigen test)
2. Quarantine for 14 days from the date of arrival back into the state of Massachusetts.
Example:
Travel to high risk state: Nov 1 - Nov 5
COVID-19 Test: 5 days AFTER arrival = Nov 10
Return to School: Receipt of the negative test result must be confirmed by Toni Rebelo before the start of the school day. Students with tests received mid-day will be eligible to return to school the following day.
Notes from the Nurse
Flu shot update
The Lynnfield Board of Health in conjunction with the Lynnfield Public School Nurses, have been fortunate enough to be able to offer two Children's Flu Clinic over the last four weeks This has been done as State public health officials require that influenza immunization will be required for all children 6 months of age or older who are attending Massachusetts child care, pre-school, kindergarten, K-12, and colleges and universities. The new vaccine requirement is an important step to reduce flu-related illness and the overall impact of respiratory illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students will be expected to have received a flu vaccine by February 26, 2020 for the 2020-2021 influenza season, unless either a medical or religious exemption is provided. Also exempted are K-12 students who are home-schooled and higher education students who are completely off-campus and engaged in remote learning only. This new flu immunization requirement to enter school in January is in addition to existing vaccine requirements for all those attending child care, preschool, K-12, and colleges and universities in Massachusetts. Elementary and secondary students in districts and schools that are using a remote education model are not exempt.
If your child has received their influenza shot, please forward a copy of the note from your doctor to your student's school.
Technology
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