Wednesday's Words
May 25, 2022
What's Inside
- A message from the Norfolk Police
- Family Letter
- Infant Formula: A message from DESE
- Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
- Color Fun Run is back!
- NPS Employment Opportunities
- Community News
- Classroom Happenings
Thinking of the Uvalde Community
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Uvalde Community and to all of the students, staff and families impacted by the devastating and horrific school shooting that took place there yesterday. The senseless loss of lives is beyond tragic and we grieve for those who lost loved ones and for the 19 children who did not come home from school.
If your child is struggling or if you need additional resources, please reach out to our office at (508)528-1225 or contact your child’s building principal. Our school adjustment counselors and mental health staff members are also available to provide support.
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A message from the Norfolk Police Department
Norfolk Police Department
Charles H. "Chuck" Stone, Jr. Chief of Police
14 Sharon Avenue
Norfolk, MA 02056
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Media Contact: Taylor O'Neil
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: taylor@jgpr.net
Norfolk Police Issue Statement Regarding the Tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas
NORFOLK -- Chief Charles Stone and the Norfolk Police Department offer their deepest sympathies to the families of victims of the horrific tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
"On behalf of the men and women of the Norfolk Police Department, we would like to extend our condolences to everyone affected by the tragedy that occurred yesterday at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. This is a senseless act of mass murder and we join in the collective sorrow and anxiety in the face of gun violence in our nation.
"In the aftermath of the tragedy in Texas, we will have a heightened police presence at all Norfolk schools from now until the end of the school year. This increased presence is not due to any particular threat, however, police will be on hand as a precaution to help greet students, teachers, staff and parents during this difficult time.
"We would also like to remind community members that our department has a strong partnership with both the Norfolk Public Schools and King Philip Regional School District and numerous mental health and wellness organizations.
"As part of our partnership with the schools, we collaborate on creating emergency procedures and conduct training to ensure that plans are in place should an emergency occur. We also have a school resource officer who has a presence within the schools throughout the year and is certified and trained in crisis intervention.
"Outside of our partnerships with the schools, our internal Crisis Intervention Team actively partners with the SAFE Coalition, Wayside Youth and Family, Riverside, the state's Department of Mental Health and other state agencies to provide additional training and support to community members.
"Our department remains committed to continuing to offer training and educational opportunities regarding crisis intervention and mental health alongside our mental health and community wellness partners.
"Together, we will all continue our work to ensure the safety, security and wellness of our students in our school communities."
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Dear Families,
It is hard to believe that we are quickly approaching the end of the school year. It feels like just yesterday we were outside greeting and welcoming our students as they arrived for their first day of school! It is wonderful that our students have been able to enjoy a more traditional learning environment this year. Sixth grade students had a fantastic time at Camp Bournedale last week. Bournedale staff were very impressed with the level of engagement and involvement our students demonstrated! As we head into the final weeks of the year, we have many more special events planned. As we prepare for these events, we wanted to share some important information with our families.
As you are aware, we are currently experiencing a spike in Covid 19 cases both in the community and in our schools. Thankfully, Norfolk has very high vaccination rates and individuals who have been vaccinated are generally presenting with milder symptoms. At the same time, we want to ensure that we take precautions to make our end of year events as safe and healthy as possible. After working closely with our school nurses, the Massachusetts Department of Education and the Norfolk Public Health nurses, we will be implementing the following practices for end of year events:
All special events that are able to be held outdoors will be moved outside.
Individuals attending indoor events are strongly encouraged to wear a mask or face covering.
Anyone who is attending a district event should self-screen for symptoms of Covid 19 prior to arriving at school (Click here to view the updated Covid 19 symptom list). *Please note that Covid 19 symptoms may present like typical allergy symptoms. If an individual is experiencing any symptoms, they should test for Covid 19.
Families who are participating in the optional weekly Covid 19 testing program are permitted to use district provided tests to screen any family member or extended family member attending an event at school prior to the event.
If an event must be held indoors, the district will leave additional space between the stage and seating areas. The district may set limits on the number of guests permitted to attend events based on available seating. Events will be video recorded and live streamed when possible.
We will increase ventilation and outdoor air exchange through our HVAC systems to the maximum extent possible and when feasible will leave windows and doors open to increase fresh air circulation.
Hand sanitizer will be available at door entrances and key locations during group gatherings or events.
While we are doing everything possible to make special events safe for our families, we want to remind everyone that large group gatherings do increase the likelihood of exposure to Covid 19. Anyone who is immunocompromised or has underlying health conditions should consider risk in determining whether or not to attend.
We look forward to celebrating the end of the school year with our families and community. Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend as we honor and remember those who lost their lives in service to our country.
Sincerely,
Ingrid Allardi
Infant Formula: A message from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
As you may know, the PTO organizes a teacher appreciation luncheon every spring on the half day that falls in May. This year the luncheon will be held on Friday, May 27th and we are asking for assistance in two ways:
1. Cash donations that will be put towards catering - please Venmo to @Lynn-Kealty or send in cash donations to school in an envelope with Lynn Kealty's name. No amount is too small, and any donation is appreciated!
2. Donate goods to be dropped off at school the day before or day of the luncheon. A sign up for each school is below. We are also looking for a few people to decorate at HOD.
FK - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080544aca62daafd0-fkteacher
HOD - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f49acaf2fa5f58-ptoteacher1
Thank you for helping us put on an amazing luncheon to thank our wonderful teachers and school staff!
~ Norfolk PTO
PTO Color Fun Run - SIGN UP BY MAY 27th
The Color Fun Run is back!
Please join the PTO on Friday, June 3rd at 5:00pm for this fun-filled, non-competitive community event for all ages. Run or walk around the fields at Freeman Kennedy and be showered by colored powder. Buy a meal ticket and stay for pizza, enter to win exciting raffle prizes and end the afternoon with a spray down by the Norfolk Fire Department. After not being able to hold the Color Fun Run for the past two years due to covid, we are excited to hold this event for the kids and celebrate the end of the school year. Please sign up by May 27th using the link below. T-shirts guaranteed to the first 400 runners!
https://www.memberplanet.com/s/norfolkmapto/ptocolorfunrun2022
We also are very much in need of volunteers! Please considering signing up for a time slot via the link below. These shifts are one hour long so if your children are running you can help out and also catch some of the action while they participate. Thank you!
Norfolk Recreation Programs!
Third graders in Mrs. Pericles' class proudly display their contributions to the Coin Drive for Ukraine fundraiser!
Norfolk Public Schools
Email: allardi@norfolk.k12.ma.us
Website: norfolk.k12.ma.us
Location: 70 Boardman Street, Norfolk, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 528-1255