Friday Notes
October 2, 2020
NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY, OCT. 5
We hope you enjoy your long weekend!
Trunk-or-Treat is coming soon!
What is Trunk-or-Treat?
This is a fun, PTO-sponsored event where BJAMS families sign up to adorn the trunks of their vehicles with Halloween and Fall inspired decorations. Families hand out candy to our PK-8 students who come dressed up in their Halloween costumes. Traditionally, the event is scheduled at the end of October and lasts one hour; it is lots of fun for the whole family!
How will Trunk-or-Treat look this year?
This year, our event will need to be organized differently to ensure that all participants are adhering to the current COVID-19 guidelines. We will work to provide a safe and healthy event for our participants by keeping the event under Governor Scott's gathering threshold. We may need to stagger the event's attendance; all will depend on projected participation. To help us achieve that goal, we are utilizing Google Forms to learn who plans to attend. Please take a moment to complete this very brief survey to help us plan our event: click here.
When will I learn more about this event?
Once we have the survey results, we will publish other important details, which will include date, time(s), set-up details, and treat guidelines.
Picture Retake Day - new date!
Picture Retakes will happen on October 20, not on October 13 as previously published.
Kiddo(s) not feeling well?
If your child will not be attending school, please send an email to
Nurse Chris, your child's classroom teacher, and
Mrs. Morrison to let us know. If we do not hear from you regarding your child's absence, we will call you that morning for the details.
PLEASE NOTE: Nurse Chris will be away October 2-October 22.
Sick Work vs. Quarantine Work
If your child is not well, your child will receive missed work through Google Classroom or through a sibling. Per the school handbook, your child has one day per day of absence due to illness to complete the work. For example, if your child is out sick for two days, your child will have an additional two days to complete the missed work.
If your child is required to quarantine for five or more school days, he or she will receive links for live lessons that will be recorded for viewing either live or later. These links will be posted in your child's Google Classroom. Please be sure to communicate with both your child's teacher(s) and the school office if your child's travel will require quarantine.
Check the weather!
What may have kept us inside at recess in 2019 (I am looking at you, rain) will not keep us inside at recess in 2020! Please do your best to send your children to school with appropriate outdoor gear (raincoats, rain boots, etc.). Thank you!
Holiday Wreath Fundraiser
The tradition continues...the PTO is selling live wreaths for the holiday season.
Be sure to check your child's backpack today for the order form.
Please return the forms and payment by Thursday, October 22nd.
We truly appreciate your continued support.
Thank you!
To quarantine or not to quarantine, that is the question
Let's be honest, that is just one of
the
many questions we have, right? It's understandable! We have been fielding a lot of questions regarding COVID-19: symptoms, testing, quarantine, travel, and beyond. We're grateful that our families are looking to do the right things to keep their students and greater BJAMS community safe. You are all doing a GREAT job!
Please remember that our approach to COVID-19 and subsequent policies are lifted directly from the VT Department of Health guidelines as published on their website. To be fair, it takes more than just a couple visits to become familiar with the website and how the information is organized; however, the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have the answers you need - from the experts - is worth the effort.
If you have a question after school hours or over the weekend that may impact your child's ability to attend school, we may not be able to answer that question in time. Remember our resource is your resource. Please take some time to get to know the VT Department of Health's website. The more eyes on it, and more knowledgeable we become, the stronger we'll be in this together. Thank you for your continued vigilance in keeping our school healthy.
Box Tops for Education
For over 20 years, Box Tops for Education has given our families an easy way to earn cash for BJAMS, with products you already buy. Twice a year, we receive a check that we use to help buy the things our students need. It really is FREE MONEY! Thank you for your continued support.
Technology Survey Reminder
If you haven't done so yet, please take a minute to complete the
2020 BJAMS TECH SURVEY (one per family) Thank you.
BJAMS School Calendar
Interested in adding the BJAMS School Calendar into your favorite calendar app? Now you can! Just log in to your Family Portal (through
FACTS where you go to order lunch and view grades), click on Calendar in the left hand menu, then click on the "Subscribe" button in the top right corner and add the URL to your calendar app!
Update regarding soccer games
We have made the difficult decision to not participate in soccer games versus other schools this fall. This was not easy, as we know this is disappointing to players and their families. However, our re-opening plan is focused on offering five days a week of in-person learning and we are working hard to avoid activities that could jeopardize our efforts.
Got Merch?
Make the fun happen and register now and create a team for the BJAMS Run Wild Virtual 5K race!
To ensure your preferred t-shirt size, register by Oct. 12th.
Official registration deadline: Oct. 22nd
Event dates: Oct. 24th & 25th
Time to get your flu shot
It’s more important than ever to get your flu shot this year ─ when both flu viruses and the new coronavirus may be spreading at the same time.
There are many more unknowns this year, like how common it would be to get the coronavirus and the flu, or if having the flu makes you more susceptible to getting COVID-19. We also don’t know whether a surge in cases of COVID-19 and the flu could happen at the same time — overwhelming our health care system and putting people at risk.
There is no shortage of flu vaccine this year. Many health care providers and pharmacies have doses available, and if they don’t yet, they will soon.
Who should get a flu shot? Anyone over 6 months old, with rare exceptions. And it’s especially important for anyone in a high-risk group or who has underlying health conditions.
Where can I get my flu shot? Through your provider, your local pharmacy, or look for a clinic near you. If you don’t have insurance, reach out to your local health office.
Find a flu shot at healthvermont.gov/flu.
COVID-19 Testing Data for Colleges/Universities and Schools
PreK-12 Schools: A table of School-Based COVID-19 Transmission is now available at healthvermont.gov/currentactivity. The table is updated weekly.
Colleges/Universities: The Department of Financial Regulation’s School Reopening web page includes links to each Vermont college and university with information about their COVID-19 testing results.
Second Installment from the USCCB's Pastoral Letter Condemning the Sin of Racism
Oct 5 - No School
Oct 9 - Fire Drill
Oct 16 - Alice Drill
Oct 20 - Picture Retakes
Oct 22 - Wreath orders due
Oct 23 - No School
Oct 30 - Half Day; Dismissal is at 12:00 sharp (no ASP available on half days)
