Summer Street School Family Updates
November 30, 2020
Letter from the Principal
Dear Families,
First, welcome back from our Thanksgiving break. Please note the days for Pajama Day and Hygge Day for each cohort. In addition, Heather Hunt, our adjustment counselor has a new edition of her Social-Emotional newsletter, which is worth your attention.
I have some disappointing news. Robert Burns said, "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." Sigh. This is so frequently true. Despite my family's best efforts to take every precaution on Thanksgiving, I have been exposed to Covid and must quarantine. I will return to school as soon as possible. Right now, that is December 11th. With the timing of my exposure, no one at school is affected. There are point people assigned for students' and staff's social emotional needs as well as curriculum and instructional support to ensure that the school operates smoothly. Kristen Vogel and Kevin Cyr will be stopping in to help as well.
At this point, I'm glad that everyone is feeling healthy and taking comfort in that. Given the amount of emails that I have had to send about quarantine these past months, at least you know that I have greater understanding about what this all means for our lives. Please feel free to email me with any concerns that you have. I'm happy to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Karen
WEEK 2
Upcoming Dates
Thursday, December 3, 2020 - Pajama Day - Cohort C
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 - Pajama Day - Cohort B
Friday, December 18, 2020 - Hygge Day - Cohort C
Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - Hygge Day - Cohort B
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.
It's getting cold outside!
In addition, it is chilly in the classroom because we need to crack the windows open for ventilation. Wearing layers will be a good way for children to be prepared for changing weather conditions.
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 December 31, 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.
Missing Attestation Forms
Social Emotional Learning
This is a great resource for families. I encourage you to read it!
If the students talk about the "Summer Street Shoutouts", this is the work of Ms. Hunt as well who is working hard to develop joy and gratitude at Summer Street. Here is her note:
I put up a "Summer Street Shoutouts" bulletin board outside of the APR as a way to recognize all the hard work/positives of staff and students that may otherwise go unnoticed! There are thought bubbles in pouches on the bulletin board to write down the shoutout- these are meant for staff AND students! I'm also going to be bringing around some thought bubbles to each class so students have the opportunity to fill them out during mindful time/a free moment if they would like.
Technology
The response time is within 24-48 hours. Thank you!
Dismissal
Dismissal: Thank you to all the families who made signs! It helps tremendously.
For parents who do not yet have signs in their dashboards with the family name, please put large signs (8x11 or 8x17) in clear bold lettering to help us match students with your cars. That way, students can be ready for you.
Also, please refrain from using cell phones when you are in line. I am always worried about student safety and distracted drivers. Thank you.