DAVIS HILL COMMUNITY UPDATE
May 10, 2021
I want to say THANK YOU! to all of our DH Families who helped to make our Teacher Appreciation Week a success. Your kindness is certainly most appreciated by all. We all feel so grateful to be a part of this DHCommunity!
While we are on the subject of appreciation... I want to make sure that we wish all of our DH moms out there a most special Mother's Day tomorrow! Our quotes of the week are in your honor.
Below please find this week's update. Once again, I left in quite a few notes from previous updates as reminders. However, there are also some new items, so please read carefully (and review the calendar section at the bottom for important dates).
ALSO: While noted in previous updates and the District Calendar, I want to highlight that MONDAY, MAY 10TH is a NO SCHOOL DAY for students.
PLEASE NOTE: It is critical for our continued success that those in the community remain vigilant related to the DAILY SCREENING and erring on the cautious side when determining if a child is healthy enough to go to school.
Kindly,
Jay Norton, Principal
Quotes of the Week:
'Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.'
Barbara Kingsolver
'Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love.'
Stevie Wonder
MONDAY, MAY 10TH
PROJECT 351 COMMUNITY DRIVE/ SPIRIT WEEK: ONCE A DRAGON... ALWAYS A DRAGON
*Please note: We do know that Monday, May 10th is a PD Day for staff and no school for students. Ekaavli has a deadline and we had to use the week of the 10th. Students can choose on Tuesday to either wear their favorite T-Shirt or PJs. Thank you!
Dear Davis Hill families,
Hi! My name is Ekaavli Daga and I am an eighth-grader at Mountview Middle School and Holden’s Project 351 Ambassador this year. From each of the 351 towns and cities in Massachusetts, an eighth-grader is made an ambassador and chosen to participate in a year of service to make a positive difference in their communities.
I am reaching out to Davis Hill families through Project 351 and on behalf of Cradles to Crayons, an organization that donates essentials to children in need all across the Commonwealth. From May 10-14, there will be a clothing drive running at your child’s school to collect gently used clothing sizes infant to kids large. However, all socks and pajamas must be new. Collection bins will be located in the school’s lobby where your child can contactlessly drop them off each morning. In addition to that, a spirit week will also be held, with each day pertaining to a suggested item your child could bring in. Please note that these are just guidelines and a fun way to engage the students in the drive so your child does not have to bring in something every day, and if they do, it does not have to be the suggested donation.
Other Important Information:
Clothing should not be ripped, overly worn, or stained
Please be sure the clothing is appropriate for a middle school student and younger (e.g. no inappropriate language or images)
Again, all socks and pajamas MUST be new, but all other clothing can be gently used
If you have any questions, please contact ekaavlidaga@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting this important cause!
Sincerely,
Ekaavli Daga
PICTURE RETAKE DAY (THURSDAY, MAY 13TH)
MCAS UPDATE/ TESTING DATES
DESE did update the MCAS Assessment window for MCAS last week. The new window is:
May 10 – June 11.
Our proposed schedule is listed below:
June 2: Grade 5 Sci/Tech
June 3: Grade 3 ELA
June 4: Grade 4 ELA
June 7: Grade 5 ELA
June 8: Grade 3 Math
June 9: Grade 4 Math
June 10: Grade 5 Math
June 11: Make-Ups (We will also conduct make-ups as needed during the MCAS administration days)
*Our general philosophy related to MCAS is similar to when students take classroom/ district assessments. Whether a curriculum based teacher created pre-assessment/ post-assessment, District-Wide Assessment or MCAS, we believe that building student comfort with taking assessments and 'showing what they know' is an important part of their skill development as they grow and become high school/ college students. Taking assessments is a part of our educational process, and one of our goals at Davis Hill is that our students do not view assessments as stressful or 'defining' them. Part of this process, is practice taking assessments and managing the emotions that go along with them. Assessments are ultimately a tool to ensure that our students are learning and growing and the information that they provide should be viewed holistically.
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SEPAC) INFORMATION
Please see the information below on behalf of the Wachusett Regional School District's Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC). If you would like more information regarding SEPAC, please see their informational site HERE.
Parent Training: Basic Rights - Understanding the IEP presented by Federation for Children With Special Needs
Tuesday May 11, 2021 at 6:30p
Link to Register:
https://fcsn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMtdu6rqTopHdOTaqZkVRCbHKtWvr8iJUhA
Nominations open - Wind Beneath Their Wings Award
Nominations Accepted Through May 21st
The Wachusett SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) is currently accepting nominations for the 12th Annual Wind Beneath Their Wings Award. This award recognizes the outstanding contribution of individuals in the lives of children with special needs.
Nominate here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlrmZAsZLUNvRzN2tTD3BcZqeG4smt8sOxXMMIEs1UFmVymA/viewform
VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE
*Reposting this message from earlier below:
Dear Davis Hill Community,
We wanted to let you know that soon Davis Hill teachers and administrators will begin the classroom placement process for the 21-22 school year. The process of placing students appropriately is complex and involves a great deal of time and effort on the part of our teachers, specialists, and administration. Factors considered include social relationships with peers as well as educational and emotional needs. While individual needs are given a high priority, they need to be considered in the context of the group. The consensus of teachers is that the dynamic of the total group is the most critical determinant of a successful classroom experience. It is important to recognize that individual needs are better met in classrooms that ‘work’ as a whole.
While the primary responsibility of student assignment rests with the Davis Hill staff, it is recognized that parent(s)/guardian(s) have information that is valuable to share with school personnel to help support the teachers and administrators in the process. We value your input about your child and have attached an optional questionnaire link that, if completed, will be shared with staff and considered in the placement process. It is important to note that in accordance with WRSD School Committee Policy #6260A, “Parental requests for specific teachers, however, shall not be considered in the decision-making process.”
Our staff takes placement very seriously and we want every student to have the best educational experience possible. Classroom teachers in both the sending and receiving grade levels put a great deal of thought into planning the different classroom combinations.
If you want to complete this optional questionnaire to assist us in the placement process, please follow this link and submit it by Tuesday, May 18th.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us as we work together to support our students!
Kindly,
Jay Norton, Principal
REMINDER: IMPORTANT CHANGE IN CLOSE CONTACT GUIDANCE
This updated guidance is effective immediately!
Close contacts who were exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual in the classroom or on the bus while both individuals were masked do not have to quarantine unless they were within 3 feet of distance of the COVID-19 positive individual for a total of 15 minutes during a 24-hour period. This does not apply if someone was identified as a close contact outside of the classroom or bus (e.g., in sports, extra-curriculars, lunch, etc.) or if masks are not worn by both persons at the time of the exposure. All other close contacts must follow the standard protocol for when a close contact may return to school.
The full guidance is posted on the COVID-19 guidance page and available for download.
As a reminder, DPH defines close contact as:
- Being within 6 feet of a COVID-19 case (someone who has tested positive) for a total of 15 minutes during a 24-hour period. Multiple brief or transitory interactions (less than a minute) throughout the day are unlikely to result in 15 minutes of cumulative contact and do not meet the definition of close contact. Being in the same room as an individual if you are consistently separated by 6 feet of distance does not meet the definition of a close contact.
- Close contact can occur while being with, caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case, OR
- Having direct physical contact with the person (e.g. hugging or kissing), OR
- Sharing eating or drinking utensils, OR
- Having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on) while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment.
REMINDER... PLEASE REMAIN DILIGENT
Provided that we want our students in school and want to do everything possible to keep them here... it is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT that families continue to err on the side of caution when sending their Dragons to school and going through the Daily Screening (see link below).
PLEASE NOTE: It is critical for our continued success that those in the community remain vigilant related to the DAILY SCREENING and erring on the cautious side when determining if a child is healthy enough to go to school.
POOL TESTING
This week, WRSD (and Davis Hill) began the rollout of pooled testing. Pooled testing allows us to test all members of our school population far more efficiently than individual testing, providing results within only 24-48 hours. If a pool tests positive for COVID-19, we retest each person individually to find the positive case(s) and alert the parents of students or faculty/staff members. We have trained staff to administer pooled testing using shallow, painless nasal swabbing.
In accordance with CDC guidance, we are offering voluntary, free, safe, painless COVID-19 testing to all students and staff at our schools. Testing helps us to quickly identify and suppress potential outbreaks, allowing us to reopen our schools more safely.
As part of this process, we are working with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) and their vendors, including courier services, staffing agencies, and technical support for the tracking of testing results. Right now, the swabbing will occur during lunch periods at the high school. More information will be shared with the roll-out of swabbed testing at the other district schools soon, and this roll-out is based on the availability of staffing from our outside vendor, MSG Staffing.
If you have questions regarding the COVID-19 Pooled Testing Program, please email PooledTesting@wrsd.net
Student Permission link (parent permission required)
PLEASE NOTE:
For students who have signed up- it is expected that pool testing will be administered at Davis Hill on Tuesday morning. This is for those who have already signed permission forms.
2021-2022 WRSD CALENDAR
BINAX NOW INFORMATION
DR. MCALL'S LATEST UPDATE
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
For DHCommunity members looking to register for Kindergarten for the 2021-2022 School Year (and please feel free to share info to any neighbors/ DHCommunity members you know looking to register).
The process will involve two steps:
2. Completion of hard copy packet that will be sent directly to the attention of Pat Johnson at Davis Hill.
Please let us know if any questions/ concerns. For planning purposes, it is helpful for us to have registrations as soon as possible. Thank you!
SCHOOL LUNCH INFORMATION
REPEATED INFORMATION:
Welcome Back!
The WRSD foodservice reminds our district families that meals are FREE to ALL STUDENTS this school year! We encourage you to take advantage of this benefit.
Whether your child is attending in-school learning or full remote, you may also sign up to receive meals to enjoy at home. Please visit WRSDschoolnutrition.com for full sign up details.
Finally, the Biden administration has signed legislation to extend the P-EBT benefits for families receiving SNAP benefits.
Should you feel you may qualify, please submit a Free & Reduced Lunch Application to confirm your income eligibility. The link to the application is found at WRSDschoolnutrition.com
Thank you
Margaret Barton
Supervisor of School Nutrition
Health Office Updates/ Information
IMPORTANT: Medication Drop Off
Parent(s)/ Guardian(s):
All medication orders need to be renewed each school year. If you child requires any medication at school please make an appointment with Sandra Berquist RN. We can not accommodate drop-ins at this time.
You will need an updated medication order from MD , your signature on form and the medication in its original pharmacy bottle. A limit of a 30 day supply can be kept at school.
MD Orders are necessary for non-prescription medications as well. Medications must be in original packaging.
Please contact Mrs. Berquist if your child:
-Has tested positive for Covid -19 in the last 10 days.
-If any household members have tested positive in the last 10 days.
-Has been asked to isolate by a medical professional.
-Has been asked to quarantine by a medical professional.
PHYSICAL INFORMATION:
4th grade students need to have an updated physical and immunization record on file. See MA law :
Specific Requirements:
M.G.L. c.71, s.57 and related amendments and regulations (105 CMR 200.000–200.920) require physical examinations of school children within 6 months before entry into school or during the first year after entry, and at intervals of either 3 or 4 years thereafter, such as during kindergarten, 4th grade, 7th grade, and 10th grade.
If you did not send one in on your current 5th grade student last year, please send in ASAP.
Nurses Informational Videos:
Thank you
Sandra Berquist
Davis Hill School Nurse
508-829-2273
fax# 508-829-2057
*Upcoming Important Dates (Of course this year... Things are always subject to change!)
May 10th: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS/ Professional Development Day for Staff
May 11th-May 14th (Spirit Week/ Project 351)
May 13th: Picture Day Retakes
May 31st: NO SCHOOL/ Memorial Day
June 2: Grade 5 Sci/Tech
June 3: Grade 3 ELA
June 3rd: SIMCO (4:00PM)
June 4: Grade 4 ELA
June 7: Grade 5 ELA
June 8: Grade 3 Math
June 9: Grade 4 Math
June 10: Grade 5 Math
June 11: Make-Ups
June 15th: Last Day of School For Kindergarten Students
June 21st: Last Day of School for Grades 1-5 (Half-Day For Students)
____________________________________________________________________________________
WRSD 2020-2021 Calendar Link HERE
Davis Hill School Schedule:
START TIME
9:00 AM
* Please note- "Drop Off' will begin at 8:50AM this week as we believe that our current plan (using the Access Road entrance for grades 3-5) has helped to alleviate some of the congestion that we were experiencing on the first few days.
END OF SCHOOL
* WE WILL BE STARTING DISMISSAL AT 3:20 this week as we believe that our current plan is working more efficiently than it was in the beginning of the week.
HALF-DAY WEDNESDAY DISMISSAL TIME
12:30 PM
* Wednesday we will start our dismissal time at 12:20.
PARENT PICK-UP/ DROP-OFF
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at jay_norton@wrsd.net.
*Please make sure that students are dressed appropriately as they will be in the elements during parent drop-off/ pick-up. Thank you!
MESSAGE FROM THE GALE FREE LIBRARY
Did you know the Gale Free Library is open for lending? There are many easy and safe ways you can check out books for your kids. And with our Grab-and-Go and Curbside options, your books are bagged and ready for you when you arrange a pickup. Here are some links to get you started.
First: Need a library card? You can quickly fill out an application here.
In-Person Browsing. We have 30-minute appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays in the children's room. Click here to make an appointment. You and your kids can visit together, and self-checkout in the children's room makes taking home books easy and safe.
Surprise Me! Bags. Fill out this form and the children's room staff will put together books for your kids based on your child's interests. Once your books are ready, you'll get an email to choose a grab-and-go pickup time. Let us pick books for you!
Online Catalog. Click here to put books on hold from your device. When ready, you'll get an email to choose a grab-and-go pickup time. There are plenty of ebook materials available as well.
Bookmark our Kids page to keep up with all we're doing, and like Gale Free Kids on Facebook. We have weekly online storytimes, book recommendations, take and make crafts and more.
Lastly, check out Gale Free Library's great new free digital resource for at-home learning: Lightbox. Thousands of instantly available nonfiction titles, all with embedded videos, google maps and activity sheets.
Thanks, we hope to see or hear from you soon!
Kevin McDonough (Mr. McDonough)
Kayla Casiello (Miss Kayla)
508-210-5564
Davis Hill Elementary School
Email: jay_norton@wrsd.net
Website: http://www.wrsd.net/davishill/
Location: 80 Jamieson Road, Holden, MA 01520, United States
Phone: 508-829-1754
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavisHillDragons/
Twitter: @DHPrincipal