Dear Sullivan Families,

We successfully navigated our full first week of school. As we settle into the rhythm of a new school year students, teachers and families continue to find their groove with respect to their roles in ensuring a successful school year. We are all about teaching and learning including lessons in and out of the classroom. As our academics continue to intensify and progress, students are adjusting to in person learning and the clear expectations in each classroom. Teachers, coaches and administrators continue to collaborate and plan for targeted instruction designed to support every child. It is refreshing to walk into classrooms and observe multiple adult professionals working with students engaged in various academic tasks.

The learning also continues outside of the classroom. We continue to refine our movement around the school during transitions especially around our energetic lunch periods. Students are growing accustomed to our new schedule including recess periods with their teachers and a WIN period in which the aforementioned targeted supports are provided. Additionally, our Cross Country team has been practicing in anticipation of our first meet this Thursday, September 23rd at 4:30 at Shedd Park. On Monday, September 20th from 9:50 to 10:35 and 11:25- 12:10 we will offer our Composting in the Garden partnership between the school, LNHP & the Tsongas Industrial History Center. This is just one of the many partnerships we will strengthen to provide students with a number of learning experiences this year. Finally, we are preparing for our 21st Century Extended School Program. Please watch for details concerning this outstanding program which will be offered to all students beginning in the middle of October.

As partners in this learning, parents and families can ensure their child or children are in school on time, every day. A reminder, school begins at 7:20 and a child is considered late at 7:35. In addition, please avoid dismissing your child for non-essential activities. Furthermore, continue to partner with us to ensure we can manage the continued presence of the COVID virus. Please keep children home with the well documented symptoms and utilize the enclosed forms below to consent to weekly testing including the Test and Stay program designed for close contacts. Our school nurse Colleen McGrath continues to lead the charge in managing this virus and its effect on our school life.

As always, please reach out with any comments or concerns. We thank you for entrusting us with your children.

Please join us on Social Media: Facebook (@lpsdsullivan); Twitter @SullivanLPS. See links below.

• Monday, September 20th, Composting in the Garden
• Tuesday, September 21st - No School
• Thursday, September 23rd - First Cross Country Meet - Shedd Park (4:30)
• Friday, September 24th - Scholars Celebration

Student pick up begins at 2:10. Again, if you are going to enter the front driveway, please maintain a single line and remain behind the vehicle in front of you. Please coordinate with your child to meet you in a designated spot if you are not picking up in the front driveway. Students must be picked up by 2:15. Please notify the school if you will be late.

After a year and a half of interrupted and modified schooling due to COVID, we are excited to welcome all students and staff back to the Sullivan School. We are still contending with the Delta variant and therefore everyone in public buildings must wear a face mask to minimize the potential spread. In addition to our regular focus on hygiene and social distancing, families will have the opportunity to consent to weekly COVID testing to assist in our preventive efforts. For now, these are the only restrictions and modifications we will face in light of the threat of this new variant. We will ensure we provide regular updates as we continue to fight this virus. Please find the consent for testing below. Full details can also be found in the LPS COVID Dashboard linked below.

https://www.cic-health.com/consent/ma?district=Lowell