Nassau News
October 2021
News from Principal Lynch & the Main Office
Dear Nassau Families,
The upcoming week of October 3rd will center around the character strength of Open Mindedness.
WHAT DOES OPEN-MINDEDNESS MEAN?
You like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Given the current climate in our world, I’m not sure that there is a more important character strength. Individuals with the character strength of open-mindedness are more likely to make accurate decisions – and decisions that they won’t regret. This is because they think through all sides of a problem and actively fight “myside bias,” which happens when people generate evidence, evaluate evidence, and test hypotheses in a manner biased toward their own prior opinions and attitudes. Open-minded individuals are often good listeners and called upon to provide a balanced viewpoint. Both listening and the ability to deliver reasonable and practical advice are marks of good friends and confidantes. This strength helps individuals form meaningful and lasting relationships. On a group level, open-mindedness is crucial in counteracting groupthink. Individuals with this strength help their group identify the correct goals, evidence, possible alternatives, and final decisions to a given problem.
“Keep an open mind; it’s the only way new things can get in.“
-COLLEEN HOOVER
Questions to Consider:
What lesson does this clip teach you about having an open mind when meeting new people?
What are some ways that you can have an open mind when playing with friends?
Why is it sometimes hard to have an open mind about new things?
Greetings from the Counselor’s Corner!
We have been so excited to welcome our kids to Nassau Elementary School. Our first month has been filled with more emotions than I think ever before as we transition back during these unprecedented times. As the school social worker I’ve been working closely with our teachers, staff and children to work through these waves of emotions so we have the best possible year. If you are finding yourself wondering and asking questions about your child and their emotional well-being or social interactions, we at Nassau are here to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at melissa.coyle@sufsdny.org. If you are looking for resources this is a great starting point, Family Resources in Dutchess County . Look back here for monthly tips and tricks or you can always check my website for more information. I am looking forward to an exciting year!
Daily Self-Check Health Screening
Please do not attend school or work and call your school nurse if you have any of the following symptoms:
Symptoms can include
● Fever or chills
● Cough
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Fatigue
● Muscle or body aches
● Headache
● New loss of taste or smell
● Sore throat
● Congestion or runny nose
● Nausea or vomiting
● Diarrhea
COVID Testing Reminders:
Only PCR or PCR rapid test results are accepted
Please do not send your child back to school until they are cleared to return by the nurse. Test results can be emailed to nora.bergstraser@sufsdny.org or faxed to 463-2738
Flu Prevention Steps:
CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Please make an appointment as soon as possible with your child's pediatrician for their annual flu vaccine.
The Flu: A Guide for Parents
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/family/flu-guide-for-parents-2018.pdf
For additional health related information and procedures, please go to the Spackenkill School District Reopening Plan
During AM drop off, staff members will assist and supervise the children so they are able to enter the building safely.
Do not get out of your car in the drop off area.
Children should leave the vehicle on the right hand side or the sidewalk side.
If you want to walk your child to the door, please park your car in a visitor space and use the crosswalk to walk them to the door.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Elementary PTA is excited to announce the Nassau Book Fair will begin on October 13th - October 15th. Each class will have an assigned day and time to come through our socially distance book fair and your child’s teacher will send that information home. Remote students will have their own special day and time to attend and will receive more information on that via email.
Although cash and checks are still accepted, we highly encourage parents to use the e-wallet due. Accessing the e-wallet is super easy and you may do so by using the link below. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Melissa Pifer at melissapifer1@gmail.com
Link to create eWallet: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/nassausufsdny
JOIN THE PTA TODAY!!
Sign up with the PTA - stay informed and help
make 2021-2022 a great year for students and
staff!! Click on the link to sign up!
Everyone who signs up through October 15th
will be entered to win a $50 Barnes and Noble
gift card! There will be 2 winners!
Spackenkill Elementary PTA would like to introduce Sparty!
Spackenkill Elementary PTA's 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat
When: Saturday, October 23rd, 3pm-5pm
Where: Hagan Elementary School
Decorate your car and hand out candy!!!
Email Hillary1116@hotmail.com to have your car participate
Send your friends a Halloween surprise this month with a Booed Yard Signs and/or a special bucket of Halloween treats!! Sign up for your date on the attached form!
COME OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR SPACKENKILL SPARTANS
EARN WHILE YOUR CHILDREN LEARN
Applications are being accepted for part-time food service workers, substitute cafeteria workers, and substitute bus drivers. Applications are available online by clicking here. Download, print, and mail or bring to the District Office dropbox, 15 Croft Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. If you have any questions, please call (845) 463-7800 and ask for Mrs. Deirdre A. Caamano in the Office of Human Resources, or email Deirdre.Caamano@sufsdny.org.
For more information, including qualifications and pay, please visit our website: https://www.spackenkillschools.org/departments/human_resources.
Nassau Elementary School
7 Nassau Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845-463-7843