February 2016

It’s hard to believe we are more than halfway through the 2015-16 school year! I would like to wish all Thoreau families a wonderful winter vacation and look forward to seeing everyone return fresh, relaxed, and ready to finish the year strong.

Best,
Mrs. Charles

Student Teacher/Nurse:

Please join me in welcoming student nurse Heather Olivieri (Northeastern) and student teacher Sarah Walker (Framingham State University) to the Thoreau community. Ms. Olivieri will be working in the health office with Nurse Jensen and Ms. Walker will be teaching in the art room with Ms. Hiltz.

Upcoming Events:

February 5th: Report Cards mailed home.
February 5th: PTG Bingo Night, 6:30 PM, cafeteria.
February 8th: PTG Hobby Fair Family Night, 6:30 PM, cafeteria.
February 10th: Principal Coffee, 9:30 AM, conference room.
February 12th: Lost and Found Items Donated
February 15th-19th: Winter Vacation March 4th: PTG Math Night, 6:00 PM, cafeteria

Changes to Dismissal Plans:

Please send in a note to your child’s teacher if you need to change his/her dismissal plans for that day. If you need to change your child’s dismissal plan unexpectedly, please notify the office by 2:30 PM. Thank you for your assistance with this matter.

Valentine’s Day:

As a friendly reminder, in accordance with the district’s Wellness Policy, we do not celebrate holidays with class parties and food. Although teachers may provide time in their classrooms for students to exchange cards, candy may not be attached. We thank you in advance for your cooperation in keeping all of our students safe.

Kindergarten Registration:

On March 29th and April 5th, from 1-2 PM, we welcome families to register their incoming kindergarten students for school. We have mailed letters to families with children eligible for kindergarten in the fall inviting them to attend. If you have a child who will be 5 years of age by August 31, 2016 and did not receive a letter, please contact the main office.

Dismissal Notes:

During dismissal, please be sure not to block the crosswalk. Because the back parking lot is reserved for faculty, parents are encouraged to park along both sides of West Street and on the right side of Pleasant Street or Chase Road. If it’s not raining or snowing, parents picking up their students should meet them behind the building near the basketball court. In the case of inclement weather, pick up is in the cafeteria. Thank you!

PARCC Assessment Dates:

Students in grades 3-5 are scheduled to participate in the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) test between April 25th and June 6th. The specific dates and times students at each grade level will be testing will be included in the March issue of this newsletter.

Illness and Attendance:

The following guidelines are used to determine dismissals and may be helpful for parents to determine appropriate attendance. Keep your child home from school if he or she:

◦ Has been vomiting during the night.
◦ Has a cold with sneezing and coughing and a persistent runny nose.
◦ Has diarrhea.
◦ Has an oral temperature of 100 degrees or higher without medication.
◦ Has a severe sore throat.
◦ Does not eat breakfast because of a stomach ache.
◦ Has pink, blood shot eyes with yellow or green drainage.
◦ Has head lice.
◦ Is on an antibiotic for a contagious disease, i.e. strep throat – keep your child at home for the first 24 hours

Please report all illnesses to the school office before the start of the school day via the absentee line. Parents will be called if students are absent on the daily attendance without notification.

Any student who becomes ill or is injured during the school day must report to the Health Office. The student will be dismissed, if necessary, by the nurse after examination and communication with the parent or designated emergency contact person.