Day School News
October 9, 2020
Dear Day School Community,
We are looking forward to welcoming families to our virtual Back to School night on Thursday, October 15. At 6PM, we will host an informational session featuring art, music, PE, health, library, literacy specialist, EL teacher, guidance, nurse. In this introductory sessions, you will meet our specialists and learn more about their programs. Our literacy specialist and EL teacher will explain resources and interventions that are available at Day. You'll also hear about our guidance program and supports. The zoom link for the 6:00PM session is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82580156345
Each teacher will send a Google link for class meetings at the following times: Grade 3 @6:30PM, Grade 4 @7:00PM, and Grade 5 @7:30PM.
I hope everyone enjoys the holiday weekend. If you are traveling out of state, please see the travel advisory from our school nurse posted in this newsletter.
Sincerely,
Chris Louis Sardella, Principal
Norman E. Day Elementary School
Day School's Back to School Night will be scheduled on Thursday, October 15. We will be utilizing the Google Meet platform this year to hold this event virtually. We are scheduling each grade level at different times so that families with multiple children can attend them without conflict. Day School staff will communicate the Google Meeting Links via email and this newsletter.
6:00-6:30 Information from administrators, art, music, PE, health, library, literacy specialist, EL teacher, guidance, nurse
Zoom Link for 6:00 PM session: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82580156345
6:30-7:00 Grade 3 (classroom teachers and student support staff)
7:00-7:30 Grade 4 (classroom teachers and student support staff)
7:30-8:00 Grade 5 (classroom teachers and student support staff)
The Day School PTO needs your help!
This year we are excited to offer:
Online arts and enrichment programs for all Day School students
Teacher grants to purchase classroom supplies and curriculum materials
Teacher appreciation week
New school mascot apparel and branding for the Day School
And much more...
Please contact dayschoolptopresident@gmail.com to find out more about supporting our efforts for this school year. We are looking for someone to coordinate our arts and education programs, teacher grants, school logo apparel efforts, and more. We really need your help and look forward to making this a great school year. Please contact us today!
Use of Cameras
We wanted to share the importance for our students to feel comfortable using their cameras while they are in remote lessons to continue to build relationships with their peers and teachers. At this time, we are not requiring it, but it is important to understand that seeing our students throughout the day is one way we build relationships and communities within our classrooms. We will continue to create a welcoming, supportive atmosphere within our virtual and in person learning spaces and remain focused on developing positive relationships. As the relationships grow we hope more and more students will grow confident in keeping their cameras on while in class with their teachers and peers. Please do your best to support our students' comfort and confidence while they are working from home so that we can build the strong connections that are necessary for learning.
Instrumental Lessons
We just wanted to reach out to let you know for any family where we have received a Registration Form and payment of the Instrumental Music Fee, your child has been scheduled for their weekly band or strings class. The teachers have shared the schedules via the emails provided on the Registration Form. If you have not received an email as of today with your child's lesson time, would you please reach out to me?
Lessons have started and will continue on a weekly basis throughout the school year.
Please reach out to me at any time if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Andrea Mejia
K-12 Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Coordinator
News from the School Nurse
Travel Advisory
Please remember that the state of Massachusetts is still under a travel advisory. Depending on where your travels take you, you may need to be tested or quarantined upon your return to MA. As of today's date (10.9.20), "safe" states are MA, NY, NH, VT, ME and the District of Columbia. Here is the link for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for your reference: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order#quarantine-requirement-and-testing-options-
Testing for children under age 10 is not required, as long as the adults negative PCR/molecular test (NOT a rapid antigen test) is submitted to the school nurse before your children return in person. You are welcome to have your children tested if you wish, but the current regulations let parents decide.
Testing as an Alternative to Quarantine
You do not need to quarantine for 14 days if you took a test for COVID-19 and have received a negative result. The specimen for the test must have been collected no longer than 72 hours before your arrival in Massachusetts, and the testing must be by a method approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Upon request, you must be able to demonstrate proof of the negative test result.
If you took a test prior to your arrival but have not received your negative result, you MUST quarantine until you receive the negative result. You may obtain a test at your own expense after your arrival in Massachusetts, but you MUST quarantine until you obtain a negative result. Use the COVID-19 testing map to find a site near you.
Information about approved molecular tests can be found in the Department of Public Health Guidance. A negative result from an antigen test must be confirmed by a negative result from an FDA EUA-approved molecular (PCR) SARS-CoV2 test, on a sample obtained 72 hours or less prior to arrival in Massachusetts. Serology tests will not be accepted.
Visitors are strongly urged to obtain a negative result before traveling to Massachusetts.
Testing for children, 10 years and younger, who are traveling with an adult from their household is not required."
If you have any questions, please reach out.
Mandatory Flu Vaccines
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.
Thank you to all who have submitted flu vaccine receipts. Westford Health Department has arranged for two drive thru flu clinics at the Water Department, 60 forge Village Road, October 15th and 22nd from 4-7pm. Please refer to their website - https://www.westfordma.gov/235/Flu-Clinics - for details on what you need to have with you before you arrive.
Cheryl Carpenter, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN
Norman E. Day Elementary School Nurse
(978) 692-5591 ext. 3655
Integrated Arts Google Meeting Links and Classroom Codes
Use the chart below for Google meeting links and Google classroom codes for all of your integrated arts classes. Use the tabs at the bottom of the chart to find your grade level. Grade 3 is green, Grade 4 is blue, Grade 5 is purple. Teachers are listed at the top of the chart. This chart will be updated so please return if you do not see your class meeting link.
Westford Public Schools Calendar with Pod Weeks
School Calendar_Rev C with PODS.pdf