15
7
23
Happy Holidays to all Martin Families!
December 2020
December
Cohort A Cohort A Cohort B Cohort B
Saturday
5
6 12
13 19
20 26
27
Sunday
Remote Day
Cohort A Cohort A Cohort B Cohort BRemote Day
Hanakkuh Begins
Cohort A Cohort A Cohort B Cohort BRemote Day
Cohort A Cohort BRemote Day
Christmas Day
Christmas Eve
Kwanzaa Begins
Elf, Antler or Winter Hat Day
Winter Socks or Crazy Socks Day
Polar Express Day(Wear pajamas)
Monday Thursday
3
Friday
4
Tuesday
1
Wednesday
2
14
8 9 10 11
Last Week
To Order!
Online
Book Fair
and Virtual
Holiday
Shopuntil
Dec. 4
Polar Express Day(Wear pajamas)
Elf, Antler or Winter Hat Day
Winter Socks or Crazy Socks Day
17 18 16
22
30 28 3129
2524
Holiday Break
Holiday Break
21
So, this has been a year that we won’t forget. It has been a year that will remain in history books. And it is not over.
If you can stay with me for a small moment I’d like to portraya ray of sunshine that I am graced with during my week.
This year I stand on the back walkway, a walkway now covered with little, 6 feet apart, painted feet (that I may have painted without permission). I stand in a spot so that parents must stop before the walkway gets too narrow. I stand in this unfortunately-created vantage point and get to see something wonderful every day.
Hugs.
This year these moments seem to have taken over. Every day I get to see hugs and more hugs shared with children. Waves of hugs as more children show up. They shine on the sidewalk making all the anxiety and worries of Covid go away for a little while.
A Hug.
That brief moment you share with your child. Maybe it is a fist bump, ruffling hair or fixing a backpack. A small action that means an ocean to a child before their day starts. Some hugs might take place before a student gets on a bus or before bed. But those moments cling to children throughout the day.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break, and got to spend some quality family time together. It was a different Thanksgiving than my family is used to, however we tried to bring in a few new traditions. My boys had so much fun decorating cookies from the PTO fundraising kits!
The students have continued to be amazing in school. As I walk through the building, I can hear the discussions happening in reading groups, see the students helping JiJi make it across in ST Math, and hands on STEM activities around the building. At the end of December I can't wait to see the students on Spirit Days, these are my favorite days to greet the students as they come into the building, they are so excited to show off their spirit!!
Kerry HutchinsAssistant Principal
A Message from Mrs. Hutchins
Principal’s Page
There are all kinds of articles on the scientific benefits of a hug. Forgetting about science, which is hard to do this year, I just get to witness the faces of students as they walk away after being hugged. They glow. They look ready to conquer the world. They look safe and happy.
So thank you,
Bart Lush
Notice from the School Nurse Hi Martin families! I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving, although our celebrations may have been a little different, and were able to enjoy your time with your families!
As the holiday season continues, please continue to remember the following:
COVID-19 DAILY SCREENINGS:
Please remember to do a daily Covid symptom check with your child/children prior to school.
Daily Home Screening Tool-SPS-COVID19.docx
PLEASE keep your child home if he or she has any of the symptoms listed in the Daily Home Screening Tool.
If you are unsure as to whether or not you should send your child to school or with any other questions you may have, please don’t hesitate to contact your school nurse.
The MDPH issued updated quarantine guidelines on 11/18/20 for those who have been exposed to Covid-19. Specifically, an individual must remain quarantined for:
· At least 14 days, from the date of last exposure; or· At least 10 days, provided all of the following are satisfied:
1. You have not had, and do not have , any symptoms;2. You are tested on day 8 of your quarantine period or later using a molecular diagnostic test (PCR) to detect the presence of the virus;3. You receive a negative test result; and4. You monitor yourself for symptoms for the full 14 days. If you develop symptoms you should contact your health care provider and be re-tested.
The full guidance can be found at: https://www.mass.gov/guidance/information-and-guidance-for-persons-in-quarantine-due-to-covid-19.
Out-of-State Travel Information:
If you still choose to travel, please continue to wear face masks, practice social distancing and good hand hygiene. Please also remember that the MDPH requires anyone who travels to a state that is considered a higher-risk (above 5% cases per 100K) needs to complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival, quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative Covid-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts. The test must be a PCR test. Rapid Covid-19 tests are not accepted at this time. (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order).
https://drive.google.com/a/seekonkschools.org/open?id=1f_fvNOunbvTxcberTnU7aWSzZvac0OIGhttps://www.mass.gov/guidance/information-and-guidance-for-persons-in-quarantine-due-to-covid-19https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order
· Please read about how to self- isolate and self-quarantine if you have a positive covid-19 test or are a close contact. You can find this information on the School Nurses’ Webpage under quick links on the Seekonk Public Schools website. The local board of health will reach out to anyone who is identified as positive or a close contact. Please contact your school nurse with any questions.
IS IT COLD, FLU OR COVID?
FLU VACCINE:
Please remember to send in verification that your child received the flu shot. MDPH requires all students receive a flu shot before December 31, 2020. If your child has a medical or religious exemption, please send in a note stating this and citing ML 105.CMR220.00. Please see the link on information about the flu and care of anyone who contracts it. The-flu-guide-for-parents.pdf
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND IMMUNIZATION RECORDS:
Copies of physical examinations and immunization records are required for all newly enrolled students and kindergarten students.
A copy of a physical examination only is required for all 4th grade students. If you have not done so already, please submit the paperwork to the nurse.
DECEMBER TIPS
Dress warm! It’s all about layers this season!
Drink water! Even though it’s cold outside, our bodies need water! Staying hydrated in school is important in order to avoid headaches and fatigue. Please remember to bring a water bottle to school. If you do not like the taste of water, consider using drops of lemon or lime juice or even slices of cucumber or sprigs of mint.
Nothing Nice about Lice!
This time of year, we may see a few cases of head lice. Adult head lice or their eggs (nits) are found in the hair, most often behind the ears and at the base of the neck. Head lice are most commonly spread by direct head-to-head contact with hair of other people who have head lice.
REMEMBER:
· Lice actually like CLEAN hair.
· Lice do NOT jump, they can only walk.
· Lice do not typically or intentionally walk onto items other than hair.
· Lice cannot survive longer than 24 hours away from the scalp.
· It is important to check your child’s head periodically for lice in order for it to be easily treated and to prevent the spread of these little buggers!
Please don’t hesitate to contact your school nurse with any questions or concerns.
Have a Happy, Healthy Holiday!
Lisa McLintock, RN, BSN, [email protected]
http://the-flu-guide-for-parents.pdf/
If you are in need or know of a family in need in Seekonk, please complete the google form
below:
Angels Care Closet Family Support
Angels Care Closet is also open for donations.
Angels Care Closet
For questions and more information, please reach out to Mr. Schenck [email protected] .
Angels’ Care Closet supplies families in need with your clothing and supply donations. Help us Help them! If your family is in need of any assistance throughout this holiday
season, please complete this confidential form and you will be contacted with more information.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSCRc_shjhlFDacQNEb09zJKCrcIoLPKeLHCn70kN3zR7m1w/viewformhttps://www.facebook.com/angelscarecloset/mailto:[email protected]
Seasons Greetings Martin Families!
Martin Spirit Days
Dec. 15th & 17thElf/ Antler/ Winter
Dec. 16th & 18thWinter Socks or Crazy Sock Day
Dec. 22nd & 23rdPolar Express Day (wear P.J.’s)
Hat Day
Dressing for the themes of “Spirit Days” is optional
Nov. 21st - Dec. 4thOur PTO Book Fair is online! Support our school and help your child discover new books, favorite characters, complete series, and more! You’ll love the fun new option to shop for Book Fair exclusives directly from the interactive booklist and enjoy free shipping on book-only purchases over $25.00.
It’s a different school year ….. Let’s still show our love of reading!
TO WAYS TO SHOP ONLINE !FIND THEM ON A BOOK FAIR HOME PAGE!
www.scholastic.com/bf/georgemartinelemschool1
Any questions, please contact Joy [email protected]