New Year!

January 05, 2024

A new year and the first real snowfall is in the forecast! Apparently, we can expect anywhere between an inch and a foot so who knows what will greet us on Monday. Please remember that we try to get the kids outside every chance we get. Once snow is on the ground, the DPW does a great job of plowing the playground. However, if kids want to play in the snow, we do require snow pants, boots, gloves, etc.. Without these things, students will be limited to the plowed hardtop so they don't spend their afternoons wet and cold.

I am sad to share with you that Lady, the therapy dog that visits on Thursdays and Fridays, passed away over the break. She passed quickly of natural causes, but it was unexpected. Lady lived a long life and brought tremendous joy to students and staff alike. I am sure you will all join me in offering Beth Foley, our school psychologist, and Lady's handler, condolences for her loss. We all miss Lady tremendously already. Many of the middle schoolers have already begun creating condolence cards. The elementary schoolers have varying levels of knowledge and understanding. If they are talking about Lady though, here is a resource from the Humane Society when talking to children about the loss of a pet.

Periodically, the folks up at Central Office send out communications and I like to reiterate them here. Recently, Maria Letasz (Director of Student Services) shared out a virtual parent/guardian workshop, "Narcotics: The Drugs, Health Risks, Educational Needs and Emergent Care." I thought it was a good resource for middle school parents especially. You can register and find more information through this link. She also shared the updated website which I thought was a fantastic resource for all parents.