Gesundheit...an update! SB 2-8-19
Growing up with my last name gave me a certain fondness for the traditional German response to a sneeze. Working in a school in the first half of February can easily dilute that fondness...
A Note from Mrs. Hanly RN
Cold and Flu season is upon us. Let’s try to limit the spread of illness in our school by reviewing these good hygiene habits with our kids.
• Frequent hand washing- with soap and water for 20 seconds or use of hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands
• Cough and sneeze etiquette- teach your child to cough and sneeze into their inner elbow or sleeve, or use a tissue, and wash their hands after a cough or sneeze.
• Over the counter cold/cough medication is not available in the nurse’s office, but if you feel your child needs it, you may bring it in to the nurse’s office in the original container with a note and with specific directions, including the last time it was given to your child.
Most importantly I want to emphasize the importance of STAYING HOME to rest if your child is sick. Official school policy is to be home for a fever of 100.4 or higher and to remain at home until there is no fever for 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medications such as Tylenol or Motrin. This means a child should have one whole “WELL DAY” at home without medication before returning to school. Also, please note, we have a few students in the building who are immunocompromised. This means they are at a higher risk of becoming sick more easily than other children.
Consider keeping your children at home if they have symptoms of excessive cough, sneezing or fatigue; or head, body or ear aches. A minor sore throat is usually not a problem, but a strep throat can occur with or without fever, and may include other symptoms such as headache, upset stomach, or cold symptoms. Contact your pediatrician to determine if it is strep throat.
Additionally, if a child has had vomiting or diarrhea, that child should be home for at least 24 hours after the last episode to be sure he is able to keep food down and to give the child time to regain his strength.
Returning to school too soon may slow the recovery process and expose others unnecessarily to illness. Please feel free to contact me if your child has been sick at home so we can make a plan to help them at school.
Speaking of germs, the hotel rooming assignments for the 8th grade trip to DC are being determined very soon (clearly, that is an editorial comment used as an attempt for a humorous transition and not an actual judgment regarding the facilities in which our students sojourn in DC...the housing is very clean). Washington DC roommate request forms are due on Wednesday, February 13th. If any students are having difficulty managing this process they should reach out to Mrs. Craig, Mrs. Sweet, Ms. Ryle, or Mr. Lipschutz. Students have been given daily reminders over the announcements but as many middle school students seem to interpret due dates as suggestions it is important for everyone to understand that late requests may not be honored; while we want to make sure everyone is comfortable, the options decrease dramatically after next week.
Another reminder for 8th graders and families is that the WA Curriculum Night/ Open House for incoming 9th graders is next Wednesday, February 13. Please read Principal Antonelli’s welcome letter for more information:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sTTx1mcjJ-rUYRerovofvd34wIBRdZKJ/view
Have a healthy weekend,
Chris
Dr. Christopher Chew
Gesundheit
Stony Brook School
Westford Middle School PTO Updates
Sweets for Teachers 2019 is next week
There are still some volunteer spots left to show your support for our middle school teachers and staff next week (Wednesday). Please sign up to help set up the teachers' lounges, bring in sweets, or clean up at either school (takes 15 minutes, tops) at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0a48aba92caafa7-sweets2
Join us on the WMSPTO
Give back, meet new people, be "in the know".... we'd like you to consider JOINING the WMSPTO for the 2019-2020 school year by reaching out to westfordmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com. Open positions are:
*Co-President (2 positions open, must have been on a PTO board at some point)
*Treasurer
*AEP Coordinator (2 positions open)
Westford Summer Music Program - The Westford Summer Music program is now accepting registrations for band and orchestra students entering grades 5 through 9 in September 2019. Band and orchestra ensembles will rehearse daily from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Stony Brook School on July 8th through July 12th . During the week, the students will prepare new music and give a free performance on Friday, July 12th at 11 a.m.
For more information and registration please visit: www.westfordk12.us/summermusic
For questions, please contact: Julie Ottesen - jottesen@westfordk12.us
Westford Academy presents Camp Sunshine Night - Worcester Railers vs. Maine Mariners
DCU Center located at 50 Foster St Worcester, MA 01608
Friday, March 22nd at 7:05 PM
Tickets $20
Join the Students of Westford Academy at the Worcester Railers on March 22nd as we support Camp Sunshine! Camp Sunshine is a camp in Casco, Maine for Children and their families as they face serious Illness. Tickets are $20 and include a Railers hat! All seats are located in Section 111-112 based on availability. Make sure to purchase your ticket through the link! Offer expires 48 hours prior to puck drop. All tickets purchased will be emailed prior to the game! Make sure to wear your Camp Sunshine yellow for a post game photo on the ice following the game.
Go Camp Sunshine! www.railershc.com/sunshine