Dear Lower School Families,
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What a joy it was to have so many parents join us for this morning’s beautiful Martin Luther King, Jr. Assembly! Thank you for taking the time to be with us. And thank you to the teachers and children for their hard work and preparation.
After the long weekend, on Tuesday evening, counseling psychologist Maria Trozzi will do an evening presentation to parents entitled Five to Thrive. Her presentation will give us five useful strategies that lead children to mastering coping skills so they will be successful in school and in life. The evening will be interactive and enlightening, and she will share evidence-based strategies and an honest approach. Join us on Tuesday, January 17 at 6:30 p.m. in Thacher to learn these strategies.
In today’s Lower School Newsletter you will find an announcement about two staffing changes, an important traffic notice, a request for grandfriend contact information, registration materials for our upcoming Geography Bee, an important message from our nurses and updates for the week ahead.
Finally, a big thank you to Andrea Ptaszek for organizing last Sunday’s Parent Association Skating Party.
Enjoy the long weekend,
Racheal
News and Announcements
Staffing Changes––This week, Mallorie Reinecke joined the Kindergarten team as the second teacher in Brendan Farmer’s classroom for the remainder of the year. Mallorie will be co-teaching with Brendan and will provide continuity for the children during times of his absence. Patrick Broome replaces Mallorie at the desk in Greenleaf. Students and families will remember Pat from Scott Green’s fall paternity leave. We are delighted to welcome both Mallorie and Brendan to their roles.
Important Traffic Notice––There is absolutely NO dropoff on Randolph Avenue or at the gate to the Greenleaf Loop. Randolph Avenue is very busy and very dangerous. Second, there have been several accidents in the Pool Lot this year. When walking in the Pool Lot, be careful of our less-experienced student drivers; when driving in that lot, be aware of students large and small who are walking on paths and between cars.
Geography Bee, Thursday, January 26, 4–6 p.m., Thacher––The National Geographic Bee is an annual competition organized by the National Geographic Society, designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity about the world. Each year, thousands of schools across the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee, competing for college scholarships and the glory of being the National Geographic Bee Champion. Students in Grades 4 through 8 are eligible to compete in the Geography Bee. Click here to complete the permission form.
Share Contact Information for Lower and Middle School Grandfriends’ Day, Friday May 12––In late March, invitations will be mailed to our students’ grandparents and intergenerational friends. To confirm that we have the correct addresses on file, or to share the names and addresses of those whom you’d like invited, click here. Please complete this form by February 15.
A Message from the Nurses––Winter is here and so are colds and other illnesses. You don’t want your child to miss school; but neither do you want to send a sick child to school to endanger him/her or infect others. When should your child stay home? Here are a few guidelines for you to follow:
- Students may return to School once they have been fever-free for 24 hours, without any fever-reducing medication (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc).
- For students with stomach bugs, there is no 24-hour clearance needed. Students may return to school once they are able to resume a normal diet and level of activity.
- When indicating that your child will be absent from school due to illness, also email the nurses at Diane_Holland@milton.edu or Annmarie_Martens@milton.edu with the nature of your child’s illness. The Health Center tracks illnesses across campus, and the information you provide is helpful to them.
- Remind your children to wash their hands well and frequently and to drink plenty of fluids. Vitamin C drops, zinc drops and Emergen-C are also helpful in combatting the germs in the air.
- If you haven’t yet gotten your child a flu shot, it isn’t too late!
The Week Ahead
No classes in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 16.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Brunch, Monday, January 16, 10 a.m., Wigg Hall—Join us to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King. Everyone is invited. Click here to RSVP.
Classes Resume, Tuesday Schedule. Tuesday, January 17.
Maria Trozzi Lecture, Tuesday, January 17, 6:30 p.m. Thacher––see the details above.
Assembly––Friday, January 20, 8:30 a.m., Thacher.
Add These Dates to Your Calendar
- Thursday, January 26—Geography Bee
- Friday, January 27—Early Release
- Thursday, February 2—Second Semester begins
- Friday, February 3—Early Release
- Friday, February 10––Living Arts Assembly, Grade 4 Presents
- Thursday, February 16––Grade 2 Family Museum Celebration
- Friday, February 17—Early Release
- Monday, February 20—No classes in observance of Presidents’ Day
- Friday, February 24––Middle School Musical Wonka presentation for Lower School
- Friday, March 3––Kindergarten Penguin Breakfast
- Friday, March 3––Parent Conferences