Dates to Remember
February Vacation February 21 - 25
February 100th Day of School
News about Covid Testing Changes
This week, MA DESE and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced a new program designed to enhance covid testing in schools while also reducing the load our nurses have been carrying by stopping both the test and stay program and contact tracing in schools. This program is free to staff and families who sign up and consent to be part of the at-home testing. There is no requirement to sign up.
By now you will have received an email that will give a more specific description of the program and will have a link to sign up for access to free rapid covid tests for your child on a bi-weekly basis. Once every two weeks, students and staff who sign-up will be given two covid tests. One test is to be used at home each week. If you agree to use the tests, there is also an expectation that you report positive results to the school nurse. Please note that pooled testing will still continue. The at-home tests will be in addition to the pooled testing.
News from the Front Office
Once again, we have some reminders as we navigate the increased COVID cases in our communities. The following protocols will be in place for the next few weeks as we continue to monitor our COVID numbers.
Snack & Lunch: we will continue to eat snack and lunch outside weather permitting. For indoor lunch and snack, students will be spaced 6 feet apart. Students will put masks back on as soon as they have finished eating.
Masks: It is imperative that all staff and students wear masks correctly at all times (over nose and mouth). Please send your students with extra masks in their backpacks. We do have pediatric-sized surgical masks here as well.
Sanitizing: Hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes have been distributed to classrooms. Teachers are encouraging students to wash and/or sanitize hands often and are wiping down desks during the day.
Mittens, Gloves, Hats, Boots
As we mentioned above, we will be eating snack and lunch outside weather permitting. Please make sure your children come to school prepared for the cold weather with warm coats, hats, mittens, gloves, boots etc.
Cleaning Out Closets?
We are still looking for donations of gently used board games and jigsaw puzzles (no more than 500 pieces) for indoor recess. Please send any donations to the office in care of Mary Adamik.
News From Cutler Kindergarten
In Kindergarten we have been working with our Fifth Grade buddies to support Ellis Square Friends, a non-profit group whose mission is to provide clothing, food, and whatever resources can be gathered to help homeless citizens of Beverly survive, and in some instances get off the streets.
After listening to the story, Maddi's Fridge, by Lois Brandt, Kindergarteners worked with their 5th Grade buddies to decorate lunch bags with a unique winter scene. Both reading Maddi's Fridge and our connection with Ellis Square Friends has helped raise Kindergarten awareness about food insecurity and how easy it is for everyone to give back in some capacity.
In Math: We have been exploring addition and subtraction.
In Reading: We have finished our alphabet awareness and started to build and read words.
In Science: We have studied the changes in our weather and the seasons.
Finally, last week we had a wonderful visit with Superintendent Eric Tracy, who came in and observed us working hard and offered ipad tech. support!
News About the Public F/Y 23 Budget Presentation
On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at 6:30 PM, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Administration, Vinny Leone, and Superintendent Eric Tracy, gave a public presentation of the school department’s tentative budget. It was streamed live on HWCAM. You can find the video here
News About School Committee Elections
The Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District Committee is seeking candidates for election to membership on the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Committee. The number of members elected in 2022 shall be three (3) members; each for a term of three (3) years. Nomination papers for prospective candidates were available beginning on Monday, January 10, 2022, at their respective Town Clerk’s Office to ensure that the “the candidate” is a registered voter before gathering the signatures of at least 40 registered voters from either the Towns of Hamilton and/or Wenham. It is highly recommended you obtain 50-60 signatures to ensure at least 40 are certified. The nomination papers must be returned on or before 5:00 PM on Thursday, February 17, 2022.
News from Hamilton and Wenham Police Departments
Autism-Disability Outreach Program
Presented January 18th
View the meeting HERE
The Hamilton & Wenham Police Departments introduced a new community wide program at the most recent HWSEPAC Meeting on January 18th. The Hamilton and Wenham Police Departments have worked to create an Autism-Disability Outreach program in what is now a “culture of awareness” in our district and beyond. This new program is in response to the varied needs of residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and aims to provide a “total approach” to issues that these residents and police encounter through education, outreach, and response. The main focus of the program is to provide a platform for those that don’t always have a voice. The goal of their outreach is to provide tools and resources which prepare for effective ways to ensure a safe, meaningful community. Officers receive training and education on ways to ensure positive, effective, and safe interactions between law enforcement and the Autism/IDD communities. They will also work with caregivers and those who have Autism/IDD on ways to ensure that they are safe in the community. They will incorporate the concerns and questions of those they interact with to develop dynamic curriculums and presentations.
For More information including the Community Member Profile Form:
Wenham Autism Outreach Disability Program
Hamilton Autism Outreach Disability Program
Due to the rise in COVID cases in our communities, we will be postponing our January Family Game Night to a new date to be determined. Thank you for your flexibility.
Book Fair Postponed
The Scholastic Book Fair that was originally scheduled for 1/24-1/28 has been postponed. We are looking forward to having this fun event in the spring when we can ensure the safety of our volunteers and students. Thank you all for understanding!
