Friday News - January 29, 2021

Friday, January 29, 2021


 

Hillcrest Elementary School

Friday News

January 29, 2021

 

Dear Hillcrest Families,

As you all know, we are in the final stages of preparation for our transition to the Hybrid Learning Model on Monday, February 8th.  Each child’s cohort assignment letter was mailed out this week and most of you should have received yours by now.  If your letter has not arrived by Monday, please call Mrs. Prokowich in the main office at 863-9526.  As you anticipate this shift to Hybrid Learning, you may have questions.  I have tried to include some key points that may address some of those questions. You may also want to reread last week’s Friday News as well. 

Key points regarding Hybrid Learning: 

  • All students are required to wear masks in school, on the playground and on the school bus.  If your child is not in the habit of wearing a mask, please practice mask wearing on a regular basis. 

  • When students are playing outside on the playground or taking walks around the school grounds, they will be required to wear masks and to remain six feet apart. 

  • Due to social distancing requirements, school staff will be limited in their ability to assist students in managing their winter gear such as boots and snowpants.  With plenty of practice, most young children can manage these tasks with relative independence.  Please take the time to teach your child how to get in and out of their winter gear before the first day of school. 

  • As outlined in a letter sent home earlier this year, students may not bring snacks from home.  The Fresh Fruits & Veggies program will be available, but snack time will be quite limited. 

  • Please return all health forms to Nurse Melissa prior to February 8th.

  • You may receive a phone call from Mrs. Prokowich about the return of your Student Data Verification Sheet. These will also need to be updated prior to February 8th. 

 

With the approach of School Vacation week, please be mindful of the Massachusetts travel restrictions: 

As per Massachusetts travel restrictions, staff and students that travel out of the New England states and New York, are reminded that they will need to quarantine 14 days after returning to Massachusetts before returning to school or work. Excluded from this is the  New York City area; quarantine is necessary if you have visited here.  If you plan to be traveling or have just returned from traveling, please contact your school nurse so that any questions can be answered and appropriate planning for timelines for return can be discussed.

 Thank you for your assistance in maintaining the health and safety of our school community.

For more information on Massachusetts travel ban:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order

 

And, on two final health-related points,  attached to this week’s Friday News email, you will find a Health Newsletter from Melissa Bednarsk, Hillcrest School Nurse. You will also be receiving an additional email from me with information about the BINAX Now Testing Project.  Please be sure to read all of this important health information. 

PLEASE NOTE THESE IMPORTANT DATES 

  • Tuesday, February 2nd -- School Council Meeting @ 3:30

  • Monday, February 8th -- First Day of Hybrid Learning Model

  • Monday, February 8th -- Friends of Hillcrest Meeting @ 5:00

  • Monday, February 15th - Friday, February 19th -- School Vacation Week

Wishing you a wonderful weekend ---

Sarah Burstein

Sarah Burstein, Hillcrest Principal