Worthington School District
147 Huntington Road
Worthington, MA 01098
413-238-5856
gmorsedobosz@hr-k12.org
Dear Community:
This week we had several COVID cases among faculty and students. And, due to many faculty members being absent, we dismissed preschool at noon beginning on Wednesday through Friday. This enabled the preschool staff to support the K through 6 students in the afternoons. Although this temporary shift was unfortunate, it allowed us to keep the preschoolers present for part of the day while also ensuring that the school remained open for our older peers. We apologize sincerely for the inconvenience and disruption this may have caused for our preschool families.
On Thursday, I woke up with a fever, chills, body aches, and an awful headache. And, I tested positive for COVID. It knocked me out yesterday and this afternoon I’m beginning to feel a little better.
We are taking precautions with this current uptick, and have the classroom windows open, hepafileters on, washing tables down regularly, and encouraging handwashing with the students. And, of course, masks are optional.
Halloween Costumes: Please remember that your children should NOT wear their costumes to school but to come dressed in school clothes and bring their costumes with them. They will have time to change before the parade. Please remember no scary or gory costumes and no masks.
Recreational Committee: COME JOIN THE FUN on Saturday, October 29. Trick or Treat begins at 4 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m.. The parade line up starts at 4:45 p.m. in the school parking lot. The Halloween Dance begins at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall and will go until 9 p.m.
Family Breakfast and Lunch: We would like to invite family members to Lunch on Thursday, Nov. 10 beginning at 12:30 p.m. and breakfast on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Please make sure to enter through the cafeteria door and sign in. And, please look for a sign-up sheet from Ms. Ashley in the green folders.
Cost for adults to purchase breakfast or lunch.
- Breakfast is $3.00.
- Lunch is $5.00.
After-School Program Updates
Half Days
The after-school program is not able to offer half day programming at this time. The program will be closed on the half days for the month of November. The half days are November 3rd, 4th and the 23rd.
Session 2
Session 2 will start on Monday, November 24th. Session one will end Tuesday, November 18th. Registration forms will be handed out to your student by their school day teacher the week before Thanksgiving, and will be sent out in “Community News”. We will be offering some new activities and continuing some of the favorites.
If you have any questions about the program you may contact Shannon Madden, Program Coordinator, at smadden@hr-k12.org.
Reminders from Nurse’s Office:
- Please continue to watch for an OPT-IN form for COVID testing that will go home in your child’s folder..
- If your child is going to be absent or tardy, please email mbreymann@hr-k12.org and louellet@hr-k12.org.
- This past week we saw more Covid-19 in the school. We have seen no new cases today. If any family needs rapid Covid tests, please call.
- If you have a health concern and feel that a call to Nurse Meg is warranted to help make a decision about sending your child to school, please text Nurse Meg at 413-320-8172 or email her at mbreymann@hr-K12.org before 7:00 a.m. and until 7p.m.
- During school hours, Nurse Meg can be reached at 413-238-5856 extension 1.
Upcoming Events:
October 31: Harvest Festival – Begins at 1:15PM with the annual school parade twice around the building. Please feel free to gather near the sidewalk to watch. The parade will start around 1:15 from the front door. Then join us out back for more festivities.
November 3 – 4: Noon Dismissal: Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 10: School Committee Meeting beginning at 6:30.
November 11: NO SCHOOL – Veterans Day
November 17: PTO Meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m.
November 18: All School Meeting with featured guest, John Porcino a local Storyteller and Singer will perform.
November 18: PTO Thanksgiving Feast from 5:30 – 7:00 in the cafeteria. More information to come.
November 23: Noon Dismissal for Thanksgiving Break Have a wonderful weekend!
Warmly,
Gretchen Morse-Dobosz
Principal/Superintendent, Worthington School District
gmorsedobosz@hr-k12.org