R. H. Conwell Community News 12/22/2023

Worthington School District
147 Huntington Road
Worthington, MA 01098
413-238-5856
gmorsedobosz@hr-k12.org

Dear Community:

Today we wrapped up 2023 with an all school Morning Meeting led by the First and Second graders, decorated cookies, drank hot cocoa, and sang songs with Mr. Cain by the fire pit. It was a fun-filled day!

As we head into our winter break, I’d like to take this opportunity to again thank you for the collaborative spirit and support for our school. Each day we enjoy a community that embraces the value of education. Thank you for your continued support!

Please enjoy the break with your family and loved ones. I’m confident that our students will return rested and enthusiastic about continuing their learning journey.

Have a joyful and restful winter break!

Ms. Lexi’s Counseling Update: Hi families! This update will be relevant for only some of you but figured I’d send it out to everyone. In almost all of my 1:1 sessions, many students are working on advocating for themselves in times of stress. In response, I have provided them with the imagery of an internal balloon that fills up with air (frustration) throughout the day. By having this visual, students are able to measure the “air” in their balloon and then find an appropriate way to advocate for their needs. So, if you hear your kiddos use language like, “my balloon is about to pop” this is what they’re referring to. If you have any questions please reach out via phone or at ajohnson@hr-k12.org.

Ms. Lexi is having a BABY:  Our school counselor, Ms. Lexi will be leaving sometime early February to have her baby girl! While she is on maternity leave, Lisa Sage, will be the interim school counselor. She will be here two days a week. As soon as the schedule is firmed up, we will share those two days with you. In the meantime, we would like to invite you all to meet her during the Principal Coffee hour on January 24 beginning at 8:30 in the library. Please see the short bio she asked me to share with the community.

Dear R.H.Conwell School Community,

My name is Lisa Sage and I am excited to introduce myself as the new interim school counselor. With a background as a licensed school counselor and a parent to two teenage daughters, I look forward to having the opportunity to contribute to the growth and well-being of the R.H. Conwell school community. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside Ms. Lexie for the next month before her maternity leave. I hope to meet you all soon!

Happy Holidays!

Update from the Nurse’s Office:

Order 4 Free Covid tests per household here! It is quick and simple!

Please send your children to school with warm outerwear! We have seen many students in the health office seeking winter gear. As the temperatures continue to drop, and as we get more snow, it is critical students have warm coats, snow pants, boots, hats, and gloves/mittens to safely play outside. Thank you!

Do you know a child who is in need of a bed?
* A Bed for Every Child will provide a new twin mattress and wooden bed frame to a child in
Massachusetts in need of a bed.
* Families can access the program through a referral made by advocates, such as healthcare workers,
teachers, guidance counselors.
* The typical wait time to receive a bed is 30-45 days.
* Please contact Nurse Steph at sfaas@hr-k12.org if you would like her to submit an application on
behalf of a child in need.

‘We are able to provide treats for special celebrations in the classrooms. Please check out the link here for more information and the order form.

The cafeteria now has a peanut free table at lunch time due to the presence of a student in the school with a severe peanut allergy.

Upcoming Events:

January 3: First day for back for students

January 11: School Committee Meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m.

January 15: No School/Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 16: No School/Faculty PD

January 24: Coffee with the Principal. Come meet Interim School Counselor, Lisa Sage.

Have a wonderful and restful winter recess!

Warmly,
Gretchen Morse-Dobosz Superintendent/Principal