Worthington School District
147 Huntington Road
Worthington, MA 01098
413-238-5856
gmorsedobosz@hr-k12.org
Dear Community:
We would like to thank everyone who joined us last weekend for the Pancake Breakfast and annual Book Sale. We are happy to share that the pancake breakfast raised $245 and will be split across the grades for future trips to Nature’s Classroom! Thank you to Ashley for cooking! And, the PTO sponsored a used book bazaar which raised $500 dollars! Thank you to all those who donated books. The leftover books went to the town for the town wide book sale later this spring. Again, thank you for your continued support!
Spring Recital: The R.H. Conwell Band & Chorus will present a Spring Recital on March 29 at 9am! The event will include a flute trio, a clarinet duet, a brass ensemble, and a percussion ensemble, as well as the chorus singing “Peace Like a River.” Families and community members are welcome to attend.
Library Update: Library 2024
Equity Community Update: We at the Equity Advisory Committee are happy to share our second annual book list, with the aim of providing “mirrors and windows” for the students of R.H. Conwell. View the list here: Equity Committee Booklist 2023/24 Our committee has been working hard compiling this list, and the last step in completing the project is to purchase the books for use in our school. This is where we once again need support from our wonderful community! We are asking for donations to help us purchase these books. The total cost for all 22 books is around $250, with individual books ranging in price from $6 to $19, so truly every little bit helps. Those who would like to donate can do so with either a check made out to the Town of Worthington, or by directly purchasing books- and both checks and books can be dropped off at the office.
If purchasing books, please let us know at rhcadvisorycommittee@hr-k12.org and we will update the list. And feel free to reach out to us at the email above with any questions or to make book suggestions! Thank you so much for your support!
Babysitting Course OFFERING: We are partnering with UMASS Amherst’s 4-H Youth Development program to offer a full day babysitting course to students over April break for students 12 years and older. Mature 11 year olds will be considered as well if availability allows. The class will be held Wednesday, April 17 from 8:30am-3pm at R.H. Conwell. If interested, please contact Nurse Steph ASAP at sfaas@hr-k12.org. TWO SPOTS LEFT!!!!!
Solar Eclipse: On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. While no place in Massachusetts will see the sun completely disappear, some parts of the state will see a shadow cover 95 percent of the sun, if weather permits. The eclipse will begin shortly after 2 p.m. and will last about two and a half hours until about 4:30 p.m. We ordered solar eclipse glasses for all the students!
MCAS DATES: Students in grades 3- 6 will be taking the MCAS test during the dates listed below.
- ELA: April 2 and 3
- Math: April 30 and May 1
- Science: May 14 (grade 5 only)
News from the school nurses:
Measles is increasing in the United States, and this is believed to be a result of a decline in routine childhood vaccinations and an increase in exemptions. Please be aware of the signs and symptoms: fever, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and cough with a rash appearing about 4 days later. While these symptoms may not grab your attention, measles is one of the most contagious viruses on Earth, infecting about 9 out of every 10 people exposed, and can be very dangerous for immunocompromised people, young children, and the elderly.
For people without immunity: 1 in 5 will be hospitalized, 1 in 20 will develop pneumonia (the most common way measles kills young kids), 1 in 1000 will develop encephalitis (sometimes causing permanent brain damage), and 1-3 in 1000 will die. Another incredibly concerning characteristic of measles is the weakening of the immune system, resulting in the loss of the body’s ability to remember how to protect itself against infections that people were previously immune to. This is scary, and leaves children vulnerable to other diseases and poor health outcomes.
The current measles vaccination rates of RH Conwell students unfortunately do make us a vulnerable community with less than the 95% vaccination rate threshold necessary to achieve herd immunity. Our intention in sharing this information is to be informative, and not instill worry in families. Please reach out to Nurse Steph or Nurse Meg if you have questions, concerns, or if you are considering vaccinating your child against measles and would like to discuss safety and efficacy of vaccination. If an unvaccinated or undervaccinated child is exposed, they will need to isolate for 21 days!
You may have heard that the CDC has dropped the five day isolation requirement for a positive COVID-19 test. We want to remind our school community that in Massachusetts the following guidance is still in effect. If and when the COVID-19 isolation guidance in Massachusetts changes, we will certainly let you know.
Seasonal influenza (flu) activity remains elevated nationally. Though many associate the flu with the winter months, the flu season can often extend into May! CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as influenza viruses are spreading. Vaccination can still provide benefits this season- it is not too late to get your flu shot!
News from the cafeteria:
Family Lunch is on March 29, 2024 on the Menu is Cheese or Pepperoni Pinwheels, Romaine salad, and a dessert. Please sign up ahead of time.
HOTM: www.massfarmtoschool.org
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.
Upcoming Events:
March 19, 2024: ⅚ graders go to HRHS for the musical, Mary Poppins
March 29, 2024: Family Lunch
March 29, 2024: Spring Recital during All School Morning Meeting beginning at 9:05 a.m. ALL are welcome to attend.
April 2, 2024: MCAS testing for grades 3- 6 beginning at 9:00 a.m.
April 3, 2024: MCAS testing for grades 3- 6 beginning at 9:00 a.m.
April 10, 2024: Dog Sled Presentation: BB from Hilltown Sled Dogs will present a reading of her Serum Run Children’s Story Book with accompanying slides from Alaska. Families are welcome to join us.
April 12, 2024: Walk to School Day (watch for more information and a permission form to participate)
April 15 – 19, 2024: School Vacation Week Have a wonderful weekend!
Warmly,
Gretchen Morse-Dobosz
Superintendent/Principal