Jaguar Tracks
December 13th
Dear JE families,
I want to thank our student council for contributing to a video that will be shared with students to reinforce our Core Values (Practice Compassion, Act Responsibly, Work towards Success & Show Respect). We are working to refine some of our recess systems to help all students feel included and we will continue to teach our students the importance of including all and using respectful language outside at recess.
Below, you will see our School Improvement Plan, which was approved by the School Committee. Please take a look at this and watch the 7 minute video which shows more about what this will look like in action.
Thank you all for your continued support and communication,
Caitlin Shelburne
Joshua Eaton School Improvement Plan 21-22 (VIDEO & DOCUMENT)
Update: Reading Food Pantry Food Drive!
Thank you to all those that made donations to the Reading Food Pantry. The PTO was thrilled to co-sponsor this drive with the Student Council and, thanks to their wonderful efforts, it was a HUGE success.
News from the Library
Thanks to the Joshua Eaton PTO Reading Enrichment program, our Kindergarteners, First, Second and Third Graders enjoyed an inspiring virtual visit with author Bridget Heos on Thursday, December 9. In conjunction with her visit, families have an opportunity to purchase some of Ms. Heos’ books through our local independent bookstore, Whitelam Books.
Please see the attached book order form. All books purchased through this order will receive a signed bookplate from Ms. Heos.
Please note that the order form must be received by Friday, December 17. Books purchases will be available after the winter vacation in January 2022.
Visit Ms. Heos’ website to learn more about her books.
http:/www.authorbridgetheos.com/
Please contact the library media teacher, Karen Ghirardi, with any questions at karen.ghirardi@reading.k12.ma.us .
Thank you Joshua Eaton PTO for supporting this enrichment reading event.
Lost & Found
Our Lost & Found bin is filling up quickly! Please have your child be sure to check for any lost or missing items. Make sure ALL outerwear is labeled with your child’s name. We will be sorting through the items over vacation. Anything that is labeled with a name will be returned, anything that is NOT labeled will be donated to a local charity organization. Thank you!
From the Health Office
We have seen an uptick in cases after the Thanksgiving holiday. Due to timing, many of the cases do not represent in school exposure. Staff and families are notified if there is an in-school exposure, and they are considered close contacts.
Also, if your child is identified as a close contact outside of school, please remember that they must quarantine at home. For questions or concerns please reach out to me directly - elmy.trevejo@reading.k12.ma.us
For weekly and total case updates by school check here.
We will be doing pooled testing for students on Friday at Killam from 1-5 pm. Anyone who has not previously signed consent should do so here. It facilitates the process if you also sign up here if you haven't previously.
We have added another vaccine clinic for 1/7/22, and appointments are now available Here.
Just a reminder that if your child is sick – please keep them home. If they have any of the following symptoms, they will need to have a negative covid test or documentation from a physician/provider that offers an alternative diagnosis before returning to school……
- Fever greater than 100, chills or shaking chills
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- New loss of taste or smell
- Muscle aches or body aches
A COVID test is also required if your child develops a combination of two or more of the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Nausea, Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nasal Congestion or Runny Nose
If your child develops symptoms at school, and is consented for symptomatic testing, I can test them onsite. However, depending on their symptoms, you may be asked to follow up with a PCR test to confirm.
Please refer to PROCOTOL C from the DESE COVID testing flowchart.
https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/flowcharts.pdf
If you haven’t signed up for COVID testing at school, here is the link.
https://www.cic-health.com/consent/ma
If your child is identified as a close contact to someone that has tested positive outside of school, please let me know as soon as possible. Students are still required to quarantine and should not be coming to school.
Information and guidance for persons in quarantine due to COVID-19
Travel Guidance
If your child/children travel out of the state, we are asking that you follow CDC recommended guidance on travel. Here is the link that outlines what to do for unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
Vision and Hearing Screening for grades 1-3
I will be starting state mandated vision and hearing screenings for our first grade students the week of October 18th. If you do not want your child screened, please send me an email by 10/15, requesting to opt-out. elmy.trevejo@reading.k12.ma.us
It takes a village to keep our schools safe. Thanks for your support!
Best,
Elmy Trevejo, RN MPH (elmy.trevejo@reading.k12.ma.us) 781-942-9161 ext 15140
Interested in substituting at JE?
Are you looking for a way to support our school? We have a great opportunity. From time to time, teachers attend important trainings during the school day. Usually, we hire substitutes to cover classrooms, but given the current staffing shortage we are having difficulty finding qualified substitutes. We know most parents/guardians are not able to commit to substituting regularly, but we want to offer an option for those who might want to substitute occasionally. Below is some information:
- Pay rate has increased - the NEW rate will be increased to $105/day for certified teachers, and the uncertified daily substitute rate will be increased to $100/day!
- Substitutes need to have a CORI and fingerprinting check
- Teachers leave detailed plans for substitutes to follow
- Parents/guardians will not be allowed to substitute in their child's class
Please contact Kristyn Cohen and Michelle Roach and CC me: kristyn.cohen@reading.k12.ma.us/ Michelle.Roach@reading.k12.ma.us
From the Desk of the PTO
Joshua Eaton Website
Have you visited our website? We encourage all of you to familiarize yourself with our Joshua Eaton website www.reading.k12.ma.us/joshuaeaton. Here you will find all pertinent school information including:
· School Calendar with important dates and events
· Jaguar Tracks Newsletters
· Staff list and contact information
· Forms (Including CORI, Dismissal, etc…)
· PTO information
· Health Office Information
· Curriculum Information
· School Handbook
…and more!
This is your “Go-To” place for all JE information!! Our website is updated regularly, so stop by and take a peek!!