Dear Brackett Families,
Snowy April! What a surprise New England weather is! We kept students inside today to keep them warm and dry. If it isn’t actively precipitating, then students will go out tomorrow. Please help them dress appropriately.
Congratulations to our Fifth Graders who completed their ELA MCAS tests this week! Next week our Third Graders will take their first ELA MCAS on Tuesday and Thursday. Thank you to all the families who sent in healthy snacks and helped their child have a positive morning. This makes a huge difference!
Best,
Gretchen
New Information Overview
- From the Nurse
- Fifth Grade Fundraising Events!
- Calendar Reminders
All previous family communication can be accessed in the News and Announcements on the district website.
Family Communication about MCAS
Next Week: Grade 5 – ELA on April 2 and April 4
From the Nurse
NEW: APS Respiratory Illness Guidelines for Students and Staff
As you may have seen in Dr. Homan's April newsletter, there have been updates to our district guidelines for respiratory illnesses (including COVID-19). This is in line with the new guidance provided by the CDC and the MA Department of Public Health.
Please take a moment to read over the updated APS Respiratory Illness Guidelines for Students & Staff. The previous COVID-specific guidelines no longer apply. District illness guidelines can also be found on the APS Nursing website.
Notification: Increased Cases of Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Recently, there has been an increase in cases of bacterial conjunctivitis within the school community. It has not been limited to any specific classroom, and no clusters or outbreaks have been identified. Bacterial conjunctivitis can spread very quickly throughout schools, so we are asking for your assistance in helping to monitor for symptoms, and keeping students home when sick.
Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include:
- Pink or red color in the white of the eye(s)
- Swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and/or eyelids
- Increased tear production
- Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s)
- Itching, irritation, and/or burning
- Discharge (pus or mucus)
- Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning
More information and resources can be found here.
Please monitor your student(s) and keep them home if they have any new-onset, unexplained discharge coming from their eye(s). You should follow up with their pediatrician for further evaluation. If your student is prescribed antibiotics, they may return to school once they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours. More information about APS Illness Guidelines can be found here. Please let me know if you have any questions/concerns.
Fifth Grade Fundraising Events!
Brackett Community Pancake Breakfast
On Sunday April 28th, families are taking over the cafeteria to host a breakfast that will raise money for fifth grade graduation.
Sunday April 28th from 8:30 am -11am
$10 a plate, or an unlimited plate for $20.
Volunteers sign-up here: Schedule
Brackett Community Flea Market
On Saturday May 11th, families are taking over the basketball court to host a Flea Market where the community will sell crafts, home goods, clothing, toys, sports gear, and more. Third, fourth, and fifth graders are being asked to volunteer and run selling stalls.
Saturday May 11th from 8am - 12pm
$25 to secure a selling stall. $5 admission for 13 and up.
Volunteers sign-up here: Schedule
Arlington 250
Celebrate local history! Check out the events that are happening around town to celebrate Patriots Day Week.
Calendar Reminders
April 15-19 – Spring Break
April 28 – Brackett Pancake Breakfast (8:30 am - 11 am)
May 1 – Coffee with Dr. Vice (8:05-8:45am)
May 6-10 – Teacher Appreciation Week
May 11 – Brackett Flea Market (8 am - 12 pm)