This week had so much to fit in, but somehow we were able to do it. Teachers and parents did a great job with conferences. There were some weather challenges, but by working together everyone made it happen!

Then there was the staff luncheon. As usual, the PTA outdid themselves. The food was amazing and there was a perfect amount as well. Each year this gesture means so much, so we all thank you wholeheartedly.

Spring pictures are March 18th. We only send down the students that have paperwork or those that have signed up online. If you do sign up online, please send a note to your teacher so we know to have your child come down for a spring picture.

Children brought home Spring Portrait flyers last week, but you can also order online at www.oconnorstudio.com

Hello Briggs Family and Friends.

March is upon us and to be honest I personally feel like it is the longest month to get through because we get so excited about the thought of spring and getting outside to start living a more physically active lifestyle; which requires proper nutrition. With March being “National Nutrition Month” it is a great time to start to focus on our nutrition so that we are healthy and have the energy to be active. So to all my 4th and 5th graders let's dive in and talk about some fancy words that deal with nutrition, Macronutrients and Micronutrients.

The calories that we put in our bodies that come from macronutrients come from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. About 45-65% of the food we eat should come from carbohydrates like whole wheat, fruits, and vegetables. The reason why these types of foods have the biggest percentages is because carbohydrates are the preferred source of fuel for the body. 10-35% of our calories should come from proteins. Even though proteins can provide a little bit of fuel for our bodies their main function is to help our bodies recover and build lean muscle mass. Good sources of protein come from lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts, and soy. Lastly, 20-35% of our macronutrients should come from fat. Now this one is tricky because fats are a great energy source but if they are not used up they are stored in the body as fat. A lot of the food we eat have fat in them which is completely normal, but it is important that we try to consume food that are low in saturated and trans fats like butter and lard and eat more foods with polyunsaturated fats and omega 3&6 fatty acids like fish, walnuts, and flaxseed.

Micronutrients is the cool name for vitamins and minerals. Vitamins like D, C, and B are needed to help the body maintain its health, the ability to function, and help our immune system. Most vitamins and minerals come naturally from the food we eat ,except for Vitamin D. Vitamin C is a very important micronutrients that helps our body's immune system. Over the past few years we have heard about the importance of a good immune system because it helps to fight off many types of viruses. By eating just a few fruits and vegetables a day, such as oranges and peppers, you provide your body with more than enough Vitamin C for the day. Now let's talk about Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin. Our bodies lack Vitamin D during the winter months because of the lack of sun exposure which is why we need to find foods that are fortified with vitamin D. The reason why vitamin D is important is because it helps build bone mass and improves our mood.

Nutrition is a cool but complicated thing. To make it easy on yourself, make sure your plate is colorful. Try adding fruits, vegetables, whole grains as your carbohydrates and lean meats, poultry, fish, spinach, soy and/or nuts for your proteins and fats.

Make it a great day.

Mr. Berg and Mrs. Shea

This piece of work by Savina P. in Mr. Losordo’s Grade 2 class was selected by the president of the Massachusetts Art Education Association to be acknowledged as one of this year's President's Choice Artworks.

Savina will be receiving a special certificate and her work will be highlighted in the virtual YAM Exhibit which can be found here beginning on March 21st!

Awesome job Savina!

• District Band Night, Thurs., 3/17/22 at 6:30pm, Oakmont Auditorium. Musicians arrive to the Oakmont cafeteria at 4:30pm.
• District Choral Night, Thurs., 3/24/22 at 6:30pm, Oakmont Auditorium. Singers arrive to the Oakmont cafeteria at 4:30pm.

Our supply of extra clothing is rapidly diminishing! If you could please send your student in with extra clothes should they get wet, that would be greatly appreciated. If you are looking to donate any clothing items to our supply, we are in need of:

• New Socks of all sizes are also needed, as we have had lots of wet feet!

Please continue to send in all physical exam forms, as well as COVID and Flu shot documentation so I can update your child’s medical records here at school. Also, please note that Pool Testing samples are collected first thing Tuesday mornings. If you bring in a sample later than 10 am, it may not be sent out to be tested.

Finally, please continue to routinely check the AWRSD website for the most current information related to COVID 19 protocols COVID 19 Health Services Page If you have any questions about quarantine and isolation, please reach out to me for guidance.

PTA Meeting- March 16

Spring Pictures- March 18

Fla-Bingo For Books- March 18, 6:30 PM

Email: nnorth@awrsd.org
Website: https://jrb.awrsd.org/
Phone: 978-827-5750