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Principal's News

What a fun and festive week we’ve had leading up to the holiday break! From winter concerts and holiday crafts to Christmas caroling and exciting Spirit Week themed days, there was never a dull moment at Martinson Elementary. We hope everyone has a joyful holiday season filled with happiness and laughter. Enjoy every moment, and we can’t wait to see you back in 2025!

The Grinch visited Martinson

Important Dates

Monday, Dec 23 - Wednesday, Jan 1: Holiday break

Thursday, Jan 2 : Classes resume

Thursday, Jan 16: Enrichment Mad Science- Grades K-5

Monday, Jan 20: No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Friday, Jan 24: School Store

From the Cafe

Please click here for the lunch menu and click here for the breakfast menu.

Lunch will be served at all elementary schools this year free of charge.

Nurse's Notes

As we embrace the winter season, colder weather brings a rise in colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses.

Winter Health Tips

Handwashing: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces
Cover cough and sneezes: Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow (not hands) when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues properly and wash hands immediately.
Stay home when sick: Keep children home if they have a fever, severe cough, or any flu-like symptoms. Encourage a minimum of 24 hours fever-free (without medication) before returning to school.
Boost immunity with healthy habits: Ensure children are getting plenty of sleep, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active.
Avoid touching the face: Remind children not to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, as germs can enter the body this way and cause illness.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep mucous membranes moist, which can help protect against germs.
Avoid sharing personal items: Remind children not to share water bottles, food, or utensils to avoid spreading germs.

Winter Nosebleeds

If your child suffers from winter nosebleeds it may be from the dry air, try using a cool mist humidifier at night.
Saline nose drops or petroleum jelly may help too.

Dry Skin

Nourish your skin to prevent dryness and itching.
Wash hands with moisturizing soap and warm water as hot water can strip away natural oils.
Moisturize right after a bath or shower when your skin is still damp. This helps lock in moisture.
Vaseline or aquaphor to lips daily or more often to prevent cracking and bleeding.
Scratching can make dry skin worse and lead to infections. If your skin feels itchy, apply a cold compress or soothing moisturizer to calm the irritation.

Layering for the Changing Weather

Since temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day, it’s important to dress children in layers that can easily be removed if they get too warm.
Make sure clothing fits comfortably: Layers should fit comfortably and not restrict movement.
Extra set of clothes: Packing an extra set of clothes or layers in backpacks.

When to Keep Your Child Home:

If your child had any of the following symptoms today, please keep them home

Fever over 100 degrees (must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of tylenol or motrin to return to school)
Vomiting and/or diarrhea (if your child has had any vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours, they should not return to school)
Diagnosis of communicable disease such as strep throat or conjunctivitis (if diagnosed with a communicable disease and prescribed antibiotics, your child must not return to school until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours)

A doctor’s note is required if a student is out five (5) or more consecutive days. If an absence is due to a communicable disease or a bone fracture, a doctor’s note is required the day the student returns to school and should include any recess/gym limitations.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's health, or if you're unsure whether they should attend school, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Jenny Goodwin

jgoodwin@mpsd.org

781-319-3985

Fax: 781-834-5003

Library News

This week in the library we watched the film adaptation of "The Gruffalo" written by Julia Donoldson. If you'd like to donate to our Library Wishlist, you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3KZJ5QNQJ1YNH?ref_=wl_share .

Happy Holidays everyone!

PTO NEWS

What a year it has been! Thank you all for supporting the PTO and making 2024 such a success for our students! We are looking forward to another great upcoming year! Here are some upcoming PTO event dates in 2025. Wishing everyone the happiest of holidays and a safe New Year!

Mark your calendars - more details to come as the dates get closer!

- Next PTO Meeting: 1/13 @ 7pm in the Martinson cafeteria

- Lets Build MES - Lego night: 1/22

- Karaoke: 2/11
- Talent Show: 3/28
- Around the World: 4/11

For most consistent communication, please sign up to receive notification from us through PTBoard.com. Our school code is MDSVP8.

You can also reach out with questions or concerns at any time at ptomartinson@gmail.com.