The Messmore Messenger
November 2024
Dear Messmore Families,
Thank you for always supporting our school and your child's education. Your partnership with us is invaluable and plays a significant role in making Messmore a top-rated school. The combination of our integrated Montessori approach with the UCS curriculum and the commitment we share to support our students is what truly makes this school a special place.
As we begin the winter months, I wanted to review some common questions regarding illnesses and recess.
When is your child too sick to attend school?
The following guidelines, along with the advice of your family doctor, will help you decide when your child should stay home:
- Cold and/or cough- a child with deep mucus that causes a cough and heavy nose drainage cannot function at school.
- Fever- fever is a warning that something is wrong. A child should remain home for 24 hours after the fever is gone without medication.
- Rash- a rash, spots, or blotches on the skin can be the first sign of many illnesses. Rashes require a physician's release, stating they are not contagious.
- Stomachache/ Upset- a child who is vomiting or has diarrhea should be kept at home and may return 24 hours after the symptoms are gone.
- Head Lice- a child with head lice must remain home until treatment is complete and school officials confirm they are lice-free.
Recess and Weather
Packaging up the outdoor winter apparel requires a little more planning as the winter weather begins. Plan for your child to play outside for recess if the wind chill (real feel) is 10 degrees or higher and the conditions are suitable. If there is ice, the blacktop is snow covered, or it is below 10 degrees, we will have indoor recess.
When it snows, students with boots and snow pants can play in the snow. Otherwise, they will only play on the blacktop. If school is canceled due to inclement weather, automated calls will be sent out to families.
Time for Togetherness and Reflection
Before we begin the holiday break, I wish you all a joyful and restful holiday season. As a reminder, we have a half day of school on Friday, December 20, 2024, with dismissal at 11:29 a.m. Our school will be closed from December 23 and reopen on January 6, 2025. I hope you are able to spend this time to pause, connect with loved ones, and recharge for the new year.
The holidays offer a chance to slow down and enjoy meaningful moments with your children. Consider reducing screen time and replacing it with enriching, hands-on activities in our tech-driven world. Instead of reaching for devices, why not:
- Cook or bake together: Create festive treats while teaching practical life skills.
- Create art projects: Draw, paint, or make holiday crafts to decorate your home or give as gifts.
- Go Outside: Explore local parks, winter walk, or stargaze on a clear night.
- Read together: Share favorite stories or explore new books to spark your child's imagination.
The new year is a natural time for reflection and setting intentions. Encourage your children to think about their own goals for the year ahead. These could be personal, academic, or something as simple as learning a new skill.
May your holiday break be filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of family connections. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in January with renewed energy and excitement for all the learning and growth that 2025 will bring.
Warm regards,
Renee Fiema, Ed.D.
