Dear Heritage Elementary School Families,

We hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the winter season. As we go through the month of February, we want to keep you informed about important updates and events at our school. Please take a moment to read through the following information.

February Vacation February 19-23

As we approach the end of February, we would like to remind you that Heritage Elementary School will be closed for February Vacation from Monday, February 19th, through Friday, February 23rd. This break provides a wonderful opportunity for students and families to recharge, spend quality time together, and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.

We encourage everyone to take advantage of this break to engage in activities that promote both physical and mental well-being. Whether it's a winter getaway, outdoor adventures, or simply cozying up with a good book at home, we hope your family creates lasting memories during this time.

Keep In Mind:

We can all develop some great habits to help with keeping our mind fresh and working well. Fresh air and outside exercise are two ways to renew ourselves and it certainly true for children. Use this vacation to start some great habits of disconnecting from screens and finding time to get some fresh air. Another way to feel refreshed and renewed is to get a good night's sleep. Research shows that elementary aged students need 9-12 hours a sleep a night.

As the calendar turns to February 26 and we all head back to school, it is understandable that some students will not be so happy about hitting the books again and switching back to the school routine. You can help make the transition easier by talking with them and helping them to understand the importance of getting back into the school routine.

Help Your Child Succeed:

· Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.

· Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

· Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not necessarily a reason to stay home.

· If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.

· Attempt to avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.

Mr. Olson

Heritage School After the Bell Spring Session will begin March 12.

Sign up information coming after February break.

*New* this session: Online signup option.

Also *New* this session: Families will submit payment AFTER their child has been assigned to a class.

March 1 - The celebration of Dr. Seuss's Birthday - dress like your favorite character

March 8 - International Women's Day / Barbie Day/ Ken Day/ Wear Pink Day

March 15 - The annual Wearin' O the GREEN and all yer shamrock stuff

MCAS Schedule 2024:

Please find below the initial MCAS schedule for the SPRING 2024:

· ELA:

April 3rd - 4th - 3rd grade

April 10th - 11th - 4th grade

Math:

May 14th - May 15th - 3rd grade

May 16th - May 17th - 4th grade

· This schedule is subject to change and if needed we will inform families as soon as possible.

SEASONAL REMINDERS

WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME FROM SCHOOL

• -When your child has a fever -they must be fever free for 24 hours with no medication.
• -Vomiting in the last 24 hours
• -Strep throat or pink eye that has been diagnosed by a physician- if the child is on antibiotics-child must stay home for 24 hours after starting the medication
• -Rash of unknown origin - child must not come to school until they are seen by a provider and must have a note stating "not contagious" or "being treated".

GRADE 3 PHYSICALS:

Yearly physicals and updated immunization for grade 3 students. We need to have a physical on file from the past 12 months. Notices have gone home to those students who are still missing them. This is a state requirement, they can be faxed, sent in with your student or emailed to me.

MOBILE DENTIST SERVICE:

The Mobile Dentist is coming May 7th. Flyers will go out next month.

Please call or email me if you have any concerns sshaw@dcrsd.org

Thank you

Stacey Shaw, RN

Heritage School Nurse

Mrs. Morin's health classes are growing fresh herbs and flowers thanks to this donated hydroponic growing station.