10/7/2022 Principal Newsletter

Dear Families,

Digital Inclusion Week:

October 3-7 is National Digital Inclusion Week, which will highlight efforts to increase student access to technology. In Massachusetts, advocates and partners will be promoting the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers eligible households a $30 monthly discount for internet services and a $100 discount off certain devices. Schools and districts can:

Print an Affordable Connectivity Program registration flyer and send it home in students’ backpacks in English or Spanish.

Send a text message to families, such as: “Public school families may get $30 off your monthly internet bill and $100 off a laptop, tablet, or computer through a federal program called the Affordable Connectivity Program. Learn more & apply! Affordableconnectivity.gov”

To learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program, email Josh Eichen, program manager for partnerships, at the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at eichen@masstech.org.

  • Here is Hatfield Public Schools SEPAC flyer.

  • There is no school on Monday, October 10th in observance of Columbus Day/Indiginous People Day.

  • Save the date, our next PTA meeting is October 11th in our conference room starting at 6:30 pm.

  • As a staff, we will be looking at our fall data next week and will be determining intervention groups.  These groups are for students who are slightly below grade level and with some intense additional daily instruction, in or out of the classroom, over 6-8 weeks should be at grade level.  Be looking for your child to be bringing home letters for both reading and math intervention next week.

  • Our sixth grade students will be joining Smith Academy students on Friday, October 14th to attend their pep rally!

  • Come join the fun at Smith Academy’s annual Homecoming event! 

  • From Nurse Jean:

    •  In order to help all students remain healthy, safe, and ready to learn, we ask the following:

    •  Students who have a fever or show other significant symptoms should stay home to rest, drink clear fluids. and test for COVID-19.  Contact their Primary Health Care Provider if these symptoms persist or worsen.

    • Consider completing this optional Consent Form to allow school nurses to administer a rapid antigen nasal swab covid test for your student as needed and described on the form.  If you wish to have this available for your student, would you please print, complete (& sign) the form, and return to school at your earliest convenience.

    •  Remind your child/ren to practice positive hygiene skills such as coughing or sneezing into the elbow and 20 second handwashing (& drying!).

  • Smith Academy's Homecoming is on Saturday, October 15th. 

This year, Hatfield Elementary Students are being invited to join the parade on bikes! 

Come show your Hatfield pride! Break out the white and purple streamers, decorate your bikes, and come join us for an 8:30 start time for this year's parade. (The awards ceremony will be at 8:00). 

The parade starts and ends at Smith Academy, with class and community floats going on "the loop" (directions on attached flyer). 

 

I know what you're thinking- Will my child(ren) still be able to get candy if he/she/they participate in the parade. We'll make sure there is plenty left at the end so that they don't go home empty handed :) 

  • Our next spirit day is Friday, October 21st which is a half day.  The spirit day will be Wear a Necktie or Bow Tie Day!  As always, these are optional and students do not need to participate if they don’t want to.

 

Have a great long weekend!

Warmly,

Melissa Pitrat