The general illness count in our WRVSU community has had an uptick in numbers- including flu, covid and other illnesses common during this time of year. I felt it was pertinent to review the current COVID guidelines. Here is the latest information which is, generally speaking, a 5-day quarantine from the date of symptom onset (or positive test result), followed by another 5-day mask-wearing recommendation. 

When you have COVID-19, isolation is counted in days, as follows:

If you had NO symptoms

Day 0 is the day you were tested (not the day you received your positive test result)

Day 1 is the first full day following the day you were tested

If you develop symptoms within 10 days of when you were tested, the clock restarts at day 0 on the day of symptom onset

If you had symptoms

Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset, regardless of when you tested positive

Day 1 is the first full day after the day your symptoms started

Please visit this link for details of a covid illness that falls outside of the average sequelae of symptom improvement during the 5-day quarantine; and fever-free for 24 hours prior to the return to school.  

Concussions

Given the heightened attention on concussions and recently updated research and training, here are our latest protocols at Newton.

Kindergarten

Ms. Kicza

Kindergarten mathematicians have been busy with a math quilt project, solidifying combinations to five; solving combinations to ten; solving problems with partners; sharing and comparing strategies with the group; using equations; counting the days in school, and figuring out how many more until 100; and working through hard questions using counting, adding, and doubling. Great work, kindergarten!

Second Grade

Ms. Giampietro

This week in second grade, students have been learning about measuring using one foot rulers and yardsticks. We will continue to practice measuring using different units.

In module, students are learning all about fossils and what paleontologists do. We are closely reading Stone Girl, Bone Girl, and learning all about the life of the paleontologist Mary Anning. Second graders are thinking scientifically and conducting different experiments on how water and other elements shape the Earth’s surface.

Middle School Social Studies

Mr. Breen

In 5/6 Social Studies the students just finished their final drafts of their essays on what they think are the most important jobs of government. They worked super hard, and should be proud of themselves! Ask your child what they wrote about, and how they supported their perspective. In 7/8 we've moved on from writing stories about life in the Neolithic era in order to move into a bold new future of cities, agriculture, and empires.

Spanish

Profe Katie

¡Hola familias! ¡Feliz año nuevo!

Middle School: Grades 5-8 are embarking on a new unit in our Somos curriculum. We are continuing to develop our skills in telling stories in Spanish and comprehending input in Spanish. Middle Schoolers should expect more and more Spanish to be used in classroom instruction as the year goes on, so please encourage your student to seek support if they are concerned about that. They are doing an amazing job so far! Just before break, most grades learned about holiday traditions in Spanish-speaking countries, including the making of piñatas for Las Posadas in México and Janucá songs in Ladino. 

Elementary School: Since early December, grades K-4 have been starting their Spanish-learning journey, beginning with learning basic dialogues and greetings in Spanish. We are continuing to practice this while we spend several classes learning about animals. Students are doing a great job challenging themselves!

Saludos,

Profe Katie