Prouty Principal's Newsletter

JANUARY 2021

Responsible, Resourceful, Respectful and Reflective Citizens

in a Collaborative Environment.

zoom_out_map

January Calendar

Monday, January 4 - Friday, January 8 -- All of SEBRSD is Remote

Monday, January 11 - Friday, January 15 -- All of SEBRSD is Remote

Friday, January 15 -- Half Day for Students, Professional Development for Teachers

Monday, January 18 -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday -- No School

Tuesday, January 19 - Thursday, January 21 -- A Cohort in-person

Friday, January 22 -- Remote Day

Monday, January 25 - Thursday, January 28 -- B Cohort in Person

Friday, January 29 -- Remote Day

Friday, January 29 -- Last Day of Semester One -- Grades Close

A CHALLENGE FOR THE NEW YEAR

As we enter 2021, I am filled with hope and excitement for the year ahead. Every new year means new opportunities, but we have never, in our lifetimes, had opportunities on this scale. Yes, 2020 was devastating. We have lost "the old normal," and we miss it. The opportunity to build a “new normal” is not an opportunity we asked for -- but it is the opportunity we have been given. Every single one of us can make a real, meaningful difference this year, and that starts with setting real, meaningful, achievable goals.

My own goals for 2021 include finding opportunities for every member of our Prouty family to work together to make our school healthier and happier. Experts in health and happiness agree that the only foolproof way to feel happier is through service to others. In 2020, our students participated in multiple community service projects. Prouty students collected food, clothing, and toiletries for those in need. They volunteered at Town Hall. They made beautiful holiday cards for lonely people in the hospital. They tutored, mentored, and coached younger students. They worked together to embody Prouty Pride, and to represent that pride to the world.

In 2021, more is needed. People in our communities have been negatively affected by months of dealing with COVID-19. From food and clothing collection, to snow removal, from outreach to isolated individuals, to helping teachers in the elementary schools and at Knox Trail, there is so much that we can do to make our community a better place. I am challenging every one of you to join me in this effort.

Students, in your classes this week, your teachers will be asking you to set your academic goals for the new year. I ask you to set a service goal at the same time. Who needs help? What can we do? I will be reaching out to each of you for your ideas this first week of 2021. I am looking forward to spending time helping you bring your service goals to life, whether over Zoom, or in person, as we take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead, and build our healthier, happier school, one project at a time!

Yours in Prouty Pride,

Mrs. York

SUBSCRIBE TO THE GUIDANCE GAZETTE!

CONNECTIONS IS BACK -- AND WE WANT YOU TO JOIN US!

Connections is a student group focused on raising awareness around diversity, inclusion and equity. Connections’ goal is to highlight that which unites us and celebrate our uniqueness.

DPHS Connections Group began after 15 students attended a conference at Sutton HIgh School entitled Connections in 2019. A smaller group attended a conference at Framlingham State University on diversity, inclusion and equity. Last year, in January 2020 , we hosted speaker Muji Karim https://mujiblades.net/

Join us via Zoom on Thursday, January 7, at 2 PM for connection, fun, and planning. There will be a link in your Schoology Class Group!

PRINCIPALS' OFFICE HOURS FOR PARENTS

Office hours are planned for January 14 at 7 PM.

Join an informal Zoom meeting with Mrs. York and Mr. Malone. Check your email for the Zoom link the day of the Office Hours.

Topics will include: In-person Learning, Choosing a Vocational Shop, and your questions.

We welcome your feedback at any time. No question is too small.

Free Meals for All Students Until June!!!

All meals served by the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District (SEBRSD) will be free of charge until the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Families of children 0-18 years of age are eligible for the service -- no questions asked. High school students who are over 18 are also eligible.

We will have free meals here at school for all in-person students, every day. Please let us know if your student needs vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free meals.

Knox Trail Middle School (73 Ash St in Spencer) will provide bulk free meals, ready for pick up between the hours of 9am-1pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

You may fill out a google form to order meals, but walk-ins are also welcome. Vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free meals are available.

SEBRSD Food Services will also continue to collect Free and Reduced Applications during this time. Applications can be dropped off to any of the schools or the Administrative building. https://www.sebrsd.org/o/sebrsd/page/free-reduced-lunch-program--5

SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR IN-PERSON LEARNING AT PROUTY

**PLEASE STAY HOME AND LEARN REMOTELY IF YOU FEEL SICK, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE COUGHING, SNEEZING, SORE THROAT, A FEVER, OR A RUNNY NOSE. IF YOU COME TO SCHOOL WITH THOSE SYMPTOMS, WE WILL HAVE TO SEND YOU HOME.**

--Please keep your mask over your mouth AND your nose unless you have a teacher's permission to remove it for a mask break or to eat. Practice wearing a mask now. When you find a mask you can tolerate, get more of that kind. Only surgical-style face masks are allowed. No bandannas, ski masks, or gaiters.

--Please stay six feet behind the person ahead of you when you are walking or waiting in line. If the line stops, please stop, leaving that six foot space.

--Please bring a water bottle. Bottle filling stations are open, but bubblers are closed.

--Please know that we will strictly enforce all safety precautions. If we are to remain open, we as a school MUST prevent the spread not only of COVID-19, but also of the seasonal influenza virus. We must all prioritize the health and safety of the most vulnerable members of our community.

SCHOOLOGY FOR PARENTS

Schoology parent access codes were mailed home on September 23. Please email yorke@sebrsd.org, or call us at 508-885-8505 if yours does not arrive, so we can both check your mailing address and give you your code.

Your parent account will allow you to view your student's classes and groups, without any danger of changing or breaking anything! As always, please email or call with ANY questions!!!