The next professional development early release day will be Thursday, February 4th.  Students will be dismissed at 11:30 after lunches are served. 

On the morning of Thursday, February 4th  the entire student body will be focusing on activities related to "green" themes such as sustainability and environmental consciousness. We have secured commitments from over two dozen experts from the local community as well as state and national organizations to come in and lead different learning experiences for our students. The students will experience multiple sessions over the course of the half-day.

 

Our students will learn how and why humans impact the earth, what those impacts mean for all plants, animals, and environments of the earth, and what choices we can make each day to help our earth impacts be more positive. The sessions will include a representative from the EPA who will teach students about composting, farmers from local farms discussing CSA programs and sustainable agriculture, a member of the local community who will teach students about the green design of NNHS, a nutritional expert on how to read product labels to make healthy and earth-friendly choices, and yoga instructors to help students experience and develop mindfulness. 

 On Wednesday, February 3, 7:30-9:00 p.m., there will be an anti-bullying program at the Bigelow Middle School Auditorium that is open to all middle school parents.  A panel of Bigelow staff, experts from the Newton Partnership (formerly the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grant), and a youth officer from the Newton Police Department will speak about bullying, cyberbulling, netiquette, texting, legal issues, and will share information about what the school district and school are doing to teach students about these topics. There will be time for questions and answers, and practical tips given for parents. We hope that you will be able to attend.

Influenza-like illness in the Newton Public Schools and throughout Massachusetts remains low. However, New England typically sees influenza cases peak in February and March. It is unknown what this new type of influenza will do this winter. Therefore it remains important for all people age 6 months and up to get the H1N1 flu vaccine. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends the vaccine even for people who believe they already had the H1N1 flu.
The Newton Health & Human Services Department is offering one more opportunity to receive this important vaccine. The vaccine is free, and anyone may attend this clinic.
H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinic
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
and
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
American Legion Post 440
295 California Street, Nonantum
Children under age 10 (those 6 months through 9 years) need two doses of the H1N1 vaccine spaced a minimum of three weeks apart. Children age 10 and older and adults need 1 dose of the H1N1 vaccine. Both first and second doses will be available at this clinic. Both H1N1 flu shots and H1N1 nasal spray flu vaccine will be available. Download the H1N1 forms at www.newtonma.gov/flu. Fill out and bring these forms to the clinic.
A limited amount of seasonal flu vaccine will also be offered - these forms will be available at the clinic.
More than 4,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine were administered at all Newton Public Schools during the December school-based vaccination campaign. Many more people were vaccinated at community clinics. If your child was vaccinated at a school clinic, the original vaccination record will be stored in your child's school health record. If you would like a copy, contact your school nurse. If your child was vaccinated at a public clinic, the original vaccination record is stored at the Health Department. If you would like a copy, call the Health Department at (617) 796-1420.
The school nurses are continuing to monitor absence levels daily, and request that parents let their child's school know the reason for any absence.
Remember to wash your hands, cover your cough, and stay home when you're sick. Have a healthy winter!