The Big Cat Courier
Your Source for Big Cat News, Right Meow
November 12, 2021
Good Afternoon Henry Barnard Families,
This week's schedule was anything but typical! With two early release days to complete the last two sessions of teacher conferences and no school yesterday, in observance of Veterans Day, I think that I can speak for everyone when I say that I can't wait for a normal five-day week next week.
The two big events on our schedule for next week are Tuesday's LifeTouch picture retake session 9paperwork went home earlier this week) and November's PTO meeting scheduled for Thursday evening. After that we are back to another short week for Thanksgiving Recess. This time of year always feels like it speeds by!
Have a great weekend!
Upcoming Dates to Remember
Picture Retake Day by LifeTouch on Tuesday, 11/16
PTO on Thursday, 11/18
Thanksgiving Recess starts with an Early Release on Wednesday, 11/24
School reopens on Monday, 11/29
Early Release on Wednesday, 12/8
PTO on Thursday, 12/9
Holiday Recess starts at the end of the school day on Thursday, 12/23
Optional Student COVID-19 Testing
As a reminder, this is an optional testing program that families needed to opt into. If you did not opt your child into the program, they will not be tested.
Coats and Cold Weather Attire
If you need a hand with cold weather gear for your child, please reach out to the FRC. They are wonderful and will help point you in the right direction. https://www.enfield-ct.gov/375/Family-Resource-Center
Barnard-Crandall Joint PTO
Important Items from Previous Newsletters -
Looking for Fulfilling Work with Child-friendly Hours?
Parent Leadership Academy (PLA)
"Explore and develop your leadership potential! The Parent Leadership Academy (PLA) will teach you how to: run productive meetings, plan successful projects, network with key community leaders understand and manage conflict and improve your ability to speak effectively to any group. ALL ABOUT ISSUES IMPORTANT TO YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND OUR COMMUNITY."
Keep an eye out for more information to come or get a jumpstart and head over to the KITE homepage. https://enfieldkite.org/
Up to Date Contact Information is VITAL
I have to say, from experience, that there's nothing sadder than having a sick student in the nursing office all day because we weren't able to reach their family. Never mind the fright caused when the student isn't on the bus home.
Please, please check that your information is up to date. You can check it out and update it in the PowerSchool Parent Portal and through School Messenger. Both can be found halfway down the District's homepage: http://www.enfieldschools.org/
The Bus Loop Out Front
If you are dropping a child off in the morning, please remember to drive through the side parking lot to the blacktop area in back of the rear playscape. Students can be dropped off to the staff on duty at the glass doors between the gymnasium and the library. If you're running a little late and you missed the staff at the drop off doors, please pull around to the front parking lot and walk your child to the main doors after the bus traffic has ended.
At dismissal time, please plan to park in one of Barnard's parking lots and pick your child up directly from the exterior door of their classroom. Don't forget your orange ID tag and picture ID.
Health and Safety Protocols
Many of the health and safety protocols that were put in place last year are still required as we open the 21-22 school year. Please see below:
-Masking -
Masking is still part of the school day this fall and will continue to be while the Governor and Health Department's guidelines require schools in CT to do so. While masking protocols are followed, outdoor mask breaks for students and staff will be planned hourly. We recognize the difficulty of masking and pledge to do everything we can to support students and staff during the school day. Please help us maintain your child's comfort, health, and safety by sending them to school with comfortable masks that are properly fitted. A backup or two is also a good idea.
-Social distancing-
We continue to strive for the 3 foot social distancing requirement in the current health and safety guidelines. Classrooms and learning spaces in the building are set up to support a minimum of 3 feet while students are inside.
-Hand Hygiene -
Sinks are located in all classrooms and restrooms and hand sanitizing stations are spaced liberally around the building. Hand sanitation is built into transitions to support the health and safety guidelines.
Our Community Partners -
The Family Resource Center (FRC)
For more information, please follow this link: https://www.enfield-ct.gov/375/Family-Resource-Center
Enfield Resources for Children (ERfC)
Follow this link for more information: https://erfcinc.org/
The KITE Collaborative
Please check out their website for more information about this amazing group.
The Big Cat Courier
Enfield Public Schools
Masking
Henry Barnard School
Email: jgraham@enfieldschools.org
Website: https://henry.sharpschool.com/
Location: 27 Shaker Road, Enfield, CT, USA
Phone: (860) 253-6540
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnfieldPublicSschools/
Twitter: @EnfieldPS