The Big Cat Courier
Your Source for Big Cat News, Right Meow
November 19, 2021
Good Afternoon Henry Barnard Families,
As the only five-day school week in November comes to a close, educators start planning for the next five week stretch before our Winter Recess. The next few weeks is always a challenging time of year as we work to keep students actively engaged in learning as they get more and more excited about the upcoming holidays and breaks. One of the most important things that our Barnard families can do to help our kids meet with as much success as possible is to maintain regular bedtimes and bedtime routines. As a parent, I know that it is easier said than done, especially this time a year!
This past week we finished off fall picture retakes by LifeTouch on Tuesday, optional COVID-19 testing on Thursday, the November PTO meeting was held last night, and we conducted our monthly virtual Big Cat PBIS Assembly this afternoon.
Next week we are here for two full days on Monday and Tuesday, followed by an early release to kick off the Thanksgiving recess on Wednesday. I hope that you are able to enjoy the holiday weekend with friends and family.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Did Somebody Say, Butter Braids? YUM!
If you made an order, the big pickup for merchandise is scheduled for November 23rd, which is this coming Tuesday night in the Barnard parking lot between 5:30 and 7:30. Please plan ahead to ensure that you can make the pickup window as we don't have the ability to store frozen food. Again, this is the only window of time available to pick up your order.
Has Your Contact Information Changed Recently?
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 or we can't reach a family during an emergency.
Please, please check that your information is up to date in our system. It is important to update your information any time there is a phone number change or change of address. You can check your current information and update it if necessary, in the PowerSchool Parent Portal and through School Messenger. Both can be found halfway down the District's homepage: http://www.enfieldschools.org/
A Note on the HBS Parking Lot and Unattended Vehicles
Thank you in advance for adhering to this important safety procedure.
Morning Drop Off Reminders
Students being dropped off in private vehicles in the morning should be dropped off directly from the vehicle in the designated drop off area in the rear of the building (the doors located between the library and gymnasium). If a family is running a little late and needs to drop their child off to the main office because the drop off area is closed, the vehicle should be parked in a designated parking space in the parking lot and the child should be escorted to the front doors. At that point, please ring the bell and a staff member will assist you in signing your child in for the day. There should never be a private vehicle parked in the bus loop in front of the main doors.
We have a number of smaller buses and vans that drop students off at the side of the building near the old central office wing. When those vehicles are dropping students off, their stop signs and stop lights are active. While these vehicles are not on the street, the rules about driving around them while their stop signs and stop lights are active still apply. If you are dropping a student off in the morning, keep an eye out for these smaller buses and vans, as well as the status of their stop signs and stop lights to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
Upcoming Dates to Keep Your Eyes On
Early Release on Wednesday, 11/24 kicking off Thanksgiving Recess
School Reopens on Monday, 11/29
Early Release on Wednesday, 12/8
PTO on Thursday, 12/9
Early Release on Thursday, 12/23 kicking off Winter Recess
School Reopens on Monday, 1/3
Progress Reports for Trimester 2 go out Friday, 1/7
PTO the evening of Thursday, 1/13
No School in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, 1/17
Early Release on Wednesday, 1/26
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
We Still Have Jobs All Around the District!
Important Items from Previous Newsletters -
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