Learning First Charter Public School
Newsletter February 18, 2022
There is no school next week, February 21-25, 2022.
The deadline for applications for the 2022-2023 school year is fast approaching! If you have a child or sibling that will turn five years old by August 31, 2022, please complete an application in our main office or online at https://learningfirstcharter.org/admission/ . The application deadline is March 2, 2022. All applications require a birth certificate and two proofs of address. Reminder, a new application must be completed for any child that is on the current waitlist. Please contact Sally Ustaitis at (508) 799-7500 x1031 or email sustaitis@learningfirstcharter.org if you have any questions.
OPT-In Covid-19 Testing: This is a reminder to our families that Learning First has started a new COVID 19 testing protocol recently introduced by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This new program is voluntary, but we hope for participation.
A few of the details include:
· We will still be asking families to keep their child home if not feeling well
· Students who ‘opt-in’ to the program will receive at home test kits to be used once each week on Tuesday after school. Students will receive a kit containing two tests every other week.
· The program is open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated students
· Close contacts will no longer be identified in school
· Students who become symptomatic in school can still be tested
It is the hope that this new program will allow students more time in class while maintaining a safe school environment for students and staff.
If you would like to participate but have not complete the opt-in form that went home two week ago with students or completed the online opt-in form that was sent to families through email please contact the main office and we can send a new form out to you.
Please reach out with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support.
ESL Tutoring for Parents: Based on responses we received from parents and guardians, Learning First will be holding the free Adult ESL Tutoring VIRTUALLY on Wednesday evenings from 5:00-6:00 PM. We will begin classes after February vacation on March 9th. This date has been updated from the original start date. Our first class will be on March 9, 2022. If you are interested in attending, please email Mrs. Kennedy at ckennedy@learningfirstcharter.org or Ms. Ortiz at niortiz@learningfirstcharter.org and we will put your name on our list. We still have some open spots! We will contact all interested adults with how to log on and attend the sessions in the coming weeks. Thank you!
Reminders from the School Nurse: This week we have had 1 case of Covid-19 in our school. If your student was a close contact then you were notified by the school nurse. It is not required for your child to receive a Covid-19 vaccine, however if your child has had it and you are willing to let us know it would be appreciated and helpful in cases when we need to do contact tracing.
Stay healthy! ~Nurse Sarah and Sammy
JA Guidance (grades 6-8): Grade 8 families: We have been working in our guidance classes on filling out Worcester Tech and Career Pathway applications for the students that wish to apply. Your students and you should have access to the completed application by using the username and password they created. You can also view it in your home language by selecting the language at the top of the screen. Please be sure all of the information they are entering is correct. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Lisa Moore. The lottery will take place on April 13th. It is a public lottery so you may attend in person. All students applying for private and parochial schools should have completed applications by now and should also be completing interviews with the school as well as financial aid.
Extracurricular Activities: The Girls Basketball teams next game is Sunday, February 27th, at 2:00 PM. Playoffs and championship will begin the week of February 28th through March 3rd.
The Boys Basketball will play on Friday, February 18th, at 6:30 PM.
All basketball games will be held at Venerini Academy located at 27 Edwards St. Entry fees are as follows: $5 per Adult and $1 per student (players are free). All players and spectators must wear masks at all times.
Girls’ practices are on Monday and Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 PM.
Boys’ practices are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-6:00 PM.
Parent pick up is on Gage Street at 6:00 PM sharp. Please encourage your student athlete to bring an extra water bottle to practice.
Stomp practice is on Fridays from 12:45-3:30 PM sharp. Parent pick-up is on Eastern Ave. Please remember your $2.00 dues.
Community Connection: Kids’ Night is back at Millbury Unos! EVERY Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 PM. One FREE kid’s meal with each adult entrée, kids’ dough, kids’ crafts and kids’ can make their own Sundays. Uno Pizzeria and Grill is located in the Blackstone Valley Plaza at 70 Worcester Providence Turnpike Millbury, MA.
The Worcester EcoTarium is offering several fun activities during the February break. The EcoTarium museum building features three floors of hands –on, interactive exhibits that explore the natural and physical sciences and our New England environment. All exhibits make learning fun and are designed to engage a family audience.
Please go to their website to see the daily activities they are offering and check out the times. There is a discount for a family up to 4 people if you use your EBT card. www.ecotarium.org
Apex Kids is now open Tuesday – Sunday from 12:00-6:00 PM for $11.00 each child. Apex is a unique kid-inspired play place. From jungle gyms to obstacle courses any child will enjoy burning off some energy with their giant inflatables or playing a round of hide and go seek in the 3,000 square foot jungle gym. Apex Entertainment is located at 21 Apex Drive in Marlborough, MA.
Providence Freeplay is holding a Family Day is Sunday, February 27th from 12:00-4:00. Bring the kiddos and enjoy all the arcade games, skee ball, air hockey, and pinball together! Admission is just $10 a person and all games are set to free!
Girls Inc. is offering is Eurekia! Stem program. This is a year-round, five-year STEM intensive program that engages and empowers 8th– 12th grade girls as they develop confidence and discovers leadership and academic opportunities in STEM fields.
Girls Inc. of Worcester is inviting all 7th grade girls and their parents to learn more about their 5 year Eureka! Program. Join them for an in-person info session on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 from 5:30-6:30 PM OR join them virtually on Zoom from 6:30-7:30 PM. Visit: www.girlsincworcester.org/eureka-infosession2022 for the link.
Reminder: School Hours for the 2022-2023 school year will change to 7:30 AM- 2:30 PM Monday through Friday.
| Important Weather Advisory Information In the event of a delay or cancelation due to weather, Learning First will follow the Worcester Public School’s Snow Policy. We will not be posting on the television news station sites. You must look for Worcester Public School on the local television news station sites. You can also check out the Worcester Public Schools Facebook page. Learning First will send out an autodial to families. |
Feb. 18: Boys’ Basketball Game at Venerini Academy 6:30 PM
Feb. 27: Girls’ Basketball Game at Venerini Academy 2:00 PM
Feb. 28: Board of Trustees Meeting 6:00 PM
Feb. 21-25: No School
Feb. 28: Board of Trustees Meeting 6:00 PM
Mar. 7: Spring Picture Day
Mar. 9: Bus Evacuation Review
Mar. 21: No School Students; Staff Professional DevelopmentApr. 9: Stomp Competition at Assumption College