Learning First Charter Public School
Newsletter March 4, 2022
Reminder: School Hours for the 2022-2023 school year will change to 7:30 AM- 2:30 PM Monday through Friday.
Dear Families,
Beginning on March 7, 2022, the mask mandate for all students and staff will be lifted. This includes both in the school building as well as while riding the bus. This is no longer a requirement, but if you would like to still wear a mask, you may do so. We will closely monitor the number of COVID cases among students and staff and will keep you updated on any changes to the mask requirement as they may arise. As always, our ultimate goal is to keep the health and safety of our students, staff and families at the forefront of all our decision making, and keep students in school learning. Please contact the school with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Leo Flanagan, Superintendent
Spring Picture day is Monday, March 7th! Order forms went home with students on Wednesday. Only students that are purchasing pictures can dress-up or wear a uniform. Students NOT getting their picture taken must be in uniform.
You can place your order online or use the envelope that was attached to the order form. To place an online order please visit www.grynnandbarrett.com and use the code 3G6V2V5. All order forms must have payment enclosed and are due the day of picture day. Parents can pay with cash, check or money order. Checks should be made out to G&B Photography. Please be sure to have the order form completed before you send to school with your child.
The Main Office does NOT have change. There will be no make-up day for spring pictures.
2022-2023 Lottery: Today was our lottery for the 2022-2023 school year! If you completed an application, you will receive a letter within a week to let you know where your child’s name is on the list. If you have any questions please contact Sally Ustaitis at (508)799-7500 x1031 or email sustaitis@learningfirstcharter.org
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 and Guardians: We will be having our first virtual ESL class on March 9 from 5:30-6:30. If you contacted Mrs. Kennedy or Ms. Ortiz with interest in attending, you should have received an email this week with the Google Meet link to log on. If you did not receive this email, you can contact us at ckennedy@learningfirstcharter.org or niortiz@learningfirstcharter.org and we will get that to you. Thank you, and we look forward to meeting you on the 9th!
Reminders from the School Nurse: This week we have had 2 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
Extracurricular Activities: 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 Connections: The Worcester Cares for Kids Youth Babysitting Certificate and Training Program is offering another session starting March 8, 2022. This training will be virtual and is FREE to children ages 11-14. It will be three days a week for 1 ½ hours a session and the possibility of some morning sessions. Space is limited. Participants will receive a $100 stipend upon completion of the program. Click here to register: https://forms.gle/nu5GqdVLH1oE8JAL6
Girls Inc. is offering Eurekia! Stem program for our grade 7 girls! This is a year-round, five-year STEM intensive program that engages and empowers 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 22, 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.
Mar. 7: Spring Picture Day
Mar. 9: Bus Evacuation Review: ESL Class 5:30-6:30 PM
Mar. 11: Trimester 2 Ends
Mar. 21: No School Students; Staff Professional Development
Apr. 9: Stomp Competition at Assumption College