Learning First Charter Public School
Newsletter November 13, 2020
Sep. 1-Mar. 3: Applications for the 2021-2020 School Year Available Online
Nov. 16: Board of Trustees Meeting 6:00 PM
Nov. 25-27: No School
Dec. 21: Board of Trustees Meeting 6:00 PM
Dec. 24-Jan. 1: No School
Dear Learning First Families,
Learning First Public Charter will commence in person/hybrid learning on March 15th, the first day of third trimester. At that time, students will likely attend school in person two or three days a week with the remaining days being held remotely.
We are letting staff and families know in advance so that people can make the necessary changes to their schedules at work and home. At this point we do not have additional details as to which students will be attending on certain days. We will have further details in early February.
The staff and faculty look forward to serving our children with purpose and energy in the following months. It is with great hope that we are now planning to be together on March 15th.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I like hearing from families in these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Leo Flanagan, Superintendent
Health and Performing Arts Academy: The Specials Team invites all families and friends to join us for the “Taste of Specials” virtual showcase. On Tuesday, November 24th, at 12pm or 6:30pm, we invite you to meet the art and health teachers, partake in virtual activities, and get a taste of what our scholars have been working on in specials this semester! Stay tuned for more details and meeting links. We hope to see you there!
Food Service: “Grab and go” style meals are available Monday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; Tuesday 10:00 am-1:00 pm; Wednesday 10:00 am- 1:00 pm or 3:30pm-6:00pm; Thursday 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Pick-up is on Eastern Ave. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact Tasha Griffin, Food Service Director, at 508-799-7500 ext. 1114 or email at tgriffin@learningfirstcharter.org.
Special Education Department: Throughout the school year our Student Support Team will be emailing electronic documents to parents labeled Frontline. These documents are important for your perusal or signature. Please be sure to read in entirety then submit electronically if needed. If you have questions you may contact the Student Support AdminMs. Andino candino@learningfirstcharter.org or 508-312-6209.
Student Applications for the 2021-2022 school yearare now available! If you have a child whose sibling is turning five or older by August 31, 2021, please complete an application and return it to the main office or you can go online to https://learningfirstcharter.org/admission/. All applications require a birth certificate and two proofs of address to be complete. Completed applications should be submitted before March 3, 2021. The lottery will be held on March 5, 2021. A new application must be completed for each child, every school year. Please contact the Main Office for more information.
Holiday Help: Learning First realizes that these are stressful times for all of us. Every year around the holiday’s we put up a “Giving Tree” and staff purchase gifts for families that need a little extra help! If you could use a few extra gifts around your tree this holiday season, please email Lisa Moore (lmoore@learningfirstcharter.org). It is completely confidential. All you have to do is send me an email with the following information:
-your first name
-how you want me to contact you (I have a school cell so I can get calls and texts the number is 508-374-3577, you can text me this info as well)
-the age of your child
-2-3 ideas for gifts for your child around the $25 price range (or gift cards to specific stores)
And yes, we will purchase for siblings that do not attend our school, so you can include them. (We usually don’t purchase for adult siblings who are working age).
I will then let you know I have the information or ask some clarifying questions, and will let you know when and how you can pick up your bag. It is usually ready the week that we go on break.
Message from the Nurse: The Department of Public Health has added a new influenza vaccine requirement for all grades of school from Kindergarten through Grade 12. This requirement was put in place to reduce influenza-related morbidity and to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness in a population still facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will be expected to have received an influenza vaccine for the current influenza season (July-June) by December 31st unless they have a medical or religious exemption.
All Kindergarten, grade 3 and grade 7 students must have an updated physical and immunizations on file.
All physicals and immunization records must be fax sent to the school nurse Sarah Chysna, at schysna@learningfirstcharter.org or fax t0 (508) 753-9679.
Any doctor note that excuses an absence should be emailed to Ms. Burgos at jburgos@learningfirstcharter.org.
Grade 8 Families: Upcoming dates to put on your calendar:
St. Paul’s: Entrance exams (you must pre-register online)
https://spd-ma.client.renweb.com/oa/inquiry.cfm?memberid=15187
November 14 and December 5 @ 7:45am (in person exam)
Virtual Q & A session today at 10am with alumni students
Virtual Open House: November 19th (pre-register online, use link above)
Notre Dame Academy: Entrance exams (you must pre-register online)
https://www.nda-worc.org/admissions/entranceexam
November 14 and December 5 @ 9:00am (online exam)
Application deadline: December 15th
Financial Aid deadline: February 15, 2021
NDA is having two more Q & A style informational sessions.
Wednesday November 18th & December 9th
You can register online for them here: https://www.nda-worc.org/admissions/qanda
Bancroft: Application and financial aid deadline February 1, 2021
Worcester Academy: Application deadline: January 15, 2021
St. John’s: Admissions test (pre-register online)
https://www.stjohnshigh.org/admissions/admission-tests
November 21 and December 12 @ 8:30 am (online proctored exam)
Financial aid is open; deadline is December 15, 2020
Doherty ETA: application deadline February 1, 2021
Please continue to check emails for any new updates and feel free to attend the 1:1 meetings with your child if you would like. For more information on the high school transition process please view the webinar that was sent out, it is also posted to the guidance website.
https://sites.google.com/learningfirstcharter.org/lfcps-guidance-page/home
Community Connections: The Elder Services of Worcester Area is in need of help to send holiday cheer for isolated older adults. They are asking if families can write letters and/ or cards to uplift an older person in isolation spirits. You can write a small note, tell a joke, and draw a picture. Let them know they are loved.
Here are some guidelines before you send your letter: Letters must be legible (large print) and handwritten. Please keep your holiday message non-denominational. Start your letter/ card with a simple generic phrase such as “Dear Friend,” “Hello Neighbor,” “Howdy,” or Good Day.” Embrace creativity! Be kind and thoughtful. Do not seal the envelope. Please send letters/ cards to Elder Services of Worcester, Attn: Holiday Cheer, 67 Millbrook St. Suite 100 Worcester, MA 01606.