Sunday, November 21, 2021
Dear Watertown Public Schools Families and Faculty,
From Turkey Bingo night to the Gridiron luncheon, this past week and weekend continue to be filled with many fun moments for our students and families. It has been wonderful to see parents in our schools in person and virtually. Last week’s 8th grade orientation was well attended by Swift families and students and Parent - Teacher conferences will continue for one more day tomorrow.
Also, over 60 students took part in the 5-11 year old vaccine clinic for WPS students this past Thursday making it a great success! We were very happy to partner with local donors who provided each student who attended the clinic a special door prize on the way out.
School Absences
In addition, this is a friendly reminder to ALL families that if for any reason your child will not be attending school that day to call your school's absence phone line to notify the school of their absence. Your help in notifying your school of your child's absence and well being ensures that we can account for all of our students. Whether your child is feeling sick, COVID + or your family is leaving early for a trip, please notify your school.
Native American Heritage Month
Lastly, November is Native American Heritage Month and a time to honor our indigenous peoples of North America. The journey, continuing legacies, and contributions of the Native American people are great and an opportunity for us to learn more. Below you will find family friendly sites that will connect you to important information and resources.
- National Geographic: Native American Heritage Month
- The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
- Library of Congress
- The Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Celebrates National Native American Heritage Month
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Sincerely,
Dr. V
Happenings and Useful Information
Dates to Remember
November 22 - Early Dismissal Day for Parent Teacher Conferences
November 22 - First ‘WPS Strategic Plan’ review for original committee members
November 24 - Early Dismissal Day
November 25 & 26 - Thanksgiving break for all employees and students
November 25 - WHS vs. Torrington ‘Turkey Bowl’ @ Torrington HS
Screen & Stay Update
Click here for WPS Screen and Stay Protocols
Screen & Stay protocols have begun in all of our schools and continues to reduce the number of students who need to quarantine. As a point of information, if any school experiences a cluster of positive Covid-19 cases, parents will be notified directly by their school’s principal. At this time we are happy to report that we have not experienced any clusters of positive cases.
Holiday Travel Reminder
Click here for WPS Return to School Protocols
As we get ready for Thanksgiving break, this is a friendly reminder to all families who will be traveling to keep safe during large gatherings by following the suggested guidelines below:
Utilize all appropriate mitigation strategies while traveling (including mask wearing, distancing, symptom recognition, etc.) regardless of whether the policies and procedures in place at your destination mandate them.
Before travel, review the current DPH and CDC recommendations for travel during COVID-19 and be sure to plan sufficient time for any necessary actions.
Follow DPH and CDC best-practice testing procedures upon return
Health and Safety
DISTRICT: As we did last year, the Daily Covid 19 Tracker will be updated on the main district website. Click here.
LOCAL: Our local Torrington Area Health Department continues to provide weekly reports on: Covid-19 positivity and vaccination rates within the torrington area health district (TAHD) jurisdiction Click here for all weekly updates
REGIONAL: 11.16/2021 Covid Report | 11.16.2021 Vaccine Rates by Town
Quote of the Week
“Tell me, and I’ll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I’ll understand”. Library of Congress Archives