CHIPS Weekly Update

For the safety of students, families, and staff, and to keep drop off and pick up running smoothly, please keep the following in mind:

• In the car pick up line, numbers should be hanging from your rearview mirror for the entire time you are in the line
• Refrain from using your cell phone in the pick up/drop off line
• Pay close attention when pulling in and out of parking spots and exiting the pick up/drop off line

Ivy the Very Determined Dog and her mom and grandmother visited CHIPS this week! Our students got to meet Ivy and hear her inspiring story. It was so much fun! Ivy is coming back to visit our afternoon students in March.

Our next meeting will be held on Monday, March 9th at 6:30 at CHIPS. If you would like to attend virtually, the link to join is below.

Important Upcoming PTO Dates:

• Chelmsford Music Academy Enrichment- March 4th

The CHIPS PTO is on the CPS Website. Please visit our page!

https://pto.chelmsfordschools.org/chips-pto/

Below you will find a link to the CHIPS PTO directory. This is a great place to find information for playdates, birthday parties, etc. If your information is not in the directory and you would like it to be, please complete the sign up form that was in your child's welcome folder or contact the CHIPS office.

• March 11- NO SCHOOL- Professional Development

The state of Massachusetts offers free breakfast and lunch to ALL students. At the preschool level, AM students can receive free breakfast; PM students can receive free lunch. If you are interested in receiving free breakfast or lunch for your child and have not already signed up, please complete the Google Form below. Please note that it usually takes a day or two after signing up for your child to start receiving meals.

As we head into March, so will the lingering germs. If your child exhibits symptoms or has been diagnosed with a Respiratory Illness (Flu, Covid, RSV), please refer to the Chelmsford Public School Health Policy below.

For those who have been hit by the many winter viruses, I hope the extended vacation gave families extra time to recoup. Now that we have been back, as always, handwashing continues to be practiced diligently within the CHIPS classrooms! It is truly part of their daily routine. Watching your children line up every day and enjoy this simple, yet important task is a wonderful sight! Enjoy the printable book for preschoolers, seen below.

The "Back to School" Checklist

To return to the classroom after a respiratory virus, your child should meet both of these criteria:

• Fever-Free: At least 24 hours without a fever (and without using meds like Tylenol/Motrin).

• Improving Symptoms: Feeling overall better and stronger.

The "Extra Mile" Suggestion

• The 72-Hour Window: While the school says it isn't required, staying home for an extra 72 hours is recommended if you want to be extra sure about not spreading germs.

Reach out to your pediatrician for specific health guidance. Contact Nurse Kristen via phone or email for school-specific questions.Please use our absence line (978-251-5188 Option 0) or our attendance email (chipsattendance@chelmsford.k12.ma.us) to report your child's absence from school and be sure to state the reason for the absence (illness, appointment, travel, etc). If your child is out due to illness, please let us know the nature of the illness (fever, vomiting, cough, etc.).

Nurse Kristen can be reached by calling the CHIPS main number (978-251-5188) and selecting option 3.

Our CHIPS Little Free Library- such a fun way to help foster a love of reading in our preschoolers! Feel free to stop by with your child and borrow a book! Please remember to return the book when you are finished:) If you have books at home that you would like to donate, please put them in the Little Library or send them into CHIPS with your child. Thank you!!

Email: mcguirkm@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
Website: https://chelmsfordschools.org
Location: 170 Dalton Road, Chelmsford, MA, USA
Phone: (978)251-5188