Westfield River Elementary News

Dear WRES Families,

Happy October! It's hard to believe how quickly the school year is moving along. We’ve been so proud of the progress students are making and the routines they’ve built over the past few weeks. We look forward to continuing to grow together!

As a reminder, we ask that all students keep toys at home unless there is a special classroom event that specifically invites them. Toys brought to school can be distracting during the day and may get lost or broken. We will let you know in advance if there's a day where bringing a toy is part of our class activities. Thank you for helping us maintain a focused and respectful learning environment.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warmly,
Christopher Manfredi

As we settle into the school year, I want to take a moment to discuss two very important topics for keeping our whole school community healthy: knowing when to keep your child home from school and preparing for flu season.

When to Keep Your Child Home

The health room is here to help, but a crucial partnership in keeping illnesses from spreading starts at home. Please use the following guidelines when deciding whether your child is well enough to attend school.

• If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or higher. Your child should be fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (like Tylenol or Motrin) before returning to school.
• If your child is diagnosed with a contagious illness such as strep throat, influenza (flu), or chicken pox (Varicella). Students diagnosed with strep throat must complete a full 24 hours of antibiotics prior to returning to school. This is 24 hours from taking the first dose of medication.
• If your child is presenting with crusty eyes and/or green or yellow drainage from the eyes. A student with conjunctivitis (pink eye) needs to complete 24 hours of medication before returning to school.
• If your child has diarrhea or vomiting in the last 24 hours.
• If your child has a continuous cough
• If your child is presenting with a rash that is new or worsening. Please have new or unknown rashes checked by your pediatrician. Return to school once a healthcare provider has diagnosed the rash and provided clearance to return, or once the rash is confirmed to be non-contagious.
• If your child seems ill, has upper respiratory illness with significant sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion or discharge, or feels too ill to participate in school.
• If your child has ANY illness that makes them unable to eat/drink/sleep or otherwise carry out their normal school activities without pain, discomfort or fatigue, please keep them home until the illness has passed.

Why is the 24-hour rule so important? This time period ensures your child is truly recovering and is less likely to be contagious to others. Sending a child to school only for them to be sent home an hour later is disruptive to their day and yours!

Preparing for Flu Season

Flu season typically begins in the fall and can last well into the spring. Here are the best ways we can work together to protect your child and our school from the influenza virus:

Practice Excellent Hygiene: Remind your child (and practice yourself!) to:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice).
• Use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the elbow—never the hands.

Encourage Healthy Habits: A strong body fights illness better. Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep, eats a balanced diet, and stays physically active.

If your child does get the flu, please consult with your healthcare provider. Remember the 24-hour fever-free rule before sending them back to school.

Thank you for your partnership in promoting a healthy and safe learning environment for all our students! Please call me if you have any questions or concerns.

In Good Health,

Nurse Carlene

• CONGRATULATIONS TO THIRD GRADE! They achieved 100% as a grade level two times in the month of September!

• CONGRATULATIONS TO KINDERGARTEN! They achieved 100% as a grade level one time in the month of September!

Each day a grade level has 100% attendance, all students in that grade level receive an Attendance Raffle ticket! Multiple raffle winners will be drawn at the end of each term! What are some other ways to earn Attendance Raffle tickets?

• Have 95% or better attendance at the end of a term
• Attend school on 1/2 days
• Attend school on days before/ after long weekends
• Attend school on days before/ after vacations

It's time for pie and cookies!

Our first fundraiser this year is Lyman Orchard pies and cookie dough. This fundraiser starts on September 30th. All order forms must be turned in by October 14th and order pick-up will be on November 24th from 3:30 pm- 5:00 pm at the school. Orders must be picked-up that after as they are perishable and we are unable to store them. This is the perfect time to stock up for quick, easy, holiday treats and support our school at the same time! All proceeds go directly to the PTO to help fund events such as field trips and assemblies for our students!

Have you ordered your WRES apparel yet?

The apparel shop is always open and orders are shipped directly to you! To order your WRES gear, visit www.bonfire.com/westfield-river-elementary-school-apparel

Join us at our next PTO meeting, in person or virtually, on Wednesday, October 29th. Details to come soon.

PTO questions?

Email westfieldriverpto@gmail.com

(Note: flyers & screenshots aren't translatable, so make sure to also include a text explanation)

• R: Respond with Respect
• O: Own Your Actions
• C: Collaborate
• K: Keep Trying
• S: Show Kindness

Westfield River Elementary School

Asst. Principal: Mr. Christopher Manfredi

Main Office: Mrs. Theresa Allie

Nurse: Mrs. Carlene Dudas

Adjustment Counselors: Mrs. Amy Crowley and Ms. Emily Raybuck

Website: WRES
Location:133 Franklin Street
Phone: (413) 579-9400