Byam Newsletter

• October 14- No School- Columbus/Indigenous People Day
• October 20- Boo Bash
• October 24- Early Release Day
• October 29- Picture Re-Take

Our Fall benchmark assessments are coming to a close as we head into October. Students have been engaging in iReady testing, DIBELS and Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System and writing prompts this month. This important data is used to set our instruction and support for students. iReady benchmark results will be available to families shortly and we will follow up with directions on how to access these reports when they ar ready.

During our Byam Back to School Curriculum night, we shared that staff at Byam School are excited to welcome children and families to a a new school year filled with opportunities to learn and engage! Getting into the habit of on-time and present daily attendance is more important than ever. It helps to reduce stress, make it easier to connect with friends and teachers, and support learning. At Byam we're off to a great start as we (already!) come to the last few days of September, and welcome the month of October next week. Our daily attendance goal is 95%. Please keep in mind the importance for your child's success includes planning vacations outside of the CPS school day calendar days.

10/20/24 : Boo Bash 1pm - 4pm

10/24/24 : Quick Clicks with Farmhouse Photography

10/29/24 : Picture Day Retakes

3/29/25 : Hootenanny Talent Variety Show

5/6/25 : Byam Art Night

Eek ! Can you believe the Byam Boo Bash is next month! Mark your calendars for some spooky fun on SUNDAY October 20th, 2024 from 1-4pm! More information to follow…

Proper Footwear- We are seeing an increase in the number of students wearing crocs to school. While we understand this is a popular shoe choice, it does not always make for proper footwear for running and climbing at recess. Children wearing crocs are more prone to accidents and injury while at recess and during physical activity. In addition, students wearing crocs are not able to actively participate in PE class. For safety purposes we ask that students wear sneakers for recess and PE.

Illnesses-

Unfortunately, we are seeing some cases of strep throat and hand foot and mouth disease. Please read below to find information on both of these diseases so that you can be aware of what to look for. If your child is diagnosed with either strep throat or hand foot and mouth disease (or any other know infectious illnesses) please notify me so that we can track classrooms that may be more affected and increase cleaning protocols.

STREP THROAT

What causes strep throat?

Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep).

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Pain when swallowing

• Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red

• Red and swollen tonsils

• White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils

• Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae (pronounced pi-TEE-kee-eye)

• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck

Small Children (usually kindergarten, 1st grade) may experience:

• Headache

• Stomach pain

• Nausea or vomiting

• Rash (scarlet fever)

How does it spread?

Group A strep bacteria often live in the nose and throat. People who are infected spread the bacteria by talking, coughing, or sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria.

People can get sick if they:

• Breathe in respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria

• Touch something with those droplets on it and then touch their mouth or nose

• Drink from the same glass or eat from the same plate as a person infected with group A strep bacteria

How can I prevent my child from getting strep?

The best way to keep from getting or spreading group A strep is to wash your hands often. This is especially important after coughing or sneezing and before preparing foods or eating.

To prevent group A strep infections, you should:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Put your used tissue in the wastebasket.

• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands, if you don’t have a tissue.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.

You should also wash glasses, utensils, and plates after someone who is sick uses them. These items are safe for others to use once washed.

How is strep throat treated?

Doctors treat strep throat with antibiotics. Benefits of antibiotics include:

• Decreasing how long someone is sick

• Decreasing symptoms (feeling better)

• Preventing the bacteria from spreading to others

• Preventing serious complications like rheumatic fever

Someone with strep throat should start feeling better in just a day or two after starting antibiotics. Call the doctor if you or your child are not feeling better after taking antibiotics for 48 hours.

For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/about/strep-throat.html

HAND FOOT and MOUTH DISEASE

What it is

HFMD is a common illness that usually causes fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. It can spread quickly at schools and day care centers. Most people get better on their own in 7 to 10 days.

Signs and symptoms

Most children have mild symptoms for 7 to 10 days. Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Painful mouth sores that blister
• Rash commonly found on the hands and feet

Complications from HFMD are rare.

Who is at risk

HFMD is most common in infants and children younger than 5 years old.

If you are pregnant, contact your doctor if you think you may have been exposed to HFMD. Complications from HFMD are rare. However, your own medical history and how far along you are in your pregnancy can affect the situation.

How it spreads

HFMD is caused by viruses. A person infected with one of these viruses is contagious. This means they can pass the virus easily to other people.

HFMD can spread through contact with:

• Droplets with virus particles made after person sneezes, coughs, or talks
• Objects and surfaces that have virus particles
• Fluid from blisters

Prevention

HFMD is very contagious. To help prevent catching or spreading HFMD:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, and coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Help children wash their hands and keep blisters clean.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items, including toys and doorknobs.
• Avoid close contact with an infected person, such as hugging or kissing them.

Manage symptoms at home

Relieve pain and fever. Take over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and pain caused by mouth sores. Never give aspirin to children.

Prevent dehydration (loss of fluids). You can take steps to relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration while you or your child are sick. Drink enough liquids. Mouth sores can make it painful to swallow, so your child may not want to drink much. Make sure they drink enough to stay hydrated.

When to return to school

Because HFMD is normally mild, children can continue to go to child care and schools as long as they:

• Have no fever.
• Feel well enough to participate in class.
• Have no uncontrolled drooling with mouth sores.

Talk with your child’s healthcare provider if you are still not sure when it is okay for them to return. Sometimes, the local health department may require children with HFMD to stay home to control an outbreak.

For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/index.html

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Thank you for helping to keep our school healthy!

Looking for an updated family photo for your holiday cards or to hang in your house? Book a 2-3 minute session with Kat Rotika of Farmhouse Photography, proceeds support the BSA! Sessions are $25, you will receive a link of edited images and only buy the ones you love! Images start at $25 each. Sign up today to secure your spot!

https://farmhouse.as.me/BYAM

No-cost Registration for Byam Events:

*Financial concerns should never stand in the way of families participating in school events. If you are interested in any Byam activities please contact Lyndsey O’Neil, our school counselor, to register at no cost: oneill@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Want to get involved? BSA Help Needed

Here are some openings the BSA is currently seeking help on, reach out the bsa.chelmsford@gmail.com if you are interested in any of these positions!

Stay Connected to the Byam School Association, Click on the live links below for more...

Breakfast and Lunch Menu Link: https://chelmsfordschools.org/chelmsford-public-schools-lunch-menus/

Please keep in mind the district School Wide Lunch calendar options are subject to change based on availability. For the most up to date lunch schedule, please keep the below link handy:

https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/webmenus2/#/view?id=66bb76d0e96f1e6a6d4947e1&siteCode=3369

https://chelmsfordschools.org/

2024-2025 School Wide Academic Calendar

Office: Secretary Dossin dossina@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Clerk/Attendance: murphys@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Assistant Principal Dolan dolane@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Website: https://byam.chelmsfordschools.org/about/
Location: 25 Maple Road, Chelmsford, MA, USA
Phone: 978-251-5144