Naquag News

Thank you for all that you do!

Warmly,

Kristina

Looks like we may get some icy weather tonight.

• In the event of a 2 hour delay , we do NOT serve breakfast. Lunch however, will be served.
• If school is delayed - arrival begin at 10:45 and the school day will begin at 11:00. You can expect busses to arrive 2 hours after your usual pick up. If the bus typically arrives at 8:20, you can expect it at 10:20. Keep in mind road conditions may cause delays.
• There is no recess on delay or 1/2 days.

You will be contacted by phone and/or email when a delay or cancellation occurs.

You can also check the website - https://www.wrsd.net/ for updates.

Please keep your child home if they have any flu symptoms. It is NOT too late in the year to get your family vaccinated against the flu. It is the most effective way to prevent serious cases of influenza. We are seeing an uptick in flu cases in Rutland and surrounding communities. If your child has the flu, keep them home until they have been fever free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, have the energy to sustain a school day, and have been able to eat at least two regular meals without having diarrhea or vomiting. For more information on flu: Flu: A Guide for Parents

Massachusetts reports very high flu activity with cases climbing

Pediatric deaths underscore urgent need for vaccination and preventive measure

For immediate release:

1/05/2026

• Department of Public Health

Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is reporting very high and rising levels of influenza activity statewide as the Commonwealth moves through peak flu season. Thousands of residents have become ill, forcing them to miss work, school, and other activities. Many are experiencing serious complications, leading to increased visits to urgent care centers and emergency departments, and high levels of hospitalization.

The current widespread burden of illness underscores the importance of taking preventive measures, especially vaccination, to reduce severe disease and protect individuals, families, and communities.

Tragically, influenza has already been reported to be associated with the deaths of three pediatric patients in Massachusetts during recent weeks. In addition, there have been 29 adult influenza deaths reported so far this season. While COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) rates currently remain low, cases of both illnesses are beginning to rise. DPH is reviewing two possible COVID-19-associated deaths and one RSV-associated death in individuals younger than 18 years.

“This is a moment for clarity, urgency, and action,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “These viruses are serious, dangerous, and life-threatening. We are seeing children who are seriously ill, families grieving devastating losses, and hospitals under capacity strain. There is a simple, effective, and available way to address these concerns: vaccines. They can prevent serious illness and hospitalization. And they save lives. If you have not yet been vaccinated against flu or COVID-19 this season, now is the time. It is not too late. Choosing vaccination is choosing to protect yourself, your family, your friends, your colleagues, and your community.”

Hospitals across Massachusetts are continuing to see high numbers of patients seeking care for respiratory illness. Each day last week, there were nearly 9,000 emergency department visits statewide, with approximately one-quarter of those related to acute respiratory illness, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Some regions in the state reported challenging hospital capacity levels exceeding 90% in medical-surgical units, largely related to influenza.

DPH urges everyone 6 months of age and older to stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. These annual shots can be given at the same visit and are available from local boards of health, community health centers, pharmacies, and many health care providers.

Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe disease, including adults age 65 years and older, children between 6 months and 2 years old, people with chronic respiratory conditions or heart disease, individuals who are immunocompromised, and people who are pregnant. Vaccination also helps protect family members, coworkers, and others in the community who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.

For RSV, one-time immunization is recommended for adults age 75 and older, those aged 50-74 who have conditions that put them at increased risk, and people who are pregnant. For infants and children, parents should talk with their child’s health care provider about RSV immunization. It is recommended that infants younger than 8 months be immunized if the birth parent did not receive the RSV shot during pregnancy. Children between 8 and 19 months who are at increased risk because of certain pulmonary or immune system disorders should also be immunized.

In Massachusetts, vaccines are covered by insurance and are available at no cost for almost all adults. All vaccines for individuals younger than 18 years are supplied free of charge to health care providers through the state’s universal childhood immunization program.

For those who begin to experience flu symptoms – which include high fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, and congestion – antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), are available by prescription. When started early, these medications can significantly reduce the severity of illness. Parents are encouraged to seek medical advice promptly if they or their children develop flu-like symptoms.

Spending time indoors and around larger groups increases the likelihood of exposure to respiratory viruses. The following everyday measures can help prevent illness:

• Stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Stay home when sick
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings, especially if you or a loved one is at higher risk.

DPH continues to closely monitor respiratory activity and hospital capacity across Massachusetts. Up-to-date data are available on the DPH respiratory virus dashboard.

source: https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-reports-very-high-flu-activity-with-cases-climbing

Our next Open Meeting for PTO is Wednesday January 14th at 6:15 in the Naquag Library. All are welcome. We will be discussing the upcoming annual Small and Tall Sweetheart Ball.

Hope to see many of you there. 😊

The weather has been quite chilly!

Please remember to send your students with warm coats as we go out to recess as much as possible.

Students will be permitted to play in the snow when it is safe and IF they have appropriate snow gear (hats, mittens, warm coat, boots). Students who are not dressed for snow will remain on the blacktop.

If your child is in need of a warm jacket or snow gear, please reach out to me or Miss Alex alexandria_georgiadis@wrsd.net

The decision to have outdoor recess and/or snow play is based on many factors including safety of the playground (cleared off with no ice) and real feel temperature. Additional factors such as wind and sun impact the decision to go outside.

We are on Facebook! You can find us at Naquag Principal.

I would like to use this social media platform to share important updates and daily happenings around the school. This will be a private group. If you do not want your child featured on my posts please let me know. You can email me at kristina_pelczarski@wrsd.net

Important Dates

1/19 - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

1/29 - No School - PD Day

2/16-2/20 - February Vacation - No School

3/19 - 1/2 day

4/20-2/24 - April Vacation - No School

5/11 - 1/2 day

5/25 - No School - Memorial Day

June 15, 2026 - Tentative last day of school grades 1 and 2 (with one snow day)