Cole Miners' Dig

It's been a busy week of learning at Cole School! On Monday, the WCVB Meteorologist Michael Page visited Grade 5 students. The Variety Show rehearsals were held on Tuesday afternoon as the PTO prepares for the big night. Teachers and staff participated in the district Professional Development day on Wednesday after the early release that focused on Universal Design for Learning. On Thursday night, many students and families enjoyed Literacy Night with great stories and activities. Thank you to all of the teachers that helped to organize the event and to the families for coming to event. The students were very well behaved and a great night was had by all!

We look forward to a great week next week and will be kicking it off on Monday with some Irish music thanks to Cole School parent, Mr. Kaszuba and his friend Dave. We have been fortunate to have them perform for us each year near St. Patrick's Day, and everyone really enjoys it.

Congratulations to both Mrs. Tracey and Mrs. Higgins who have announced their plans to retire at the end of this school year. Mrs. Tracey has worked at Cole School for the last 28 years as both an aide and as the school secretary. She looks forward to spending more time with her family and her grandson, Landon. Mrs. Higgins has worked at Cole School for the last 15 years as an aide and the office assistant. She looks forward to spending time with her family and traveling. While we will miss them both greatly, we are thrilled for them as they explore all that retirement offers.

The enthusiasm our students have for the weekly Magnificent Meerkats announcement speaks for itself. While Thursday mornings are the usual time, on weeks when the announcement gets delayed, students eagerly track me down, in classrooms and in the hallways alike, wanting to know when the announcement will happen. Their anticipation says everything - they love to be recognized for their positive efforts, and we love to celebrate them!

We had a super smiley bunch of Magnificent Meerkats this morning! Many in the group were recognized for their exceptional efforts in persevering to learn challenging new concepts like division while others were recognized for their caring and inclusive ways with others. We are so proud of our Magnificent Meerkats!

Hi Cole Families! Permission slips have been sent home for students to participate in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) small groups/check-ins with Mrs. Walsh when she returns from maternity leave in a couple short weeks. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s participation, please reach out to me or your child’s teacher. Have a great weekend!

There are two main types of seasonal influenza viruses - A and B. We are seeing more cases of flu B at this point which typically tends to circulate later in the season. Flu A strains typically involve large outbreaks and mutations quickly, hence why you might hear how the flu vaccine can be hit or miss. It is entirely possible to get sick with both variations in the same season.

Symptoms can vary, but many patients are experiencing:

Fever or chills,

Muscle and Body aches, fatigue,

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea ( especially in children)

Cough or shortness of breath.

Many patients this year are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms at first, before developing the classic flu symptoms of aches and fever, with cough and shortness of breath coming later.

Fortunately, many pharmacies are carrying 3-in-1 home tests which can help identify the flu if it hits your household. Most cases of flu can be managed at home with supportive therapy, however, there are antiviral drugs that can be prescribed to shorten your illness, make it milder, and help prevent serious complications. Antivirals work best when started during the first 2 days of illness and are recommended to treat flu in people who are either very sick or people who are at high risk of serious complications. Antiviral medications can come with their own GI side effects so it's best to have this conversation with your pediatrician and decide what's best for you and your family.

Before returning to school, please make sure your child's symptoms are improving and that they are fever free for >24 hours without the use of medications. It is not uncommon for symptoms to go on for 3-7 days and for fatigue to last a week or 2. Be on the lookout for secondary complications such as ear infections/ sinus infections/ pneumonia, etc.

March Madness started this week with the beginning of our Basketball Unit! Kindergarteners and first graders practiced bouncing, catching, dribbling and passing a basketball. Second graders practiced dribbling, passing and push shots while remembering the BEEF…. B (balance) E (eyes on the basket) E (elbow out) F (follow through). While practicing skills, grades 3-5 had a fun time playing “Dribble Knockout" and "Hot Shots.”

March

March 8 - Change clocks - Spring Ahead One Hour!

March 9 - Gr. 5 North River Watershed Program at Cole School (Thank you, PTO!)

March 9 - Irish Music

March 16 - Celebrating Neurodiversity Week

March 18 - PTO Variety Show Rehearsal 3:30-6:30pm

March 19 - Kangaroo Math Contest (prior registration necessary) 4-5:30pm

March 20 - Trimester 2 Ends

March 23 - Gr. 3 Mad Science Enrichment Program (Thank you, PTO!)

March 25 - Elementary Early Release - all students dismissed at 12:20pm

March 27 - Report Cards Available in Aspen

March 30 - Crocodile River Dancers at Cole School for Grades 1-3

Looking Ahead:

May 27 - Art Show 5-7pm

June 5 - Field Day

June 11 - Grade 5 Celebration (for grade 5 parents and grade 5 students only) 6-8pm

June 16 - Last Day of School - Early Release (tentative)