The Doty Digest
Greetings Doty Families!
Today was Gifts for Giving which is a wonderful tradition here. Thank you to all the volunteers who came in and donated time and craft supplies. One of our volunteers is a Doty alum who has favorite memories of Gifts for Giving when she was a student here. That sort of connection and continuation of tradition is one of the things that makes Doty magical!
Students have started taking the winter math assessment and they are already showing that they have made nice growth from the fall to now. It’s always about growth here. The actual score isn’t the important part. What is important is that we are seeing that students are gaining new skills and are able to demonstrate what they know.
Next week we have a visiting puppet show sponsored by the Vermont Family Network. We were fortunate to be chosen as one of the schools who will have this grant funded show. The topic of the puppet show is about helping kids recognize and understand when they are feeling anxious and to normalize that for kids. It’s important that kids know that other people have uncomfortable feelings too. Oftentimes they will think that they are the only one who feels a certain way. Learning that you have a common feeling is super important.
Next week looks like a soupy mess. Remember, that we take kids out in all sorts of weather so extra clothes are important!
Finally, if you have any planned absences for this coming week, please be sure to let us know so that we don’t have to pester you with phone calls!
As always, thank you for sharing your students with us!
Gillian
We are heading into the last week of school before the holiday break. A number of students are absent with a variety of illnesses. Please remember the health basics to promote healthy immune systems: hand washing, drinking adequate water, fruits and vegetables, adequate sleep, and sneezing into a sleeve (not into the air that others may breathe). We hope to end the 2023 year with healthy and happy students, who are in good shape and ready for a fun, safe holiday break.
Speaking of safety, sledding is a popular Doty School recess activity. The sledders do their best to take turns, avoid others and stay safe. But accidents do happen, and I would like to review concussion care if you need to use this information at home.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body, resulting in temporary disruption of normal brain function. Symptoms include headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, and in some cases, memory problems or difficulty concentrating. Rest is the primary treatment for a concussion, both physical and cognitive. This means avoiding physically demanding activities, screen time, and mental strain. Adequate sleep and gradual return to normal activities under medical guidance are crucial for recovery. It's essential to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and guidance on managing symptoms, as well as to prevent potential complications. (ChatGPT)
Please reach out if you have any health or safety concerns with your child. Enjoy your weekend, and stay warm. -Nurse Lydia
