These healthy habits are good to practice every day, but especially during cold and flu season:

WASH YOUR HANDS

• After using the bathroom
• Before eating
• After playing on the playground
• After blowing your nose
• Whenever they are visibly dirty

PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE

• Wash your hands (see above)
• Cover sneezes and coughs

STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK

Our School Health Policies can be found on the school website, www.firststatemontessori.org. Search "Nurse", go to School Health Policies, and then click on "Read More".

Students may return to school if the following are true:

• Fever (100.4 or above) has been gone for 24 hours, without the aid of fever-reducing medication (such as Tylenol, Acetaminophen, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, or Naproxen)
• Vomiting/Diarrhea has been gone for 24 hours
• Antibiotics for contagious illnesses, such as strep throat and conjunctivitis (pink eye), prescribed by a healthcare provider, have been used for a full 24 hours (2 or more doses)
• The student is feeling better

It's very important to wash your hands, drink lots of water, and use good cough/sneeze hygiene. Be mindful of personal spaces so we don't spread germs to others accidentally. Disinfect and wipe down surfaces at home and in the classroom, especially in areas that are used frequently. The best way to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands often and do your best to avoid being around someone who is sick.

FSMA Boys and Girls Basketball Teams have many home games in January (link to the schedule below). We love to have spectators...

Students K - 6 must have an adult with them to stay for a game.

Students in 7 - 8 grade may stay for basketball games without an adult.

Reminders about Student Spectators:

In order to stay afterschool, parents must submit a dismissal change by 12:00 on the day of the game.

Expectations for students who are staying afterschool to watch a basketball game:

· All students will remain on the Lower Level

· No group gathering in the bathroom / cafeteria (no recordings)

· You are here to be a supportive fan, watching a basketball game – be positive, be present, be respectful!

According to an anti-racist author and Montessori Educator, Tiffany Jewell, classroom discussions are “the beginning of a journey in lifelong anti-racism work”. In an effort to teach children about diversity and equality, this year, our entire FSMA community will be participating in “One Book One School” (OBOS). Teachers will be reading books and having class discussions.

Following the conclusion of the books, a parent night will be held where we will share discussions together as a parent-student-teacher community.

Parents are encouraged to read/talk about the book in their homes. Links are listed below If you wish to purchase the books.

Middle School

Amazon.com: This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work (Volume 1) (Empower the Future, 1)

Grades 2-6

The Antiracist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism (Audible Audio Edition): Tiffany Jewell, Channie Waites, Versify

Grades K-1

The Skin You Live In: Tyler, Michael, Csicsko, David Lee: 9780975958001: Amazon.com: Books

Amazon.com: We Are Water Protectors (Audible Audio Edition): Carole Lindstrom, Michaela Goade

I Am an Antiracist Superhero: With Activities to Help You Be One Too!