Greetings Doty Families!

Thank you all for sending your students in with what must feel like 27 tons of outerwear. It’s been classic November, with temperatures all over the place but it is so nice to be able to get kids outside, no matter how much the weather changed in the last 5 minutes.

Today is a big day, the littles are off at the Flynn, seated in the front row! I’m sure everyone will come back with wonderful stories to tell about the show. It’s a wonderful day for them to explore the Burlington waterfront afterwards and enjoy a picnic on the way home. Our bigs are heading off this afternoon to walk the Cascade Trail on Rt 12. Field trips like that are always a bit of a nail biter; we aren’t afraid of the rain but it’s so much nicer when it’s dry!

As we head into the Thanksgiving break, I want to take a moment to express to all of you how very much I appreciate and value all of you. It is such a pleasure to serve the Worcester community and watch your students grow up. I hope that you all get a chance to rest over the weekend and some time to enjoy those marvelous creatures you send to us every day - they are pretty terrific!

We have school on Monday and Tuesday next week. We will see you all back on the 27th.

As always, thank you for sharing your students with us,

Gillian

With Rifle Deer Season starting last week, I would like to review Gun Safety and Tick Safety. Since November is a month with more ticks than other months, please check your skin for ticks daily. If you find a tick attached, please check in with your PCP. Click on the following link: Preventing Tick Bites

Gun safety is an essential topic that every student should understand to ensure their safety and the safety of others. It is crucial to remember that guns are not toys and should never be played with. When encountering a gun, whether at home or elsewhere, please teach your child to follow these important rules:

1. **Stop, Don't Touch, Leave the Area, Tell an Adult:** If you ever come across a gun, the first thing to do is to stop what you're doing. Do not touch the gun. Leave the area immediately and find a trusted adult to inform them about the situation.

2. **Ask Permission and Guidance:** If you have questions about guns, always ask a responsible adult for guidance. It's essential to have a clear understanding of how to handle firearms properly and safely.

3. **Secure Storage:** If there are guns in your home, it's crucial that they are stored securely in a locked container, with ammunition stored separately. This will prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of accidents.

4. **Never Point a Gun at Anyone:** It's crucial to never point a gun, even if it's unloaded, at anyone. Always treat every gun as if it were loaded and ready to fire.

5. **Educate Others:** It's important to share your knowledge about gun safety with friends and classmates. Encourage them to follow the same safety rules to prevent accidents and promote a safe environment for everyone.

Safety is everyone's responsibility, and by following these guidelines, we can create a safer community for everyone.