Greetings Doty Families!

Our Valentine celebration has come and gone. It is my favorite Doty tradition. I love the work students put into their valentine’s and when they deliver them to each other, it is the sweetest thing ever. It couldn’t happen without the hard work of Maureen and Ms Kristina, thank you! This year we added the pie in the face contest conclusion to our celebration. Check out the photos this week to see who “won”!

We have one more week until February break. This break always feels like the one we need the most. Everyone has a bit of cabin fever so time apart is good. The time apart is also good because it gives us all a chance to stop passing various bugs around. Coming back with the days getting longer is just the refresher we all need!

I was just having a conversation with Sonya about math. We were talking about how important it is that students learn how to learn and experience success in their learning. We could just blast through all of our curriculum and not pay attention to whether or not students understand it. The only thing that teaches students is that learning is frustrating and stressful. If we are mindful of student progress and we give the time for students to achieve mastery and true understanding, then learning becomes something that students can feel good about. They carry positive feelings of agency forward. We can’t possibly teach students every little thing they need to know. We can teach them how to learn and to see themselves as capable learners. They then can go off and learn every little thing they need to know - which will be different for all of them! I am so happy that I work with a team that sees this value.

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

Gillian

Hello Doty Families. I hope all are feeling well this weekend. We have had some students out, and I would like to review the differences between the flu, COVID-19, or RSV. All 3 viruses are contagious, spread through respiratory droplets, and have some similar and different symptoms. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases has a good chart which is posted below.

Additionally, flu may come on slowly, while RSV has more of a gradual onset. Covid-19 may come in different forms: sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a sudden loss of smell and taste. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Emergency Dept has a nice article: How Do You

Know if you have COVID-19, flu, or RSV?

And here’s a short Youtube video differentiating between the different viruses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfGfA1VujfA

Treatment of these illnesses when they are not severe consists of rest, fluids, and over the counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If you have higher risk of cardiac or respiratory illness, consult your doctor for additional anti-viral or Covid-19 treatment. Avoiding crowded places, washing hands, and wearing masks can prevent spread of these viruses. Vaccinations may lower chances of serious illness or hospitalization. Your physician can help determine your specific needs, and consulting your PCP may prevent worse illness.

If you have been exposed to any of the above viruses, please wear a mask, watch for symptoms (fever over 100.4 degrees F, cough, shortness of breath), and test if possible. I hope you are able to stay well, especially for the winter break the week of February 26th. Take care, Nurse Lydia