The Barton Scoop

This week at Clara Barton was filled with excitement and meaningful connections! On Wednesday, we enjoyed a beautiful Winter Concert, thank you to Mrs. Harmon and Mrs. Macaulay for their hard work in making it a success. That same day, staff participated in a Portrait of a Graduate Workshop with Ms. Roskoph and Dr. Morton during the faculty meeting, sparking inspiring discussions. On Friday, we celebrated Family Day, where classes from different grade levels partnered up for activities centered on our words of the month, 'Respectful' and 'Determined,' all while showing Barton pride in their gear. It was a week of celebration, learning, and collaboration!

As we continue to journey through the winter months, I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about an important health issue that tends to circulate during this time: norovirus (C-Diff), as well as other common seasonal illnesses like the flu.

Norovirus, in particular, is highly contagious and can spread quickly in school settings. Symptoms typically include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, which can lead to significant absenteeism if not managed properly. To help prevent its spread and ensure the health and safety of our students and staff, please keep the following tips in mind:

1. Encourage Hand Hygiene

• Remind students and staff to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.

2. Clean and Disinfect

• Ensure that high-touch surfaces (such as doorknobs, light switches, desks, and faucets) are cleaned and disinfected regularly to help minimize the spread of germs.

3. Stay Home If Sick

• If a child or staff member is experiencing symptoms of norovirus, they should stay home for at least 24-48 hours after symptoms resolve to avoid spreading the virus. For respiratory illnesses, stay home until 24 hours after being fever-free without any fever-reducing medication.

Two 5th grade students were determined to build a tower taller than Coach Hines!

Mr. Kleftogiannis is turning indoor recess into an adventure with his 5th Grade Escape Room Club! Students work together to solve puzzles, crack codes, and unlock mysteries in this exciting and interactive experience. Not only is it a blast, but it also builds critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The club has quickly become a favorite, transforming recess into a time of fun, challenge, and collaboration!

Mrs. Wellborn, our dedicated school librarian, goes above and beyond to cultivate resources that celebrate the rich tapestry of heritages represented in our community and beyond. She thoughtfully curates a diverse collection of books, multimedia, and digital resources that inspire curiosity, foster inclusivity, and deepen our understanding of the world’s many cultures and traditions. Through her work, she not only supports our learning but also creates a welcoming space where students and staff alike can explore and appreciate the beauty of diversity. Her commitment to enriching our educational experience makes her an invaluable part of our school community.

A Special Education Parent Advisory Group, or SEPAG (sea-pag) is a state-mandated, district-level, parent-driven group charged with providing input to the district on system-level challenges in special education and related services.

The Special Education Parent Advisory Group makes recommendations to the Director and Supervisors of Pupil Services. Suggestions and recommendations are non-binding, but will be strongly taken into consideration.

Any topic may be considered for discussion except matters pertaining to an individual student, personnel issues, and items, which are subject to the collective bargaining process between the Cherry Hill Education Association and the Cherry Hill Board of Education.

Virtual meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday each month with the exception of November and April. If you wish to attend a meeting, please contact Meredith Levin or Christina Hobbs.

SEPAG Vision

Cherry Hill Public Schools is a district where parents and staff openly collaborate to ensure that all children are able to flourish while their differences are celebrated.

SEPAG Mission Statement

Our mission is to support the special needs of students and their families by giving input on policy and programs to ensure a high quality, free and appropriate public education for all students.

Please keep the following in mind as you prepare your children for school each day. We will take the students outside for play whenever possible. Thank you for assisting us with a smooth transition into the colder months and for helping us to prepare your children for an enjoyable recess period.

• Dress in layers and bring jackets/coats, hats, and gloves every day.
• Please label all clothing with your child's name in case an item is left behind during recess.

It's that time of year when many contagious illnesses become more prevalent in schools and daycare settings. Our teachers are building time into their routines to discuss and practice healthy habits in school. Remember that good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent transmission of contagious illnesses.

Here's how you can help at home:

• Practice hand-washing together. Hands should be washed with warm water and soap for 15-20 seconds.
• Remind your child of good hand hygiene practices, such as washing their hands after using the bathroom and before eating.
• Washing hands with soap and water is preferable to using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which are not effective at killing all viruses.