District

Dear Northwestern Families! 

I hope this eblast finds staying safe and well during this challenging time. Please know that our local ambulance associations are extremely grateful for the effort so many of our families are putting into making face masks and that there is still a need for them. The masks that we are making are used to cover the air passages of the patients during transport to the hospital. 

If you would to like to continue to make facemasks here is some guidance:

1.    The material to make the mask need to be 100% cotton (an approximately 9 x 15 piece that you will fold to make two layers). People have improvised making the masks from many different types of materials. 

2.    Elastic or string for masks. 

Here is the website for the directions:

http://youtu.be/S6rREB5-NhU
Joann’s, the store that we purchased the materials from originally is now closed for the immediate future, however people can still place an order for materials online at joann.com. Note, that some of the materials for the mask are on back order. They were even selling complete face mask kits for a while!

Once the masks are completed they can be dropped off at the following locations:

a.    The New Hartford Ambulance Headquarters in New Hartford at 12B Greenwoods, Rd. New Hartford, CT 06057: they will have a tote for you to put the masks in if any EMS personnel are not there to receive them.

b.    Norfolk Ambulance Headquarters at Norfolk Historic District at the back door under the overhang. You can call 1(860) 751-2864 to let then know you plan on dropping them off.

Thank you very much for your hard work!

 

Also,

The COVID 19 crisis is presenting all of us with mental challenges as we look to wrap our heads around what has happened. My daughter in law, a clinical psychologist in South Carolina, is working to help families cope with the many family challenges that have been brought about by the changes in lifestyle we have had to adapt to keep ourselves and our families safe. Attached you will find a link to a video that you may find helpful in how to mentally handle this crisis. 

Thinking of all of you,

Ken

https://youtu.be/BmvNCdpHUYM

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video FACE COVID – How To Respond Effectively To The Corona Crisis

Good Afternoon,

I hope you are doing well.   I don’t think any of us imagined how long we would be out of school!  Thank you for doing your part by practicing social distancing.  It is a very important strategy for getting through this pandemic.   

I have two updates.

First, Governor Lamont has ordered that the earliest we will be back to school is April 20th.  I know he has mentioned in news conferences the possibility of being out for the remainder of the year.  But to be clear, he has not made any official statement to the superintendents.  As of today, the earliest we will return to school is April 20th.  Let’s hope for the best.

Second, Northwestern High School and Middle School will continue the school year as planned out on this year’s school calendar without any changes.  Our elementary schools may have changes to their calendars but we do not.  To be clear, we will have our April vacation and the last day of school will be June 16th. 

Students, I know this unplanned interruption to our school year presents many challenges for you.  I know its hard being away from school and your friends. But, this experience has also presented you with an opportunity for personal growth that you wouldn’t otherwise have at your age. 

Your teachers care deeply about you and your education and are committed to teaching in this new way.  Your administrators are also working hard to support everyone. We are all in this together! 

Be patient and give yourself credit for everything that is going well.  You’re doing a great job so far!

Just a few last thoughts:

What we think about this experience, what we do with this time, how we respond to this new way of teaching and learning is what gives it meaning.  I believe that you will choose to grow from this and that you will become an even better version of yourself.  

In fact, we all will.

I am thinking of you, I am here for you and mostly I believe in you.  Together we can conquer whatever lies ahead. 

Remember to have some fun and recognize your personal power in spreading joy and kindness.

Thank you for your many efforts and enjoy the rest of your day.

Sincerely,

Judy Palmer

 

MS - Northwestern Updates, 3.24.20

HS - News from the Hill, 3.24.20

Hello,

Governor Lamont has just announced that the earliest school can reopen is April 20th. 

As you know, the Governor will make the decision to reopen schools in the State of Connecticut.  Let’s hope that this extra time will help slow the spread of this virus enough to get us back to school.  Please know that we may see an extension to this date.  

It is imperative that we all do our part in slowing the spread of this highly contagious virus by practicing social distancing and washing our hands thoroughly.   

 

Students,

I hope that day two of your Distance Learning Plan went well.  It will take some time for all of us to wrap our heads around this new way of teaching and learning, and that is ok!  This is a time to acclimate ourselves to trying new things that we might not otherwise have the time or inclination to do.  I know in time you will see this as an opportunity to grow.  

You can expect to feel a lot of different emotions during this time.  That is normal under these circumstances. It’s important to talk about how you are feeling with a parent, family member or trusted adult.  Our counselors are available to you, as well.  

Remember that your thoughts toward your learning are creative. So, create something wonderful.  I know you will do great things! All of the students across the country and most across the world are learning in this new way.  I know you will continue to shine and rise to the top! If other schools can do it, we can do it even better!

Assessment News:  On March 20th, the Connecticut State Department of Education was notified they were granted a Federal Waiver to suspend state assessments and accountability measures for this school year.  

The College Board has cancelled the May 2, 2020, SAT.  They do plan to reschedule it at a later date. They have also adjusted the AP testing protocol for this year only.  AP students can take a 45-minute online test at home. Mr. Chichester and AP teachers will update their students on this change.

 

Parents and Students:

COVID-19  Health Updates:   NWR7 nurses Patty Severson and Dorothy Mitchell have added a page to our website called RN Real New from the Nurses.  You can find it under the “District” tab or on our new App under “more”.  You will find helpful information regarding planning for an outbreak in your community.  You can also access health care information for uninsured individuals. Our nurses will be available to answer your questions and guide you through the COVID-19 health crisis.  You can reach them at pseverson@nwr7.org and dmitchell@nwr7.org.  Thank you, Patty and Dorothy, for helping our NWR7 community navigate this health crisis.

I think it’s important to find a way to thank health care workers.  They are on the “front lines” of this health crisis and will be the ones caring for those who are most in need of help.   Think about how you can spread joy and show your appreciation for their services.  

I know that social distancing and distance learning present challenges that none of us were prepared to undertake.   I believe that you are doing your very best to help make this work. Your best effort is all that’s required. Give yourself credit for all you are doing right and know we will get through this together!  

Sincerely,

Judy Palmer