2020.10.30 – Saxe Weekly – The Saxe weekly

October 30, 2020

Dear Saxe Family,

As we wrap another full week of being together in our learning community, we have much to celebrate. Our students have done a terrific job following safety protocols and this has been a big part of our ability to keep everyone as healthy and well as possible. As we go into the “Halloween weekend”, we ask that you help continue to reinforce these important mitigation strategies. These include wearing masks in public and around those outside of your “group”, washing hands regularly, and maintaining appropriate distance where possible. We also ask that you help us by reminding your child(ren) to keep their masks on, even when they think no one is watching them (bus, downtown, etc.). It is not about following rules or getting in trouble, simply about being safe.

This week in the Saxe Weekly, we take a look at Nurse’s notes, a safety tip from our Saxe SRO, Kid Governor, Saxe Spirit, “Donuts”, Art, Music, Wellness, a real Saxe Hawk, snow, of course, Halloween, and much more. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Be well,

Dave Gusitsch

Principal, Saxe Middle School

Upcoming Noteworthy Dates:

11/3 – No School – Election Day

11/4 – ½ Day (Teacher Professional Learning)

11/6 – End Quarter 1 (Grades 6-8); Grade 8 Blue & Red/Grade 6 Photo Day

*Quotes that resonated with us this week:

“You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.” – Jim Stovall

“A lesson for all of us is that for every loss, there is victory, for every sadness, there is joy, and when you think you’ve lost everything, there is hope.” – Geraldine Solon

“Teachers can open the door, but you must enter it yourself.” — Chinese proverb

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” –Mark Twain

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” -John Quincy Adams

A Note from the Nurse’s Office

Happy Halloween everyone! A reminder that with all the Halloween candy that will be consumed this weekend, do not forget about brushing your teeth!

And, an Important Reminder…

As we know, there is evidence of community spread of Covid-19 in our area. We need to stay focused on the health and safety measures we have in place. With most of our students back in the building it may be more challenging to maintain the 6 feet of distance. That makes our other mitigation factors even more important to keep us all safe.

Self monitor for symptoms and check your temperature before coming to school
Stay home if you are not feeling well.
Wear your mask properly. It should fit snugly and cover your nose and mouth.
Maintain social distance as much as possible
Wash your hands frequently
Do not touch your face or mask
Get a flu shot

If your child does become sick at school it is important that they be picked up promptly. If you will not be available to pick up your child please be sure to have an alternate plan in place. In order to maintain safety and social distancing the nurses offices are not able to have students wait for extended periods of time.

Safety Tip from Saxe SRO – Officer Deak

As motor vehicle activity increases on our roads and parking lots during school hours, it is important to remember pedestrian safety. Sidewalks should be utilized when dropping off or picking up your child. Because of limited visibility, it is never a good idea to drop your child off on the side of the road or across the parking lot where your child has to cross traffic. To assist staff who may be traveling between buildings and need access to specific spots, please only use designated pickup and drop-off locations.

2020 has been a challenging year. We want to make the very best of what’s left of it, and it starts with ensuring each and everyone of our children are safe. Enjoy your weekend and be safe!

Please do your part in helping the volume of traffic get through our campus efficiently by following the proper drop-off procedures. All parent drop-offs must occur at the Lower Division entrance by entering and exiting from Farm Rd. Thank you for helping our bus drivers, students, and each other stay as safe as possible in our parking lots.

A view from one of our dark, stormy mornings this week.

Kid Governor

Mrs. Berry and Dr. Clapp celebrated Jake Tirana’s participation in Connecticut’s Kid Governor® program (more information can be found here). Jake was selected as the Saxe representative and was one of 20 finalists from around the state! Congratulations Jake!

Happy Halloween

Room moms in Ms. Dobransky’s class made Halloween kits and zoomed in to show the craft. Students had a blast. Happy Halloween!

Saxe Spirit

We also had some spirited Halloween and “red/black spirit” outfits at Saxe today!

Mr. Young, “bringing it” with the spirit…

Same with Mr. Tiscia…

Thanks to Ms. Sherwood for carrying on the tradition of spirit in the Saxe main office…

Spreading Community Through “Donuts”

The Donut Club was created by Red Team 5th-grader Marianna Ceballos with the purpose of bringing joy to others by creating and distributing non-edible paper and/or clay donuts with a variety of creative designs. Since its inception, she has been joined by Stella Heijens, Bree Hickey, Sofia Giamarco, Abby Johnson, Emma McPartland, Yuquing Jiang, and Caroline Laguzza. They created this poster to present to Mr. Gusitsch that was signed by their teammates as a pledge to join the mission!

Saxe Art

Ms. Sailor has some creative creatures coming to life in her 6th-grade Art classes!

Saxe Music

Mr. Sanders and Ms. Rosen practice some rhythm with their respective 6th-grade band classes. It is a joy to hear and today included some Halloween themes with Ghostbusters and Adam’s Family!

Be Well NCPS

I am grateful and proud to be part of a district that believes in quality, well-rounded education for all of our students AND the importance of caring for staff to maximize our entire learning community. Thank you to our district wellness committee for providing some healthy snacks and self-care sessions this week. “Caring for the whole employee while educating the whole child”.

Warm Welcome

We were in need of an additional carpet at our Lower Division entrance and our tremendous PTC helps us welcome students and staff safely and in style. Thank you, Saxe PTC!