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4/3/26 - Principals Weekly Newsletter

Posted Date: 04/03/26 (01:07 PM)
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R.K. Finn Ryan Road Elementary School

Principal's Weekly Update

April 3, 2026
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Easter

This Week's Highlights

GAME NIGHT!

It was so fun seeing all of students teaching their parents the math and reading games they have been learning in class!

Huge thank you to our Title 1 team: Mrs. O'Connor, Mrs. Duffy, Mrs. Natale and Mrs. Serlin!
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growing together
We would love to hear from our caregivers as we reflect on this school year and plan for the future.

This form invites you to share your thoughts through two themes:
Share a Bloom 🌸
What beautiful things blossomed for your family this year? We welcome reflections on school events, experiences, relationships, or supports that brought your family joy, connection, or growth.
Plant a Seed 🌱
Where do we need to dig deeper? Please share ideas for new resources, supports, programs, or opportunities that the School Council should consider planting for the coming year.

Your voice helps us celebrate what is working well and thoughtfully grow what comes next. Thank you for being an important part of our school community.

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Nos encantaría conocer la opinión de quienes cuidan a nuestros estudiantes mientras reflexionamos sobre este año escolar y planificamos el futuro.
Este formulario te invita a compartir tus opiniones en torno a dos temas:
Comparte una flor 🌸
¿Qué cosas bonitas han florecido para tu familia este año? Agradecemos cualquier reflexión sobre eventos escolares, experiencias, relaciones o apoyos que hayan aportado a tu familia alegría, conexión o crecimiento.
Planta una semilla 🌱
¿En qué aspectos debemos profundizar? Por favor, comparte ideas sobre nuevos recursos, apoyos, programas u oportunidades que el Consejo Escolar debería considerar para el próximo año.
Tu opinión nos ayuda a celebrar lo que funciona bien y a desarrollar con cuidado lo que vendrá después. Gracias por ser una parte importante de nuestra comunidad escolar.

Click the button below!

Growing Together at RKFRR
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1st Grade with Ms. Connolly

Ms. Connolly visited Mrs. L-R's first grade class to do a Zones of Regulation lesson!

Zones of Regulation helps teach self-regulation and emotional control.
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2nd Grade - Pelis

The kids were working in math using their mathematical thinking skills to find the area of different shapes.
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4th Grade - Simmons

Mrs. Simmons 4th grade was hard at work during Math! They didn't even know I was in the room :)
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5th grade in PE

Learning about the rules of the Rock Wall!
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Supporting our Community

How You Can Access or Offer Support?
This resource list (English / Spanish) is a tool for the entire community. You can use it to:
  • Access food assistance: Find local pantries, programs, and opportunities for your family.
  • Offer help: Discover ways to donate food, time, or funds to help feed others in need. 

Important Dates this Week

ELA - 2nd Session
Tuesday 4/7: 5th Grade MCAS
Wednesday 4/8: 4th Grade MCAS
Thursday 4/9: 3rd Grade MCAS

Upcoming Dates

April 14th: SCIENCE NIGHT 5:30 - 7pm
April 20th - 24th: Spring Vacation - No School

May 6th: 1/2 day - early dismissal - 11:30 AM
May 25th: NO SCHOOL - LABOR DAY
May 27th: 1/2 day - early dismissal - 11:30 AM

June 5th: FIELD DAY! (rain or shine)
June 18th: 5th grade Moving up Celebration
June 19th: NO SCHOOL - JUNETEENTH
June 22nd: 1/2 day - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
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The Pulse Point

Important information from Nurse Karen

Measles Update: April 2026


State public health officials recently announced the first two confirmed measles cases in Massachusetts this year. Residents and community members are reminded of the importance of the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in preventing measles. 

At this time, there is no evidence of measles spreading within Massachusetts, but additional cases could occur. Thanks to high immunization rates in Northampton, the risk to most residents/students remains low. In addition, most students at RKFRR are fully vaccinated. I will be reaching out separately to caregivers about their students that are not immune. 

Exposure and School Guidance
People who are exposed to measles and are not immunized may need to stay home from school, work, and public activities to prevent spreading the disease.

During a measles outbreak, 
  • Unimmunized students are excluded from school.
  • They may return immediately after getting an MMR/MMRV vaccine, if they have not been exposed.
  • If they have been exposed to measles, they can return only if immunized within 72 hours of the first exposure.
  • If immunized after 72 hours, they must stay out of school for 21 days after the last exposure.
  • If individuals remain unimmunized, they must stay out of school for 21 days after the last measles rash onset in the school or community.
It is advisable for everyone to know their MMR immunization status. For any questions, reach out to your and/or your child’s healthcare provider.

Resources
  • Northampton Health Department: 413-587-1214  
     Email to: nurses@northamptonma.gov
  • Massachusetts Department of Public Health: 617-983-6800

You can also contact me at: kschiaffo@northampton-k12.us
Thank you for your attention to this,
Karen Schiaffo
RKFRR Nurse


 
Stay Healthy This Season 
Flu and cold season is here, and we encourage you to help us prevent the spread of illness. To keep our students, staff and families healthy, please review these important reminders: 
  • Wash your hands often with soap & water for 20 seconds; Hand sanitizer is helpful in between
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when symptomatic
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently
  • Get plenty of rest, fluids, and eat balanced meals

When to keep students home
  • Fever (100.0°F or higher); they can return to school when fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication
  • Cough, ear pain, sore throat, congestion, or runny nose when severe symptoms will impact their learning
  • Vomiting/diarrhea episodes– students can return to school after 24 hours without the use of medication

Testing for COVID-19 is encouraged
  • Students who test positive should stay home from the onset of symptoms and may return when symptoms are improving
  • Consider having your student wear a mask for the first few days upon return to school

Contact me if you have any questions 
  • I can be reached via ParentSquare, phone @ 413-587-1557,
  • If your student has been diagnosed with an illness (such as the flu, pneumonia, strep, or COVID-19), please let me know

Thanks for your help with keeping Ryan Road a healthy school community!
Karen Schiaffo, RN
RKFRR School Nurse


Logistics of RKFRR

Important Information

RKFRR FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE
GUÍA DE RECURSOS FAMILIARES
Student Support Team (SST) FAQ
 
  • Our building is a scent free school - please make sure that anytime you're visiting that you refrain from wearing perfume/ cologne or strongly scented body products (for example, hair shampoo/conditioner, hair gel/spray, body wash, deodorant, and lotions).

  • Supervision will begin at 7:40 AM on the playground - please do not drop your child off prior to that time.

  • School Hours: 8 AM - 2:10 PM
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no dogs

Dogs on Campus

Please refrain from bringing your dog on school grounds.
Thank you for your assistance in advance.
 
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Absence Communication

This year we will be using parent square to contact families if your child is absent and we haven't heard from you.

Messages will be going out around 10 every morning.

It is a new process for us, so we appreciate your patience in advance!
 

Main Office

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Administrative Assistant: Vanessa Keillor
vkeillor@northampton-k12.us
587-1560

 

PTO CORNER

Liam Hurley - Scott Lodzieski - Jessica Deres - Emily Beaudry - April Igneri - Kelsy Sinelnikov

SIGN UP HERE - to volunteer
 
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Sign Up for PTO Newsletter
PTO Website
 

FSE & ELE

Family Student Engagement & English Learner Education

FSE & ELE Update
Actualización en español
 

District Information

Freshampton - School Lunch Menus
 
NPS Calendars
NPS calendar
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In Closing

As always, we hope that all families and caregivers feel welcomed, comfortable and valued at our school. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Rebecca LeBeau, Principal
RK Finn Ryan Road Elementary School

Email: relebeau@northampton-k12.us
Location: 498 Ryan Road, Florence, MA 01062
Phone: 413-587-1550
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