10.25.2020 Principal Notes

Dear McKelvie Families~

It certainly feels like fall today!  Be sure to read the reminder about our first Spirit Week of the year, beginning tomorrow with Silly Sock Day!

Parent Resources:

K-8 Hybrid Calendar                     Daily Health Screening 
MIS Hybrid Parent Guide            Bedford Reopening Plan 
MIS Remote Parent Guide           Bedford Metrics Website

School Schedule-October 26th to October 30th:
A-K at MIS on Monday, Wednesday

L-Z at MIS on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

Red Ribbon Week/Spirit Week Reminder:

Students are getting ready for Red Ribbon Week 2020 - this year’s theme is: Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.  At school, students will engage in activities that promote a drug free and healthy lifestyle.

Wondering when you should talk to your kid about drugs?  As a parent, you are the biggest influence in your child’s life and having open, honest conversations is one of the most powerful ways to connect with your kids and help them develop into healthy adults. When addressing some more challenging topics – like nicotine, alcohol or drugs – it’s not about having a one-time “drug talk,” but rather tackling the subject through more frequent, organic conversations that evolve as your child gets older (Drugfree.org).  Check out this link for age-appropriate scenarios, and prevention tips: Drug Prevention Tips for Every Age   

Library News:
It was another successful week at the McKelvie Library! Click HERE to read the McKelvie Library New blog for the week.  ~Mrs. Cote

Travel Reminder:
As you begin to plan for Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season, please keep in mind the NH DHHS Travel Guidance, which the Bedford School District is following:

If a staff member or student travels outside of New England, do they need to self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return to New Hampshire? Yes. The general recommendation from the NH DHHS General and Employee Travel Guidance is that those who have traveled outside of New England need to self-quarantine and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days upon their return to New Hampshire. Exceptions to this recommendation can be made for “essential employees” or for staff who have to conduct “essential travel” as outlined in the public health guidance linked above, and the Universal Guidelines. Schools/districts should develop policies to address situations in which students may need to travel for child custody and/or education related purposes (e.g., visiting colleges). You can find a link to this document HERE (pg. 6).

PTG News:
MEADOW FARMS GIFTS, WRAP AND MORE:
Bringing you quality gift wrap, unique gifts, home & kitchen items, gourmet food, Kringle Candles and more. Our popular  GIFTS, WRAP, AND MORE  fundraiser is happening now. Brochures with ordering details were sent home with elementary students. Elementary remote families should have received ordering information from their teachers. Families, students, and staff at McKelvie, RAL and BHS can order HERE Online ordering only this year. 40% of sales will go back to our schools and orders ship directly to home! Students in elementary schools who sell at least 5 items earn a coupon for a free ice cream at Inside Scoop. Online orders must be placed by October 23rd.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH SUPERINTENDENT FOURNIER:
**New Date** You are invited for an evening Community Conversation with Superintendent Mike Fournier. This is the place to get up to date information directly from our Superintendent on issues impacting our district. Ask your questions, share your opinions or just come to listen!

Thursday, October 29th: 6.30P.M. at the SAU Office (Boardroom)
RSVP required. Please click HERE if you’d like to attend.Due to limited seating we are unable to accommodate children at this meeting. Apologies for this inconvenience. Social distancing and masks are required.

NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH: 

October is "National Principals Month" and we think we have some of the best here in Bedford! A huge thank you to all our Principals and Assistant Principals who work tirelessly for our students and staff! We are forever grateful for your leadership and dedication to our schools. 


LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER:
The schools and the PTG appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to focus on the safety of staff and students while minimizing volunteers in the buildings at this time. In order to hear about volunteer opportunities either IN SCHOOL or available REMOTELY you will need to fill out a Volunteer Google Form for each school that you have a child in. We will communicate volunteer needs as the PTG is made aware of them. To access the form click HERE or you can find them on the PTG website www.bedfordptg.org under PTG Forms.

Have a wonderful week!
Jen

10.18.2020 Principal Notes

Dear McKelvie Families~

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  

Parent Resources:

K-8 Hybrid Calendar                     Daily Health Screening 
MIS Hybrid Parent Guide            Bedford Reopening Plan 
MIS Remote Parent Guide           Bedford Metrics Website

School Schedule-October 19th to October 23rd:
A-K at MIS on Monday, Wednesday, Friday

L-Z at MIS on Tuesday, Thursday

Red Ribbon Spirit Week October 26th-30th:

Our first spirit week is coming up!  Please see the flyer below to prepare for next week's Red Ribbon Spirit Week.

From the School Health Office

Please click HERE for specific information on how Bedford and DHHS are working in concert to keep our students and staff healthy.  This information includes school exclusion thresholds, testing sites, and an updated dismissal note.

Travel Reminder

As you begin to plan for Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season, please keep in mind the NH DHHS Travel Guidance, which the Bedford School District is following:

If a staff member or student travels outside of New England, do they need to self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return to New Hampshire? Yes. The general recommendation from the NH DHHS General and Employee Travel Guidance is that those who have traveled outside of New England need to self-quarantine and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days upon their return to New Hampshire. Exceptions to this recommendation can be made for “essential employees” or for staff who have to conduct “essential travel” as outlined in the public health guidance linked above, and the Universal Guidelines. Schools/districts should develop policies to address situations in which students may need to travel for child custody and/or education related purposes (e.g., visiting colleges).  You can find a link to this document HERE (pg. 6).

Also, students cannot test out of quarantine with a negative COVID-19 test.  They must complete the entire 14 days. Please take a look at our Quarantining Protocol/Flowchart for more information.

In order to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff, it is essential that we adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in our Hybrid plan.

Picture Retake Information (A Message from Geskus Photography)

Great News!  We are excited to be able to offer the opportunity for ALL students to have a school picture, so we have scheduled an OPEN RETAKE DAY!  The date will be November 14, 2020 at several locations throughout our school communities from 9am-3pm by appointment only.  Please see THIS FLYER for details.

The facilities do have strict COVID-19 guidelines for safety of all; to reduce the risk of contact between individuals. If gatherings are too large, we will unfortunately be forced to end this event.  Please adhere to these rules:

• Please remain in your vehicle until your scheduled appointment time.

• Only one person allowed in building with student.

• If you are not present at your scheduled time, we will not be able to accommodate your appointment.

Library News:

It's Sunday, McKelvie! I hope that you and your family are safe and well. Click HERE to view this week's Library News Blog post.  ~Mrs. Cote

PTG Principal Notes:

MEADOW FARMS GIFTS, WRAP AND MORE: Bringing you quality gift wrap, unique gifts, home & kitchen items, gourmet food, Kringle Candles and more. Our popular GIFTS, WRAP, AND MORE fundraiser is happening now. Brochures with ordering details were sent home with elementary students. Elementary remote families should have received ordering information from their teachers. Families, students, and staff at McKelvie, RAL and BHS can order HERE.

Online ordering only this year. 40% of sales will go back to our schools and orders ship directly to home! Students in elementary schools who sell at least 5 items earn a coupon for a free ice cream at Inside Scoop. Online orders must be placed by October 23rd.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH SUPERINTENDENT FOURNIER: You are invited for an evening Community Conversation with Superintendent Mike Fournier. This is the place to get up to date information directly from our Superintendent on issues impacting our district. Ask your questions, share your opinions or just come to listen!

Thursday, October 22nd; 6.30PM at the SAU Office (Boardroom)

RSVP required. Please click HERE.

if you’d like to attend.

Due to limited seating we are unable to accommodate children at this meeting. Apologies for this inconvenience. Social distancing and masks are required.

LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER: The schools and the PTG appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to focus on the safety of staff and students while minimizing volunteers in the buildings at this time. In order to hear about volunteer opportunities either IN SCHOOL or available REMOTELY you will need to fill out a Volunteer Google Form for each school that you have a child in. We will communicate volunteer needs as the PTG is made aware of them. To access the form click McKelvie Volunteer Form or you can find them on the PTG website www.bedfordptg.org under PTG Forms.

Reminders:

State Testing:

Please read THIS LETTER from our Assistant Superintendent, Tom Laliberte, regarding state accountability assessments (English and Math) for students in grades 4-8.

McKelvie State Testing Schedule:

October 16th All Fully Remote Pods (5th and 6th grade)

October 16th Grade 6  Hybrid L-Z

October 19th Grade 6 Hybrid A-K

October 21st Grade 5  Hybrid A-K

October 22nd Grade 5 Hybrid L-Z

Flu Shots - and Bedford's Response to Symptoms:

If a student receives a flu shot and develops mild symptoms (muscle aches, low fever, etc.,) is it ok to accept a doctor’s note to explain the new symptoms? This must be a case-by-case decision. You cannot be certain if symptoms are due to COVID-19 without testing. It is reasonable to associate symptoms with recent vaccine administration if the child usually has symptoms after vaccination, but, again, this is not certain. In circumstances where it is not clear whether a person’s symptoms are new and unexplained and in the absence of documentation to explain chronic or recurring symptoms, DPHS recommends exclusion and testing for COVID-19. 

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Jen Asdot

10.14.2020 Fully Remote Note

 Hey There Fully Remote Friends!

I hope you all have a super day today:)

HERE is today's video with a BUNCH of birthday announcements.

HERE is the tech help desk ticket.

Have a wonderful day today!

Mrs. Asdot

10.9.2020 Principal Notes

Dear McKelvie Families~

I hope everyone enjoys the long holiday weekend!  

Parent Resources:

K-8 Hybrid Calendar                     Daily Health Screening 
MIS Hybrid Parent Guide            Bedford Reopening Plan 
MIS Remote Parent Guide           Bedford Metrics Website

School Schedule-October 13th to October 16th:
A-K at MIS on Wednesday

L-Z at MIS on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

State Testing:

Please read THIS LETTER from our Assistant Superintendent, Tom Laliberte, regarding state accountability assessments (English and Math) for students in grades 4-8.

McKelvie State Testing Schedule:

October 16th All Fully Remote Pods (5th and 6th grade)

October 16th Grade 6  Hybrid L-Z

October 19th Grade 6 Hybrid A-K

October 21st Grade 5  Hybrid A-K

October 22nd Grade 5 Hybrid L-Z

Flu Shots - and Bedford's Response to Symptoms:

If a student receives a flu shot and develops mild symptoms (muscle aches, low fever, etc.,) is it ok to accept a doctor’s note to explain the new symptoms? This must be a case-by-case decision. You cannot be certain if symptoms are due to COVID-19 without testing. It is reasonable to associate symptoms with recent vaccine administration if the child usually has symptoms after vaccination, but, again, this is not certain. In circumstances where it is not clear whether a person’s symptoms are new and unexplained and in the absence of documentation to explain chronic or recurring symptoms, DPHS recommends exclusion and testing for COVID-19. 

Red Ribbon Week 2020:

McKelvie will be participating in Red Ribbon Week again this year.  It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs.  Show your personal commitment to a drug free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon, October 23rd-31st.  More information to come about Red Ribbon Week activities including Spirit Days, prizes, and healthy tips for kids and families!

Geskus School Pictures:

School picture proofs are going home to those students that did not order school pictures. Please know that it is not too late to order online with Geskus, our picture company. Ordering information is on the proof sheet. 

Hybrid Students- proofs went home this week.

Remote 6th grade families should have received an email earlier this week with student proofs attached.  If you did not, please email mckelvie@sau25.net.  

Remote 5th grade families will be able to pick up their student's proof at the school next week.  It will be included with other information that is going home to students from their teachers.  

Destination Imagination - New Info

Registration is now open for Destination Imagination. New and returning students must complete this google form. Registration closes on Friday October 16th, 2020. Destination Imagination is an extracurricular program that requires parent volunteers. There is no guarantee that your child will be placed on a team, but we work very hard to place every child who registers.

NEW INFO K-6 teams may not use school facilities for meetings. Teams who wish to come together outside of the schools must adhere to same safety precautions as in school, with regards to masks and social distancing. Most teams will meet virtually this year. For more info on this wonderful extracurricular program offered by our district, , please check outwww.nh-di.org or contact our coordinator, Marie Russell at bedfordrocksdi@gmail.com.

Library News:

Happy three-day weekend, McKelvie! I hope that you and your family enjoy all that New Hampshire has to offer during the upcoming weekend. Click HERE to view this week's Library News Blog post.  ~Mrs. Cote

PTG News:

SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS:

This year through donations and Fundraisers the PTG intends to help fund…

Enhancing outdoor spaces/playground improvements

COVID mitigations supplies for teachers/classrooms

Virtual programming and events for students, staff and families 

Assisting with student needs through guidance and nurse department support

 We couldn’t do it without your continued support. This year more than ever the PTG will rely on the generosity of our community.To support the PTG you can donate through PayPal by clicking HERE or by check made out to Bedford PTG (turn into your child’s school or mail to PO Box 10077 Bedford, NH). Through our Support Drive, 100% of your donation goes directly to the schools and students of Bedford.

MEADOW FARMS GIFTS, WRAP AND MORE: Looking for quality gift wrap, everyday gifts, tote bags, and gourmet mixes? Our popular  GIFTS, WRAP, AND MORE  fundraiser is just around the corner. Brochures will be coming home with elementary students at the beginning of October. Online ordering only this year. 40% of sales goes back to our schools and orders ship directly to home! Sale runs from October 9-23.

LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER: The schools and the PTG appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to focus on the safety of staff and students while minimizing volunteers in the buildings at this time. We will communicate volunteer needs as the PTG is made aware of them. Please complete a Volunteer Google Form for each school you have a child attending. To access the form click HERE or you can find them on the PTG website www.bedfordptg.org under PTG Forms. You need to fill this form out in order to hear about volunteer opportunities at the schools or district wide.

SKI, SKATE AND MORE SALE FOR 2020 CANCELLED: We regret that we will not be able to host this event this year and we look forward to bringing it back in 2021.

STAY CONNECTED to PTG: Please visit our PTG WEBSITE, “like” our  FACEBOOK PAGE, check us out on Instagram (bedfordPTG) and Twitter (@Bedfordptg) to see all the exciting things happening at our schools. Thank you for your support!  

Have a great weekend!

Jen Asdot

10.4.2020 Principal Notes

Dear McKelvie Families~

We have officially finished our first IA rotation of the 20/21 school year!  Students will have a new IA beginning tomorrow.  

If your child has tested positive for Covid 19 on a weekend or after hours, please email asdotj@sau25.net and stefekosr@sau25.net immediately, so we can begin the process of contact tracing and communicating with DHHS.  The process takes time, so the earlier the notification, the better for our McKelvie community!

Parent Resources:

K-8 Hybrid Calendar                     Daily Health Screening 
MIS Hybrid Parent Guide            Bedford Reopening Plan 
MIS Remote Parent Guide           Bedford Metrics Website

School Schedule-October 5th to October 9th:

A-K at MIS on  Monday, Wednesday, Friday

L-Z at MIS on Tuesday, Thursday

Destination Imagination - Registration Now Open:
Registration is now open for Destination Imagination. New and returning students must complete this google form. 

Registration closes on Friday October 16th, 2020. Destination Imagination is an extracurricular program that requires parent volunteers. There is no guarantee that your child will be placed on a team, but we work very hard to place every child who registers. Teams may use school facilities for meetings, but must adhere to same safety precautions. The same applies if you decided to hold your meetings outside of the school buildings. For more info on this wonderful extracurricular program offered by our district, please check out www.nh-di.org or contact our coordinator, Marie Russell at bedfordrocksdi@gmail.com.

Library News:

Happy October, McKelvie! Please click HERE to see this week's Library News blog post. I hope you all have a relaxing and restful weekend. ~Mrs. Cote

PTG News:

SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS:

This year through donations and Fundraisers the PTG intends to help fund…

Enhancing outdoor spaces/playground improvements

COVID mitigations supplies for teachers/classrooms

Virtual programming and events for students, staff and families 

Assisting with student needs through guidance and nurse department support

 We couldn’t do it without your continued support. This year more than ever the PTG will rely on the generosity of our community.To support the PTG you can donate through PayPal by clicking HERE or by check made out to Bedford PTG (turn into your child’s school or mail to PO Box 10077 Bedford, NH). Through our Support Drive, 100% of your donation goes directly to the schools and students of Bedford.

MEADOW FARMS GIFTS, WRAP AND MORE: Looking for quality gift wrap, everyday gifts, tote bags, and gourmet mixes? Our popular  GIFTS, WRAP, AND MORE  fundraiser is just around the corner. Brochures will be coming home with elementary students at the beginning of October. Online ordering only this year. 40% of sales goes back to our schools and orders ship directly to home! Sale runs from October 9-23.

LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER: The schools and the PTG appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to focus on the safety of staff and students while minimizing volunteers in the buildings at this time. We will communicate volunteer needs as the PTG is made aware of them. Please complete a Volunteer Google Form for each school you have a child attending. To access the form click HERE or you can find them on the PTG website www.bedfordptg.org under PTG Forms. You need to fill this form out in order to hear about volunteer opportunities at the schools or district wide.

SKI, SKATE AND MORE SALE FOR 2020 CANCELLED: We regret that we will not be able to host this event this year and we look forward to bringing it back in 2021.

COMMUNITY EVENTS WITH ADMINISTRATION: A special thank you to our Principals for taking time out of their schedules to share information about the start of the school year and answering the community’s questions at the PTG’s annual Meet Our Principals event. The link is provided below for those who missed it or would like to view it again.   

Meet the Principals

STAY CONNECTED to PTG: Please visit our PTG WEBSITE, “like” our  FACEBOOK PAGE, check us out on Instagram (bedfordPTG) and Twitter (@Bedfordptg) to see all the exciting things happening at our schools. Thank you for your support!  

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather!

Jen Asdot