NOTES HOME

11/20/2020
Coming Up
Mon 11/23
*Picture Retake Day
Wed - Fri
11/25 -11/27
Thanksgiving Break - school closed
Thacher News
Note from Nurse Carolynn - Holiday Travel Info

We understand the need for connection and as close to a “normal” life as is possible during these unprecedented times. For many people, such as myself, this will be the first holiday I stay at home with my immediate family, forgoing the traditional get together to which my family and I have become accustomed. If you are traveling over the break​,​ please reference these MA Travel Guidelines.

All visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, who do not meet an exemption, are required to:


  • Quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result administered up to 72-hours before you arrive in Massachusetts.

Please let Nurse Carolynn know asap if you have travel plans out of the state, including dates of travel. If your COVID-19 test result has not been received before arrival back into Massachusetts, visitors and residents must quarantine until they receive a negative test result.

According to the information the MDPH shared on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, turnaround times for PCR COVID-19 tests have increased. If you have ANY symptoms listed in our attestation and go for a PCR test, you must quarantine until you receive confirmation of a negative test.

It is recommended that you find the testing site and secure an appointment for a PCR test within the 72-hour time frame in the area to which you are traveling, ensuring a way to provide you the results before our return to school Monday. Please note that ​if you ​plan to return to Massachusetts​ on Sunday, 11/29/2020, the earliest the test can be collected would be on Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), 11/26/2020, which would be within the 72-hour time frame required.

No children or staff may return to Thacher until Nurse Carolynn has been provided proof of a negative PCR test.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing

With the cold weather here and the classrooms doing their best to keep the windows cracked to circulate the air, please remember to send children (regardless of age) to school wearing layered clothing that keeps them comfortable throughout the day.

Long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, etc., will keep students warm and allow them to focus and concentrate on the work at hand. Classes also continue to spend time outdoors, so warm jackets, hats, gloves, and appropriate footwear are also essential.
Cancellations, Delays, and Early Closures

Thacher will follow the schedule of the Milton Public Schools for all-day school closings due to weather while reserving the right to make an independent decision to close school even if the Milton public school system remains open. This ensures the safety of the staff and families who live far from Thacher in towns that can sustain weather conditions more severe than Milton. If Milton public schools are fully remote during inclement weather, we will make an independent decision and communicate it to the Thacher community. Please note, when the decision to close school occurs, classes are officially canceled, and there will be no remote learning.

​Thacher announcements will be made on the following TV stations: WBZ (Channel 4) and WRKO (Channel 7). Closings will also be communicated through email and text blast, and posted on Thacher’s social media sites. You can also call the Thacher cancellation and information line 781-897-5720 for announcements.

If a mid-day or early closing is necessary, we will notify parents ​via email, the website, text blast, and on the announcement line. ​Should ​a storm start while school is in session, please call us if you will not be at your listed phone numbers. We must be able to reach you in case of early dismissal. Should you feel that you need to retrieve your child early during a storm, you are welcome to do so. The safety of your child and family is our priority. You are encouraged to pick up your child at any time.
Sibling Enrollment Applications

We are actively accepting applications for September 2021 enrollment. Our application deadline is January 29, 2021.

In order to plan for this unusual enrollment year, it is important that we receive sibling applications sooner than later. Please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in submitting an application for the sibling of your currently enrolled child.

Contact Nikki Toon with questions.
Picture Retake Day - 11/23

If you are not satisfied with your child's student portrait you have the opportunity for a retake on Monday, November 23. Remote learners are also welcome to drop in anytime after 9:00.

Please have your child bring the complete, undamaged, original portrait package to school on Monday. If you have any specific instructions for the photographer, please jot them down so they show through the envelope window and can be easily spotted.

Please call or email Coffee Pond Photography with any questions. (508-907-6633). Read more...
Thank you

Our Librarian, Kim Storch sends a big thank you to everyone who supported the Virtual Book Fair. Happy reading!
Thacher Diversity Corner
"HATE, it has caused a lot of problems in this world,
but it has not solved one yet."

~ Maya Angelou

Thacher Family Network
Thacher Family Network (TFN) Announcements

Connections
Class Parents had a productive meeting this week, and will be sending out surveys to their families to determine how pods would like to connect this year.

Thank you for your support of the Thacher community, and as always, if you have any ideas or suggestions, please reach out to Vanesssa and Caro at

Hiking
Please note: Thursday's Thacher Family hikes are cancelled due to hunting in Blue Hills until December 3. We suggest that gatherings happen closer to the Trailside museum or at Houghton's Pond.