Classroom News_Murphy

Principal's Page

from .... Joan D. Murphy (continued)

BUS TIP CORNER…….FROM NBT SCHOOL BUS COMPANY

1) Parents/Residence are encouraged to have house NUMBERS clearly posted, roadside on a post or mailbox with at least 4" numbers, seen in both directions. This will be a great help for bus drivers attempting to locate houses, while driving the routes.

2) Students are always to CROSS in front of the school bus and only when they have been signaled by the driver it is safe to cross, getting on or off the bus.

3) Students are to remain seated at all times while on the school bus, facing forward with backs against the seat.

4) Students need to be at the BUS STOP 5 minutes prior to the buses scheduled time of arrival, not waiting in the house or cars. If students are not at the bus stop and visible, the buses do NOT stop.

5) Cars may not pass school buses with RED LIGHTS FLASHING. This is true for roadways and schoolyards. First offense is $460.00. Fines increase dramatically from there to suspended license and court appearance.

MARKETING CAMPAIGN

A major recruitment campaign to attract new students to Catholic Schools across the Archdiocese of Hartford will launch in billboards and radio commercials, and on a new website. The campaign, which launches in April/May is sponsored by the Office of Catholic Schools, with the strong support of Archbishop Henry J. Mansell and the Archdiocesan School Board.

The core messages of the campaign are about academic achievement in a safe, respectful learning community - two things Catholic Schools do a very good job of delivering. But for the first time, it is being made clear that the doors of Catholic Schools are open to anyone, not just Catholics. The campaign's call to action is a website, www.higherstandardsnow.com, where visitors will discover that the values of academic excellence and safety belong to Catholic Schools. The idea of "Open doors, open hearts, and open minds" defines the spirit of the campaign because it is the spirit of faith we share.

KEEPING CONNECTICUT'S KIDS HEALTHY

Want to learn more about low-cost or free health coverage for your family? A HUSKY Outreach representative will be available to provide information, answer your questions and assist with applying for HUSKY insurance. The meeting will be held at Youth Services, 75 Main Street, Southington, on Thursday, April 3, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Husky health insurance is for children and teenagers under 19 years old in families of all income levels, including working families. In some cases, parents or caregiver relatives may also be eligible for coverage, depending on family income.

BREATH EXPRESS PROGRAM - GRADES 5-7

We are very fortunate to have the American Lung association bring the "Breath Express" bus to our school on Wednesday, April 30, 2008. It is an at school field trip, inside a 28 foot bus. The tours for the fifth, sixth, and seventh grades will begin at 9:00 a.m. for grade 5, 9:35 a.m. - grade 6, and 10:10 a.m. for grade 7. Topics that will be covered are:

1. The benefits of clean air-healthy home, school and you.

2. The costs and dangers of tobacco up close and gross.

How you can have healthy lungs, every breath you take.

Southington School Health Council Report

"Fit, Healthy, and Ready to Learn"

ENERGY ? DRINKS

Energy drinks, said to deliver a rapid burst of energy with high doses of sugar, caffeine, and other ingredients such as taurine and guarana, have grown increasingly popular in recent years among adolescents and young adults. The caffeine contained in them is a central nervous stimulant that may cause nervousness, anxiousness, irritability or other similar behaviors. Caffeine can also cause headaches, dizziness, elevated blood pressure and difficulty sleeping.

According to the New England Dairy Council, milk is almost twice as effective as commercial sports drinks to fuel the body. Milk is 90% water and a great choice to replace fluids and prevent dehydration:

. The carbohydrate in milk fuels muscles during exercise and refuels muscles after exercise

. The protein in milk contains all the essential amino acids to maintain healthy muscles.

. Milk provides potassium needed for normal muscle contractions and to balance body fluids.

. The calcium and vitamin D found in milk promotes strong bones.

. Milk contains B vitamins that help convert food to energy.

(For additional nutrition resources go to www.NewEnglandDairyCouncil.org)

If you are looking for a healthy energy boost to start the day, 100% fruit juice or low fat milk are good choices. Energy drinks are not available in any of our schools. Food and beverages sold in the cafeterias at all Southington Public Schools are in compliance with the nutrition standards set forth by the USDA. Beverage vending machines contain only bottled water and 100% fruit juice.

A good formula to remember: Food + Sleep + Physical Activity = ENERGY