Principal’s Post

Dear Families,

As we prepare to head into winter break, I find myself reflecting on the incredible growth we have seen here at Walnut Square!  There is a special kind of magic in an elementary school during December- the excitement in the classrooms, the  friendships, and the sheer joy of learning are what make our school community shine bright!   Before we dismiss for this well-deserved rest, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your partnership and support.  Watching our Superstars shine is a team effort, and I’m thankful for all of you!

As the pace of the season slows down, I encourage you to find moments for quiet connection away from the glow of screens.  We live in such a beautiful area, and winter is a perfect time to bundle up for a nature walk around Lake Pentucket or to explore the trails at Winnekenni Park.  These simple moments of fresh air and movement are so restorative for children (and adults).   Of course, a cozy afternoon of reading or a visit to the Haverhill Public Library is also a wonderful way to bond;  please remember to keep track of those books, as our December reading logs are due on Monday, January 5th when we return to school.  Whether it’s a favorite picture book or a new early reader, those minutes spent together with a book make a lasting impact.

Looking ahead to the new year, we have a very busy and exciting January planned.  Schools will reopen on Monday, January 5th, and that same evening we will hold our PTO and Site Council meeting from 5:00–7:15 PM.  We will be meeting in person to create the raffle tickets for our upcoming PTO fundraiser.  Speaking of food and fun, please mark your calendars for our PTO Restaurant Night at Mr. Mike’s on January 12th, followed by our Title 1 Multicultural Line Dance Night on Wednesday, January 14th, from 6:30–8:00 pm at Pentucket Lake School.   Later in the month, I am personally looking forward to seeing many of you on Friday, January 23rd, at 9:30 AM for Pancakes with the Principal.  Finally, please note that Wednesday, January 28th, will be an early release day for students, and dismissal is at 11:35 am.

My hope for each of you is a break filled with warmth, laughter, and the chance to truly recharge.  Use this time to unplug, listen to the quiet of the season, and enjoy our Superstars who make our school so special.  I look forward to seeing everyone back and ready for a wonderful start to 2026.

Sincerely,

Jen Rubera

Principal

WIN Block Physical Education Newsletter from Mr. DeAngelo:

• WIN Block Physical Education Newsletter Dec/Jan English 
• WIN Block Physical Education Newsletter Dec/Jan Spanish

Superstar Reading at Home Resources

• https://lote4kids.com/us-haverhill-public-library/  The Haverhill Public Library offers this wonderful resource with books in multiple languages!
• https://storylineonline.net/library/  Storyline Online
• Vooks Storybooks YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@VooksStorybooks
• Digital Reading Log:   https://forms.gle/bshU4hcReq2WGJ8r5
• Paper Log Passed out to Students: Traditional Paper Reading Log

Illness Exclusion Guidelines:  Staying Home When Sick

If a child’s needs while sick with an infectious illness would interfere with the school staff’s ability to teach and care for other students, the child should stay home.  Schools must balance the risk of infectious disease spread with educational, social and mental health needs of children when determining when students should stay home.

If someone has the following symptoms, they should stay home (or be dismissed):

• Fever, including a fever with a new rash
• Vomiting more than twice in the preceding 24 hours
• Diarrhea that causes ‘accidents,’ is bloody, or results in greater than 2 bowel movements above what the child normally experiences in a 24-hour period
• Skin sores that are draining on an uncovered part of the body and are unable to be covered with a bandage
• Respiratory virus symptoms that are worsening or not improving and not better explained by another cause, such as seasonal allergies

*The CDC definition of fever: temperature 100.4 or greater, or feels warm to the touch or gives a history of feeling feverish

Return to School criteria

• No fever (and is not using fever-reducing medicine) for at least 24 hours
• Fever with a new rash has been evaluated by a healthcare provider and fever has resolved
• Uncovered skin sores are crusting, and the child is under treatment from a provider
• Vomiting has resolved overnight and the person can hold down food/liquids in the morning
• Diarrhea has improved; the person is no longer having accidents or is having bowel movements no more than 2 above normal per 24-hours period. Bloody diarrhea should be evaluated by a healthcare provider prior to return
• Respiratory virus symptoms are getting better overall for at least 24 hours.  Students and staff returning after a respiratory illness can consider additional actions to reduce spread

Guiding principles:

1. Our primary goal is to maximize school attendance and its benefits for all students, while also minimizing the spread of infectious diseases
2. School nurse assessment is guided by Standards of Practice
3. Haverhill Public Schools aligns with CDC and MA DPH/DESE guidance, including prevention strategies (such as immunization, hygiene and ventilation)
4. There may be instances when these procedures are adjusted due to community disease spread (e.g. an outbreak or pandemic or time of excessive absences)
5. School staff who are assigned responsibility for caring for sick children or who will be exposed to infectious materials have access to personal protective equipment

Mark Your Calendar!

Please visit https://walnutsquare.haverhill-ps.org/events/   or view the calendar on Parent Square to stay informed about important dates and events!  You also have the opportunity to subscribe to the Walnut Square calendar to get updates right on your device!

December 

NO SCHOOL- WINTER BREAK:    

 Wed 12/24 • Winter Break

 Thu 12/25 • Winter Break

 Fri 12/26 • Winter Break

 Mon 12/29 • Winter Break

 Tue 12/30 • Winter Break

 Wed 12/31 • Winter Break

January 2026

Early Release Dates: