Yearbook 

If you have any questions you can email Rachael Coombs or Samantha Johns at WOYearbookChair@gmail.com.  

A Message About Winter Wear

Dear Parents,

It is Westorchard's philosophy that outdoor recess is an important part of a child's school day. It is an opportunity to enjoy physical activity, as well as being an invaluable tool in the development of socialization skills. Our rule of thumb is that children go outside if the temperature is above 20 degrees (including the wind-chill factor). We would like to ask for your help in making outdoor recess a safe and comfortable experience.

At this time please spend a few minutes speaking to your child about appropriate playground behavior. The throwing of snowballs is a favorite for children but it can be very dangerous. Please remind your children that this activity is not allowed at school.

Also, in the winter months, it is extremely important that parents pay special attention to the outer clothing worn to school by their children. It is essential that each child have a winter jacket, a hat, and gloves or mittens. When snow is on the ground, boots and snow pants are mandatory for outdoor play. Please refer to the following article entitled Winter Wear. This will provide you with additional hints on ways to keep your child well protected from the cold temperatures.

With your cooperation, the children will thoroughly enjoy the beautiful outdoors and the camaraderie of good friends. Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely, 

Miette Cvijanovich, RNBC 

Westorchard Nurses Office

The PTA Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for the following officer positions for the 2012-2013 school year:

Greeley PTA Vice Chair

Bell PTA Vice Chair

Seven Bridges PTA Vice Chair

Grafflin PTA Vice Chair

Roaring Brook PTA Vice Chair

Westorchard PTA Vice Chair

Chappaqua PTA Vice President

Chappaqua PTA Treasurer and

Chappaqua PTA Corresponding Secretary.

Please consider nominating yourself or someone you know who you believe to be qualified.

Nominations must be received by Wednesday, January 25.

PTA leadership provides a wonderful opportunity to be more involved in your child's school, meet and work with parents from all district schools, and work closely with administrators and teachers.

Email nominations to chappaquaptanominating@gmail.com or mail nominations to Nominating Committee, Chappaqua PTA, P.O. Box 5, Chappaqua, NY 10514. 

For more information contact your school's nominating committee representatives:

Greeley:  Heidi Fuhrman

Bell: Diane Thaler

Seven Bridges: Lucille Rossi

Grafflin: Ethylene Ziegler

Roaring Brook: Susan Fisher

Westorchard: Haley Ferraro

District: Leslie Kuhn and Maud Bailey

Notes from the Health Office

At this time, some may suffer from one or more of the many symptoms associated with the "common cold" and flu. These upper respiratory and gastrointestinal complaints leave many of us with the question, " How sick should my child be to stay home from school ?" Although there is no concrete answer, there are some guidelines that may help you in the decision making process.

Your child should stay home if:

• Fever ~ A person needs to be fever-free for 24 hours (without medication) in order to return to school. (Exception: A physician's written OK to return to school along with a medication order from the physician).
• Severe Cough~ This pertains to a cough that is so severe that he/she is unable to attend to tasks.
• Purulent (yellow or green) nasal discharge~ This may be indicative of an infection.
• Communicable Disease~ These conditions include chicken pox, strep infections, impetigo, flu and conjunctivitis (pink eye).
• Nausea and vomiting and/or Diarrhea~ Vomiting/Diarrhea during the night or in the early morning. Your child should be symptom free for at least 24 hours prior to returning to school.

If a person has been ill, his/her resistance is low. By returning too early, they may be exposed to others germs as well as exposing other students and staff. Please keep your child home if they are sick.

Frequent hand washing is the most important method of reducing cross contamination and preventing the spread of infection. Also please use tissues to cover coughs and sneezes.

Westorchard Cares and WOSO are collecting toiletries, hats, gloves, and scarves and thermals for Neighbors Link.  The winter accessories can be gently used.  Neighbors Link is a community organization which tries to find employment for immigrants in our community.  Look for the collection bin in the 4th grade wing.  Please contact Phyllis Giedra at bpmjgiedra@aol.com with any questions.

Nutrition News at www.kidseatright.org.

Is your child not drinking enough milk? They may be missing out on some key nutrients to keep their bones and bodies strong. 

Good taste and nutrition belong together - even for dessert. Satisfy your kids' sweet tooth with a good-for-you treat made with wholesome breakfast foods.

Use the slow cooker for a sweet and hearty beef stew that takes just five minutes to prepare.