A Message From The Fairfield Health Department - Prevention Steps for Respiratory Illnesses

Cold and flu season is in full swing in CT and we have seen a rise in respiratory illnesses like the Flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other viruses. The Fairfield Health Department is urging all residents to take the following precautions to prevent the spread of these respiratory illnesses.

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper shirtsleeve, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
• Stay home when sick!
• Consider wearing a close-fitting mask around other people while respiratory symptoms are present. 
• Stay up to date with you vaccinations such as flu and COVID. Many of the local pharmacies have both flu and COVID vaccine available.

The Fairfield Health Department has a limited supply of flu vaccine left by appointment only. If you would like to schedule an appointment for anyone over the age of 3 years for their flu shot, please call 203-256-3150. Please note appointments are scheduled from 8:30-3:30 Monday-Friday.

Father Returns From Military Service And Surprises His Children At Dwight

Tomlinson Students Celebrate Diwali

TMS Grade 6 students learned about the traditions of Diwali also known as the 'Festival of Lights' from one of Tomlinson's own families. Students were taught about the history of the festival, as well as cultural activities, clothing, and cuisine. Students were then able to participate by making their own celebratory lanterns.

Attendance Policy Reminder

On Tuesday, November 15, the Fairfield Board of Education approved an updated Attendance Policy for implementation. We encourage families to review the complete policy as there are changes that affect student attendance. For further information regarding excused and unexcused absence guidelines from the state click here.

Changes have been made regarding excused absences:

• For absences one through nine, an absence is considered excused when appropriate documentation and notification are provided by the student’s parent/guardian, due to any reasons that the student’s parent or guardian approves. 
• Appropriate documentation must be provided to the school within ten school days of the student’s return to school.
• For the tenth absence and all absences thereafter, a student’s absences from school are considered excused, with notification within ten school days of the student’s return for the reasons outlined in pages (b) and (c) of the policy.

We would like to remind all families that chronic absence is defined as missing 10 percent or greater of the total number of days enrolled during the school year for any reason. It includes both excused, unexcused, out-of-school suspensions, and in-school suspensions that last more than one-half of the school day.

We appreciate your continued help in supporting student attendance.

FPS Green Team Launches Cafeteria Composting 

Working in collaboration with the FPS Green Team, Riverfield and Holland Hill Elementary School students will soon be composting their food waste in the cafeteria! Fifth graders will be the first to try out the new system which will separate lunch waste into compost, recycling, and trash. 

Stratfield Student Leadership Team Builds Community Through Collaborative Planting Project

To help build community the Stratfield School student leadership team put together a plan to help add beauty to school surroundings. Each Stratfield student planted a daffodil bulb in the fall.  We can’t wait to see the beauty in the spring!

FPS Superintendent And BOE Members Meet With School Leaders Across The State At Annual Conference 

FPS Superintendent Testani and BOE members attended the CABE/CAPSS Convention to learn about the latest educational initiatives, celebrate Connecticut's talented students and network with school leaders from throughout the State.

Jennings Students And Staff Boost Social Emotional Skills

Jennings staff and students participate in SEL activities every D day.  The entire staff and student community work on social emotional learning by having discussions, playing games and following curriculum ideas from Second Step and Mind Up.  This is all in an effort to build a toolbox of positive skills in order to navigate the challenges in front of them.  This program has both whole group and small group instruction and has shown great success at the start of the year.

Thank You PTA Leaders! 

PTA representatives from across the district were recognized at a recent BOE meeting for their dedication to FPS students and staff. Thank you PTA leaders for all that you do!

Fairfield Public Schools Is Hiring!

Crossing Guards Needed

FPS is actively searching for Crossing Guards. In addition, we are building a pool for those who may want to help as needed. These are paid positions. If you or someone you know is interested, please apply via Applitrack.