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Luther B. Conant School

Polar Express Newsletter

Posted Date: 11/07/25 (5:00 PM)

Conant Polar Express | Friday, November 7, 2025
 
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Dear Conant Families and Caregivers, 


Greetings!  November is here and that means it is Native American Heritage Month, as some of you might already know. One way I often recognize months honoring cultures outside of my own is to introduce myself to a book, resource  or author representing that culture. Recently I learned of an excellent PBS web series entitled Indigi-Genius, which is devoted to telling the scientific and cultural impact of Indigenous creations and knowledge on not only the past, but the present world we know today. My own education did not include information like this, and I am inspired that we have the opportunity to share it with our current students and families. I encourage you to take a look at it with your children. 


As we approach Veterans Day observance this long weekend, I hope you will also consider taking a moment to acknowledge the service given by so many women and men who are veterans of the US Armed Forces. I appreciate that this day gives us an opportunity to pause and be thankful for their service as well as to reflect on the value of service in our lives. Regardless of how you spend the long weekend, my very best wishes for an enjoyable one.


Finally, a friendly reminder that school doors open at 8:35am . Students dropped off before then cannot enter the building as there is no supervision available. Similarly, if your child is attending an afterschool event, there is no supervision available after the ending time of the event. It is not safe for students to be unsupervised in the building. Thank you for your attention to this matter.


As always, please let me know if I can support you or your family in any way.


Sincerely,


Tricia O’Reilly, Principal, Conant School



 
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Dear Parents/Guardians, 

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This campaign aims to raise awareness about diabetes, a chronic condition impacting millions of Americans. According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. And approximately 352,000 Americans under age 20 are estimated to have diagnosed diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin—a vital hormone—or can't use the insulin it produces effectively. Insulin’s job is to help convert glucose (sugar) from food into the energy our bodies need to function. Early detection is critical when managing diabetes.

Signs and symptoms of Diabetes may include: 

  • Increased thirst

  • Frequent urination

  • Extreme hunger

  • Unintentional weight loss 

  • Irritability and/or behavior changes

  • Fruity-smelling breath

If you or your child has any of these symptoms or you, please contact your family healthcare provider. 

 

Thank you for taking the time to review this important information. I simply would like to encourage you to have a conversation with your family about healthy habits and knowing your body. Your awareness helps ensure the health and safety of our entire community.

Resources: 


The Path to Understanding Diabetes Starts Here

Type 1 diabetes in children - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Trends in Diabetes Among Young People

Statistics About Diabetes | ADA




Margita Chudik BSN, RN, HN-BC, NCSN
 Luther Conant Elementary School Nurse
 80 Taylor Road, Acton, MA 01720

 Phone: (978)266-2550

 Fax: (978)264-3329 

 E-mail: mchudik@abschools.org

 Health & Nursing Services Website:



Reminder:


There will be no school this Monday, November 10th (Professional Day) and Tuesday, November 11th (Veteran’s Day). We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Wednesday!


                 

Did you know that the Acton Food Pantry welcomes everyone? You can visit the Pantry and receive free groceries if you need food.

Transportation is available from Crosstown Connect. 

Call 978-844-6809 to schedule a ride.

The Pantry is open to everyone; services are free. We never turn anyone away. 

The Pantry is a drive-through grocery store. A volunteer will take your order, pack it, and deliver it to your car. It is that simple. We have resources available if you do not speak English. Clients may shop once a week, and we are open every week. Items available each week may include boxed pasta, canned tuna, canned vegetables, juice boxes, canned fruits, canned and dried beans, peanut butter, canned tomato products, rice, cereal, macaroni and cheese, boxed or fresh milk, eggs, frozen meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, and bread.  We also provide baby food, formula, diapers, and wipes when these products are available. 

The Acton Food Pantry is open

Wednesdays from 10 am to 7 pm

and

Thursdays from 9:30 am to 11:30 am

The Pantry is closed the week of the 4th Wednesday of every month

The Pantry is located at 235 Summer Rd., Building 1, Boxborough

(entrance at the back of the building)

978-635-9295

A calendar and more information can be found on our website www.actonfoodpantry.org


Does your household need food?

The Acton Food Pantry can help.

Acton Food Pantry 235 Summer Road Boxborough, MA

Wednesday 10am- 7pm and Thursday 9:30 am - 11:30 am 

(Closed the week of the 4th Wednesday  of each month)

This is a drive-thru Pantry. A volunteer will come to your car, ask a few simple questions, take your order, pack the grocery bags, and deliver the food to your car—free. It is that simple. Anyone who is in need can receive food.

Don’t have a car? Call Cross Town Connect 978-844-6809 and schedule a ride 24 hours in advance.  

Or… Your child can bring a bag of food home from school every week. To set this up, please email our school's counselor, Heather Parsons at hparsons.abschools.org and include the following information:

  • Child's first and last name
  • Number of people in the home
  • Food allergies
  • Teacher and grade



Conant Parents & Caregivers are invited to:

Morning Coffee &

 Zoom Lunch with the Principal

November:

Friday, November 14 - Zoom Lunch from 12:00-12:30

December:
Tuesday, December 2* - Coffee with the Principal from 10:00-10:30
(*newly added date)

January:

Tuesday, January 13 - Coffee with the Principal from 10:00-10:30

Friday, January 16 - Zoom Lunch from 12:00-12:30

February:

Tuesday, February 24 - Coffee with the Principal from 10:00-10:30

Friday, February 27 - Zoom Lunch from 12:00-12:30

March:

Tuesday, March 24 - Coffee with the Principal from 10:00-10:30

Friday, March 27 - Zoom Lunch from 12:00-12:30

April:

Tuesday, April 14 - Coffee with the Principal from 10:00-10:30

Friday, April 17 - Zoom Lunch from 12:00-12:30

May:

Tuesday, May 26 - Coffee with the Principal from 10:00-10:30

Friday, May 29 - Zoom Lunch from 12:00-12:30

Morning Coffee will be held in the Conant Conference Room.

Invite links for the Lunch Zoom will be shared the day before 

the lunch via ParentSquare.  









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