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NIS Weekly News
Nantucket Intermediate School - May 24, 2021
New Mask Mandates and School...
Dear NIS families,
Wow! Last week we found out when you did that the governor and commissioner of education were easing mask requirements. Their new mandates left little room for interpretation which was very helpful - it's the gray area that makes things challenging!
Dr. Hallett emailed the following information to you explaining:
As you may be aware, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Governor Baker, the CDC and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) have all changed the outdoor mask mandate, meaning students will be able to take their masks off during outdoor recess, outdoor PE/Wellness classes, and outdoor youth sports.
From DESE:
- Effective Tuesday, May 18, students no longer have to wear masks when outdoors, even if distance cannot be maintained. Adults must continue to wear masks outdoors if distancing cannot be maintained. At this time, adults and students must continue to wear masks inside schools.
- Students can now share classroom materials.
Please know that we respect any decisions your family and child make to continue to wear a mask outdoors. They will be fully supported by our staff.
Your NIS partners,
Evemarie McNeil, Principal & Donna Johnson, Assistant Principal
Sewer Project - Traffic Delays Possible
SEWER PROJECT UPDATES
This week's and next week's updates includes:
5/24-5/28
Monday thru Thursday: Continue installation of gravity sewers, progressing north on Surfside Road into Bartlett Road intersection – Switch to Phase 2 road closure and detour once crew is north of Bartlett Road
Friday: Trench paving
Here is a link to visit for the project webpage that has very detailed information. They will regularly be updating this project webpage (weekly).
NIS Nurse Notes: Nancy Small, RN
Dear NIS Families,
We are almost at the finish line of this pandemic. I can see the light at the end of this tunnel and it’s burning brighter every week. The CDC, State, and Department of Education and Secondary Education have lifted some mask wearing protocols. If you are vaccinated, you do not need to wear a mask while outside or inside, except with a few exceptions. (see CDC link). The 12-15 year olds are now eligible for the vaccine and the school nurses, in conjunction with the town, will hold a vaccine clinic on Wednesday, May 26th from 12:00 - 2:00PM. Hopefully by the end of the summer, the vaccine will be available to our students at NIS. For our students, when outside for recess, outside for PE or doing youth sports outside, they do not need to wear a mask and they would not be considered a close contact while outside during recess if they were in contact with a person positive for covid 19. Please see the link below for full details.
Link from Dr.Hallett:
Nantucket Public Schools has updated its Safety Protocols document with the newest updates (click here) to reflect the most recent changes. As always, it is our number one priority to ensure the safety of all NPS students and staff.
Stay safe and healthy and get vaccinated!
Nancy Small RN
Important Student Drop Off Information
Students are to be dropped off for school using the entrance off of Backus lane only. Using the surfside road entrance poses a safety issue for students, therefore should not be used in the morning to drop students off.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Spring Newsletters from Our Social/Emotional Learning Team
School Counselor Spring 2021 SMORE Ms. Rachel Foulkes & Mr. Aaron Peckham
Social Worker Spring 2021 SMORE Ms. Emily Sybert
NIS Safety Protocols - Revised
Healthy Bodies Support Healthy Minds
We know that children's birthdays are special and that they want to share their special day with the class. This year especially, and going forward students should not bring in food items to share with the class (cupcakes, cookies, chips etc.). Most of you have been so supportive with adhering to this change in support of healthy student bodies.
If your child desires to share something with classmates for their birthday consider any one of the following: special pencils, stickers, painted shell or drawing(s). Another idea is to purchase a book for the classroom or school library in honor of your child's birthday. This is a lasting way to celebrate!
MCAS Testing at NIS
Remaining Testing Dates:
May 25 - Gr. 4 Math
May 27 - Gr. 5 Math
June 3 - Gr. 5 STE
Here is a link for more information about MCAS testing: MCAS Resources for Parents/Guardians
For 2021, students will only take one session for each subject area test.
MCAS Subject Area Test for Grades 3–8
Recommended Testing Times *All tests are untimed
ELA
2 to 2 ½ hours
Mathematics
1 ½ hours
STE for Students in Grade 5
1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours
COVID-19 Travel Advisory - Still in effect
As of Monday, March 22, all visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival. Travelers in the following categories are exempt from this quarantine advisory:
- Travelers who have received a negative COVID-19 result on a test administered not more than 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts. Travelers may also test out of the quarantine advisory after arrival in Massachusetts, as long as they quarantine until receiving a negative test result.
- Anyone who is entering Massachusetts for fewer than 24 hours
- Anyone who is returning to Massachusetts after being out of the State for fewer than 24 hours
- Workers who enter Massachusetts to perform critical infrastructure functions (as specified by the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) during required commuting to or from work and while at work.
- Travelers who are fully vaccinated (i.e. who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 14 days or more ago) and who do not have symptoms.
All travelers are encouraged to consult and follow the CDC’s guidelines and requirements for travel.
May NPS Calendar
Here are some specific family engagement opportunities:
Tuesday, May 25th
*Superintendent’s Coffee 5:30pm
Schoology Support for Parents/Caregivers
Our NIS in house Schoology trainers are Grade 5 teacher Taylor O'Brien and Library Teacher Olivia Myers who have both expressed their availability to parents for Schoology questions. Here is their contact information:
Taylor O'Brien: Obrient@npsk.org
Olivia Myers: myerso@npsk.org
Please see attachments below for more information in English and Spanish.
Free and Reduced Lunch News
Even though meals are free to all, families who are Directly Certified or Approved via a paper application for Free or Reduced lunch can use their letter for:
- Reduced electricity costs through National Grid
- Reduced internet through Comcast Xfinity
- May also qualify for Food Pantry or Nantucket Housing & Fuel Assistance
Please contact the Central Registrar Sarah Erichsen if you have questions by calling 508-228-7285 x1149 or emailing erichsens@npsk.org.
NIS School Improvement Plan 20-21
NIS Return to School Safety Protocols
NIS Family Handbook 2020-2021
- English: NIS Family Handbook 2020 - 2021
- Espanol: NIS Familia Manual 2020-2021
For NPS District Information
Be sure to check the www.npsk.org website for specific District communications and updates.
Nantucket Intermediate School
Email: mcneile@npsk.org
Website: https://www.npsk.org/NIS
Location: 30 Surfside Road, Nantucket, MA, USA
Phone: 508-228-7290
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nantucketintermediateschool/
Twitter: @NISlearners