BLACKHAWKS BULLETIN

Wow, what a week!

The Holiday Concert got things started in style! A huge thanks to Ms. Chien. She makes it look so easy. As Dr. Leggett and I watched the evening concerts, we both commented on how special the performances were and how lucky we are to have Ms. Chien here at Plainfield School! Not only did she orchestrate two separate concerts featuring over 80% of our student body, she also took videos and edited them for all of you to enjoy! Here's a quick word from Ms. Chien:

"Congratulations to our amazing performers Wednesday night! We tried a new concert format, and had many individuals showcase their own songs and compositions during the transitions! Many thanks to the parents and community for your continued support in the music program here at PES.

Here are links to the recordings for friends and families that weren't able to make it in person!

K-4 concert: https://youtu.be/xRTsP3yw0dQ

5-8 concert: https://youtu.be/ikADlUEw4Ng

Have a great and restful holiday!

Ms. Chien

The concert was quickly followed by the start of "Sprit Days" with Ugly Sweater Day and Team Jersey Day. This week we have Crazy Hair/Hat Day (Monday); Snow Squal, Dress All in White Day (Tuesday); and Pajama Day (Wednesday). We are looking forward to a festive few days ahead.

Unfortunately, all of that is cast against the backdrop of a substantial uptick in Covid cases in the Upper Valley, including Plainfield and here at PES. We have over a dozen staff and three times as many students who have been impacted (either themselves or their households.) And that is just those who test and report to the nurse. We suspect it is MUCH higher. On behalf of the students, families, and staff here at PES, I want to thank all of our substitutes who have stepped in to help. We would have had to close late last week without them!! I also want to thank those of you who have looked out for your neighbors by testing, reporting, and generally following protocols. It makes a difference in the spread. While the current strands may not be as deadly as the early days of the pandemic, those who are trying to protect loved ones who are immunocompromised or simply hope to have a healthy and happy holiday break surely appreciate when protocols are followed. To put thinkgs into perspective, PES has the highest numbers we've had here at any one time since the start of the pandemic.

Since I live in the community, I am aware there is a "buzz" about the school being too strict about the protocols. I imagine there are also those who think we are not doing enough. We - like all of you - are trying to walk that fine line of normalcy and safety. Even before the pandemic, there were protocols in place to prevent the spread of germs in schools. What's new is that we can test at home to know what we are dealing with, and we can take steps to prevent widespread outbreaks (masks and staying home for the recommended number of days.)

Despite the protocols in place, we know of individuals who simply don't report so they don't have to wear a mask or miss school/events. We actually had a half dozen upper grades students appear in the office one day last week because they wanted masks so they could avoid getting sick. They were aware that peers were sick or exposed but not reporting it. What a strange time we live in. I know we are all tired of it. That said, the flu and other viruses have been around for as long as I can remember and it's always been the case that staying home and reporting the illness to the school nurse or to your employer is the way to go. I know we can do better. Instead of being frustrated with the system or the outbreak, let's simply adhere to the science and what is in our control so we can try to keep each other healthy and safe. In case you are out of tests, the CDC is once again offering free tests mailed directly to your home:

Get Four Free At-⁠Home COVID-⁠19 Tests | COVID.gov

Also, in case you missed it, Please click here to view Dr. Leggett's December update.

Wishing each and every one of you and your loved ones a healthy and happy holiday break.

Audra

Audra Bucklin, Principal

603.469.3250, ext 223

abucklin@plainfieldschool.org

We are up to 75 registered skiers and 13 registered chaperones. Whaleback is set to open 12/26 and has invested substantially in their snowmaking capacity. They have twice as many instructors available and the lift has passed inspection so things are looking up! We have changed the dates slightly as follows:

Friday, 1/5

Friday, 1/19

Friday, 1/26

Friday, 2/2

Friday, 2/9

Friday, 2/16

IMPORTANT: All PES skiers who plan to be at the mountain on Friday afternoons MUST register with Whaleback. Season passholders who don't need lessons do not have to pay anything but do have to register. The afterschool programs at Whaleback are subsidized via grants and enrollment numbers matter. If you have not already done so, please register on the Whaleback website ASAP.

https://whaleback.theonlysky.com/ecomm3/products/view/?flow=Plainfield%20Elementary

And don't forget, you can also pay ahead for snacks.

Likewise, if you need transportation OR if you do not plan to have an adult present to supervise your student at the mountain, they must register via the PES form below so that we have them on our checklist. If you do not register through PES, you are responsible for insuring there is adult supervision per Whaleback rules. Also, all PES students will still be there representing PES since it is "our day" at the mountain. As such, all PES skiers are responsible for conducting themsleves in accordance with school rules.

Chaperones had a great training on Friday night. If you are interested to chaperone, we can still get you onboard and would greatly appreciate the help. Please reach out to klowery@plainfieldschool.org for more info. You may also check out the detailed info from Whaleback at the bottom of this newsletter.

December 18 Crazy Hair/Hat Day

December 19 Snow Squall - Dress All in White Day

• K to 4 School Sing – 8 am Lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome

December 21-January 1 Holiday Break- NO SCHOOL.

LOOKING AHEAD:

1 Holiday Break- NO SCHOOL

2 1st Day back from Holiday break (NO MORNING SING)

4 Math Team Practice - 2:50-4:00pm

5 All School Assembly – Passport to Winter Fun Kickoff 8:15

9 K to 4 School Sing – 8 am Lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome

12 5 to 8 Spelling Bee (Stay tuned for times and zoom link) & Early Dismissal 12:50

For the most up-to-date information, please be sure to see the Events Section of the website which includes athletic/co-curricular practices and games. If you download the website app on your phone (bottom right corner of the website for instructions), you can update the settings to it will alert you when events or news items are added.

HOT LUNCHES (All are served with a veggie and milk)

HOT LUNCHES (All are served with a veggie and milk)

MONDAY- Dress your own burger on a bun, with oven baked crinkle cut french fries and squash smiles

TUESDAY- Beef nachos supreme with garden salsa, rice pilaf, cabot sour cream and mexicali corn.

WEDNESDAY- BBQ pulled pork sandwich, hand cut french fries, and maple baked beans.

THURSDAY- NO SCHOOL

FRIDAY- NO SCHOOL

"COLD" Options: (offered daily)

Assorted Pre-made Deli Sandwiches

Yogurt Parfait with Fruit and Granola

Fresh Fruit and Veggie Bar with Dinner Roll

See Abbey Group Website for full details and to upload funds.

Amanda & Katie

603.469.3250

office@plainfieldschool.org

Please review this brief summary of the most up-to-date CDC Covid protocols. PES follows the NH DHHS guidance which is currently one and the same as the CDC guidance. There are a lot of viruses going around right now. While Covid numbers have been low here at PES so far, please be reminded you must still test when symptoms are present A positive Covid test requires 5 days quarantine and 5 days of additional masking. Let’s work together to keep our numbers low and our attendance (for both staff and students) strong by preventing the spread of Covid to the extent possible. We have covid tests available in the main office and nurse’s office. Please remember sick absences/notices need to be sent to schoolnurse@plainfieldschool.org as well as office@plainfieldschool.org. Nurse Beth will contact you if further information is needed.

Thanks,

Nurse Beth

schoolnurse@plainfieldschool.org

4 Winds

4 Winds is a K-4th grade program; if you are interested or know of a family or community member who would like to volunteer, please contact Michelle Whitaker. mo.whitaker@yahoo.com or 585-690-3472

Attention Grades 6-8 - NOTE TIME CHANGE

The Cornish Elementary School is inviting Plainfield students who are in grades 6-8 to their school dance.

• December 1st from 7-9pm in the gym
• Cost: $7.00
• Snacks and drinks will be available for sale.

Town of Plainfield Community Services

Any Plainfield or Meriden resident requiring assistance for housing, heating fuel assistance, electricity assistance, medication assistance and or nutritional support from the Town should contact the Community Resource Director, Stephanie Schell. Contact information: 603-469-3201 or email sschell@plainfieldschool.org. All information is confidential.

Food Pantry

Residents of the Town of Plainfield can access the following local services.
Note: The food pantry and clothing swap rooms are located in the Christ Community Church on Route 12A (across from the Plainfield Fire Department). The Food Pantry is open the 1st Thursday and the 3rd Friday and Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and warmly welcomes all Town residents.

Free Clothing Rooms

The Christ Community Church has (2) very well-organized rooms that contain FREE clothing for adults and children. All clothing is donated and in great condition. In addition to clothing there are also Free household items, toys & books as well. These rooms are open to the Public each Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m.

Free Fresh Veggies & Fruit

Free fresh produce provided by Willing Hands: please check the Town calendar for dates and times.

We are thrilled to invite you back to Whaleback for an exciting winter season! Please take a moment to review the following information before registering your student, as we've made some important changes to the program this year.

Plainfield Elementary Mountain Days: 1/5,, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16

Registration Options

You can sign up your student for one or more of the following options:

• Lessons

• Free-Ride (no lessons)

• Snack

• Rental Gear

Lessons

Our lessons run for 60 minutes, starting at 4:15 PM and ending at 5:15 PM. We create lesson groups based on ability levels to ensure success on the mountain. We understand that some young snowsport enthusiasts may find it challenging to work on fundamentals on shorter trails, especially when there's a lot of mountain to explore. However, this step-by-step approach is crucial for building confident and skilled skiers or snowboarders.

The number one cause of injuries and disinterest in snowsports is when riders progress too quickly without the skills to navigate safely. So, we ask both you and your child to be patient with our program's gradual progression. Our goal is to create lifelong snowsport enthusiasts rather than overnight Olympians.

Freeride

If your student is in fifth grade or older, can confidently handle intermediate (blue) trails, stop when needed, and safely use chairlifts, they can participate in the freeride option. Please note that freeride doesn't include formal lessons, and students won't be supervised by Whaleback staff on the slopes. The freeride block begins and ends in congruence with the lesson block.

Snack

We offer a snack option for purchase. Please be aware that it's not a full meal but a mix of items that vary from week to week.

Rentals

Gear rentals are available for all students in the program, including skis/snowboard, boots, and poles (if needed). Helmets are also available at no extra charge, though we can't guarantee every student will receive one due to limited stock. While we understand snowsports can be costly, we highly recommend purchasing a mountain-sports helmet, the most important safety gear.

Rental equipment won't go home with students. They'll pick up their gear at the beginning of the mountain visit and return it by the end. This helps us maintain our rental fleet and saves you from hauling gear around.

If you want rental gear you can use on non-program days, visit our friends over at Golf and Ski who can provide a full kit for the entire winter season.

Equipment Fit Days

If you plan to rent gear from Whaleback, please attend one of our equipment fit days in December. Our rental equipment technicians will properly fit your child for skis/snowboard and boots. This ensures a smooth transition during program days and maximizes your student's time on the slopes.

Chaperones

While Whaleback Mountain supervises students during lessons, Plainfield volunteers takes over outside of lesson times. However, we believe students benefit from adult supervision. If you're a skier or snowboarder, you can volunteer your time and receive a day pass to chaperone free-ride students or provide behavioral support in our lesson groups, allowing our instructors to focus on teaching. If you don’t ski or snowboard, we would still welcome you as a chaperone to help out with transitions and lodge logistics! Please complete the Whaleback Transportation & Volunteer Form below to indicate your interest in becoming a chaperone.

Financial Aid

Our mission is to keep snowsports affordable and accessible for everyone. We understand it can be expensive, which is why we offer a financial aid program to help ease the financial burden. Please use the provided link to access our financial aid application.

Link: https://www.whaleback.com/financial-aid

Transportation to and from Whaleback Mountain

Plainfield Elementary manages transportation to Whaleback Mountain as we do not provide this service. Parents MUST sign their children out to a designated adult by 5:30 pm. Please sign up through the Whaleback Transportation & Volunteer Form below arrange transportation for your student/child. If you choose to drop off or pick up your student, please sign them in and out with the Plainfield representative. This ensures everyone's safety and accountability. Last year, we had an incident where a student was picked up without checking out, causing unnecessary concern. We appreciate your cooperation with our check-in/check-out procedures.

Contact info

Whaleback Mountain

Phone: (603) 448-5500

Email: learning@whaleback.com

Address: 160 Whaleback Mountain Rd., Enfield, NH 03748

Director of Learning Programs: Max Harrison

Plainfield Elementary

Phone: (603) 469-3250

Principal: Audra Bucklin

Email: abucklin@plainfieldschool.org

Disclaimers

• No make-ups for missed program days due to weather or illness.

• Program fees are non-refundable.

• We reserve the right to revoke any pass due to reckless behavior, foul language, participating without a pass, skiing with someone else's pass, or any form of substance abuse.