Dear NIS families,

We are in full swing with curriculum. Students are getting into a serious groove with reading, writing, math, science and social studies instruction. In addition, their learning expectations are also increasing across Art, Library, Music, PE, SEL and STEM classes. Hands on and experiential learning experiences are happening or being planned. Students are hopefully sharing all of their learning with you as they talk about school and you support them with homework completion (including reading each and every evening).

We also continue to address the social and emotional needs of our learners throughout the day by implementing daily morning meetings into our routine. These meetings foster a great start to the day as we focus on building class community. Recently all of our grade levels held grade level morning meetings and soon our whole school will engage in a morning meeting together. NIS prioritizes supporting our students through the creation and maintenance of safe learning environments across all settings!

We have a busy week coming up with STEM Night on Tuesday, October 25th and all next week is SPIRIT Week! With homecoming weekend this weekend, we decided to get a jump on spirit week by having a "Whaler Pride" day on Friday. Have your child wear their whaler gear or blue and white on Friday, October 21st. It's also "Walk or Bike to School Day"!

We can't wait to see you on Tuesday at 5:30!

Happy autumn!

Evemarie McNeil, Principal

mcneile@npsk.org

Donna Johnson, Assistant Principal

johnsond@npsk.org

Friday, Oct. 21st: Whaler Pride Day! Wear Blue and White or Whaler Gear

Monday, Oct. 24th: Comfy Day - Wear pajamas or comfortable clothes

Tuesday, Oct. 25th: Creative Hair Day - Get creative with color and styles!

Wednesday, Oct. 26th: Color War Wednesday - Grade 3 Blue, Grade 4 Pink, Grade 5 Green

Thursday, Oct. 27th: Flannel or Camo Day

Friday, Oct. 28th: Whaler Pride Repeat! - Wear Blue and White to support our school

Hello NIS Families

The fall is a great time to prepare your family for a healthy winter and Nantucket has so many parks and trails to explore!

• Flu shots are available ( through your doctor) and a great way to help keep your family healthy this winter, please consider signing your family up for a flu shot this year.

• COVID vaccines/boosters are available through the Town Vaccine Clinic. The next clinic is on November 19th. Sign up here: https://www.nantucket-ma.gov/2028/Vaccine-Clinics

• Spending time outdoors as much as possible is especially helpful in preventing illness, improved motor development, lower obesity rates and decreasing risk of nearsightedness. Students are spending more and more time looking at screens which significantly increases their risk of developing vision problems at younger ages.

• Nantucket has a lot of wonderful places to take kids including the playgrounds as well as tons of conservation land to explore. Also the Maria Mitchell Association has some really great programs for elementary aged children!

• Outdoor play has shown to make children physically healthier, more engaged in learning, more positive behavior and mentally healthier!

• When spending time outdoors make sure to do a tick check afterwards!

• Below is a link about the benefits of playing outside

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/power-of-play/Pages/playing-outside-why-its-important-for-kids.aspx

• Here is a link to The Maria Mitchell Association. They have great activities for kids! https://www.mariamitchell.org/

• Here is a link to the Conservation Foundation list of trails on Island. https://www.nantucketconservation.org/properties/trail-guides-and-maps/

Take Care and Stay Healthy!

Nancy Small RN

NIS School Nurse

smalln@npsk.org

We still have one opening for a teaching assistant for this school year working with our most special students. This role could be right for you if you love working with children, have a willingness to learn, are collaborative and patient. Great benefits package! Great hours for parents with children in school!

Interested? Reach out to Evemarie McNeil, Principal at mcneile@npsk.org

Learn more about telling time, coin identification, and getting ready to read together!

* Wednesday, Oct. 19th -Special Needs Advisory Council (SNAC) meeting at 5:30pm in the NHS Conference Room.

* Friday, October 21st - Bike or Walk to School day! Blue & White Spirit Day - Whaler Pride!

* Saturday, Oct. 22nd - NHS Homecoming - Go Whalers!

* Tuesday, Oct. 25th - NIS STEM Night - 5:30 - 6:30 PM

* Friday, Oct. 28th - 3rd Grade Plimoth Patuxet Field Trip

* Saturday, Oct. 29th - NHS Island Cup Football Game

** We do not celebrate Halloween at NIS (Monday, Oct. 31st)

* Tuesday, Nov. 1st - School Committee Meeting - 6:00 PM

* Tuesday, Nov. 8th - No School - Election Day

* Friday, Nov. 11th - No School - Veteran's Day

* Thursday, Nov. 17th - 5th Grade Freedom Trail Field Trip

* Tuesday, Nov. 15th - School Committee Meeting - 6:00 PM

At NIS students are NOT ALLOWED to bring in food items to celebrate their birthday with their class. This was instituted pre-COVID due to the number of children with food allergies and due to our responsibility with promoting healthy bodies. You wouldn't believe the number of cupcakes that would come into the school each year!

We would like to encourage you to donate a birthday book to your child's classroom library in honor of their birthday. Other acceptable ideas include bringing in a special pencil or decal for everyone in the class if that's preferred.

Thank you for not sending your child to school with food items for the class to celebrate their birthday.

NPS Vision Draft

We commit to provide equitable, inclusive, and challenging learning experiences where every student and adult feels seen, heard, valued, and respected.

NPS Mission Draft

Nantucket Public Schools, in partnership with a caring community, will create a dynamic and equitable learning environment which engages each of us to be inspired learners and responsible citizens, prepared to meet local and global challenges.

NPS Core Values Draft

Nantucket Public Schools values collaboration, communication, and reflection that supports:

• Equitable access to multiple pathways for individual and collective success.

• High expectations and a student-centered educational approach that integrates academic progress, extra-curricular participation, personal responsibility, and community involvement.

• Inclusive and sustained family relationships that respect all cultures and the experiences each child brings to our schools.

• Challenging ourselves to embrace and advocate for the needs of every student, adult, and family within our school community.

Email: mcneile@npsk.org
Website: www.npsk.org/NIS
Location: 30 Surfside Road, Nantucket, MA, USA
Phone: 508-228-7290
Facebook: facebook.com/NantucketIntermediateSchool
Twitter: @NISlearners