NIS Weekly News
Nantucket Intermediate School - June 1, 2020
Entering the Home Stretch
Dear NIS Family Partners,
Well, today the calendar turns to June during these very strange times. The warmer weather is so welcome and has all of us dreaming of transitioning to the summer months. It also may mean that students are not feeling quite as motivated to engage in their learning as they have been. We at NIS are so grateful for your ongoing support to assist students with continuing with their school meetings and school work. The social connections they continue to have with their teachers and peers virtually is so important!
At NIS our staff are coming up with fun ways to keep students coming to class and engaged. Many thanks to all of you whose children participated in Spirit Week last week with your support. The Nantucket Public Schools is working to make every week special with some fun initiatives. More about this week's "Nantucket Art Week" initiative below. I also look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks about other ways NIS is working to add some fun celebrations to our end-of-year virtual activities.
Many of us are also working hard in district teams to plan for the 2020-2021 school year without yet having received expected state directives. While those will likely come in late June, we are collaborating to prepare for several possible scenarios and will certainly share what we can when we are able to do so with confidence. For now, we all have a lot of questions too!
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me or to Ms. Johnson with any questions, concerns or ideas you may have for us. Remote learning continues to be a new experience, but I am extremely grateful for all of the collaboration between staff members and families to ensure it could work for all students. We simply couldn't have done this well without you!
Ever grateful for your partnership!
Evemarie McNeil, Principal mcneile@npsk.org
Donna Johnson, Assistant Principal johnsond@npsk.org
Nantucket Art Week June 1 - June 5
Students are encouraged to submit a photo or video that shows something that they have created during this special theme week. Submissions can also come from individual students, or they can come from families working together... the sky's the limit!!! At the end of the week, three students’ submissions will be chosen for each school and displayed on their school's website. GOOD LUCK!
ART WEEK CHALLENGE: Click here to see this week’s challenge! Please send submissions to Ms. Grant, art teacher at NES, at grants@npsk.org
Family Time Tip from our NIS Counselors
Hello Super Hero Caregivers,
First a quick shoutout recognizing all the AMAZING things you are doing to support yourself and your children! Keep up the great work!
We also wanted to share a quick tip to stay connected with your children. Try taking a few minutes to check in while eating a meal or snack unplugged together. One way we like to get the conversation rolling with students at schools is asking them about their "Pit" (worst part) and "Peak" (best part) of their day or week. Here is a brief video and article we thought may be of interest to you all. Check it out! https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/why-device-free-dinners-are-a-healthy-choice
Again, we are here to support you and your NIS learners so if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out!
Warm Wishes,
Miss Adams & Mr. Peckham
School Counselor Information
School Counselor Office Hours
Monday: Miss. Adams from 10am to 12pm
Tuesday: Mr. Peckham from 10am to 12pm
Wednesday: Miss. Adams from 10am to 12pm
Thursday: Mr.Peckham from 10am to 12pm
Friday: Miss Adams and Mr. Peckham from 10am to 12pm.
Students, caregivers, parents, and families may call in to either School Counselor at those times. If these times do not work for you please contact the School Counselors to Schedule an appointment.
Ms. Adams: 774-333-2017 adamsv@npsk.org
Zoom Meeting: zoom.us/j/952032798 Password: NISRULES
Mr. Peckham: 508-348-9332 peckhama@npsk.org
Zoom Meeting: zoom.us/j/6919371321 Password: NISRULES
Want to reach our Social Worker? Here is her contact information:
Ms. Alexandra Rosenberg: 508-257-1783 rosenberga@npsk.org
From the Desk of our School Nurse
Hello NIS Families/Caregivers!
Each week I meet with the other three NPS school nurses. We discuss the latest COVID 19 news, reopening of our town/state, how we can safely reopen our schools and basically support each other through this pandemic. Last week, Meri Lepore, NES school nurse, wrote an article about Quaranteams and Social Bubbles. I thought that would be a great way to get outside more and allow the children to be "social". So, now go out and find your Quaranteam!!! I found mine and it feels good to see friends agian. Below is Meri's article:
Quaranteams and Social Bubbles
We are entering a new phase with COVID 19 restrictions and the summer season on Nantucket. It remains important to continue physical distancing when out in public and wearing masks when physical distancing is not possible. Continue handwashing for 20 seconds or singing happy birthday twice. If you are having symptoms of COVID19, go to the hospital portico to get tested. COVID 19 is still around and will be for some time despite the changes in the shelter at home orders.
I recommend having a Quarenteam or Social Bubble- another family that you can socialize with who is taking the same level of precautions as your family. Allowing our children and us to have some social interaction. This is important for all of our mental health. Another important fact to remember is the virus doesn’t fare well outdoors, letting children play with their “Quarenteam” outside is safer than having indoor play dates. I have let my own son play with selected other children outdoors. We don’t go inside their homes. I continue to keep at least 6 feet away from other adults as much as possible and not hugging anyone outside our immediate family.
Finally it is important to make sure we are getting accurate information. The CDC is always an excellent resource.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Until next time, stay healthy, stay strong and enjoy your Quaranteam,
Nancy Small RN
Office Hours:
Ms. Nancy Small available daily to answer your medical questions Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Start with an email to smalln@npsk.org and Ms. Small will email or call you back.
School Supplies Through EduKit for 2020-2021
ORDER BY JUNE 30, 2020 FOR BEST PRICING AND FREE SHIPPING.
Nantucket Intermediate School offers the EduKit program as a convenient option for busy families to order school supplies for the 2020/2021 year. EduKits include the supplies approved by your school. Click on this link to order: NIS EduKits
Virtual Learning Tips for Caregivers
NPS Remote Learning Addendum for Parents and Families
The Nantucket Public Schools recently added an addendum for remote learning to describe assessment, feedback and grading. Click HERE for the link.
Kind regards,
NPS Administration
NPS Mental Health Resources Page
District counselors and social workers have shared so many amazing resources with families so we decided to consolidate all of their rich information onto the NEW Mental Health Resources page of our website.
It is located under the Parents & Students top tab of the District Website, under Remote Home Learning Resources.
Behavioral Support Offered to Families
Dear Families,
These are challenging times for our students and we recognize that feelings of sadness or anxiety may present themselves as behavioral challenges at home. If you are looking for additional support and strategies to address your child’s behavior during remote learning time please reach out to me during office hours noted below. I am also available by phone appointment. Also included is the link to my BCBA newsletter that includes additional information, resources, strategies etc. to address behavior.
Best regards,
Laura Stanley, MS, BCBA, LABA
District Behavior Analyst
Nantucket Public Schools
Phone: 508-228-7290 ext 4226
E-mail: stanleyl@npsk.org
BCBA Behavior Newsletter https://www.smore.com/wuh54
Parent Office Hours:
Monday and Wednesday, 12:30-1:00
Zoom ID: 960 679 983
Password: bcba1234
Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00-10:45
Zoom ID: 880 409 252
Password: bcba1234
Assistance for Families
Nantucket Food-Fuel-Rental Assistance --- https://www.assistnantucket.org
Nantucket Culinary Center is offering buy one give one for their family meals. If you are interested in purchasing a meal click here: https://nantucketculinary.com
If you are in need of a free meal please click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9ozRLWoaXIJ3aiSxp7AayARfyhIm3pifmEJ2W5iHfcrkz0A/viewform
Health Resources:
Fairwinds - https://www.fairwindscenter.org/fairwinds-corona-response/
Free drop-in Zoom support meetings:
Groups 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
How: Click on this zoom link to join any meeting: https://zoom.us/j/994360705
Groups 4:00-5:00 p.m. (individual Zoom log-ins, see below)
Mondays: From 4-5 p.m. Un grupo de apoyo gratuito en español:
El Grupo Creando Calmate ayuda a lidiar con la ansiedad y el estrés
Creating Calm Support Group in Spanish. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/712149785Thursdays: From 4-5 p.m. Teen Recovery Group offering support and answers to teens ages 14-21 in a non-judgmental, open forum. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/790603392
Gosnold- Teletherapy support and Mobile Crisis (877) 784-6273.
A Safe Place - 508- 228-2111 https://www.asafeplacenantucket.org
Nantucket Cottage Hospital -- Still open for same day appointments. Call ahead as they are working to keep potential Covid-19 patients separated from the general patient population. 508-825-1000
Utility Services COVID-19 response:
Wannacomet Water Company
No late fees, penalties or interest will be charged at this time: https://www.wannacomet.org
National Grid
Payment options and support services : https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Default.aspx
Comcast: Will not disconnect internet for nonpayment (and other assistance plans) Contact directly for more information: https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19
Verizon: Contact for specific offers of assistance: https://www.verizon.com/about/news/verizon-helps-eliminate-worry
Emergency Child Care:
Emergency drop-in child care programs are opening to provide emergency, back-up, drop-in child care for vulnerable families and members of essential workforces who have no other option. Parents and guardians working from home are not a priority for emergency child care. Likewise, if you have alternate child care, such as friends or family, you should not contact these programs. (from https://eeclead.force.com/apex/EEC_ChildCareEmergencyFAQParents)
Nantucket Locations: (See chart below)
Specialist Teachers' Learning Activities
Check back weekly for updated learning activities!
Please know each of our specialists have Parent and Student Connection hours too! Just email the specialist teacher you want to connect with to learn when the are available virtually.
Art - Heldj@npsk.org
Library - myerso@npsk.org
Music - sheppards@npsk.org
Physical education - gardnerg@npsk.org
Spanish - nashz@npsk.org
SEL - see counselor information above
Enrichment - baskettf@npsk.org
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
Information About Special Needs Advisory Council Attached Below...
Reminder about Netiquette and How You Can Help
We have seen some new challenges that online learning can bring pertaining to "Netiquette". We understand that remote learning and stay at home orders have likely increased screen time for your children. At NIS, we are truly grateful that we are able to connect with students and families through the digital platforms Meet and Zoom. While we are confident that most students are using the technology appropriately, we are getting word from some teachers that students may need some additional support from home to ensure that technology is being used appropriately. The following “Netiquette” has been shared with students and we would greatly appreciate if you could support your child at home with practicing the following suggestions and expectations:
Determine a time to turn screens off. Ensure that children do not have access to technology during the night time hours when they should be getting sleep. If students need to contact their teachers, set aside time first thing in the morning or at the end of the “school day” to send questions or to share their great work.
We understand that some children are using Google Hangouts Meet to connect with their friends. While we understand the need for this contact, we ask that students do not use the teacher’s meeting address to socialize. Under adult supervision, kids can create their own Meet links to connect with friends. We expect that this is done only after their school work is done for the day.
Please remind your child, that while we are not in the building, teachers and administrators still can access a student’s Chromebook screen and history via GoGuardian. Students are expected to adhere to the NPS Technology Acceptable Use Policies at all times when using the NPS network and devices.
Please remind your child that they are expected to dress appropriately when meeting live with their class and/or teacher. While comfortable clothing is appropriate, students should ensure that they are adhering to the NIS dress code and sufficiently covered up when using Zoom and Google Meet.
We encourage you to reach out to your child’s teachers, the NPS Technology Department or the NIS administrators if you have any questions or need additional support.
Nantucket Antheneum Information to Support You!
Hello everyone!
- The Atheneum can now look up your library card number. If If you've lost your card (or need to sign up for one), please send us an email and we'll get you set up. info@nantucketatheneum.org
- We've created a YouTube channel with instructions on how to easily set up your desktop or mobile device to download ebooks, audiobooks, stream movies, read magazines, learn a new language or take a class. There is something up there for everyone in the family, all you need is your library card and pin number (usually the last 4 digits of your card #).
- Nantucket Atheneum Digital Library
- Visit our homepage for further staff-curated educational links, resources and booklists to inspire you or sign up for an online class using our calendar.
- Nantucket Atheneum
Both pages will continue to evolve as we add more. Please stay safe and well. Hopefully, we'll all be back together soon.
Kind regards,
Leslie Malcolm