Nantucket Elementary School

Dear Families,

Happy February everyone!!

The weather has been crazy over the last month! It's warm, then it's cold. It's windy and then it is calm. This has proven hard for us on school days. As you may know, if it feels like less than 15 degrees, we do not take the students outside for recess. The children miss that opportunity to get fresh air and run around. Indoor and outdoor recess has been constantly changing everyday of the week. When the temperature feels warmer than 15 degrees, we do go outside. For this reason, it is so important to be sure your children have: hats, gloves, boots, snow pants, scarves, etc. to be prepared to go outside.

We are getting ready to start up the preparations for our annual Lip Sync show!! The information night will be next Wednesday at 5:00 pm. See photo above!! Lip Sync is a performance where a group of students pretend to sign and dance to one song on stage. We will have a video to show you what it looks like at the information night. This has been an extremely well attended event that we have done for at least 7 years. Students will learn about this in their class rooms, and they may be asking you to come to the information night. Each of the student groups need to have a parent representative and the practice for the big show in May is all done outside of school.

Last week, our second graders celebrated The Great Kindness Challenge. You can read about this in the second grade news below. One thing of note, we are collecting socks for students who are in 5 of the schools that burned down in the catastrophic wildfires in LA, California. We wanted to open this up to all of our students. The flyer below shares a bit more information. The gist of this is students can bring in one new pair of socks to donate to this cause. They can give it to their teacher, or they can give it to Mrs. Davis in second grade. We are collecting until 2/13/25. We welcome your generosity!!

Next week, some families will receive a letter from me listing the number of absences and/or tardies your child has had this year. We send this letter after the first trimester. We have attached another chart which shares some sobering information regarding the impact absenteeism can have on a child's life. If a child has missed more than 10 days or has been late more than 10 times (we have been in school for 90-92 days), they will receive the letter. While we are aware of the illnesses and other extenuating circumstances, children really need to be in school on time everyday to have the greatest chances for success in school and life.

Recently, we have noticed an uptick in students with smart watches and phones. Our students at NES are not allowed to have these in school. There is no real reason for them to have them here. These have proven to be a distraction in the classroom as well. If your child has this or them, we will be collecting them and calling you to come pick the device/s up. If your child has this for a safety reason meant for afterschool, then the device should be off and in a backpack for the entire school day. As a reminder:

From the NES Parent Handbook (found on the District Website WWW.NPSK.ORG, under schools, and then under parent resources):

Page 29 of Chapter 7, "Permission to use the main office telephones may be given in case of emergency. Classroom phones may be used with the teacher’s permission only and exclusively for school-related calls. Cell phones and smart watches may not be used during school hours at any time."

Page 41 & 42 of Chapter 8 "Items prohibited from use during the school day*:

• Beepers, radios, MP3 players, iPods

• Cell phones/smartwatches

• Wooden/metal bats

• Lacrosse sticks

• Skateboards, roller blades, scooters

*These items interfere with the optimal learning environment and should not be accessible in class or carried in the halls. Electronic items and cell phones AND SMARTWATCHES may be stored in the off position in a student’s cubby during the school day. Sports equipment should also be secured within the student’s classroom. Students may be granted special permission by the classroom teacher and principal to bring an item to school for Share (as part of morning meeting) or as part of a special project."

Finally, last week, Dr. Hallett sent this Parent Letter Regarding Immigrant Students' Rights. Please be sure you have read and reviewed this. She shares our plans for dealing with any questions regarding immigration. Know that our priority at NES and all of the Nantucket Public Schools is to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students and families. Our school communities are safe, welcoming, and nurturing educational environments for children. The safety and security of our

students is and has always been our number one job.

Thank you for all of your efforts to support your child's learning. We need your partnership with us in this most important journey of supporting your child for success. Know that Mrs. Kimberly Albertson, Assistant Principal, and myself are always available to support you. Feel free to call the school to set up appointments, call to speak with us, email us, or catch us outside in the morning and/or afternoon. We love feedback and want you to feel comfortable reaching out to us as needed!

Best,

Kim Kubisch and Kim Albertson

Here is news from our grades and departments:

PreK - We worked hard in January (re-month) practicing expected behaviors throughout our day! We did a great job remembering and helping to remind those that needed it. In January we learned about hibernation and arctic animals and celebrated the new year. We were able to do a lot of hands-on learning this month and even went on a bear hunt around the school. We also learned about compound words and practiced our rhyming words.

Kindergarten - Kindergarteners are currently working on becoming Super Readers and using all of our superpowers to read grade level texts. As writers, we have begun focusing on narrative writing and true stories with many details and across multiple pages. As mathematicians, they have learned about shapes and their defining features. They have now begun building a foundation for basic addition and subtraction, with a heavy focus on story problems. In February we will be celebrating our 100th day of school where students are invited to dress up like they are 100 years old as well as send in 100 collections. Be on the lookout for more information from individual teachers.

First Grade - During Fundations we are working on identifying glued sounds such as ink, onk, ank and unk. Our writers are continuing working on writing nonfiction biography books. Students will be learning about famous Americans. They are working on writing across multiple pages. We are also working on learning songs about famous Americans and will be having a First Grade Sing(Concert) on February 20th at 8:15 in the NES gym. Hoping to see families there! Our readers will be working on growing their stamina for reading and will continue working on reading strategies. During math we have started our geometry unit. We are learning about vertices, sides and open and closed shapes. We are also continuing to work on counting within 120. We will be celebrating the 100th day and Valentine's Day on February 14th! Be on the lookout for more information from your child's teacher!

Second Grade - Second graders have been participating in The Great Kindness Challenge. This challenge focused on spreading love, compassion, and positivity. Students engaged in a variety of activities throughout the day to promote kindness and empathy. We encourage you to discuss with your child the importance of treating others with kindness and to extend this kindness beyond just this month. In February, we will be participating in a school wide act of kindness called “LOVE for LA” Please consider donating new socks for children that have been affected by the LA fires. Donations are due by Thursday, February 13th. Thank you!

Meri Lepore's Nurse's Corner

Just a few friendly reminders as we are in the height of flu season. If your child has a fever, they need to stay home for 24 hours fever free without medication before returning to school.

Also if they are not feeling well, vomiting or having diarrhea, they should stay home. Please let us know if your child is home sick so we can keep track of what illnesses are going around the school.

Yearly physicals are important and please bring in a copy of your child’s physical for their folder after they are seen. Physicals are required by the state when any student starts school. If there are any pertinent changes to your child’s health, feel free to call me, send a Remind message or email. Leporem@npsk.org, 508-228-7290 ext 2107.

Counselor's Corner from Jenny Williams, Heidi Smith and Madeleine Sybert, Social Worker

Dear Families,

As we embark on the month of February and the season of friendship and love, it’s the perfect time to focus on two essential values: kindness and empathy. Teaching children how to care for others, understand different perspectives, and show compassion builds strong relationships and creates a positive school community.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share someone else’s feelings. When student’s practice empathy, they learn to:

• See situations from another’s perspective.

• Build meaningful relationships with peers.

• Respond thoughtfully to others’ emotions and needs.

Kindness, on the other hand, is the action that often results from empathy- a way to express care and compassion toward others.

Families play a critical role in helping children develop empathy and compassion. Here are some simple ideas to try at home:

• Practice active listening: When your child talks about their day, show genuine interest by asking follow-up questions and acknowledging their feelings.

• Encourage acts of kindness: Brainstorm simple ways to show kindness, such as writing thank-you notes, helping a sibling, or making a card for a teacher.

• Model empathy: Read books together that feature diverse characters and situations. Ask your child, “How do you think they felt?” or “What would you have done?

• Praise your child when they display acts of kindness and empathy, reinforcing that these behaviors are valued.

Here at school, student’s continue to develop self-awareness skills and practice identifying emotions through the Zones of Regulation and Second Step Curriculums, students are also learning how to recognize emotions through their interactions with others and how to respond in prosocial ways.

Students are learning that some actions are accidental rather than intentional and are applying their knowledge to act out different ways to respond in these situations with care and compassion. Student’s practice how to use, “Excuse me, I’m sorry,” when we accidentally bump into someone and how to offer help. Helping children respond to accidents with care and compassion is a lifelong skill that will serve them well.

Thank you for partnering with us to raise kind, compassionate students. Let’s make February, a month filled with love, empathy and connection!

Heidi Smith

Elementary School Counselor Intern

smithh@npsk.org

Jenny Williams

Elementary School Counselor

williamsje@npsk.org

Madeleine Sybert

School Social Worker

sybertm@npsk.org

News from Physical Education

My kindergarten and first grade students jumped away the month of January! From long jumping to frog jumping, students are showing great strength and effort! Ask your child to show you his/her favorite jump!

My second grade students are embarking on something new as we work in collaboration with music class. We have been practicing both individual and partner ball bouncing skills and will be joining music teacher, Roland Kinsman, with the goal of bouncing the ball to the beat of the music. We can’t wait to see our students bring their physical education and music skills together!

Thank you for your continued support helping your child come to physical education prepared with sneakers, comfortable clothing (layers are best), and a positive attitude.

Best,

Mrs. Beaudette

Dear Families,

We’ve had a fantastic month in the library!

In January, our theme centered on books that celebrated kindness, strength, and standing up for what you believe in. We explored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., learning about his remarkable impact on our country.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to dive into a thematic nonfiction unit where we’ll explore winter, animals, and presidents. This will be a wonderful opportunity to engage students with fascinating facts and stories that spark their curiosity.

If your child has misplaced their library book or you’re unsure which book they currently have checked out, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at dewk@npsk.org. I’m happy to help!

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a love of reading.

Warmly,

Mrs. Dew

A note on music class:

We’ve had an exciting month in music class!

Self-Control & Reflection: Students are becoming self-control experts by using the ABCD model to reflect on their behaviors and learning.

Second Grade Rhythm Challenge: Second graders combined rhythm with movement, bouncing balls to a song with the PE class.

Freeze Games: Kindergarten is practicing stopping together in sync, while first graders are freezing in different shapes during freeze games to work on timing and body control.

Looking Ahead: In February, we’ll be practicing our dancing skills, exploring different styles of movement and rhythm.

Thank you for your continued support!

Teacher Kinsman

Greetings from the Science Labs,

Ms. Jami and Ms. Tornovish were thrilled to launch our Science Lab website back in December. You’ll find our Science Newsletter here.

Our big news is that KIBO Robots have landed in the labs. We can’t WAIT to share these SCREEN FREE ROBOTS with our K-2 Scientists!

Peace, laughter, and lots of learning from the lab,

Ms. Jami & Ms. Tornovish

A Message from the Art Room

Students are learning about folk art this month. We are focusing on an artist from El Salvador named Fernando Llort. Next week we will begin a clay unit and we will create a bird inspired by the work of Fernando LLort.

I continue to post student artwork on Artsonia. If you have not signed up, the link to our school is: https://www.artsonia.com/connect/2F9NDCKF . Please reach out to me if you have any questions at my school email: grants@npsk.org .

Thank you for your support!

Sue Grant

SAVE THE DATES!!

• NES School Council - 3:00 pm 2/6/25 NES Library
• NPS Half Day Dismissal - 12:00 pm 2/12/25 District PD
• Presidents' Day 2/17/25 No School for all NPS
• NPS School Committee 6:00 pm 2/18/25 LGI
• NPS SNAC meeting 6:00 pm 2/19/25 NHS
• NPS February Break 2/24 - 2/28/25 No School
• NPS Return to School 3/3/25
• NPS School Committee 6:00 pm 3/4/25 LGI
• NPS Half Day Dismissal -12:00 pm 3/12/25 District PD
• NPS Joint School Council 3:00 pm 3/13/25 CPS Cafe
• NES Literacy/STEM Night 4:30 - 6:00 pm 3/13/25 NES
• NPS School Committee 6:00 pm 3/18/25 LGI

Website: www.npsk.org
Location: 30 Surfside Road, Nantucket, MA 02554, USA
Phone: 508 228 - 7290