NIS News - October 6, 2021
Nantucket Intermediate School
On a Roll!
We have had a busy few days of teaching and learning knowing it's a short week this week with no school on Friday for students. The classroom rituals and routines have been set and student stamina for engaging in academic activities continues to increase. Our NIS Band, currently 83 students strong, met for the first time on Monday and rehearsals are underway for the various instrumental groups. The school year is in full swing!
Please continue to communicate with us about ways we can work with you to make this school year fun, memorable, and full of successes for your children.
Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week!
Your partners in education,
Evemarie McNeil, Principal
Donna Johnson, Assistant Principal
No School for Students Friday, October 8th - Educator PD Day
No School Monday, October 11th - Indigenous Peoples Day
Protocols for School COVID Testing
Dear NIS Families,
We are fortunate enough to be participating in the Test and Stay program which allows school close contacts to test daily (5-7 days) with the BinaxNow test (rapid covid antigen test) and stay in school with a negative test result and be asymptomatic. Students who are deemed close contacts to a positive case outside of the school setting, cannot participate in this program. They must use the protocols set by the Department of Education and the Department of Public Health. The reasoning for this is that school close contacts are less likely to become positive because of masking, social distancing and hand washing. We can control the school environment.
We are also participating in Symptomatic testing. This is another way to keep the students in school. So if your student comes to my office with a covid symptom and I have your signed consent, then I can use the BinaxNow test to help rule out covid.
There are links below for the protocols and close contacts.
My main objective is to keep my students safe, healthy, and in school. If you have not handed in the consent to test, please do so. Please reach out if you have further questions.
Stay healthy,
Nancy Small, RN
NIS School Nurse
Dept. of Education COVID-19 Flowchart Protocols (linked below)
NIS STEM/STEAM Night Information
New Date for STEAM Night: Tuesday, November 16th 5:30 - 6:30
As our STEM teacher position has changed to a STEAM postion (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) and we are still looking for a long term teacher, we are postponing our STEAM night to now be in November. This evening is noted on the school year calendar as happening on Oct. 26th. Please make this change on your calendars at home.
2021 MCAS Reports
Brrr....Cool Weather is Here
Bus News - Wait List Information
If your child still needs bus transportation, please email Ms. Emily Murphy and your child will be put on the bus waitlist. Once we hear anything we will be in contact with you. Here is Emily's email: murphye@npsk.org
Children are only permitted to ride the bus if their address is 1.5 miles or more away from the school.
No Birthday Food Treats Please
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, Mission and Core Values
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.
NPS Return to School Safety Protocols - updated 8/18/21
Nantucket Intermediate School
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