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Nantucket Elementary School
May Monthly Newsletter
Nantucket Elementary School Latest News and Calendar Updates
Dear Families,
Wow! It is soon to be May - the second to last month in the school year!! Time surely does fly! As I am sure you are aware, we are in the planning stages for next year already as well. We shared the placement letter with you. Recall that we would like any information from you that you think would be important for us to know as we determine balanced classrooms for next year. We asked that you share this information with me by May 3rd. The information we would like you to share includes: peers that work for your child, peers that do not work for your child, learning style for your student, etc. Please do not request teachers for the next year. We cannot honor those requests.
LIP SYNC is Friday night!! 4/26 in the Auditorium at Nantucket High School - 6:00 pm!! Tickets are still available, but selling quickly. You can purchase these at the NES or NIS front desk. Tickets are $10.00 per person. We may have some left to sell at the door Friday night, but I would not count on it. It is best to buy your tickets in advance!! We will also have a surprise finale this year. The students are going to love it!! đ
I also want to bring your attention to the week of 5/6 - 5/10. This is National Teacher Appreciation week. At NES, the School Council solicits donations from our families to pay for a luncheon from 45 Surfside. Each teacher gets a fancy bag lunch (salads or sandwiches). We have chips, soda, and cake. The staff at NES gather in the cafe at tables that are set up with flower bouquets. It is a wonderful time to simply enjoy each other's company, relish in the fact that they are appreciated, and know that our NES family community is so grateful for the work they do everyday!! You can donate to this event by sending in cash, checks made out to 45 Surfside, or gift cards to 45 Surfside. The amazing front office staff at NES will happily accept your donations. Please see the flyer below for details.
In this same week, Kindergarten has NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, May 8. Our current students in Kindergarten stay home for the day, because it is the incoming 2024-2025 Kindergarten students' Getting to Know You Day. It is a half day for the rest of the district.
Finally, there are multiple signs in English and Spanish that say and show - NO STUDENT DROP OFF in the First Way Lot. Remember you are modeling and teaching your students to not follow rules when you are dropping off in the back.
Thank you in advance for reading this and supporting our school!!
Best,
Kim Kubisch and Kim Albertson
Meri Lepore's Nurse's Corner
We have an exciting week coming up! May 6-12th is National Screen Free Week. We have seen a significant increase in students with Myopia (nearsightedness) in the past 2 years. Increased screen time raises the risk of developing myopia and also developing it earlier than we may if only inherited. Please consider taking part in Screen Free Week May 6-12th. I have included some great ideas of activities and some history of Screen Free Week. Outdoor play and free play is so important for our childrenâs development. Let's ditch the screens and play some board games or go outdoors instead!
What is Screen-Free WeekâSince 1994, millions of people have participated in National Screen-Free Week. It is celebrated every year in May, this year it is May 6-12th, all over the world as a way for people â children, adults, and entire communities â to take a well-deserved break from screens, to rest their eyes, their minds, and to make time to play and get outside. Perhaps youâve been celebrating this week with your family for years or youâre thinking about giving it a try this year, dipping your toes into the screen-free world for a few days. Whatever you and your family decide, and however long you want to participate, is up to you. The key takeaway is to bring awareness and reflect on how often we all turn to our screens instead of each other or to the physical world around us. Remember, the point of this week is not about going without, but about all the amazing things you can add into your life with your screen-free time while deepening your connection to your family and the world around us.
Yearly physicals are extremely important for students, please make sure your child is up to date.
Meri Lepore RN, FNP-BC
School Nurse
Nantucket Elementary School
Counselor's Corner
Dear Families,
This month in SEL classrooms, students continue to learn about problem solving with the goal of finding solutions that are both safe and respectful. Students who develop stronger problem solving skills are more likely to be academically successful, socially adjusted, less impulsive, and less aggressive. Using the Zones of Regulation, students have learned how to identify emotions in themselves and others in order to build relational skills and develop empathy. All feelings are okay to have, even feelings such as anger or sadness. What we do with our feelings is what is important! Students have also practiced how to use helpful calm-down strategies such as belly breathing, counting, and positive self-talk before tackling a problem. With this foundation, students are now learning about the steps they can take to solve problems, making good choices, and the importance of thinking before we âsayâ or âdo.â
The problem solving steps that you can help reinforce with your child at home include:
S: Stop, Say the problem. First use words to describe the problem rather than acting in mean or aggressive ways.
T: Think of solutions. Try to come up with multiple solutions to the problem, even the less desirable ones, rather than acting on the first idea that comes to mind.
E: Explore the consequences. Think about what could happen if a certain solution is chosen.
P: Pick the best solution. Select a choice and discover that sometimes there are many great options.
Solving problems and overcoming obstacles can boost your child's self-confidence and self-efficacy. Each time a child can navigate a challenge, they gain a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, motivating them to tackle future challenges confidently. Our mantra here at NES is, "I am a Problem Solver!" We hope you will encourage your child to repeat this mantra regularly, which can help encourage resilience and determination.
Warmly,
Heidi Smith
Elementary School Counselor
Jenny Williams
Elementary School Counselor
Madeleine Sybert
Elementary School Social Worker
Prek Update
PreK has had another busy month. As the weather is turning we have been able to spend more time learning outside. We celebrated Earth Day with a grade level scavenger hunt on the field and we also went on a field trip to Linda Loring to go on the story walk and learn more about the plants and wildlife where we live. While talking about new growth in our environment our families completed a family project on how we have grown. We love seeing how our families get creative together and the students love showing themselves off as well as looking at their friends when they were babies.
Kindergarten Update
Kindergarten continues to practice digraphs and moving towards writing sentences. This reading unit focuses on becoming "Avid" readers and building a love of reading! In math we continue to practice working with numbers 11-20 and finish out the year with more shapes. This month we will also be learning about life cycles by growing monarch caterpillars into butterflies. Our Kindergarten ABC countdown starts on Thursday May 9th. Reminder that there is no school for kindergarten on Wednesday 5/8 for our Getting to Know You Day. The last day of kindergarten is Friday, June 14th.
First Grade Update
First graders are researching information on American Symbols. They will be reading, writing and sharing information about different symbols. During Fundations we are working on the suffixes ed and ing. We have also been working on learning the vowel teams!. First graders will be hard at work learning about living things and how they stay safe and grow. During math first graders have been working on subtracting groups of tens. In our next math unit we will be learning about measurement!
Second Grade Update
This month second graders will be busy learning about telling time and money. At home, please encourage your children to use an analog clock to tell time to the nearest five minutes. We know Apple watches are all the rage but consider buying an "old fashionedâ watch to help your child practice telling time. If your child has a smart watch, look into changing the watch face from digital to analog. Also, use language such as half past or quarter of when discussing what time it is. Second graders are expected to identify quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies and know the value of each of them. We have worked on solving word problems involving dollars and cents. At home, it might be fun to sort through a piggy bank or coins that you have in your car. After sorting the coins into groups, count the total amount of money.
Specialists' Update
May is one of my favorite months in the gym! All of my students enjoy creative movement! Additionally, my first and second grade students prepare for a very special evening called Unified Arts Night on May 16th beginning at 5:30 at NES. During this night, our first and second grade students share their wonderful work in music, art, and physical education. In physical education, your students will perform a movement routine to a song called Home by Phillip Phillips. We hope you can join us! Our work also coordinates with the NIS/NES Spring Dance on Thursday, May 2nd from 5:30-7 at NIS. Thank you for your continued support with helping your child come to physical education with comfortable clothing (layers are best), sneakers, and a water bottle!
Wrapping up April, the 2nd grade musicians are getting more comfortable with their Recorders and will begin learning songs next week! The 1st grade musicians are wrapping up their studies of genres with Classical music. And the Kindergarten musicians have hit the ground running with new songs and games for the end of the year. This May, the Nantucket Community Music Center hired a small group of professional instrumentalists to the island! They will be spending some time in our schools throughout the month where students will learn about their instruments and even try some.
Second Grade artists just finished a self portrait project. We are learning about Rafael Lopez who is a childrenâs book illustrator. He also paints large scale community murals. We are using symbols to create a personal drawing inspired by his murals. First graders just finished working on paintings inspired by pop artist Romero Britto. Kindergarteners are currently working on a watercolor resist painting of cherry trees. I frequently add work to student portfolios in Artsonia. Please reach out any time to my email grants@npsk.org if you have questions about Artsonia. Students will bring their portfolios home at the end of the year.
In Science Kindergarteners are continuing their unit on force and motion and how things move. They have been investigating how to conduct paddle tests and how walls affect direction of balls/pucks. First graders have been learning about seeds. This week they "planted" their own seeds and will continue to watch how they progress every week. In second grade students are continuing their unit on landforms and maps. They have been adding onto their land and water models and learning about patterns on Earth. Next week they will learn more about maps and draw their own maps of their model!
Multilingual Learner Update
"How are communities different?" That is the big question we are continuing to explore in Kindergarten. To answer it we are reading, writing and talking about community places and community helpers. We would love for you to be a part of our learning by talking together at home about places in our community that are special to you and your family. If you have moved to Nantucket from another community it might be fun to discuss some of the similarities and differences in other places you and your family have lived.
"How do we get what we need?" That is the big question we are continuing to explore in first grade. We are reading, writing, and talking about goods, services and the things people need as we find answers to this big question. We would love for you to be part of our learning by talking about items your family needs at the store and maybe even have your student help write the shopping list!
"Why do people work together?" That is the big question we are exploring in second grade. Class discussions as well as reading and writing about cooperation is how we will answer this question. We would love for you to make a connection to our learning by talking about ways in your family it is important to work together or maybe some examples from your job.
Important Information - (Previously Shared)
Driving and Parking on the NES/NIS campus -
There are multiple signs in English and Spanish that say and show -NO STUDENT DROP OFF int eh First Way Lot. Remember you are modeling and teaching your students to not follow rules when you are dropping off in the back.
We have had several concerns shared regarding safety of students as they enter and exit the school recently. These concerns have been regarding parent drivers not following safety rules. These are listed below for your reference. We appreciate all of your anticipated efforts and required patience.
- NES will open in the morning at 7:35am. Students who are walking, biking or getting dropped off should go right to the doors (front one or the Kindergarten one) to come in and make their morning choice. Prek students line up outside in the front of the school.
- If parents wish to escort their child to the door, they must park their car in the Backus Lane parking lot ONLY.
- The parking lot off of First Way, behind the school is for staff only.
- All of the parking spots are assigned to staff or students at NHS.
- Parents and Guardians should not use that lot for any reason.
- This is a terrible place for students to be dropped off, this is not a drive through, and there is nowhere for any non permitted driver to park.
- Again, please stop driving in this lot. We are asking you to be a model for all children in the morning and the afternoon.
- Drive through drop off in the morning is permitted at the K and NES/NIS side entrances. This means parents stay in their car, and a staff member will open the passenger side door to help your child exit safely. Then, the car continues driving out the exit. This is for all students.
- Drive through pick up in the afternoon is permitted for all students grades 2-5 in the large circle between NES and NIS. This means parents stay in their car, and a staff member will oversee students entering cars. Then, the car continues driving out the exit.
- K and 1 students are met by parents at the back K entrance. Students will be standing in their assigned class lines.
- The circles and driveways on campus ARE NOT PARKING SPACES. An adult driver must stay in the car while waiting for students to exit or enter the car.
- At dismissal, all parents will continue to wait outside for students to dismiss from their teachers (kindergarten circle for kindergarten and first grade students, outside of the front door for second grade students).
- In the event of inclement weather (severe snow or rain), kindergarten and first grade students will be dismissed out the kindergarten and cafeteria doors to parents outside and second grade students will be dismissed out the gymnasium doors to parents outside.
- Drivers may not pull into the bus loop to pick-up their children EVER.
- Any visitors to our school need to share their identification with the front office staff in exchange for a visitor's badge. You will need to sign in as well.
- There will be no charge for lunches again this year. However, all families should complete the free and reduced lunch forms that were sent home with teacher assignment letters.
- There can be no changes to a child's dismissal plan after 1:00 pm. Be sure your children know what they are doing each day after school.
Attendance - we are starting to see some students with higher absence numbers. It is very important that you notify your child's teacher or call the front office if your child is going to be absent. You can send a message to your child's teacher through REMIND or call the front office to leave a message regarding your child's absence at (508) 228 - 7290 ext, 3. If your child needs to miss 5 or more consecutive days, you must make an appointment with the principal well in advance of upcoming absence. The NES Parent Handbook has been posted on the NES website (www.npsk.org, click on schools, click on Nantucket Elementary School). Please review the important section on attendance. Retention in the current grade level is a possibility if a child has excessive absences. Children being in school each day is a necessity.
Remind App is a wonderful tool for both educators and families! We know this. We know our teachers love being able to communicate with the whole class as well as individually. We know that you, the parents, love this tool too! It is wonderful that this tool allows us to communicate in multiple languages. One caution for us to share is that teachers may not be able to respond to messages you send during the school day. They are teaching and not hanging onto their phones. You may not get a reply until after school dismisses.
Upcoming Important Dates
4/26 - Lip Sync Show 6:00 pm MPW Aud. NHS
5/2 - Thurs. School Council 3:00 pm NES Library
5/2 - Thurs. FONPS Spring Dance 5:30 - 7:00 pm NIS Gym (be sure to purchase raffle basket items)
5/7 - Tues. Annual Town Meeting 5:00 pm NHS
5/8 - Weds. NO School for Kindergartners (2024-2025 K screening - Get to Know You Day) 12:00 pm 1/2 day dismissal for grades PreK - 2
5/14 - Tues. NPS School Committee 6:00 pm NHS LGI
5/15 - Weds. ACK - SEPAC 6:00 pm NHS
5/16 - Thurs. NES Unified Arts Night 5:30 pm NES
5/21 - Tues. NPS School Committee 6:00 pm NHS LGI
5/27 - Mon. NO SCHOOL MEMORIAL DAY
6/4 - Tues. NPS School Committee 6:00 pm NHS LGI
6/6 - Thurs. MLPAC Meeting 6:00 pm CPS Cafe
6/7 - Fri. Last Day for NBGC
6/12 - Weds. FONPS Meeting 6:00 pm NHS
6/13 - Thurs. Last Day of PreK NES Dismissal 10:30 am
6/14 - Fri. Last Day of Kindergarten Dismissal at 10:30
6/18 - Tues. NPS School Committee 6:00 pm NHS LGI
6/19 - Weds. NO SCHOOL JUNETEENTH
6/21 - Fri. Last Day of School 12:00 pm Dismissal (snow day make up)
A limited amount of TICKETS will be on sale at the door TONIGHT AT 5:30 PM!!!! NHS Auditorium $10.00 each
Morning Recess!!
Nantucket Elementary School
Website: www.npsk.org
Location: 30 Surfside Road, Nantucket, MA 02554, USA
Phone: 508 228 - 7290