NES Connection

Students spent the past week gearing up for our One District One Book launch, held on Friday 1/31/25. See below for more info! Here, Blue, beloved family member of the Watkins Family (Reading Specialist) gets into the text! Join us... read Chapter 1 for Monday!

Dear NES Family,

Happy Sunday evening! We wish you a lovely weekend and a healthy start to the week!

National School Counseling Week

NES is celebrating Nat'l School Counseling Week with 2 spirit days! Mrs. Christine Bertsch is our lovely school counselor, keen to the care and support of our students. She loves partnering with you and our students. It's Mrs. Bertsch's Day on Monday 2/3/25. We tip our hats to the many hats she wears! Wear a favorite hat on Monday!

One District One Book Launched

See our specifics below - we are officially on a three week adventure and you are invited on the trail! Our Spirit Days for this initiative are below!

PTO Seeking Secretary

Mrs. Melissa Parker has served as PTO secretary for the past two years and we are so grateful for the time and effort she has given to our school. New circumstances prevent her from being available during the week for our meetings and this position is now available. Please reach out to NESPTO1@gmail.com if this is something you are interested in learning more about. We send our deepest appreciation to Mrs. Parker!

We wish you a wonderful week ahead and thank you kindly for your continued partnership and support!

Ms. Cal and Your NES Fam

Feb 3 - 24: One District One Book Reading and Activities

Feb 3: National School Counseling Week

Feb 7: Report Cards posted to the Sapphire Community Portal

Feb 11: PTO Meeting, 6:30PM - Kindergarten Highlight

Feb 13: Classroom Family Friendship Meeting

Feb 14: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

Feb 17: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

Feb 18: High School Musical Preview 2:20-3:00

Feb 19: School Bus Driver Day

Feb 28: High School Musical; Dr. Franko on site

Mar 01: High School Musical; Dr. Franko on site

Mar 03: Read Across America Week: Cat in Hat visits

Mar 03: School Social Worker Week

Mar 04-06: GR5 Ag Van visits

Mar 05: Lifetouch Spring Pictures

Mar 13: All District Orchestra Concert, NHS Auditorium

Mar 14: National Farming Day and National Pi Day

Mar 14: GR3 Field Trip (Hershey Story)

Mar 17: No School for students

Mar 20: "2025-2026" Kindergarten Family Orientation

Monday 2/3

• Happy Counselor Bertsch Spirit Day! We launch School Counseling Week inviting students to tip their hats to Mrs. B... for the many hats she wears!

Wednesday 2/5

• One District One Book Spirit Day: Dress for a different time period! Choose any decade of your choice!

Friday 2/7

• Happy Counselor Bertsch Spirit Day! Wear your cozy pjs!
• MP 2 Report Cards posted to the Sapphire Community Portal

NES'ers are officially on the trail... leaving Independence Missouri with Ranger in Time, Rescue on the Oregon Trail! Students brought home their very own copy of this text, courtesy of our PTO! Children will participate in daily activities, trivia, and themed learning experiences related to the text.

On Friday, K-3 and 4-5 Assemblies, led by NES faculty, got students moving and thinking of pioneer times with games such as:

• Beans in a Can Minute to Win it
• Lasso Up Cowboy Minute to Win it
• Oregon Trail Relay
• First Aid Minute to Win it

Gratitude Gateway has been transformed in a Trading Post that imitates the time period and students have a huge Oregon Trail Map to follow as we take on the next couple weeks.

Stay tuned for other adventures!

Families, we have several coin collections coming up in the next few months. Please do not feel compelled to participate in every collection. To assist with your decisions we are providing those options below:

1. One District One Book - Service Animal Project (2/3-3/3)
2. Jump Rope for Heart - 2/5-2/24

The PTO is requesting any donations below. Sending items in? Please mark the items "For PTO."

Thank you so much!

NES Grade 5 will take the Science PSSA online this Spring 2025.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that all PSSA testing must be completed online beginning in the Spring of 2026. In order to help us prepare for this transition, NYCSD will pilot online testing at the elementary level in Spring 2025. All 5th grade science assessments will be online. In addition, Wellsville will test 5th grade ELA and Math online also. We do not believe this will be a huge change for our students as they currently complete some local assessments already. However, we will be providing training for our teachers and students to support them in this required shift. Please contact Dr. Matthew Meakin, Assistant Superintendent, at mmeakin@northernyork.org if you have any questions about this requirement.

Winter Weather Closings - Elementary Plan

Any future weather school closures will prompt the assignment of the next Snow Day Packet. This means that Packets B, C, D should be kept in a safe and accessible place in the event of another snow day. As a reminder,

• Students will be expected to complete the paper packet for school work at home and this will count as their attendance for the snow day closure.
• Students will have one week to complete the paper packet and return it to school. Teachers will be available through email and SeeSaw to answer any questions or assist students and families with questions on the day of remote learning.

As we encounter winter weather and potential closures in the future, we will continue to stay in communication with families through each step of the way.

If your child has been running a fever of 100 degrees or over, he/she should not attend school. Students with a fever may return to school when they have been fever free for at least 24 hrs without the use of fever reducing agents such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

If your child has been experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, he/she should remain home for at least 24 hrs since their last bout of vomiting/diarrhea.

If your child has been prescribed an antibiotic, he/she must have received a minimum of 12 hrs worth of antibiotic and be fever free before returning to school.

Best practices for beating the winter blues:

Frequent handwashing

Cough into your elbow

Avoid touching your face

Rest and hydrate

This is the CREW working for you!

Our PTO Board champions our mission to LEARN, GROW, and LEAD, offering physical and financial support to supplementing events and resources for our Cub Leaders and Faculty. They represent our Family Unit (YOU) and they take great pride in ensuring equitable access for all, Family Fueled events, and an open door policy for all families to offer insight, feedback and support.

Pictured:

• Event Coordinator: Kara Johnsen
• Treasurer: Crystal Pitt
• President: Erin Stine
• Vice President: Heather Spicer
• Secretary: Melissa Parker
• PTO Contact: NESPTO1@gmail.com

NES remains an active construction site with details pictured below:

Red Areas = Active Construction

Yellow Outlines = Construction Site/Parking

Green Outlines = Faculty and Visitor Parking

As a recurring reminder, our visitor parking lot is scaled down due to the construction taking place in the two story portion of our building. Please do not drive behind the wooden barriers in that area. Our students have adjusted nicely to the changes in the building and we are excited for the work taking place.

A reminder to all caregivers that for any student that has a medical diagnosis of:

• Asthma (that requires an inhaler)
• Severe allergy (food, bee sting, etc.)
• Seizure disorder (regardless of whether or not an emergency medication is prescribed)
• Diabetes

These needs require an updated "Action Plan" each year. This must be completed by the child's physician and handed to the nurse at the start of the school year. This allows the nurse to administer the student's emergency medication if/when needed and will provide direction of what symptoms/ when circumstances to administer them.

It is EXTREMELY important for the nurse to have the Action Plan to ensure the most effective treatment and individualized care is provided to your child.

Please be sure to bring in the child's emergency medication labeled and in its original packaging if possible. Double check the expiration date(s) and if a new prescription will need to be reordered soon. Medication cannot be transported to school via backpacks.

Nurse Nell will be available at both Open Houses (8/29/24) for families to drop off paperwork and medication.

Fast Facts provide quick information to keep you informed.

NYCSD has partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students, staff, and their family members. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you find mental health or substance abuse treatment options matched to your needs regardless of circumstance.

Care Solace has Care Companions (customer service) available 24 hours/7 days to assist students, staff, and their families. Care Solace is not a treatment provider. Rather, it acts as a care coordinator by connecting the user to the provider.

If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:

• Call 1-888-515-0595,
• Visit www.caresolace.com/northernyork and click the “Search On Your Own” button, or
• Visit the Care Solace link found on our District Homepage: https://www.northernpolarbears.com/services/special-services/care-solace

Mrs. Christine Bertsch, school counselor, can provide any additional information. Please reach out to her at cbertsch@northernyork.org or X 1504 with questions.

Mechanicsburg Learning Center is currently accepting enrollment for the 24-25 school year.

• This program is housed in the Sunshine Cafe and families are greeted at Door #10 for entry and dismissal of their student.
• Student registration form and brochure are attached below.
• For more information contact Lindsey McGrath, School Age Director at 717-766-2439.

Please see the attached document providing specific direction on elementary student attendance at NYCSD athletic events.

• All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. Unaccompanied elementary and middle school students will not be permitted to enter Bostic stadium.
  
• The expectation is that all students watch the game from the stands. Students will not be permitted to gather in groups in areas that include, but are not limited to: the ticket gates, the concession area, and other grassy areas.
  
• Students should not bring laptops or other unnecessary items (skateboards, scooters, footballs, athletic equipment, large backpacks, etc.) to the stadium. Unauthorized bags will be stored in the ticket booth area and can be retrieved when the game is over.

Please see the attached letter for more specifics important to this topic.

New Families to the district are asked to create a Parent/Guardian Portal Account in our Sapphire System.

Attached you will find directions to create this important account. Upon completion, this account provides access to your child's school records: class assignment, report cards, attendance information, etc. The Parent Account is a separate account from the Registration Account used to enroll your student.

We wish to support our families needing assistance in this process. Please reach out to our school with any questions or email sapphirehelp@northernyork.org if you need additional help with Community Portal log in.

School Supplies

Basic school supplies are provided to your child by the district, so there is no need to send in materials from home. Students are welcome to bring their own book bag and lunch box from home.

Kindergarten and Grade 2 are welcome to bring a set of personal Bluetooth-compatible headphones for their use. Please reach out to the office if you need support securing this item.

• Please avoid sending in novelty items like scented markers, fidgets, etc.

Smart Watches

Smart watches may be worn, but may not be used to make calls, text, take photos, or record. All mobile phones remain in student backpacks during the school day.

Dress Code and Make-Up

Students are not permitted to wear makeup to school. This can only be done, when appropriate, on School Spirit Days. No midriff, tube tops, or mini shorts/skirts are permitted. Per the district code of conduct, skirts/shorts attire should be at a length that is appropriate for the age of the student.

Personal Items

Students are encouraged to leave toys, Pokémon or tradeable cards, and other valuable items at home. The exchange of personal items at school is not permitted.

• We ask that items such as key chains, action figures, sports equipment, and similar belongings stay at home.

Birthdays

Students are celebrated via school-wide recognition and classroom tradition (e.g. song, sticker, crown, etc.) on their birthdays.

• Snacks and treats from home are not permitted for classroom celebrations.
• No birthday invitations may be handed out at school unless the entire class is invited.
• The PTO celebrates students in their birthday month via the Birthday Book Program, inviting students to select a brand new book for their personal library.

Parent Responsibility:

Arrive at the bus stop 5-10 minutes in advance of assigned time. Pick up/Drop off times may

vary during the first few weeks of school as our drivers get into a route routine. An adult must

be present to drop off and pick up Kindergarten and Grade 1 students. Parents may not board

the school bus. Please additionally review with your child the Bus Rules and Guidelines here.

Student Responsibility:

Stay seated at all times while the bus is moving. (Back and bottom on the seat.) Use an inside

voice. Bodies should remain facing forward and out of the aisle. Once the bus comes to a

complete stop, students may exit at their stop. Food, drinks, and video or voice recording are

not permitted. Students are also not permitted to take pictures or use social media. Follow

the directions of the driver to keep everyone safe

Transportation and Dismissal:

If you are not able to reach us at the school, please contact Mrs. Esser at 717-432-8691 ext 1116. She will also have a direct line to our buses and can support you.

Our number one priority is to always get your students back home safe to you.

Car Riders

• AM Entry to Building: 8:45 AM - 8:55 AM
• PM Dismissal to Parents: 3:35 PM

Location

• Located in the back of Northern Elementary, between the High School and Northern Elementary
• Enter via Middle School drive, turn left onto Polar Bear Drive, turn right to the Car Rider Zone

Procedures

• Keep traffic flowing.
• Move forward to the very end of the line, closest to the High School, Do not cross the yellow line.
• Stay on the left side of line.
• Students exit vehicle via the passenger side - only when the vehicle is within the yellow zone.
• Drivers remain in their vehicles.
• NES staff will support student entry into the building.
• Students should be packed and ready for exit upon entering the car rider line. It is important that the flow of this line remains fluid and safe, allowing for exit and entry within the time allotted for this service.

Frequency of PickUp

• Fill out the registration form if your child will be a daily parent pick up or an occasional parent pick up.
• Visit www.northernpolarbears.com/nes and select the "Car Rider Registration Form" or access the form here: https://forms.office.com/r/8r6rZkV8AJ

Tag PickUp

• Families who register by August 10 will be able to pick up car rider tags for the new school year at our NES Open House Event on August 29.
• During the school year, anticipate a three day turnaround from completion to available tag

School Breakfast and Lunch Information

Breakfast and Lunch are served at school. Click here for breakfast and lunch menus. MyPaymentsPlus Online Account If you wish to open a MyPaymentsPlus account for your child, please visit www.mypaymentsplus.com. MyPaymentsPlus, a convenient, easy and secure online prepayment service, allows parents to deposit money into a school meal account and provides parents the ability to view account balances, add funds electronically, and view what is purchased each day. Parents can also sign up to receive an email when a low fund balance occurs.

Free and Reduced Priced Meals

Additionally, households who may qualify for Free or Reduced priced meals are strongly encouraged to complete a Free and Reduced Priced Meal Application (backpack mail from school). This is important as families that apply and are approved for free or reduced priced meals may be eligible for additional discounts or approved benefits. Please see more information on whether your family meets the criteria outlined here.

Breakfasts

Breakfasts are free this year. If a student selects breakfast daily, classroom teachers will verify with families on their consent. We wish to make sure that any student needing breakfast receives it.

Lunch Schedule

It is important to note that we cannot accommodate visitors in the Sunshine Cafe. It's particularly fun to see our packers, open love notes from families during lunchtime! Oftentimes, our staff reads the notes to students as a part of their individual requests. Feel free to slip a note of encouragement into your child's lunchbox or backpack and stay tuned for PTO fundraising initiatives that further celebrate your student during this time.

2024-2025 Lunch Schedule

• Kindergarten Lunch: 11:00-11:30
• Grade 1 Lunch: 12:40-1:10
• Grade 2 Lunch: 11:15-11:45
• Grade 3 Lunch: 12:55-1:25
• Grade 4 Lunch: 11:50-12:20
• Grade 5 Lunch: 12:05-12:35

Lunch Packer Reminders

Students may choose to pack their lunch each day. These lunches should be nutritional.

Sodas are not permitted as part of the lunchtime experience and the school does not have cooling or heating opportunities for meals. Please pack any items that require a cool climate with an ice pack and items that require heating, in a thermos. No glass containers permitted.

Devices in Schools

All students are provided with a device to use during the school day:

• GRK-2 students use iPads
• GR3-5 students use Chromebooks

In order for students to use their devices, the Student Device 1:1 Acceptance form must be completed in the Sapphire portal.

Headphones

We ask that students bring in headphones for personal use:

• Students in 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades are encouraged to use bluetooth compatible headphones but are still able to use traditional plug-in headphones.
• Students in Kindergarten and 2nd grade will be using the iPad 10, which has a USB-C charging port and no headphone jack. Bluetooth compatible headphones are requested.

If you have any questions, please reach out to nesoffice@northernyork.org.

Accidental Damage Device Insurance

Included below are highlights on the Accidental Damage Device Insurance (ADDI). The complete letter can be viewed in the Sapphire portal. ADDI is optional and while not required, it is highly recommended as the overall cost of device replacement is at least $600.

Cost of the insurance is $25 per student (automatically adjusted to reflect current meal status):

• 2 accidental damage repairs for students in grades K-2, through Apple.
• 1 accidental damage repair for students in grades 3-12, through Dell

• Available to purchase until September 30, 2024. No exceptions will be made to this deadline.

How to Purchase ADDI:

1. Go to myschoolbucks.com and Log In (existing accounts) or click Sign-Up today (new accounts).
   
2. Visit the School Store and add “Accidental Damage Device Insurance” to your cart.
3. Checkout with your credit/debit card.

Sign Up at Open House:

We need volunteers to present Junior Achievement programs at our school this year. For as little as an hour a week, you can make a difference in the lives of young people in your community. Classroom teachers will have sign-up opportunities at Open House and Teacher Presentation Night.

Junior Achievement Mission:

Junior Achievement is committed to a sequential approach to early childhood education, grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. We believe that every student in every grade in elementary school should be equipped with the fundamentals.

Life lessons taught by a volunteer:

Fundamentals are engaging hands on activities where the volunteer works with students and shares practical experiences. The programs are tied to Pennsylvania state standards and fulfill Career Education and Work (CEW) requirements. At Junior Achievement, we are committed to generational change. We believe that the critical years of impact reside in the elementary grades and thus our JA Fundamentals program is our commitment to this cause. Our name is our promise!

Clearance Purpose: To ensure the safety and welfare of our students, all volunteers for school events or chaperones for field trips must obtain the necessary school clearances. These clearances are mandated by the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law and ensure that individuals who have direct contact with our children have undergone a thorough screening process.

Required Clearances: Volunteers must provide the following documents: a report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police, a Child Abuse History Certification, an FBI Background Check (can forgo this if a PA resident for 10 years), a Tuberculosis Examination, and a completed Volunteer Information Form.

Clearance Validity: Clearances remain valid for a period of five years. For example, if you obtain your clearances when your child enters Kindergarten, you will need to renew them for fifth grade; however, the clearances will be applicable at the middle school level as well.

Obtaining Your Clearances: For more information on how to obtain your clearances, please click on the button below labeled "Volunteer Information and Forms." This will direct you to the district website, where you can find assistance in completing your clearance requirements.

Now is an ideal time to verify your clearances with the front office or to complete your clearances for the 2024-2025 school year. If you are uncertain whether your clearances are up to date, please reach out to Mrs. Gayman at NESOffice@northernyork.org for assistance.

Northern Elementary is a Title 1 School which means we receive Federal Title 1 funds to to assist students in meeting state achievement standards. Throughout the school year, we will provide you with important information about these services and your child's education.

• You have access to a letter that lets you know about your right to request information about the qualifications of the classroom and building staff working with your child.
• You will also find our Parent and School Compact, Parent and School Engagement Policy, Resolution Process for ESSA Programs, and Right to Know Letter on our school website.

Principal: Joyce Cal / Email: jcal@northernyork.org

Secretary: Cindy Gayman / Email: nesoffice@northernyork.org

Website: https://nes.northernpolarbears.com/