NIS Weekly News
Nantucket Intermediate School - Feb. 8, 2021
Thank you!
We just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your patience with this school year. We know everyone is weary of hybrid learning ~ we mean everyone! Our staff continuously advocates for ways to get all of our students into the building, just as many of our families have too. Currently we continue to be held to the District COVID and school safety protocols. It's hard to remember sometimes that we are living through a pandemic, one that isn't done with us yet! Please know that at NIS we take the safety protocols seriously and are proud that because of these we have not had any incidence of community spread through school. As more is learned about the science of COVID we are optimistic that changes can come and six foot distancing can be reduced and/or we can discover alternate ways to get our students into the building. We are so grateful for your understanding and unwavering support as we all get through this historic school year together.
With great sincerity,
Evemarie McNeil, Principal & Donna Johnson, Assistant Principal
Dress for Cold Weather!
Nantucket finally looks like winter! Today the snow and ice, mostly the ice, kept us inside for recess despite the shining sun. Hopefully students will be headed outside the rest of the week for recess. Please be sure they have what they need to be comfortable and warm during these remaining cold weeks. We head outside even when it's chilly!
Is your child in need of a coat, hat, gloves etc.? Please reach out to Ms. Foulkes or Mr. Peckham as they have access to these through the Family Recource Center.
You can reach out directly to FRC if you prefer: 508.815.5115
Valentine's Day - Sunday, Feb. 14th
This year valentine's day falls on a Sunday, not on a school day. Your child's teacher will share information with you about when and how the class may be celebrating. Here is one COVID safe protocol that will be implemented across the school:
* If...your child's teacher is inviting students to bring in snacks for the class ONLY store pre-packaged and individually wrapped snacks will be allowed. No homemade treats this school year. No store bought trays of cupcakes/cookies.
As parents, you always are invited to send in a special snack for your child and refuse other offered treats. Just be sure to communicate with your child and teacher.
Other information about valentines, wearing a special color(s), etc. will come from your child's teacher as appropriate.
SMORE Newsletter from School Social Worker Emily Sybert
Please click this Smore link for Ms. Sybert's latest family communication. She focuses on breaking down behaviors and identifying alternative ways to respond to your childen rather than being reactive. There is also news about COVID resources being offered at the Family Resource Center. Emily Sybert - School Social Worker - syberte@npsk.org
Thank you Ms. Sybert!
NIS Nurse Notes: Nancy Small, RN
Hello Families!
Vision Screenings: Although vision screenings are not required this year due to Covid-19, I feel it is important to screen all students. Research is showing that the increase in screen time can affect one's vision. Therefore, I will start screening the school today, February 8, 2021. All COVID 19 precautions will be followed. If you do not want your child to participate in vision screening this year, please email me at smalln@npsk.org to opt out. For Cohort D families, if you want your student screened, please reach out to me to make an appointment.
Flu Vaccine: As of January 15th, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health removed the requirement for flu vaccination for attendance in schools. Preliminary data shows that this flu season has been mild, most likely due to social distancing, mask wearing and good hand hygiene. Thank you to the families that did get the vaccine. It is better to be prepared than be sick.
Travel Blurb from the NPS School Nurses: It is highly recommended that you do not travel for February break. Spend time with your pod, which are the people you live with. Make the sacrifices now, so our students can come back to school on March 1, 2021.
If you do have travel plans, please be aware of the Massachusetts travel orders that are still in effect. All states, except Hawaii, are not safe. So unless you’re traveling to Hawaii, you will have to quarantine for 10 days when you get home or quarantine until you get tested for COVID-19 and results are negative. Here is a link to the travel order: mass.gov travel order. Please plan accordingly so your students don’t have to miss school.
See also Dr. Hallett's email sent Feb. 1, 2021
Please keep safe and healthy,
Nancy Small RN
Next week: February Spirit Week at NIS!!!
Spirit Week Feb. 16 - 19
Monday, Feb. 15th - No School - President's Day
Tuesday - Favorite (COVID) Mask Day/Favorite Hat Day
Wednesday (remote) - Pajama Day
Thursday - Throwback Thursday
Friday - Squad Day - Teachers will share information about their class squad spirit!
Schoology Support for Parents/Caregivers
Our NIS in house Schoology trainers are Grade 5 teacher Taylor O'Brien and Library Teacher Olivia Myers who have both expressed their availability to parents for Schoology questions. Here is their contact information:
Taylor O'Brien: Obrient@npsk.org
Olivia Myers: myerso@npsk.org
Please see attachments below for more information in English and Spanish.
Free and Reduced Lunch News
Even though meals are free to all, families who are Directly Certified or Approved via a paper application for Free or Reduced lunch can use their letter for:
- Reduced electricity costs through National Grid
- Reduced internet through Comcast Xfinity
- May also qualify for Food Pantry or Nantucket Housing & Fuel Assistance
Please contact the Central Registrar Sarah Erichsen if you have questions by calling 508-228-7285 x1149 or emailing erichsens@npsk.org.
Noticias de exámenes ACCESS para familias de estudiantes de inglés/ACCESS Testing News for Families of English Learners
Haga clic en la carta adjunta para obtener información sobre las ACCESS examenes
Behavioral Support
Laura Stanley, NPS district behavior analyst, wants to share her newsletter with you full of strategies for supporting your any behavioral challenges you may be experiencing with your children at home. Here it is: Behavior Support Strategies at Home
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
Please Charge Chromebooks Each Night - Thank You!
Technology Cheat Sheet Guides for Students
Meals Provided
Nantucket Public Schools Food Truck: On Remote Learning Days...
Parents can pick up student breakfast and lunch meals served by Island Kitchen and Patrick Ridge between 9:30am - 11:30am at the food truck.
NIS School Improvement Plan 20-21
District and NIS Return to School Safety Protocols
NPS Return to School Protocols - Fall 2020
NIS Family Handbook 2020-2021
- English: NIS Family Handbook 2020 - 2021
- Espanol: NIS Familia Manual 2020-2021
COVID-19 Travel Order
Effective August 1, 2020, all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts must follow new travel orders. The Commonwealth has made great progress to slow the spread of COVID-19 and gradually re-open the economy, and all visitors have a responsibility to help us keep transmission levels as low as possible.
All visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, who do not meet an exemption, are required to:
- Complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival, unless you are visiting from a lower-risk state designated by the Department of Public Health.
- Quarantine for 10 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts.
If your COVID-19 test result has not been received prior to arrival, visitors, and residents must quarantine until they receive a negative test result.
Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine per day.
Please find more information, including the list of lower-risk states, exemptions, business guidance and other details at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order
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
Citrus Sale Ends this FRIDAY!
From the Grade 5 Team
The fifth grade class is holding a Sunkist citrus sale in order to raise money for the future benefit of the class. They are selling rio red grapefruit from Texas and/or navel oranges from California. Each carton of 36 Sunkist navel oranges or 20 Rio Red grapefruits will sell for $35.00. Please note cartons cannot be split. If you wish to place an order and do not know a current 5th Grade NIS student to purchase from please reach out to the front office to place your order at 508-228-7290 x- 4308 We accept cash or checks. Checks should be made payable to Nantucket Intermediate School (NIS). Payment must be received at the NIS office by Feb 12.
We expect the fruit to arrive the week of March 1. If you place an order through the front office you will receive a call when your order is available for pick up. If you place an order with a student they will deliver.