The Pulse of the Pride

Lyme School Friends,

It is finally starting to feel like spring!

This past week, we conducted our NHSAS testing for middle schoolers. Middle schoolers have also shifted to new electives and specials for the last part of the year. Our lower schoolers have been active and engaged in their classrooms both inside and outside. Our 4th graders hosted their pen pals from the community, and I was interviewed by our Kindergarten students about my job and what principals do. It is an exciting time of year, but there is still so much to do before school comes to a close for summer!

With our lower school spring concert and middle school drama production behind us, we now turn our attention to the May Pole Celebration and Field Days. These events will be here before we know it!

The PTO also has a lot going on and information can be found in the PTO section below about the art show, mud run, and walk/bike to school day!

Our 8th grade graduation will be on June 13th at 4:30 PM in the gymnasium. We are looking forward to celebrating this class as they depart our school to their various high schools.

There is much happening in regard to our next school year already. We have the following to share with you for 2024-2025:

• The 24-25 school calendar was approved and is linked here as well as attached below.
• Staff have already begun work on any schedule tweaks as well as student placement for split classes. Families of 2nd and 6th graders, please complete this form to provide input into our class list decisions.
• Our 3rd grade teachers for next year will be Ms. Gautreau and Mrs. Thayer while Ms. Gannon will remain the 2nd grade teacher.
• Ms. Chandler will be moving to the elementary K-5 Spanish position for next year.
• We have hired a new Kindergarten teacher as well as a middle school Spanish teacher for next year and will share more details about them in a future newsletter.

I will be traveling with our 8th graders to DC next week May 20th - 24th and Ms. Foxall and Mr. Tomlinson will be the administrators on campus if you need one.

The next newsletter will hit your inbox on May 31st! Have a spectacular weekend!

Regards,

John P. D'Entremont, Principal

Dates:

May 17th - MS Dance Grades 5-8 @ 7PM

May 18th - Student Art Show (see PTO section)

May 20th - 24th - 8th Grade to DC

May 30th - May Pole Celebration @ 1:15 PM (Rain Date is the 31st @ 2:15 PM)

May 30th - Hanover High School Step Up Day for 8th Graders

May 31st - 8th graders invited to HHS Dance

June 2nd - Student Art Show (see PTO section)

June 5th - Bike/Walk to School (See PTO section - Rain Date is June 6th)

June 13th - MS Field Day

June 13th - 8th Grade Graduation @ 4:30PM

June 14th - K-5 Field Day

If you are having trouble, please reach out to Amanda Perry or John D'Entremont.

So far, you should have:

1. Gotten yourself logged in.
2. Received an emergency alert.
3. Double checked your contact information.
4. Completed ALMA Start Registration for this year.
5. Been given instructions to opt in to the Directory. [To opt in to the directory, you can click on the link for “my info” or get there through your profile icon in the top-right corner. You can toggle your visibility in the directory.]
6. Received preliminary information about the standards based report cards.
7. Received a first trimester report card via email on December 4th.
8. Received a second trimester report card via email on March 20th.

The Lyme School Apparel Store has a variety of apparel and accessories all customizable with a variety of school logos. The Lyme School PTO earns 12% of all sales. Thank you for supporting our school and go Lions! #LYMESCHOOLROCKS

Kati Miller RN BSN: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri

Matthew Greenway RN BSN: alternating Weds and coverage as needed

Celeste McCool RN BSN: alternating Weds and coverage as needed

As we welcome the warmer spring weather, it is important to remember that increased exposure to ticks and tick borne illnesses has begun.

Making tick checks a part of your child's nightly routine is a great way to help prevent tick borne illnesses including Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis and Powassan virus disease.

The best way to prevent tick borne illnesses is by preventing tick bites:

Protect yourself by wearing protective clothing, use insect repellent and try to avoid wooded/brushy areas or tall grass if possible. Check your pets for ticks.

Check yourself for attached ticks every day. Make it a part of your nightly routine.

Remove attached ticks right away using tweezers. Pull in an upwards motion, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible. Clean the area with soap and water.

Watch for symptoms including fever, rash, headache, joint pain, fatigue or muscle aches for 30 days after a tick bite and contact Healthcare Provider.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (antibiotic given within 72 hours of tick removal) can help prevent Lyme disease if determined necessary by Healthcare Provider.

As of March, 1 2024 The Center for Disease Control and Prevention updated guidance to provide "practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu and RSV."

We follow these guidelines. Please review the following links from the CDC for more information and reach out to me with any questions/concerns.

Thank you for your efforts in keeping our Lyme School students, staff, and families healthy.

Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick

Testing and Respiratory Viruses

Masks and Respiratory Viruses Prevention

In my graduate program, we took classes that prepared us to support students along their post-secondary journey (college, career, military, etc). Even though I am not a high school counselor having meetings with students about their plans after high school, I still believe this important work can begin in Kindergarten. I remember a professor saying, “It is easy and common for adults to ask kids, ‘what do you want to do when you grow up,’ but a better question that might elicit more introspection is ‘how do you want to live ?’” Do you want to travel with your job? Do you want to be indoors? Outdoors? Sitting? Moving around? Working with lots of people, working with your hands? Or both? What would be fun and engaging for you? How much time do you want to spend preparing and how much time, doing?

In Kindergarten, we start this conversation by defining a job in its simplest form: Something people do, a task. We then identify the helpers in our Lyme and Upper Valley communities - our public service workers (police, firefighters, EMS, teachers, etc.), the medical helpers, the helpers in our stores and utility workers - we see how important their jobs are and how they affect us daily. We talk about how if one person just decided not to go to their job how that impacts us and others’ jobs too. We tie that back to ourselves and our jobs in the classroom and what it means to be a responsible and respectful classroom/school community member - people depend on us to do our jobs, too! We identify that being a boy or a girl shouldn’t limit your choices for a job/career.

Fast forward to 5th grade where we start to identify our own evolving interests and what areas we gravitate towards. Students learned about Career Clusters which the Department of Education created back in 1996 which are groups of related types of work. They give you an easy way to explore different kinds of jobs within one broad category. Start with one of the clusters—like health care or construction—to learn what it involves, current trends, and the different careers it offers. After exploring career clusters, students took interest assessments to help them hone in on a few careers to compare and contrast. Eventually, they chose a career to create a profile to share with their classmates. They reported out the job outlook, salary, essential skills, education required, work environment, and responsibilities of the job and reflected on what they learned.

Finally, in 7th grade, students attend the Hartford Area Career and Technology Center field trip where they meet current students and faculty and learn about the programs there. Every choice high school in the area offers this type of training and education for interested students. They were all pretty amazed to hear that they can take credit-bearing college level courses and save lots of time and money after high school. Some students will roll right into a job/apprenticeship making a very comfortable salary with minimal to no debt. We are so fortunate to have this resource for students and I hope they consider taking advantage of it in high school!

Children are frequently exposed to disappointment whether it is not getting the grade they had hoped for, not making the home run hit in the baseball game, or having a special event canceled. When faced with disappointment, children often become upset. As parents, it is hard to see our children upset and disappointed. Our instinct is to take the disappointed and upset feelings away by offering readily available solutions. However, disappointment is a part of life. Helping children acknowledge and manage their emotions around disappointment helps them build resilience and coping skills. Children need adult support to work through managing big emotions. Here are some ways parents can help their children manage disappointment and build resilience and coping skills.

1. Show empathy and understanding- offer phrases like “I understand how difficult this is” or “I know you are feeling disappointed.”

2. Share times when you experienced disappointment.

3. Celebrate their effort in trying something hard, different, or new.

4. Help your child identify the problem and come up with possible solutions by asking questions like “What do you wish would have happened?” or “What can be done differently next time?”

5. Teaching self-calming skills like taking deep breaths, snuggling with a stuffie, looking at or reading books, coloring or drawing, or listening to music can help children calm down.

Helping your children navigate disappointment takes time and patience. If you need help or have questions, reach out to Connie Balch, Student Success Coordinator, or Rachel Stanton, School Counselor.

Adapted from https://www.thetherapistparent.com/post/helping-kids-through-disappointment

During one of the beautiful sunny days last week, Kindergarten students enjoyed the end of library class outside on the playground reading their books.

The middle schoolers and specialists were also out and several of them offered to read with our youngest students, which was pretty special.

As we approach the end of the school year, be on the lookout for overdue book notices. Please help students look for books around the house and return anything you find. Books can be returned at school or Converse Free Library, regardless of where they were checked out from and if they are checked out under a school or family account. We will also start transitioning student check-outs to family accounts. If you do not have a family account at the Converse Free Library, please reach out. In the next newsletter, I will share summer reading and summer media resources. Ms. Judy will be coming to speak to all students about the CFL Summer Reading Program!

Here are links to our school library catalog collections being highlighted this month:

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Collection

Jewish American Heritage Collection

Mental Health Awareness Collection

We also have quite a few NEW BOOKS in the collection.

Family-related Converse Free Library upcoming programing, from Ms. Judy’s newsletter:

THIS Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. - noon Friends of Lyme Library Used Book Sale.

Thursday, June 27, 2-3 p.m. Whales & Seals with the UNH Marine Docents (ideal for children entering grades K-3).

We have begun our spring standardized testing required by the state. All students in Grades 3-8 take tests in Math and English Language Arts and students in Grades 5 and 8 also take a test in Science. Statewide assessments are an important part of a student’s core educational program. They provide an evaluation of student mastery of content and skills in core academic areas and help inform future instruction in the classroom.

These standardized tests are taken on the computer and are computer-scored. Student results for the NH standardized tests are generally available upon the student completing the test. In June, once all of our students have taken the tests, we will send home an access code and directions explaining how parents can access their student(s) results through the Family Portal, a secure website managed by the New Hampshire Statewide Assessment System.

Preparations are underway for the Maypole Celebration as grades K-5 practice for the Maypole Celebration! We hope you see you all there!

Through advisory, middle school advisories completed in rock, paper, scissors. Here are our champions!

The month of May marks the month of Mental Health Awareness. In health, the middle schoolers have been exploring this important issue by learning about the various aspects of how one’s mental health needs to attended to just like our physical health. Learning means of self care and becoming aware of when we need help is vastly important to helping us manage stress and things that we cannot control.

We believe by talking about these issues brings hope and light on this important issue and allows kids to understand that they may have higher mountains to climb at times emotionally, but there are always people willing to help and there are resources to that will gladly lend a hand.

On May 31, Dr. Bill Hudenko will be joining our seventh and eight graders to discuss how our brains respond to stress, how depression and anxiety, the two most prevalent mental health issues can be managed, and where we can reach out for help.

Bill Hudenko, Ph.D. is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of clinical psychology at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine. Dr. Hudenko is a licensed psychologist who has extensive clinical experience working with children who have disruptive-behavior disorders and autism-spectrum disorders (ASD). His prior research includes work on the vocal expression of emotion in children with autism, and the influence of affective cues on the learning of young children. Currently, his research is focused on the use of technology to improve the delivery of mental healthcare with an emphasis on text-based psychotherapy. Dr. Hudenko is particularly interested in how technology can transform the collaborative care process. (Source: https://pbs.dartmouth.edu/people/william-j-hudenko)

We are so very grateful that Dr. Hudenko makes time to join us in discussing these important issues with kids and helping us, as teachers normalize that talking about our mental health is important and can be a first step in helping us feel good about who we are.

It is SPRING in the Art room and there are so many discoveries! I am starting to pack up and organize Art work to come home, so please look out for these treasures.

Kindergarten: The students revisited the pinch pot and formed clay birds, nests, and eggs and an actual robin came to visit (very exciting, and I apparently need some stickers on my windows)!

1st grade: The students printed lines and shapes to make robots. We read the book, Robo-sauce together and enjoyed making some robot sounds.

2nd grade: the students learned about the Impressionists and Claude Monet, making really beautiful paintings of water and light.

3rd grade: Printmaking! Students created printing plates and printed their cityscapes using inks and brayers. They learned about the Japanese printmaker Hokusai.

4th grade: Rural landscapes. We looked at the work of Grant Wood and David Hockney and learned how to create space in a landscape.

5th grade: Animal Adaptations Project. The students are building their forms using wire, cardboard, newspaper, and tape. Animal Adaptations is a 5th grade class project that we look forward to every year. There are some really unique animals being created! We talk about the similarities between Art and Science and how Art can help communicate scientific ideas.

6A Art: Students played a drawing game that I played in a class with the artist Lynda Barry at the National Art Ed Convention this April. It is simple… drawing with your eyes closed! This helps bring a little joy and wonder to the process. We will be drawing together on Friday afternoons until the end of the school year.

Sculpture Elective: This was our first week of the final art elective. After a brief overview, I introduced the students to “The Tantamounter”. The Tantamounter is an art happening in which artists recreate items… with limitations and clever observations. Students selected an object (a vintage camera, a lamp, a book, a plant, a tissue box…) and created something “tantamount” to their object.

The fifth graders just wrapped up a mini track and field unit which culminated in a small indoor track meet. Students were placed in one of four groups and competed in hurdles, sprinting long-distance running, and the long jump. Times and distances were totaled and each group earned championship status in each event, with two groups tying in one.

Congratulations to all groups for a great meet! A trophy sits in their classroom to celebrate each group's efforts as well as the efforts of the entire class, making for a great first experience in a competitive meet in PE. Very well done, fifth grade!!

Happy Friday, Lyme Families-

We hope everyone is taking advantage of the beautiful weather and getting out in the garden or going on hikes!

We also wanted to say thank you all for helping make our teachers and staff feel extra special last week! It was wonderful to see all the lovely notes in the entryway and the school spirit.

As you can feel, summer is fast approaching and with it there are a few more PTO events to look forward to:

The First Student Art Show & Silent Auction!- SUNDAY, JUNE 2nd

Thank you to all the students who have contributed artwork to our Student Art Show & Silent Auction, scheduled for Sunday, June 2nd from 3-5 PM (Please note the date change!). We have around 20+ submissions so far! This event will transform our school hallway into a dynamic pop-up art gallery, showcasing the creativity and skill of our student artists.

Why You Should Participate: This art show is more than just a display; it's an opportunity for our students to engage with the community through their art. It’s also a chance for the students to not only to showcase their talents but also to earn their first commissions. For every piece sold, the student artist will receive a $10 commission, with additional proceeds going to support our vital Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program. We welcome ALL forms of art (from traditional drawings and paintings to fabric arts, graphic design, and photography)!

How to Get Involved:

• Pick Up an Art Label: Stop by the front desk to pick up an art label for each piece of artwork your child wishes to submit.
• Prepare and Drop Off Your Artwork: Attach the label to your artwork and drop it off in the designated collection box on the bench in the lobby. Limit 2 submissions per student!
• DEADLINE TO DROP OFF ART: May 29th

Event Details: The art show will also feature a silent auction with professional artwork and other locally sourced items, further enhancing our fundraising efforts for the AIR program. We will provide light refreshments, creating a festive atmosphere for families, friends, and community members to enjoy. This event is not only a celebration of our students’ artistic achievements, but also a crucial fundraiser for enhancing future arts education at our school.

We invite all students to participate and share their artwork. This initiative offers our young artists a platform to shine and supports our ongoing commitment to arts education. Let's make our first annual art show a memorable and successful event! Please forward this message to any local family and friends!

We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the incredible talents of our Lyme School students.

Walk/Bike to School Day- WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5th (rain date: Thursday, June 6th)

Hopefully the weather will cooperate this time around. Thank you all for your flexibility!

Again, a few safety reminders:

• Helmets are required
• Wear bright colors
• Bike in single file

Parents, if you are interested in being a neighborhood organizer for this event, please email us at pto@lymeschool.org

Refreshments will be served at the school entrance starting at 7:30 am. If you can help by providing refreshments, please sign up here or feel free to change your slot. (To the families who brought food the day before the original date, thank you! The teachers were able to appreciate your contributions during Teacher Appreciation week last Wednesday.).

The Lyme School Mud Run- SUNDAY, JUNE 9th

Jump Into Fun at the First Annual Lyme School Mud Run on June 9!

As the school year draws to a close, what could be more exhilarating than celebrating with friends, family, and your favorite teachers at our first-ever Lyme School Mud Run? This June 9th, we're transforming our playground and fields into an adventure-packed obstacle course that’s all about fun, fitness, and fostering community spirit!

This isn’t just any race—it’s a chance to leap, laugh, and maybe even outpace your teachers in our special Teacher's Division. Imagine the fun of teaming up with your teachers for some friendly competition, showing off your agility, and sharing high-fives all around!

We’re all about building community and making memories, so we invite everyone in the Lyme community to join in. Whether you’re navigating the course, volunteering, or cheering on the participants, it’s a perfect opportunity to connect, stay active, and enjoy a day outdoors.

Volunteers, we need you too! Help us make this event a staple of our community by assisting with setup and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Parents and students (7th grade and up), your involvement will help make this inaugural Mud Run a success! Please email us at pto@lymeschool.org if you'd like to help make this event happen!

So, are you ready to challenge yourself, enjoy the outdoors, and build lasting memories with your school community? Get ready to kick off the summer with some sweat, smiles, and community spirit. See you at the starting line!

Nitty Gritty:

DATE/TIME: Sunday, June 9 from 9am-12nn

LOCATION: Lyme School playground and fields

REGISTRATION FEE (suggested donation): $10/person

The End-of-the-Year Pizza Potluck @ Post Pond FRIDAY, JUNE 14th (the last day of school)

Get ready for a fantastic (yet lowkey) potluck event to end the year, happening right after school ends at Post Pond! As you know, it’s the perfect setting for students, parents, teachers, and staff to unwind, socialize, and enjoy a delicious array of pizzas and other tasty contributions.You can chip in for pizza, bring a side dish/dessert to share, or both! Let’s come together to celebrate the end of the school year, share some laughs, and welcome the joy of summer. We can’t wait to see everyone there!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Cheers,

Fauve Dela Cruz

Chair, The Lyme School PTO

pto@lymeschool.org

On Wednesday May 15 they all came to the Lyme Cafe to play music for their families and friends, and I'm happy to say that every last player did a fine job. The First-year class played three songs beautifully and showed how much they have grown with music since last October.

They are Charli, Lincoln, Sophia, Thessaly, and Wit.

Likewise the Second-year class - Ayah, Clara, Hazel, Luke, Milo, and Remi - gave a strong and enthusiastic performance of three songs in this set; in addition, they have grabbed onto fiddle tunes in a big way and joined the larger group for the finale set.

There were solos, by Charlie, Bea/piano, Piper, Maryam/piano, and Isla/violin and piano. There were duets, with Billy and Milo, and later with Ewan and Henry. And with the solid backup band of Mark Sunderwirth, Josh Cleaver, and Chuck Horrell, the five fiddlers' tunes to close the program were great fun. (They make us sound good!)

Bravo and Congratulations to all the rather amazing young musicians who made the music come alive.

See you next week for a new tune -

Damaris

OUR VALUES

● Fairness ● Acceptance of Others ● Integrity ● Responsibility

● Perseverance ● Individuality ● Compassion ● Courage

John P. D'Entremont, Principal

Elise Foxall, Academic Director

Geoff Tomlinson, Student Services Director