NIS Weekly News
Nantucket Intermediate School - Feb. 16, 2021
Taking Time for Family & Fun
Our winter break will be here after this final week of February learning. It comes at a time when all are weary and ready for a break for sure! Thank you again for all you are doing to support your children and their education this year. We are hopeful that you are able to take some time together next week to engage in things that bring you joy. One thing COVID affords us is the opportunity for quality time with our family. Wishing you and the children a week of minimal screen time, a break from school engagement challenges, and lots of time for fun and laughter!
Speaking of fun for this week, we have 3 more spirit days...
Spirit Week Feb. 16 - 19
Wednesday (remote) - Pajama Day
Thursday - Throwback Thursday
Friday - Squad Day - Teachers will share information about their class squad spirit!
And, our school counselors wanted to share news about what they are doing to support our students and share out some fun screen free activities. Here's the link to their SMORE newsletter: https://www.smore.com/nysgq
We will see you on March 1st!
Evemarie McNeil, Principal & Donna Johnson, Assistant Principal
Important Family Survey!
Encuesta de Necesidades Familiares
Please help Nantucket Public Schools help you! We are asking all parents and guardians to complete this short Family Needs survey to offer feedback on how we can better serve you and your child. It is an anonymous survey, so please be honest in your responses.
Thank you!!!
Schoology Drop-in Parent Support TONIGHT!
This evening from 6:00 - 6:30, there will be another NIS parent Schoology support meeting. It is drop-in as necessary, stay as long as necessary. Taylor and Olivia will be scheduling monthly drop-ins to make sure there is continuous support for parents as our schools continue to transition to Schoology. The link for tonight is below:
SNAC - Special Needs Advisory Council Meeting
This month's topic is the IEP Process.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83496583306?pwd=eWhOY1phelp3NVRFS2ZpRWptMVBWdz09
Meeting ID: 834 9658 3306
Passcode: 779277
Dress for Cold Weather!
Our winter weather and temperatures continue! Please be sure children 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
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!
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, North Dakota, or Puerto Rico 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
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, vision screening continues at NIS. 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.
Please keep safe and healthy,
Nancy Small RN
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.
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