NIS Weekly News
Nantucket Intermediate School - April 26, 2021
Spring Go Time!
Dear NIS families,
Each year it amazes us just how quickly this part of the school year goes by. Someone shared today that there are only nine weeks of the school year left. During these nine weeks there is a lot of teaching and learning that'll happen, MCAS will occur, and we will be adding in outdoor learning experiences across the curriculum as the warm weather days grow.
The question about how to continue to talk to students about anti-racism keeps appearing in most of the educational literature I receive in my inbox. It's such an important topic, but one that can be challenging to figure out the very best way to foster open, honest and respectful classroom conversations that honor a range of personal experiences, perspectives and ideas. One thing we can no longer do is avoid the topic altogether. This week we shared the following TEDTalk with our staff: Clint Smith: The danger of silence | TED Talk
and encouraged all to feel empowered to use their voice and foster that among students as well - no one should feel they have to remain silent about their truth. Please know that any and all discussions will happen within nurturing and safe environments for all students. National Geographic Family put out an article this week supporting families to talk to their children about upsetting events. It's a wonderful resource: How do I Talk to Kids About Upsetting Events by Rachel Buchholz. We hope you find it helpful.
Lastly, I sent out a "special" Smore update inviting you to write to us about your child and things you'd like us to know as we engage in placement discussions beginning next week. These letters are due by Friday, April 30th in order to be fully considered as we plan for the coming school year.
Warmest regards,
Evemarie McNeil, Principal & Donna Johnson, Assistant Principal
NIS Staff Appreciation Week Begins May 3rd!
Contact Tracing
In the event there is community spread in a classroom, it is most likely that the entire classroom would have to go to remote learning for a period of time. This would be communicated to those impacted as soon as possible.
NIS Safety Protocols - Revised
NIS Nurse Notes: Nancy Small, RN
Hello Families!
It sure is great to have a full house again. Our students have been doing so well following the rules of wearing a mask, social distancing, and hand washing. I feel our protocols will keep us all safe and healthy. As I stated last week, it is allergy season and allergies and covid have very similar symptoms. With that being said, if your student has a documented history of allergies and takes medicine for them, please let me know. Your physician can fax or email me stating the history of allergies. Having this information will allow your student to stay in school and not have to get tested for covid if they present to me with any symptoms.
Please keep safe and healthy,
Nancy Small RN
Healthy Bodies Support Healthy Minds
We know that children's birthdays are special and that they want to share their special day with the class. This year especially, and going forward students should not bring in food items to share with the class (cupcakes, cookies, chips etc.). Most of you have been so supportive with adhering to this change in support of healthy student bodies.
If your child desires to share something with classmates for their birthday consider any one of the following: special pencils, stickers, painted shell or drawing(s). Another idea is to purchase a book for the classroom or school library in honor of your child's birthday. This is a lasting way to celebrate!
Sewer Project - Traffic Delays Possible
SEWER PROJECT UPDATES
This week's update includes:
4/25-4/30 • Sunday thru Thursday:
- Continue gravity sewer installation on Surfside Road, progressing north towards Windy Way o Commence installation of force main pipeline (#48 Surfside towards Miacomet Ave.) • Friday: Trench paving
5/2 - 5/7 • Sunday thru Thursday: Complete installation of force main pipeline to Miacomet Ave. Continue gravity sewer installation on Surfside Road, progressing north towards Backus Lane • Friday: Trench paving
Here is a link to visit for the project webpage that has very detailed information. They will regularly be updating this project webpage (weekly).
MCAS Testing at NIS
Tentative Testing Dates:
May 11 - Gr. 3 ELA
May 13 - Gr. 4 ELA
May 18 - Gr. 5 ELA
May 20 - Gr. 3 Math
May 25 - Gr. 4 Math
May 27 - Gr. 5 Math
June 3 - Gr. 5 STE
Here is a link for more information about MCAS testing: MCAS Resources for Parents/Guardians
For 2021, students will only take one session for each subject area test.
MCAS Subject Area Test for Grades 3–8
Recommended Testing Times *All tests are untimed
ELA
2 to 2 ½ hours
Mathematics
1 ½ hours
STE for Students in Grade 5
1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours
COVID-19 Travel Advisory - Still in effect
As of Monday, March 22, all visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival. Travelers in the following categories are exempt from this quarantine advisory:
- Travelers who have received a negative COVID-19 result on a test administered not more than 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts. Travelers may also test out of the quarantine advisory after arrival in Massachusetts, as long as they quarantine until receiving a negative test result.
- Anyone who is entering Massachusetts for fewer than 24 hours
- Anyone who is returning to Massachusetts after being out of the State for fewer than 24 hours
- Workers who enter Massachusetts to perform critical infrastructure functions (as specified by the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) during required commuting to or from work and while at work.
- Travelers who are fully vaccinated (i.e. who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 14 days or more ago) and who do not have symptoms.
All travelers are encouraged to consult and follow the CDC’s guidelines and requirements for travel.
April NPS Calendar
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.
NIS School Improvement Plan 20-21
NIS Return to School Safety Protocols
NIS Family Handbook 2020-2021
- English: NIS Family Handbook 2020 - 2021
- Espanol: NIS Familia Manual 2020-2021
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