The Pulse of the Pride

Lyme School Friends,

The new school year has arrived!

We are excited to get going!

There is one more detail in ALMA that needs to be completed. When you log-in, you will notice under your child's picture "Alma Start Forms and Tasks". Please complete registration for this year by looking over these documents and signing electronically by September 8th.

Please don't forget to take a look at the newsletters for important details over the course of the year.

The next newsletter will hit your inbox on September 8th.

Our first day of school is August 30th!

As always, please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions. Have a wonderful remainder of August!

Regards,

John P. D'Entremont, Principal

Dates:

8/28 - School Board sponsored Back to School Ice Cream Social at 5PM

8/30 - First Day of School

9/4 - No School

9/19 - School Picture Day

9/20 - School Picture Day Rain Date if needed

9/21 - MS Hike

10/3 - School Picture Re-takes

10/31 - Lyme School Flu Clinic Tentative Date

The Board would like to invite you to a back to school ice cream social!

Who: You!

What: Ice Cream

When: Monday, August 28th at 5pm.

Where: Lyme School Playground

Why: a lovely tradition that introduces new families to our school community, gets the kids excited to see each other and ideally eases the back to school jitters!

Our bus routes are up on the website. Please check them out if you need timing.

Our school day starts at 8AM sharp! We ask to please ensure your student is at school by 8 AM. Thank you for helping us get our day started on the right foot!

For car drop-offs, please enter the driveway, proceed as far forward as you can, and drop your student(s) off. We will have some staff outside meeting and directing students in the morning.

Please remember, students who are walking or not being dropped off in the driveway MUST use the crosswalk!

Thank you for ensuring everyone's safety in the morning!

Dismissal will start at 3 PM with our walkers and then car riders. Please remember students crossing Route 10 MUST use the crosswalk. Please meet your student outside the main entrance if you are picking up by car. Cars are not permitted in the bus loop/driveway during dismissal.

We expect walkers and car riders to depart by 3:10, so that we can dismiss our bus riders and get our buses on the road on time.

If you are going to make dismissal changes, we kindly request that you call our office by 2:30 PM, so we can ensure to get the message to your child or their teacher.

Thanks so much for a safe dismissal this year! [And don't forget, we dismiss starting at 2PM on Thursdays every Thursday.]

We do collect photos for our newsletter as well as the yearbook. If you have a photo from a school event such as the first day of school, please feel free to send to aperry@lymeschool.org or jdentremont@lymeschool.org. We have a place to store these electronically for those that work on these important celebrations! Thank You!

Sneakers are the footwear we wear in our gymnasium for PE and recess (for inclement weather). Please ensure your children (especially our oldest) have a pair at school.

We highly encourage all students to bring a water bottle to school with them every day.

If you haven't checked out school supplies, you can find the list on the website.

We have a lost & found, but when items are labeled we can reunite them with their owners. Please help us get your child's belongings back to you by labeling items.

On our first day of school, we will be doing a similar routine to last year. Please bring your students to the path from the parking lot to our soccer field. Teachers will be waiting on the field where students will greet them and their classmates. Parents/Guardians will congregate on the playground along the path and watch our 8th graders parade into the building followed by Kindergarten through 7th graders at 8:00 AM. Parents/Guardians and community members will wait for all to pass and then go around to meet all grades at the front of the school for the traditional 8th grade bell ringing (please refrain from walking through the school). We hope you will join us! After the bell ringing, all students will enter the school with their advisors and teachers to commence their first day.

If it is raining, all students will report to the gym on the first morning and middle school students will come out of the building for the bell ringing a little past 8AM and then reenter the school afterwards.

August 25, 2023

Dear Parents and Caregivers:

Thank you to those who filled out the Lunch Survey last June.

We hear you and acknowledge that our program could improve in terms of offering fresher, less processed items. We too want our program to be better, and we are committed to that aim, but it won’t be accomplished immediately. Fresh Picks read your very honest comments and is also committed to improvement this year.

Food prices have gone up as you all know, and we are challenging Fresh Picks to balance lunch affordability with the best of what is available within those parameters.

Each day there will be a main entrée (A) that can be purchased in 2 sizes: Regular** at $4.25 per student, or Large at $5.25. In addition there will be 2 other choices (B & C) per day available in Regular size only, and always including a vegetarian option. Each meal includes:

Choice of Entree A, B, or C, a milk, a side and a piece of fruit.

Your kiddos do not have to take all the items, and can refuse a vegetable side for instance if they don’t want it. Certainly we find that when we dish out broccoli, most of it winds up in the garbage. If that means we need to find more palatable ways to prepare broccoli and the like, please know that is part of our goal this year.

Thanks again for your comments.

Please be in touch with questions.

Remember to fill out a Free & Reduced application if you think you qualify. The application will be included in student packets and updated on the website by the first day of school.

Best,

Kristen Clark

SAU 76 Lyme School District

603.795.4431, ext 142

**For those families that qualify for Free & Reduced price meals, please advise your kiddos to get the Regular size lunch entrée as it is what is covered by the program. You will receive a bill for the difference if your kiddos get the large size.

This year, we will be using ALMA as our student information system.

By now, you should have received an activation email as well as a test emergency alert.

Please double check your contact information and let us know if you have any changes or if there is anything else that doesn't look right.

If you have not received an email and still are not into the system, please contact Amanda Perry.

Please complete the ALMA Start registration process for your children by September 8th.

If you are interested in the web app for your mobile device, we have included those instructions below as well for your convenience.

If you have trouble, please reach out to Amanda Perry or John D'Entremont. We have included a simple accessing guide below.

This year, we are shifting to a consistent five day schedule for students, staff, and families. The school has run 5 day schedules in the past.

What does this mean for our lower schoolers K-5?

Lower schoolers can expect a similar schedule to last year in that they will have long academic blocks for math and ELA every day. Their specials will fall on specific days all year. Students will know which day of the week they have art, design lab, library, music, and PE because it will always be the same.

What does this mean for our middle schoolers 6-8?

Middle schoolers will have shorter blocks and see all of their teachers every day. Their classes will rotate each day, for example, a child may have math first period on Monday but the class will shift to second period on Tuesday and then third period on Wednesday. Students will have electives on certain days and call back on certain days. The schedule overall will be more predictable and consistent for the students.

Ms. Chase moves to us from up north. She taught at Woodsville High School last year and Haverhill Cooperative Middle School before that. She considers herself a lifelong math learner who has taught math to students in grades 2 through 12. Ms. Chase worked with some of our students during our summer program this summer and is excited to be joining the Lyme School community!

Ms. Fox is a NH native; she grew up in Nashua and lived in Hollis for most of her adult life. She taught at Hollis-Brookline Middle School for ten years, starting in the Special Education department prior to teaching eighth-grade English for nine years. Ms. Fox is a mother to two adult children, Sydney and Jack, who live in San Diego and Seattle, respectively. In her free time, Ms. Fox enjoys many hobbies such as mountain climbing, traveling, reading, baking, and attending theater productions. She is thrilled to join the Lyme School community!

Mr. Tetley joins our school as the new facilities director. Mr. Tetley is moving south to Lyme from SAU 23 after 15 years in their maintenance department. He started several weeks ago and has already met a number of folks. He is glad to be joining the Lyme School community!

Ms. Ricker is originally from Ryegate, VT and is a retired school nurse. She earned her nursing degree at the Vermont College of Norwich University and also studied at the Vermont State University, Castleton Campus. She will be joining us as an EA in the Middle School. Ms. Ricker currently lives in Vershire, has one daughter and loves gardening and flowers.

The start of a new school year is an important time for parents, caregivers, educators, and millions of students across the country. As you look ahead to a safe return to the classroom this fall, take advantage of federal resources and school safety information available through SchoolSafety.gov.

SchoolSafety.gov was created to empower districts and schools in creating and sustaining safe and supportive learning environments for students and educators. Through the site, the American public and school communities can access more than 485 resources and evidence-based practices, which can be used to help inform and support school safety plans, programs, and initiatives. These resources address a range of school safety issues and include information on bullying prevention, student mental health support and services, child exploitation and online safety, school climate, emergency planning and exercises, and preventing acts of targeted and community violence.

In support of back-to-school season, SchoolSafety.gov launched a dedicated Back-to-School Campaign to help members of the K-12 community feel empowered, equipped, and prepared to make a safe return to the classroom. The campaign provides a variety of resources, including a video, communications toolkit, and infographics, to help schools learn more about how to enhance school safety, access support, and join with others across the country in creating safer schools and communities. This fall let’s all commit to #BacktoSchoolSafety. Join the SchoolSafety.gov Back-to-School Campaign and explore SchoolSafety.gov today.

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

Lyme School Community,

Welcome returning and new students and families to the 2023-2024 school year. Please refer to the following information from the Nursing Health Office.

Additional School Nurse information can be found on the Lyme School website under the Student Support tab.

Staffing:

The Nurse's office is staffed Monday-Friday by a Registered Nurse. Please email nurse@lymeschool.org and/or call the Main Office 795-2125 if your child is absent from school due to illness or injury.

Duties include Nursing care, Health Screening, Medication administration, First Aid, Emergency care, Individualized Health Planning, Health Education, and collaborative work with families, teachers, special education services, our guidance counselor and behavioral coach.

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

Matthew Greenway RN BSN: Wednesday/as needed coverage

Celeste McCool RN BSN: Wednesday/as needed coverage

Medication Administration:

If your child requires emergency medications (epipen, inhaler, etc.) to be kept securely in the Nurse's office, please contact nurse@lymeschool.org to set up a time to deliver the medication along with an updated allergy or asthma action plan from your child's Healthcare Provider.

Returning students need an updated allergy or asthma action plan at the start of each school year.

For daily medication administration, please complete and return the forms below with your child's Healthcare provider.

All medications need to be dropped off before the first day of school and important forms are below:

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/142283/Authorization_for_Medication_Administration_Form.pdf

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/142284/Medication_or_Procedure_Order_Form.pdf

Student Influenza Vaccine Clinic:

The Flu Clinic for students will be held this year at Lyme School on Tuesday, October 31 2023 during the school day. Registration forms will be provided as we get closer to this date.

COVID-19 Information:

Please review the provided links regarding COVID-19 recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC):

• Individuals who are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19 should isolate at home and follow CDC's recommendations Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19

• What to do if you were Exposed to COVID-19

The Lyme School Nurse's office is here to support you and your child and to promote healthy outcomes for students and staff.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns you or your student may have regarding the upcoming school year.

We look forward to a new school year and appreciate your cooperation.

Kati Miller RN BSN

Hello Lyme Families!

Hope everyone had a wonderful summer :-) I thoroughly enjoyed mine with my family!

For those who are new to our school - sending you a warm welcome!

My name is Rachel Stanton and I am the school counselor here at Lyme. To learn a bit more about our program, I hope you take a moment to check out the Lyme School Counseling Website - here is a place to find information about me, our SEL curriculum, helpful resources, and my contact information.

The transition from summer back to school is significant - lots of emotions ranging from worry to excitement. It is important to remind ourselves and our kids that all feelings are normal and expected especially when new and different things come into the frame! We quickly remember that humans’ ability to adapt and respond to our changing environment is pretty incredible - so this is another opportunity to showcase our awesome flexibility!

AND, There are surely things we can do with our children to help with that transition:

Set Up Routines (Kidshealth, 2022)

To help ease back-to-school nerves, get kids into a consistent school-night routine before school starts. Also make sure that they:

• Get enough sleep. Set a reasonable bedtime (before 9 p.m.) so that they'll be rested and ready to learn in the morning. Consistent bedtime routines go a long way in helping kids have a great day at school.

• Eat a healthy breakfast. They're more alert and do better in school if they eat a good breakfast every day.

• Write down or discuss the need-to-know info and go over their after school plans.

• Use a family wall calendar and check out their googleclassroom/agenda/assignment book/teacher newsletters to note when assignments are due, special days/events, tests will be given, extracurricular practices and rehearsals will be held, etc. This is most successful when caregivers and students are both connecting about this.

• Help them organize and set out what they need the night before. Homework and books can be put in their backpacks by the door and clothes can be laid out in their bedrooms with them - find ways for kids to have choices and participate. As students get older, they will surely demonstrate more independence with these tasks and having them participate at different stages along the way will set them up for success and foster super duper life skills.

If you're concerned that your child's worries go beyond the normal back-to-school jitters, speak with your child's doctor, teacher, or school counselor. Here is a link to some other great resources you can check out as you and your family gear up for the school year and beyond!

As always, throughout the year, I encourage you to please reach out any time if you have concerns about your student, if there are changes going on in your family that would be helpful for us at school to know, or if you have any needs or insights regarding the school counseling program.
I look forward to meeting you or seeing you and your students again!

With Gusto!
Mrs. Stanton (Rachel)
rstanton@lymeschool.org
603-795-2125 ext 105

Hello, Lyme School families,

I hope you have had a wonderful summer and enjoyed some rest, relaxation, and perhaps a good book. For those of you who are new, welcome! My name is Becky Neuroth and I am the Library Media Specialist at the Lyme School. This is my sixteenth year in education and my third year teaching at The Lyme School. I am a Lyme School parent of two first graders and I also have a fifteen month old.

As Dr. D shared in his last newsletter, the school and town share a collection which is housed mainly across the street from the school. We have a small collection of books here in the Library Commons, from young adult and early readers to graphic novels, non-fiction, and a wide range of picture books. I see Kindergarten through fourth grade students in the Library Commons weekly. These are times dedicated to learning about the library and how it works, sharing read alouds, and checking out books. Students will also learn how to use the library catalog, as well as research and tech tools.

Grades five through eight have access to the collection in the Library Commons daily, either in the morning, during breaks, or during a class with permission. Students can browse and check books out, or place books on hold. I integrate into all grades as needed to support curriculum with book talks and book collections, as well as co-teaching research and inquiry skills.

Throughout the year, I will highlight student learning and continue to share the happenings in regards to the library media program. Another place you can find information is the Lyme School Library website, which has information for both students and parents, and is constantly evolving. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions or resources.

Best,

Becky Neuroth

Library Media Specialist

bneuroth@lymschool.org

Coming Soon!!!

Coming Soon!!!

More photos coming soon!!!

Happy last week of summer vacation!

The PTO would like for you to save the date for 3 upcoming events:

1. First Day Welcome Boo-hoo/ Woo-Hoo Breakfast: Wednesday, August 30th

This is a breakfast specifically geared to Kinder parents, but all are welcome to join in first-day jitters and joys.

2. The First PTO Meeting of the Year: Thursday, September 7th at 6:30 at Stella's in Lyme.

Come learn about how we enrich the Lyme School community through various programs and events throughout the year. We'll be talking about what the PTO is, what we do, and the upcoming events. We are currently using a project-based model for PTO involvement. Volunteers work in small teams, reporting to the PTO leadership for guidance and help. There are a variety of roles to fill, so you can be as involved as you like! Looking forward to seeing you on the 7th!

3. The Lyme School Back-To-School Picnic Potluck: Saturday, September 16th from 4-7 pm on the Lyme Town Common

This is a chance for everyone in the Lyme School community (teachers, staff, and current/alumni families) to get together and celebrate both the start of the school year and our amazing, diverse community with good food, good company, and lawn games. We encourage you to bring a dish to share that's meaningful to your family. To promote sustainability, it will be a picnic event where you bring picnic gear (blankets/utensils/plates/drinks) and pick a spot in the grass with friends, both old and new! More information to follow.

Lastly, the PTO is currently looking to expand our leadership team! The Vice Chair, Secretary, and Fundraising Committee Head positions are vacant, so if you think you'd be a great fit for any of these roles or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out at PTO@Lymeschool.org.

Will take place on September 21st, 2023 at the School.

Topic: Lyme School Board Meeting

Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

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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