Bare Necessities
Pierce Newsletter ~ October 16, 2022 ~
Principal's Message
Dear Pierce Families,
Happy wonderful fall weekend! You may notice that in this issue of the newsletter there is an article written by students. Teachers are being encouraged to have students write articles, poems, updates or provide work samples to demonstrate learning. What better way to see what is happening inside Pierce than to hear directly from the students themselves!
We are excited to announce that baby turtles have returned to Pierce. Susie Spikol was back this week to teach a new group of third graders about turtles and the talk of turtles is all the buzz throughout the school. We will be naming the turtles together this week.
Reminder: Clothing - LAYERS
If there is one thing we can count on in New England, it is the ever changing weather. Please remember to send your child to school with multiple layers that they can shed as the day may warm up. Sweatshirts, jackets, hats and mittens are extremely helpful to send with your child each day. If you are in need of any of these items, we understand the kids grow out of seasonal items quickly, do not hesitate to contact the main office if you need seasonal items.
Special: Next week our special is Library. Welcome back, Miss Brett!
Warmest regards,
Beth Gibney — Principal
Grade 1 - Numers to 10, Stellaluna and STEM
In literacy we have been reviewing all of the short vowel sounds and digraphs. We have also been learning about different story elements such as character and setting when listening to a story. In science we will be focusing on animal adaptations as we learn about bats and owls. This week we will be doing a lot of fun activities with the story Stellaluna. In writing we have been learning about writing sentences. On Friday we did a fun activity about bare bones sentences.
We have also been working on working together as a team. One of our favorite things to do is structure building with cups of various sizes. We have to work together to make the biggest structure they can using all of their cups. Everyone loves working together!
Baby Turtles Come Back to Pierce
Baby Turtles Come Back to Pierce School
Written by: Merrick and Felicity
Edited by: Ms. Sutton
The baby turtles have come back to third grade. “Ms. Sutton’s third grade class will have the chance to help them survive in the wild,” says Merrick Lyons. Felicity wants everyone to know that we will raise them all year.
They will be released to the wild in late May or early June. We will help them grow so they will have a better chance to escape predators. Everyone should know that these turtles are not our pets and people should never take animals out of the wild and keep them. They should not purchase animals as pets and then release them either. Ms. Sutton hopes that by raising these delicate wild animals, the students will learn how to research, collect data and care for our natural world. “The turtles help us learn in so many ways, and it is our job to pay it forward and respect their local habitat.” A special thank you goes out to Susie Spikol of the Harris Center for Conservation Education for helping to provide us this opportunity for a second year.
Title 1 Newsletter
STILL TIME TO REGISTER! Fun Run / Walk 5K October 28th 9:00AM
Registration up to check in at the event
Dash for a playground!
Register up to the morning of the race!
Come support the Pierce School PTO in raising funds towards a new playground.
This race will feature a loop of about 3.5 miles, half on the road, and half on the Bennington rail trail. The course has two small hills and is otherwise flat. Refreshments and baked goods after the race.
Walkers: 9:00 am - Runners: 9:30am - Kids Run: 10:15AM
Registration: $25, The first 50 registrants recieve a commemorative t-shirt.
Registration can be found in this link.
Want to donate more? Click here!
S.E.L.- Behavioral Support - Corner
Happy beautiful fall weekend!
I hope everyone is able to enjoy the beautiful weather coming this weekend and stay healthy despite the many colds and illnesses now going around! Here are some great resources for this week.
Resource of the Week:
- Smart But Scattered Kids - Dr. Peg Dawson (from New Hampshire!) is a leading expert in executive functioning and supporting students so that they can be more successful. On her website, she has several free resources, and also talks about the books she has written, which are fantastic at helping students both in and out of school. I have all of her books and would be happy to lend them out to anyone interested!
Article of the Week:
- Executive Functioning Skills Practice at Home - This article breaks down different skills that can be practiced at home and how, with many ideas, as well as links to learn more about executive functioning. These activities can directly support students' organization and other skills while at school.
Family Activity:
- Family Dinner - instead of a specific activity, this week I encourage you to pick a night to have dinner together as a family and do something together around the same time. Whether you have time for a board game together after dinner or only time to do an activity together over dinner, I encourage you to give it a try. Research has shown that students who are able to sit down and have dinner together as a family, are much more likely to be successful in school. (It can be super hard with work and after school activities, but even once a week is GREAT!). One easy game to play - tell a story around the table - each person shares one sentence, adding to the story as you take turns going around the table. Stories can become silly and fun!
Have a wonderful weekend and great week ahead!
Kristina Styren, School Psychologist
ConVal News Blog
The ConVal School District has news blog to serve as a hub for the latest updates, information and news about the district’s schools, students, faculty, events and accomplishments.
The blog, ConValNews.com is integrated into the schools and District’s Facebook and Twitter accounts and will automatically broadcast news blog content onto these platforms, connecting directly with the district community.
With a clean, user-friendly and mobile responsive layout, the news blog allows for easy navigation throughout. It can be accessed on computers, cell phones and tablets. Community members can subscribe and be notified by email when new posts are published.
Parents/guardians, students, staff, and community members should still utilize the district’s main website, Convalsd.net, to access the District-wide calendar of events, contact information, school committee meeting notices and minutes, important documents and notices and to view general information about the district and its schools.
COMING SOON - PODCAST
Bear Den Broadcast
The Pierce PTO will be sponsering the sale of MUMS as their kick off fundraiser. All proceeds will support the NEW PLAYGROUND FUND. Mums will be delivered to the school in mid-September. Order Details will be sent val email prior to August 22nd.
2022 - 2023 District Calendar
RESOURCE: Fuel Assistance Application
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE SERVICES, INC.
Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties
P. O. BOX 5040 MANCHESTER, NH 03108- 5040
FUEL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2022-2023
This is an EARLY REGISTRATION for households that applied for Fuel Assistance last year. Eligibility is usually based on the household income for a 30-day period. Complete the application and send it back to us with accompanying documentation before 4/30/2023.
1. To apply by MAIL please do the following:
- Complete both sides of the application form.
- List everyone actually living in your home at the time that you fill out the form.
- Report all income for everyone in your household during the same 30 day period.
- Send proof of all income received for the last 30 days prior to the date that you send in the application. Send in last 6 weekly or the last 3 biweekly stubs. Documentation that you send in, checks, payroll stubs, bank statements, award letters, and wage forms, etc. must be for income received after July 1st, 2022 and received in the last 30 days before you mail us your application.
- Send in a complete signed copy of the 2021 Federal Tax Return (Form 1040) for each adult in your household.
- Send in copies of the Social Security cards for all the members of your household.
- If one or both parents are not in the household, please fill in the top part of the Child Support Verification Form.
- If you need additional wage or child support forms, pick them up at one of our outreach offices.
- If you rent and your heat is included, send in the completed Landlord Verification Form. Your application will be denied for insufficient documentation if you are a renter and we do not have your completed form as this is a mandatory form for all renters with heat included.
- If you are behind on your rent or mortgage, please provide a statement from your landlord or mortgage company showing the amount you are behind.
- If you receive Food Stamps, send us a copy of your most recent award letter with all pages.
- Please request and send in a 12 month usage history from your vendor if you heat with oil, propane or kerosene.
- Please write in your primary fuel type and indicate how much fuel you have in your tank at this time.
- Although the Fuel Assistance Program can only pay for permanently installed electric heat, you may still apply for The Electric Assistance Program for non-heating electricity needs.
- If there is a supplementary benefit this year, it can only go to your primary fuel vendor.
- SIGN THE APPLICATION. We cannot process it without your signature.
- This application should be filled out and returned to us immediately through the mail.
- Please note: We will be processing applications this summer before the official opening of the program. You may receive a letter, an email or a phone call asking you for additional information. We cannot process an application until we have all the necessary information and documentation per the program rules. Thank you for your cooperation.
- A secured drop box has been installed at all Resource Centers to make it easier to get documents to us.
2. To apply On-Line:
· Please visit www.snhs.org/programs/energy-programs/low-income-home-energy and print out the Program Year 23 Fuel Assistance application and return to SNHS via mail or the drop box located at each Resource Center.
PLEASE READ!
The level of federal funding for next winter’s Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) may not be known for several months. You will not receive written notification of your eligibility until NH has received notification of available funds. You WILL receive written notification if your application is incomplete or your household has been denied for any reason. Please complete and submit your FAP application for the 2022-2023 heating season as soon as possible. COMPLETE applications that meet all FAP requirements will be certified as eligible. We cannot pay any bills until the program officially opens generally on December 1st, 2022.
Resource Centers that are open from 8:30 to 4:30 daily by phone.
40 Pine Street in Manchester 647–4470 or 1-800-322-1073
134 Allds Street in Nashua 889–3440 or 1-877-211-0723
9 Vose Farm Rd in Peterborough 924–2243 or 1-877-757-7048
9 Crystal Avenue in Derry 965–3029 or 1-855-295-4105
55 Prescott Road in Raymond 895–2303 or 1-800-974-2303
146 Lafayette Road in Seabrook 474–3507 or 1-800-979-3507
4 Cutts Street Suite 1A in Portsmouth 436-3896 or 1-800-639-3896
85 Stiles Rd, Suite 103 in Salem 893-9172 or 1-800-939-9172
SNHS FUEL & ELECTRIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPLICATION 2022-2023
Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties
If you wish to apply BY MAIL, fill in FRONT and BACK of this application and return to: Southern New Hampshire Services, Inc., Fuel Assistance Program, P.O. Box 5040, Manchester, NH 03108-5040. Application must be received by or before 4/30/23.
Please print clearly on all sections of the form. You must sign the application on the reverse side.
List the names, sex (M or F), Social Security numbers (SSN) and date of birth (DOB) of ALL the people who live in your home. For each member of the household write Yes or No if they have Health Insurance (private, Medicare or Medicaid) and if they are working. If in school write current grade or last grade completed.
NAME Sex SSN
1.__ ________________ /_____ #___________ DOB _________ Insur_______ Work____ School_______
2._____________________________ /_____ #________________ DOB ________ Insur____ Work____ School______
3._____________________________/ ____ #_______________ DOB _______ Insur____ Work____ School______
4._____________________________ /_____#________________ DOB _________ Insur____ Work____ School______
TOTAL # OF PEOPLE living in your house in the last 30 days: __4____ Add a sheet for more people.
YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION:
Street: ______________Apt #______________City: _____NH Zip: ________-_____
Mailing if different: Street ____________Same_________ City: ____________ Zip: _______-_____
Is this a new address? Yes ( ) No ( ) Phone #:____ 0_____Message/Cell #_________________
Email address for additional information if needed: _________________________________________
WEATHERIZATION: Would you like to have your home or apartment weatherized? Yes ( ) No ( x )
See enclosed program description. Renters must have a signed Landlord Tenant Agreement.
HOUSING INFORMATION:
House type: Single _______Duplex ___Multi (3+) family ___ Condo___ Mobile home ___Room ___
TOTAL # of rooms you have: ____Do not count halls, bathrooms, pantries and closets.
Have you lived in this location for one year or more? Yes ( ) No ( )
HEATING FUEL SECTION: Fuel Type: _________Your Fuel Co.: _____________ Account #____________
Have you used this vendor for the last 12 months? Yes ( ) No ( )
How much fuel is in your tank now: __________When was your last delivery? __________
If you heat with Natural Gas or Electricity: Is your service currently disconnected? Yes ( ) No ( )
Do you have a disconnect notice? Yes ( ) No ( )
**Only permanently installed electric heat bills can be paid.
Do you own your home? Yes ( ) No ( ) Monthly Mortgage amount $_____________
Owners, please send in a current mortgage statement.
Do you rent? ** Yes ( ) No ( x ) Full Monthly Rental amount $________________
**RENTERS: a COMPLETED & SIGNED Landlord Verification Form is MANDATORY for renter with heat included**
Your Fuel Assistance application will be denied if you don’t provide the Landlord Verification form.
Does an agency help you pay your rent? Yes ( ) No ( x ) Your monthly portion of the rent $___________
Is heat included in the rent? Yes ( ) No ( )
ELECTRIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: This is the program that provides a monthly discount on your electric bill. Would you like to apply for the Electric Assistance Program at this time?
Yes ( ) No ( x ) Electric Utility: ____________________________ Account #:______________________
TAX RETURN: Send in a complete, signed copy of the 2021 tax return for each adult in the household. DNF
SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS: Send in copies of Social Security cards for everyone in the household.
DO YOU GET FOOD STAMPS (SNAP)? Yes ( ) No ( x ) If yes, send a complete copy of the Food Stamp letter.
INCOME SECTION: Please check the types of income received by all in your household. You must send in proof of all income received and make sure your name is on the documents.
□ DHHS: For TANF: NHEP, FAP or IDP; FWOC, APTD, ANB and OAA, send in a complete copy of your most recent decision letter. (All pages’ front and back)
□ CHILD SUPPORT: Complete the enclosed child support form and send in proof of total amount received
and/or paid in the last 30 days.
□ DISABILITY: For Workers Compensation, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Veteran’s benefit, send in proof of total gross amount received in the last 30 days.
□ EMPLOYMENT: Send in copy of last 6 weekly or 3 bi-weekly pay stubs for each household member.
□ SELF EMPLOYMENT: If any member of this household is self-employed, a signed 2021 Tax Return and
all attending schedules are required.
□ RENTAL INCOME: if any member of this household has rental income, a signed 2021 Tax Return is
required. If you do not file a tax return, please call your local outreach office for additional instructions.
□ For any PENSION: Send in proof of total gross amount received in last 30 days.
□ For any Retirement Fund Disbursement (IRA, 401K, 403B, SEP etc.): Send in proof of total gross amount withdrawn in the last 365 days, from the date of your signed application.
□ SOCIAL SECURITY: Send in a copy of the check or the most recent award letter or current bank statement (all pages) for total amount received monthly for each person receiving Social Security, SSDI and SSI payments.
□ UNEMPLOYMENT: Send in copies of the last 6 pay stubs for each person receiving unemployment pay.
□ INTEREST / DIVIDEND: Send in the most recent bank statements for all accounts to show total amount received in last 30 days. Include interest on CD’s, investment accounts, etc.
□ OTHER INCOME: Not listed above, fill in the spaces below and send the documentation (copies of checks, check stubs, benefit letters, etc.) when you return this form:
Income Type: 1. __________________________ 2. ____________________________
Release and Conditions:
I understand that this application is only a request for assistance. No assistance can be provided until the application is completed and approved. I understand that assistance is based on the availability of funds. I authorize the Fuel and Weatherization Assistance Programs to contact any necessary third party in order to verify my household income and any other information necessary to determine my eligibility for assistance. I authorize the Fuel Assistance Program to obtain a record of my annual energy consumption, costs and billing information from my heating and electric company for purposes of program operation and evaluation. I authorize the Community Action Agency to provide my household data to their internal information systems for the purpose of program evaluation and reporting. I authorize the Fuel Assistance Program to call the listed vendor/landlord in the event of an energy emergency. I understand that a final determination of eligibility for the Weatherization Program does not take place until a home energy audit has been completed by certified Weatherization Program personnel. I understand that the information that I am providing is for the purpose of determining my eligibility for the Fuel and/or Weatherization Assistance Program(s). I understand that if I knowingly give inaccurate or incomplete information pertaining to my eligibility for the program(s), I am breaking the law and can be prosecuted; conviction may result in imprisonment and/or fine. Furthermore, I may be subject to administrative penalties which may include denial of eligibility and/or repayment of the assistance I received. The information that I have provided for this application process is true and correct. NH’s Fuel and Weatherization Assistance Programs prohibit discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status and physical or mental disability.
In addition, I authorize the Electric Assistance Program to contact any necessary third party in order to verify my household income, electric usage or costs and any other information necessary to determine my eligibility for assistance. I understand that a final determination of eligibility for the Weatherization or Power Assist @ Home Program does not take place until certified Program personnel have completed a home energy audit. Further, I understand that this benefit is provided to assist our household in making full and timely payments on my electric bill.
We cannot process this application without your signature:
Signature Adult 1: ______________________________________ Date: _______________________
Signature Adult 2: ______________________________________ Date: _______________________
This is an early registration. We may send you a notice requesting additional information.
If you wish to apply later, you must schedule an appointment for a phone interview.
Please note: No payments will be made prior to the opening of the 2022/2023 Program, generally on December 1, 2022. The Fuel Assistance Program can only pay bills for fuel delivered after October 1, 2022 and for metered utilities (electric heat, natural gas and metered propane) billed after November 1, 2022.
If you have any questions about this application, please call us:
Manchester: 647- 4470 Nashua: 889- 3440 Peterborough: 924- 2243 Derry: 965- 3029
Raymond: 895- 2303 Seabrook: 474- 3507 Salem: 893- 9172 Portsmouth: 436- 3896
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Pierce School - Bennington, NH
Email: bgibney@conval.edu
Website: https://bes.convalsd.net/
Location: Pierce Elementary School, Main Street, Bennington, NH, USA
Phone: (603)588-2131