NIS Weekly News
Nantucket Intermediate School - April 20
Finding a Routine and Family Plan that Works
Dear Committed NIS Families,
As week two unfolded there were some positives with adjusting schedules and developing routines, as well as further recognition that for many of our families, engaging in remote learning is challenging! So many of you are feeling ill-equipped for the role of "home teacher" or "teaching assistant" as it's not your training. Many of you have tremendous skill with the how-to of supporting your children with learning, but the struggle is their motivation to engage in the learning and/or your schedule with needing to work from home too. All of these challenges are real and we want you to know that your NIS School Family gets it.
The state department of education calls for districts to provide required remote learning. So just what does "required" mean? This is the question that we as a school and a school district are working to define. Our staff have worked so hard to provide children with both live learning opportunities and independent learning opportunities. They've provided structure and routine in the form of suggested schedules including class and small group meeting times. Many families are appreciative of the routine and structure provided and their students are responding well to these learning experiences. Other families are challenged by connectivity issues, wondering what learning experiences are required versus optional, and if schedules are flexible to allow families to meet the needs of their children and the adults who are supporting them at home. This is a complex issue with a wide spectrum of family responses to remote learning.
Here is what we need you to know:
1. Our primary concern during this time is the social/emotional well-being of your child. We fully understand that our students will not successfully engage in learning if they do not feel safe, secure and supported. We want to connect with them virtually to remind them of how important they are to their teachers and that they are an important member of our classroom and school families.
2. If your child does not want to connect with their school/class/teacher please reach out to the teacher or a school counselor. We truly want to understand what is going on and how we can support you and them.
3. The academic tasks are designed to prevent regression of skills, provide routine, and take minds off of all the worries COVID-19 brings to students and families - shift their thinking to other things. We understand that the impact of schools closing and work places shutting down brings a whole host of other worries and pressures to families. We also want the provided academic tasks to be meaningful and individualized so our students can complete them with minimal home support.
4. We need you to reach out to individual teachers, counselors, and even administrators to share how it's really going. Remember, we know this is challenging, so you reaching out to tell us exactly what is challenging will assist us in making adjustments as we move forward. We also want to provide individualized support to you and your child when it comes to developing a plan that will work for your family. Now, more than ever, your collaboration is necessary to provide "required" learning while simultaneously keeping our focus on the physical, social, and emotional well-being of your children.
Thank you for all you are doing! Thank you for being our partners.
We miss you all!
Evemarie McNeil, Principal mcneile@npsk.org
Donna Johnson, Assistant Principal johnsond@npsk.org
Message from our Social Worker - Ms. Rosenberg
We recognize that like the variety of experiences families are having related to remote learning, our families are having a wide variety of responses to the overall impact of COVID-19 on our community. Some families might be in need of assistance in providing for their families and others might be looking for ways to help and find purpose. We have compiled a list of different opportunities both to receive assistance and provide support in different ways across the community. Please reach out if there is anything we can do or if you are aware of additional information you would like to see us share.
Nantucket Food-Fuel-Rental Assistance --- https://www.assistnantucket.org
Nantucket Culinary Center is offering buy one give one for their family meals. If you are interested in purchasing a meal click here: https://nantucketculinary.com
If you are in need of a free meal please click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9ozRLWoaXIJ3aiSxp7AayARfyhIm3pifmEJ2W5iHfcrkz0A/viewform
Health Resources:
Fairwinds - https://www.fairwindscenter.org/fairwinds-corona-response/
Free drop-in Zoom support meetings:
Groups 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
How: Click on this zoom link to join any meeting: https://zoom.us/j/994360705
Groups 4:00-5:00 p.m. (individual Zoom log-ins, see below)
Mondays: From 4-5 p.m. Un grupo de apoyo gratuito en español:
El Grupo Creando Calmate ayuda a lidiar con la ansiedad y el estrés
Creating Calm Support Group in Spanish. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/712149785Thursdays: From 4-5 p.m. Teen Recovery Group offering support and answers to teens ages 14-21 in a non-judgmental, open forum. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/790603392
Gosnold- Teletherapy support and Mobile Crisis (877) 784-6273.
A Safe Place - 508- 228-2111 https://www.asafeplacenantucket.org
Nantucket Cottage Hospital -- Still open for same day appointments. Call ahead as they are working to keep potential Covid-19 patients separated from the general patient population. 508-825-1000
Utility Services COVID-19 response:
Wannacomet Water Company
No late fees, penalties or interest will be charged at this time: https://www.wannacomet.org
National Grid
Payment options and support services : https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Default.aspx
Comcast: Will not disconnect internet for nonpayment (and other assistance plans) Contact directly for more information: https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19
Verizon: Contact for specific offers of assistance: https://www.verizon.com/about/news/verizon-helps-eliminate-worry
Emergency Child Care:
Emergency drop-in child care programs are opening to provide emergency, back-up, drop-in child care for vulnerable families and members of essential workforces who have no other option. Parents and guardians working from home are not a priority for emergency child care. Likewise, if you have alternate child care, such as friends or family, you should not contact these programs. (from https://eeclead.force.com/apex/EEC_ChildCareEmergencyFAQParents)
Nantucket Locations: (See chart below)
School Counselor Information
School Counselor Office Hours
Monday: Miss. Adams from 10am to 12pm
Tuesday: Mr. Peckham from 10am to 12pm
Wednesday: Miss. Adams from 10am to 12pm
Thursday: Mr.Peckham from 10am to 12pm
Friday: Miss Adams and Mr. Peckham from 10am to 12pm.
Students, caregivers, parents, and families may call in to either School Counselor at those times. If these times do not work for you please contact the School Counselors to Schedule an appointment.
Ms. Adams: 774-333-2017 adamsv@npsk.org
Zoom Meeting: zoom.us/j/952032798 Password: NISRULES
Mr. Peckham: 508-348-9332 peckhama@npsk.org
Zoom Meeting: zoom.us/j/6919371321 Password: NISRULES
Want to reach our Social Worker? Here is her contact information:
Ms. Alexandra Rosenberg: 508-257-1783 rosenberga@npsk.org
Fairwinds Corona Response
NIS Trimester II Report Cards Ready to View in ASPEN
Trimester II report cards are now ready to view in ASPEN. They will not be printed and mailed home. If you don’t know your ASPEN password please reach out to Katie Bedell, BedellK@npsk.org or Emily Murphy, Murphye@npsk.org. You will need this password to access your child’s report card in ASPEN. They are also willing to walk you through how to access the report card online.
From the Desk of our School Nurse
Dear NIS Community,
This week I would like to talk about the hardest job I have and that’s being a parent! Yes, my children are young adults or parents themselves, but I am still their mother. I have my daughter here at home “attending” a state university from her bedroom. The middle son is in an apartment in Worcester “attending” a different state university and the oldest son is in CT “homeschooling” his children because my daughter in-law is a nurse on the front lines. No matter their ages, I still think/worry about them constantly and want to help them as much as I can.
One thing I have learned over the years is this, if my cup is empty, then I have nothing to give. Let me repeat that, if my cup is empty, then I have nothing to give. During these unprecedented times of being at home 24/7, dealing with a pandemic, and having to learn how to navigate “remote learning” is daunting and overwhelming, to say the least. Self care for a parent is imperative and crucial at this time. Self care is NOT being selfish or superficial. Self care is saying “no”, because it is okay to say no. Self care is going for a walk outside, reading a book, or watching the sunset at the beach. Self care is whatever fills your cup.
So NIS parents I am asking you to fill your cups daily. Take 15 minutes for yourselves. It’s okay to ask for help if needed. Give yourselves grace. Do what you have to do to take care of yourselves. Our students need you now more than ever and they are taking their cues from you. Below are a few suggestions here on island that I thought were helpful in filling my cup. But again, self care is whatever works for you.
Dharma Yoga https://dharmayoganantucket.com/- has online classes
Nantucket Cycling and Fitness http://nantucketfitness.com/- has pre recorded classes
NantucketConservation Foundation https://www.nantucketconservation.org/ has a free app “ACKtrails” This app has many hiking/walking trails and been a lifesaver for me!!
Until next time, stay strong, healthy and stay 6 feet apart!
Nancy Small RN
Ms. Nancy Small available daily to answer your medical questions Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Start with an email to smalln@npsk.org and Ms. Small will email or call you back.
Specialist Teachers' Learning Activities
Check back weekly for updated learning activities!
Please know each of our specialists have Parent and Student Connection hours too! Just email the specialist teacher you want to connect with to learn when the are available virtually.
Art - Heldj@npsk.org
Library - myerso@npsk.org
Music - sheppards@npsk.org
Physical education - gardnerg@npsk.org
Spanish - nashz@npsk.org
SEL - see counselor information above
Enrichment - baskettf@npsk.org
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
Family Input Regarding Class Placement 2020
Please see the attached guidance for writing a letter about class placement for the 2020-2021 school year below. Thank you for sharing your letter/email with me by this Friday, April 24th. mcneile@npsk.org
Information About Special Needs Advisory Council Attached Below...
Reminder about Netiquette and How You Can Help
We have seen some new challenges that online learning can bring pertaining to "Netiquette". We understand that remote learning and stay at home orders have likely increased screen time for your children. At NIS, we are truly grateful that we are able to connect with students and families through the digital platforms Meet and Zoom. While we are confident that most students are using the technology appropriately, we are getting word from some teachers that students may need some additional support from home to ensure that technology is being used appropriately. The following “Netiquette” has been shared with students and we would greatly appreciate if you could support your child at home with practicing the following suggestions and expectations:
Determine a time to turn screens off. Ensure that children do not have access to technology during the night time hours when they should be getting sleep. If students need to contact their teachers, set aside time first thing in the morning or at the end of the “school day” to send questions or to share their great work.
We understand that some children are using Google Hangouts Meet to connect with their friends. While we understand the need for this contact, we ask that students do not use the teacher’s meeting address to socialize. Under adult supervision, kids can create their own Meet links to connect with friends. We expect that this is done only after their school work is done for the day.
Please remind your child, that while we are not in the building, teachers and administrators still can access a student’s Chromebook screen and history via GoGuardian. Students are expected to adhere to the NPS Technology Acceptable Use Policies at all times when using the NPS network and devices.
Please remind your child that they are expected to dress appropriately when meeting live with their class and/or teacher. While comfortable clothing is appropriate, students should ensure that they are adhering to the NIS dress code and sufficiently covered up when using Zoom and Google Meet.
We encourage you to reach out to your child’s teachers, the NPS Technology Department or the NIS administrators if you have any questions or need additional support.
Nantucket Antheneum Information to Support You!
Hello everyone!
- The Atheneum can now look up your library card number. If If you've lost your card (or need to sign up for one), please send us an email and we'll get you set up. info@nantucketatheneum.org
- We've created a YouTube channel with instructions on how to easily set up your desktop or mobile device to download ebooks, audiobooks, stream movies, read magazines, learn a new language or take a class. There is something up there for everyone in the family, all you need is your library card and pin number (usually the last 4 digits of your card #).
- Nantucket Atheneum Digital Library
- Visit our homepage for further staff-curated educational links, resources and booklists to inspire you or sign up for an online class using our calendar.
- Nantucket Atheneum
Both pages will continue to evolve as we add more. Please stay safe and well. Hopefully, we'll all be back together soon.
Kind regards,
Leslie Malcolm