NIS Weekly News
Nantucket Intermediate School - June 21, 2021
Thank You Parents!!!
Dear NIS families,
It is hard to believe we are in the very last week of school, then again, it isn't. What a historic school year for education! Remember starting all remote, then entering hybrid only to go remote again for a time, back to hybrid, and finally all in person on April 5th? We did it! You were tremendous partners and we are so grateful for all you sacrificed to ensure your children were meaningfully engaged in learning every day. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you!
One thing is clear as we complete and analyze our end-of-year assessments - our students did learn and grow academically! While the term "learning loss" is one that's widely used, we want to recognize the hard work of teachers and students and all of the progress made this year despite the ever changing learning models and settings. I keep hearing stories of students' ambitious reading and math growth. This is to be celebrated! Our end-of-year assessments will give us the information we need to adjust the curriculum to continue to meet students where they are in the fall.
We also want to acknowledge just how hard this year was for our students, socially and emotionally. They craved the in person connections with their peers throughout the beginning of the school year and when we were back in person, many seemed to need to learn just how to be together again. Our staff, well versed in "Building Trauma Sensitive Schools" training, worked so hard to support students throughout all of the challenges they have experienced. These last few weeks, with transitions to new grades and CPS looming, have also caused an uptick in worries sometimes presenting as unexpected behaviors. Thank you again for all of the support you continue to provide our students. We simply cannot do it successfully without you!
Our NIS TEAM wishes you and your children a happy, healthy and safe summer filled with joy and laughter!
Warmest regards,
Evemarie McNeil, Principal & Donna Johnson, Assistant Principal
Grade 5 Clap Out
NIS School Newspaper
Many thanks to Ms. Francie Baskett and Ms. Olivia Myers who supported this authentic opportunity for journalism.
Tails and Tales! The Nantucket Atheneum Summer Reading Program
Letter from Leslie Malcolm:
Dear Parents,
Congratulations on making it to the end of a genuinely challenging school year. While I'm sure you all are happy to welcome summer, it is vital that your children develop the habit of reading regularly over the break.
What has come to be known as "Summer Slide" is the biggest challenge for teachers every fall. Study after study has shown that children who join a summer reading program keep their minds active and enter school in the fall ready to learn and prepared to succeed. Conversely, research has shown that children who do not read during the summer may lose two months or more of the reading progress they made in school. Find a time during the day that works and set it aside for reading; 20 minutes is all it takes. Try and develop a habit. Have your child read to you, a friend, a pet. Read to your child or listen to audiobooks in the car. All the time you spend with books counts toward their reading record and towards their success.
We hope that you and your family enjoy looking at books together over the break. While the school libraries may close, the Atheneum is open and ready to help you find something inspiring and fun to read! Let us help you develop the habit of reading!
Have a healthy and happy summer!
Best wishes,
Leslie H. Malcolm
Head of the Weezie Library for Children
How it works:
As your child reads, have them document the time spent reading or listening to a story on their reading record. Each clock represents 1 hour of reading time. When your child has completed 20 hours of reading time, they bring their reading record to the Weezie Library at the Atheneum and turn it in for a prize. They do not have to document the books they read, but are encouraged to! The librarians love knowing what books children are reading and which ones they really enjoyed.
When it starts:
Your child may start filling out their record as soon as they receive it, but the goal is to help your child read all summer! Ideally, your student would begin counting their minutes on the first day of summer vacation, June 26th. They have until the first day of school to turn in their reading record and collect a prize!
Who can participate:
Students here at NIS were given materials to participate, and we encourage all siblings and family members to read with them!
NIS Nurse Notes: Nancy Small, RN
Dear NIS Families,
Please be aware that the drive through portico at NCH is now closed for symptomatic testing. In order to get tested, you must call 508-825-1000 to make an appointment. The hours for testing are 7:30-10 with an appointment.
Asymptomatic is still by appointment only. See link:
There is a free community event (virtual) called “It’s Worth a Shot” regarding vaccines and children. Please see the flyer below.
Stay safe and healthy and get vaccinated!
Nancy Small RN
Sewer Project - Traffic Delays Possible
SEWER PROJECT UPDATES
This week's update includes:
6/21 thru 6/25
Monday thru Thursday:
Continue installation of gravity sewers, progressing north on Surfside Road from Washaman Ave area towards First Way/Vesper Lane
Phase 3 Road Closure in place once crew progresses north of First Way
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).
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!
Important Student Drop Off Information
Students are to be dropped off for school using the entrance off of Backus lane only. Using the surfside road entrance poses a safety issue for students, therefore should not be used in the morning to drop students off.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Spring Newsletters from Our Social/Emotional Learning Team
School Counselor Spring 2021 SMORE Ms. Rachel Foulkes & Mr. Aaron Peckham
Social Worker Spring 2021 SMORE Ms. Emily Sybert
NIS Safety Protocols - Revised
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