NIS News ~ October 2023
NIS October News
Principal Notes
When I was interviewing for the position of Nantucket Intermediate School I heard so many great reasons for moving to Nantucket and being at NIS. One of the reasons many people shared was because of "September on Nantucket." However, what they didn't tell me was that I would blink and September would be gone! This first month of school has been busy with the excitement of a new school year, new friends, new teachers, new curriculum, new administration and new families. Each day brought time to review routines, expectations, assessment and begin to form relationships. All of these are important, but to me the most important is the relationship building. I have enjoyed watching students talk with old friends, welcome new friends and share a little bit about themself with their class, teacher and in some cases the administration. My hope over the year is to continue to get to know students, staff and you!
Some of the ways that we can start to get to know each other this year are:
1. Come to Open House tonight at NIS and introduce yourself as I am in the entry way greeting families and students.
2. I would love to have parents/guardians come in on Friday, October 13th from 8:00-9:00 am for the Principal/Family Connecting Conversation over coffee, tea and treats. As a new person at NIS I am looking forward to these informal gatherings where you can ask me questions, I can ask you questions and we can collaborate on how to support our shared children.
3. Join the NIS School Council this year. This is made up of parents, staff, a community member and me and gives us the chance to review School Improvement Plans, talk about areas of strength and areas of growth at NIS, review our budget and take on any actions that support NIS meeting our goals for the year. We are in need of one additional parent to join us this year.
As we enter October I look forward to getting to know more of you, supporting our staff, learning more about NIS and watching our students grow both socially and academically.
Sincerely,
Becky Janda
NIS Principal
Health Office News
Welcome back to school. It’s great to see all the students' smiling faces.
As the students start to settle into their classes and routines, I will begin doing the mandatory screenings for all students. Third grade has vision and hearing. Fourth grade has vision, height and weight. Fifth grade has vision and then in the spring scoliosis screenings. I will most likely start in October. If your student wears glasses, please make sure they are wearing them at school. I will also need the glasses for their vision screening as well.
The Covid policy we had in place for last school year is still in effect. Covid Policy
The only difference is I will not be doing any covid testing in school this year. You may get free covid tests at Nantucket Cottage Hospital or Nantucket Cottage Pharmacy. The government is also giving out free tests starting September 25, 2023. Here is the link to sign up, https://www.covid.gov/tests
The town of Nantucket is offering Covid Vaccine Clinics on Saturdays @ NES cafeteria. Tentative dates are: October 14th, 21st and November 4th, 18th. Here is the link to sign up: Town Covid Vaccine Clinic sign up
The flu season is also upon us and Nantucket Cottage Hospital is holding Flu vaccine clinics. You need to sign up on your patient gateway or call 508-825-1000 to make an appointment.
Take Care and Stay Healthy!
Arrival and Drop Off Help Needed
There have been several unsafe conditions created with cars coming into the Surfside Road parking lot to drop off or pick up children. This is NOT the correct location for drop off or for pick up. Please ONLY use the Backus Lane entrance/exit to reach the drop off/pick up circle.
Upcoming Events/Important Dates
October 3 - NIS Open House at 5:30 PM
October 6 - No School - District Professional Development Day
October 9 - No School - Indigenous Peoples' Day
October 13 - NIS School Picture Day
October 13 - NIS Principal/Parent Connection at 8:00AM
October 18 - Early Release - Dismissed at 12:00PM
Come join the NIS School Council!
Come join the NIS School Council! We need one more parent to get involved. Email Principal, Becky Janda, jandab@npsk.org, for more information!
The NIS School Council Meets once a month.
NIS School Picture Day is Friday, October 13th.
Click this image above to go to the Hayward Photography home page to pre-order pictures.
**CONVENIENT ONLINE PREPAY OPTION **
Click the link www.haywardphotography.com then the blue “Prepay for Photo Day” button.
Enter your school code to place your preorder:
NIS23
Preorder pricing above only available until 2 days after your school’s picture day. Individual Print Orders and Digital Download Cards will be mailed DIRECTLY to the mailing address provided at checkout (please be sure this is a complete address). Please add the $5.00 shipping/handling charge to your payment total for print orders.
Friend of the Nantucket Public Schools - NIS Spiritwear Order Forms Are Here!
All Proceeds go to the Friends of Nantucket Public Schools PTO to fund the 1 time per year $85 Children's Fund Scholarship available to all NPS students for extracurricular activities
(first come first served, while funds last)
Math Specialists' News
NIS Literacy Newsletter
Please click this link for the: NIS Literacy Website Newsletter
No Birthday Food Treats Please
At NIS students are NOT ALLOWED to bring in food items to celebrate their birthday with their class. This was instituted pre-COVID due to the number of children with food allergies and due to our responsibility with promoting healthy bodies. You wouldn't believe the number of cupcakes that would come into the school each year!
We would like to encourage you to donate a birthday book to your child's classroom library in honor of their birthday. Other acceptable ideas include bringing in a special pencil or decal for everyone in the class if that's preferred.
Thank you for not sending your child to school with food items for the class to celebrate their birthday.
NPS VISION, MISSION AND CORE VALUES
NPS Vision Draft
We commit to provide equitable, inclusive, and challenging learning experiences where every student and adult feels seen, heard, valued, and respected.
NPS Mission Draft
Nantucket Public Schools, in partnership with a caring community, will create a dynamic and equitable learning environment which engages each of us to be inspired learners and responsible citizens, prepared to meet local and global challenges.
NPS Core Values Draft
Nantucket Public Schools values collaboration, communication, and reflection that supports:
Equitable access to multiple pathways for individual and collective success.
High expectations and a student-centered educational approach that integrates academic progress, extra-curricular participation, personal responsibility, and community involvement.
Inclusive and sustained family relationships that respect all cultures and the experiences each child brings to our schools.
Challenging ourselves to embrace and advocate for the needs of every student, adult, and family within our school community.
Nantucket Intermediate School
30 Surfside Road
Nantucket, MA 02554
Telephone: 508-228-7290
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Instagram: @ack_nis