NES WEEKLY UPDATE
TUESDAY, February 9, 2021
Latest Information
Dear Families,
It has been like a winter wonderland this past weekend! We knew that the delay yesterday was going to pose traffic and attendance problems. Students were very flexible and joined right in as they arrived. With today's weather and the sounds of what is predicted for the next week or so, the children are going to be a bit squirmy. They will want to be outside and enjoying the snow, which can be rare here. To that end, it is critical that they come prepared to be outside. This means wearing boots, gloves, hats, warm coats, and snow pants. It is important that children have these and a change of clothes (in case they do not have snow pants and clothes get wet.) We follow the guidelines of having students go outside if the temperature feels like 15 degrees or higher. The warm clothes are necessary for sure!!
I have been so grateful for your partnership with us. I have been asked to provide a few necessary reminders to you, the parents. I apologize if this sounds like scolding. I feel very strongly about keeping students safe, and I want to be transparent. These have come from our School Resource Officers, our NES School Council, our NES Staff members, and other parents. They are related to safety and student success. These have been shared before, yet they need to be repeated because these actions have started again.
1. The parking lot on First Way behind the school is ONLY for staff. Student drop off or Parent Parking back there is NOT permitted. All of the spots are numbered and assigned to staff. When parents park back there, our staff are unable to get into the building to be ready for working with students. All the spots are assigned. There are no extra spots. This is no place for students to be walking. It is incredibly unsafe.
2. If you are driving into our drop off lanes from Backus Lane, the driver MUST STAY in the car. The child should get out of the car on the right side.
3. Cars should not pull around other cars on the left side in the circles. It is important to model safety and patience. We have observed so many near accidents.
4. If you wish to get out of the car, please park in the lot on Backus Lane and walk your child to their class line.
5. If you leave the state of Massachusetts, your child must receive a COVID-19 negative test result in order to come back to school. If you do not want to have your child tested, they must stay home for 10 days. We have had no school spread because people are adhering to these safety protocols.
6. Attendance =
a.virtually present means the child is online off and on all day, not just for morning meeting
b.virtually absent means the child is not signing on for remote learning
c. physically present means the child is in school present for the day
d. physically absent means the child is not in school at all for the day
7. When children are working remotely, they may need a parent to assist them in signing on. We know you have been doing this. We would ask finally that you allow the children to answer questions. It is okay for them to make mistakes.
I continue to be grateful for all of your support in this very challenging time. I know that this is hard for all of you as it is for us too. I keep reminding myself that things will be better soon. I want to reiterate our need for a partnership in this pandemic. It is critical for you to respond to teachers' emails, phone calls, and remind messages. They know how hard it is for you. They are trying to keep you updated as often as they can. The favor of replies to their efforts to reach out to you would be greatly appreciated.
Our English Language Learners are continuing to take their ACCESS test to measure their progress with English reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It is important for children who are testing to have a good night's sleep, a good breakfast the morning of, and to know that all they have to do is their best! We will also be doing some MAP testing in March with all students to assess their progress to date.
THIS IS TONIGHT!! PLEASE JOIN US!!!
As we continue to grow towards regular District communication you have all heard about Schoology. We will offer an online virtual parent training in how to use Schoology on Tuesday, 2/9/21. There will be a Parent Presentation on Schoology and Answering Questions from 5:30-6:30 pm. Please mark your calendars and you can use this link to join the training: Google Meet Link:
An interpreter will be available.
Have a great week!!
Best,
Kimberly Kubisch, Principal NES
Our School Counselors and Social Worker (our Student Support Team) have asked me to share this information with you. We are hearing from so many of you about the struggles students are having with remote learning. Here is an article with some friendly suggestions and helpful hints!
https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/family/2021/01/at-home-tools-to-help-kids-manage-their-emotions Also, please visit current and previous SEL playlists in Schoology. There is lots of information about how to help children manage their emotions!
Our school nurse, Meri Lepore, has asked me to share this very important health information with you.
Just some friendly reminders. Please be aware, if you traveled anywhere outside of Massachusetts, and returned to Nantucket anytime after January 3, 2021, be sure to quarantine for 10 days (this is a change from 14 days) or get a COVID-19 test and quarantine until negative test results. See link for travel order. Mass Travel Order . Please send in copies of your child’s proof of test or your quarantine dates. You can email me at Leporem@npsk.org. The symptomatic testing is at the Hospital and the asymptomatic testing is now at the Nantucket VFW building on 22 New South Road. Nantucket Cottage Hospital TestingThe mandatory requirement for getting the flu vaccine has been removed. It is strongly recommended still, but no longer required. You may get the vaccine by making an appointment with a nurse at Nantucket Cottage Hospital by calling 508-825-1000. If you do not plan on getting your student vaccinated for any recommended or required vaccines (not only the flu) due to religious beliefs or a medical condition, I will need a handwritten note stating it’s against your religious beliefs or a physician’s note.
Please keep safe and healthy,
Meri Lepore
ABOUT NES
Principal
Kimberly F. Albertson
Assistant Principal
Email: kubischk@npsk.org
Website: www.npsk.org
Location: 30 Surfside Road, Nantucket, MA, USA
Phone: 508 228 7290
Travel
Please be thoughtful and careful when planning travel. It will be necessary for students to quarantine or test negatively if you travel to all states with the exception of Hawaii. This means you must test negative when you return from the other states. The testing negative is important for the safety of all of our students, their families, staff, and their families. Thank you in advance for your attention to this. I have shared a link for current Corona Virus information.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information
Children with any illness symptoms
Know that we understand and appreciate when you choose to keep your child at home because they have one of the symptoms or don't feel well, not necessarily COVID-19 positive but run down as happens to us all. With a bit of notice and clear communication to your child's teacher, they can work with you to determine the child's participation in synchronous and/or asynchronous work.