WHAT'S HAPPENING - NPS
August 27th, 2020
Please continue to check the LDSB microsite for updated information on the Director's messages, Frequently asked Questions, Family Reference Guide, Wellness Resources & Supports, Remote Learning info, Public Health info and Ministry of Education information. This area is updated regularly as information becomes available or changes.
Limestone DSB Frequently Asked Questions
Growing, Learning and Achieving Together
Dear Nighthawk Families,
There are few events during the academic year that are more exciting than the first day of school. Children eagerly anticipate the chance to catch up with old friends that they have not seen in a while (and in this case, a long while) and look forward to the prospect of meeting some wonderful new peers. All of us at Newburgh Public School would like to take this opportunity to welcome back all returning students and their families for the 2020-2021 school year. We would also like to extend a very special and warm greeting to all students and families who are new to Newburgh PS. Our school community is proud of its safe, supportive and inclusive atmosphere and we know that you are going to love it here. If there is anything we can do to help with your transition, please do not hesitate to ask!
We have been working to plan for a safe and successful return to school based on new Ministry and Public Health information. We recognize that school routines will look very different this year, but what will remain constant is the joy, care and compassion that all of our educators have in welcoming kids back to their first days of a new school year. We will plan to navigate unforeseen challenges as they come our way. Thank you for understanding that this is new for us all and represents a very unique start to our school year. Health and safety, along with the wellness and mental health of our school community, is our number one priority as we plan for our September start up. Please continue to make your own wellness and the wellness of your family a priority.
Provided for you are the first 2 of a series of 5 videos created by our LDSB Educational Services professionals for helping to prepare our kids for a return to school. Click here to learn more about preparing our kids: Module 1: Resilience and Module 2: Back to In-Class Learning. Future modules will be posted on the LDSB website as they are launched.
Below you will find a link to a companion document meant to supplement the LDSB Return to School - Family Reference Guide, but with information specific to our school context. Inside you will find that we have broken down some key areas that require new safety routines to be put in place. Please take the time to inform yourself and talk about these with your family so that kids and adults are more prepared for being welcomed back to school with new routines.
We know that school re-opening comes with its share of worry and stress for many. As the caring adults in the lives of our kids in our Newburgh community, it will be important for us to support them by supporting each other. Staying positive, calm and flexible, while following the safety guidelines set out for us all, will be our best approach. Like this virus, kindness is also contagious.
As always, we look forward to a wonderful year of social, emotional, physical, and academic growth for all our kids.
Take good care and welcome back!
John Ricci
Principal, Newburgh Public School
Mary Jane Jarvis
Vice Principal, Newburgh Public School
Newburgh PS Return to School - Family Reference Guide
Staggered Entry this September
The Ministry of Education recently announced that school boards were permitted to adopt a staggered start to the 2020-2021 school year to allow additional time for students to adjust to new routines, and health and safety practices. In Limestone, the first day of school is Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. Elementary schools are organizing staggered entry based on an alternate schedule of A/B days until and including September 11. See Newburgh's plan below.
Why a Staggered Entry?
The staggered entry has been approved and encouraged by the Ministry in order to support a safe re-entry to school by having the time to teach and orient groups of students to the new routines and safety practices that have been put in place. This will also be an opportunity to support students in feeling secure in their new school experience.
Hallway Traffic Flow
- Staff will practice this with the A/B cohorts during their first few days in the building.
- Class cohorts will have a designated entry/exit door. Sanitizer will be at every door.
- Handwashing breaks will be ongoing throughout the day
- Educators will be taking their class outside as often as they can to allow for a masking break and to do outdoor learning activities
- Bathrooms will have a maximum occupancy capacity based on the square footage of the bathroom. Students will always be allowed to use the bathroom, but may need to wait to ensure physical distancing in the smaller space
- To begin the year, shared spaces such as the gym and library will be closed. PE will be outside
What To Bring On The First Day of School!
Along with their excitment, creativity, imagination and positive energy, students may like to bring a few other items in their backpacks. We ask that all toys remain at home and only necessary items are brought to school. At this time, students will be required to keep their belongings with them in the classroom.
- Refillable water bottle. Fountains are closed, but water refill stations are open. Please be sure to refill your bottle at home each day before returning to school
- Masks are mandatory for students in our Grade 3/4 class and 4-8. Masks are highly recommended for students in K-3. Students may like to bring their own, but we can provide extras if necessary.
- Hand sanitizer is provided in each classroom and at each door, but students may like their own
- School supplies are provided (pencils, erasers, crayons etc.). Please do not send personal items to school
- Bring a healthy lunch and 2 snacks for three eating opportunities.
- Wear appropriate shoes for running and playing (no flip flops). No indoor shoes will be required until further notice.
- Appropriate clothing wear for outdoor play with pockets for storing masks.
Up to Date Information
Please check regulary as new or altered information becomes available:
LDSB Website https://www.limestone.on.ca/
LDSB Twitter https://twitter.com/LimestoneDSB
LDSB Facebook https://tinyurl.com/wbhjtku
LDSB Instagram https://instagram.com/limestonedsb?igshid=1epyma6c0g5qd
Welcome Back to Newburgh PS!
Email: nwbgh@limestone.on.ca
Website: newburgh.limestone.on.ca/home
Location: 19 East Street, Newburgh, ON, Canada
Phone: 613-378-2611
Twitter: @NewburghPS_LDSB