Returning after the holiday break can be so energizing - new year, new goals! So far this week, as we greeted students and visited classrooms, we noticed how excited our learners were to be with their teachers and friends again. It was amazing to watch everyone so quickly fall back into the groove of school. Several classrooms spent a bit of time on creating new academic goals for the rest of the school year. Here are just a few third grade student goals:

• My goal is to read longer books. I'm going to do that by reading more chapter books.
• My goal is to write more. I'm going to include more specifics.
• My goal is to read more. I'm going to read for longer at bedtime.

You can support student goal setting by asking your children to set or share an academic goal they have for the new year. Then, ask them their plan for accomplishing their goal. Your support and partnership will definitely result in more achieved learning goals in 2023!

We also appreciate your support with ensuring students come to school on time each day. Our school day starts officially at 7:50 AM. We understand, given the bussing situation, that some students will arrive closer to 8:00, and please know those taking the late bus are NOT marked tardy. Thank you also for ensuring students do not miss school due to trips/vacations. Did you know that a student who misses 18 school days or more (for any reason) is considered "chronically absent" by the state as they have missed 10% of the school year or more?

Your partnership with school to support your child's educational journey is critical to their success! What new year's goal could you set to further support your child's school achievement and success? What can we do to further support you?

Wishing you a healthy and positive 2023!

Evemarie McNeil, Principal

mcneile@npsk.org

Donna Johnson, Assistant Principal

johnsond@npsk.org

Happy New Year NIS Families!

I hope you enjoyed the holiday break. I know I did. I love spending time with my family/friends and often overindulge in all the holiday treats. By January I am ready to start eating healthier and get back to my normal exercise routine. Studies show that eating the proper foods and exercising is a good way to stay healthy. This goes for our students as well. What we put in our bodies matters and teaching the students good eating habits while they are young will last them a lifetime. So to help you get off to a good start for 2023, below is a link on good snack choices for our students. Have fun trying these snacks and remember portion sizes are important too.

Info on healthy snacks

Stay Safe and Healthy,

Nancy Small RN

NIS School Nurse

smalln@npsk.org

Interested? Reach out to Evemarie McNeil, Principal at mcneile@npsk.org

* Monday, Jan. 9th - ACCESS testing begins for English Learners

* Tuesday, Jan. 10th - School Committee Meeting 6:00 PM

* Wednesday, Jan. 18th - SNAC Advisory Meeting

* Monday, Jan. 17th - NO SCHOOL - MLK Jr. Day

* Tuesday, Jan. 24th - School Committee Meeting 6:00 PM

* Wednesday, Jan. 25th - Half day of school - 12:00 PM dismissal

* Thursday, Jan. 26th - NIS Multicultural Literacy Night! 5:30 - 6:30 PM

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 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.