NIS News - October 21, 2021
Nantucket Intermediate School
Fun, Excitement, and Spirit!
On Wednesday our entire NIS Staff participated in some powerful professional development that really spoke to two things: 1) making sure we are teaching the grade level standards to all of our students and 2) ensuring all students have access to those grade level standards through the multitude of ways we can intentionally plan our lessons. Our presenter, Tara Trainor, not only spoke to the high rates of student performance in her various classes over the years but she also highlighted the empowerment children felt when they were afforded various ways to engage in their learning and show their learning. In other words, one size does not fit all...or even most! While these may not be new messages, her focus on how we can accomplish this through intentional and collaborative planning sets us on a managable path to success for not only students, but also for educators who will be fueled by an increase in students' active and engaged participation in their own learning. Empowered, confident learners = empowered and confident citizens going forward!
Yes, that PD and all it's promises certainly can lead to students perceiving challenging learning experiences as more fun...many of the examples shown did look rather fun! Another way we can infuse fun and spirit in school is by engaging in a SPIRIT Week next week in celebration of homecoming weekend. Here is a heads up about next week's spirit week at NIS:
Monday: Wacky Wardrobe Day - Wear a crazy outfit or wear your clothes inside out!
Tuesday: Crazy Hair or Hat Day
Wednesday: Wonderful Word Day - Pick one of your favorite words and dress up in a way that helps us guess your word!
Thursday: Class Color Day - Each class or grade level picks a color to wear
Friday: Whaler Pride Day - Wear your Whaler Pride gear or Blue and White!
Your partners in education,
Evemarie McNeil, Principal
Donna Johnson, Assistant Principal
STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Mathematics
Many thanks to Francie Baskett for all of her hard work to get our STEM special off the ground and excite our students about science, technology, engineering and math! Francie will work with Melissa for a couple of weeks to support the transition between teachers, and then return to her position as our Enrichment teacher. Many thanks also to Mandy Bardsley, curriculum director for STEM, for all of her support!
NIS Needs TAs
Thank you for your help in sending candidates our way!
Vaccine News
Hello NIS Families,
It is that time of year to think about getting your annual flu vaccine. Luckily, Nantucket Cottage Hospital is offering flu shots through its annual clinic in the Anderson Building at 57 Prospect St., from 1-5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Appointments are required and can be made through the online Mass General Brigham Patient Gateway, or by calling (508) 825-1000.
Speaking of vaccines, the FDA advisory committee is meeting on October 26 to approve the Covid-19 vaccine for children 5-12 years old. If they accept, students could get the vaccine as early as November. The vaccine is a smaller dose than the regular adult dose and Pfizer is saying less side effects. Right now children are about 25% of all the covid cases in the US. Our students are vulnerable and having a vaccine for them will help keep everyone healthy and in school. My fingers are crossed that it will be approved soon!!
Stay healthy,
Nancy Small, RN
NIS School Nurse
Previously Shared Information Below
NIS STEM/STEAM Night Information
New Date for STEAM Night: Tuesday, November 16th 5:30 - 6:30
As our STEM teacher position has changed to a STEAM postion (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) and we are still looking for a long term teacher, we are postponing our STEAM night to now be in November. This evening is noted on the school year calendar as happening on Oct. 26th. Please make this change on your calendars at home.
Protocols for School COVID Testing
Dear NIS Families,
We are fortunate enough to be participating in the Test and Stay program which allows school close contacts to test daily (5-7 days) with the BinaxNow test (rapid covid antigen test) and stay in school with a negative test result and be asymptomatic. Students who are deemed close contacts to a positive case outside of the school setting, cannot participate in this program. They must use the protocols set by the Department of Education and the Department of Public Health. The reasoning for this is that school close contacts are less likely to become positive because of masking, social distancing and hand washing. We can control the school environment.
We are also participating in Symptomatic testing. This is another way to keep the students in school. So if your student comes to my office with a covid symptom and I have your signed consent, then I can use the BinaxNow test to help rule out covid.
There are links below for the protocols and close contacts.
My main objective is to keep my students safe, healthy, and in school. If you have not handed in the consent to test, please do so. Please reach out if you have further questions.
Stay healthy,
Nancy Small, RN
NIS School Nurse
Dept. of Education COVID-19 Flowchart Protocols (linked below)
2021 MCAS Reports
Brrr....Cool Weather is Here
Bus News - Wait List Information
If your child still needs bus transportation, please email Ms. Emily Murphy and your child will be put on the bus waitlist. Once we hear anything we will be in contact with you. Here is Emily's email: murphye@npsk.org
Children are only permitted to ride the bus if their address is 1.5 miles or more away from the school.
No Birthday Food Treats Please
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.
NPS Return to School Safety Protocols - updated 8/18/21
Nantucket Intermediate School
Email: mcneile@npsk.org
Website: www.npsk.org/NIS
Location: 30 Surfside Road, Nantucket, MA, USA
Phone: 508-228-7290
Facebook: facebook.com/NantucketIntermediateSchool
Twitter: @NISlearners