BLACKHAWKS BULLETIN
PRINCIPAL PONDERINGS
Week of March 31, 2024
Good Afternoon!
What a week! Staff enjoyed opportunities to collaborate with educators from around the Upper Valley (and some beyond!) during our professional development day on Monday. Then we jumped right into a week full of learning and the arts. Fifth graders visited the Hood Museum, Kindergarten students learned all about dental hygiene from Dr. Schell's team, the Upper Valley Music Center student performers shared their musical talents, and grades 3 to 8 attended Twelfth Night (the musical) in the Plainfield Town Hall. It was a magical performance. I am pretty sure I smiled and laughed the whole time! Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for a spectacular show!
The week ahead is equally busy as we head into vacation. As is our custom, the Student Council has organized a school-wide spirit week (see graphic below for daily themes); track starts Monday; there is a 6th grade trip to the MFA in Boston on Tuesday; and we will see many of you here for Parent Teacher Conferences on Wednesday and Thursday (early release at 12:50 both days.) If you haven't already done so, please see below for the sign-up links for individual teachers. Report cards will be released Tuesday evening so you have a chance to review prior to your conference. Also, the PTA is requesting your help that day. (See their update below)
Please be reminded there is no school (April Break) the week of 4/7. There are some important events/dates as we head back from break as follows:
- Thursday, April 18 - Community Luncheon & Cory Taber Hat & Kite Day (Partner Up Classes will get together to fly kites.) Students are invited to bring a small to mid-size (less than 3' span) kite. We also have some here. Families are welcome to join at 2:15 pm...it's quite a sight!
- Wednesday, April 24 - DEI Community Forum - "Stop Being so Nice...but don't be mean either!"
- 5:30 - meet & greet with light refreshments
- 6:00 pm - How to disagree with civility workshop
- Wednesday, May 1 - (6 to 7:30) PTA Parent Forum and Game Night - see more information below.
Enjoy the rest of your afternoon!
Audra
Audra Bucklin, Principal
603.469.3250, ext 223
PTA ANNOUNCEMENTS
PTA News:
Next week is parent teacher conference time! Have you signed up for your conference? Please help support our teachers through these long days. Spring Conference Snack Signup [signupgenius.com] <https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F45A4AA29A3F58-48823199-2024 [signupgenius.com]>
Upcoming Event: Wednesday, May 1 Grades 3/4/5 Parent Forum and Game Night- 6-6:30 Dinner & Game Night 6:30-7:30 Parent Forum: Bring your questions, bring your ideas, and let's talk math & literacy! If you are interested in childcare for the forum portion of this event, please reach out to plainfieldnh.pta@gmail.com
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE SIGN UPS
April 3rd & April 4th
Please take a moment to sign up for your child(ren)'s Parent Teacher Conferences using the links in the document below. In addition, be sure to take a look at the second page. We included a checklist of topics you can expect to discuss at your child's conference. Finally, there is an Input Form that will be helpful to teams as we begin to discuss AY 25 Class Placement later this spring.
HANNAFORD HELPS SCHOOLS
Do you shop at Hannaford's? Please consider participating in the Hannaford Helps Schools program from today through June 1st. For every dollar spent on designated items, they will donate money to PES that can be used for student programming that extends beyond the budget. In the past we have tapped funds like these for guest speakers, artists in residence, and supplies for things like Winter Wonders Day. To learn everything you need to know and how to participate, please go to: Hannaford Helps Schools | Hannaford Supermarket.
We sent flyers home last week and have more available here in the office if you'd like to access the information via print.
WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Events
1 - Safety Committee Meeting - 3:15 to 4 pm - Library
1 - PES Track Practices Begin
2 - K to 4 School Sing – 8 am Lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome
2 - 6th Grade Trip to Boston MFA (depart 8:15, return 4 pm)
2 - School Board Meeting - 5:30 pm - Music Room
3 - Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
3 - Early Release - Parent Teacher Conferences
4 - Early Release - Parent Teacher Conferences
8 to 12 - April Vacation
LOOKING AHEAD:
15- Four Winds Training, 10-12 Plainfield School
16- K to 4 School Sing – 8 am Lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome
17- HACTC visit- 8th grade, 8-11:45
17- PTA parent night meeting- 6-7:30
18-Community Luncheon- 11:30-1:00
18- Hat and Kite Day - 2pm
For the most up-to-date information, please be sure to see the Events Section of the website which includes athletic/co-curricular practices and games. If you download the website app on your phone (bottom right corner of the website for instructions), you can update the settings to it will alert you when events or news items are added.
FIFTH GRADE BRIDGE UP PROGRAM
Each spring, Plainfield’s fifth grade partners with the Northern Stage for an artist in residence program called BridgeUP. We spend 7 weeks with two wonderful teaching artists auditioning, casting and rehearsing a 30 minute version of a Shakespeare play. There are costumes, props, music, and great acting (or course!). Every fifth grader has a speaking part, and we love seeing our students put themselves out there and try something new. Our work culminates in two final performances, one for the school community and one at the Northern Stage for our families and the larger community. This year, the fifth grade is putting on Hamlet, a show about morality, madness and revenge! This Tuesday students were cast in their roles and participated in their first read through of the script. Next week, the important blocking and rehearsal work will begin. We welcome you to come see our show at the Northern Stage on March 8th at 6:00.
LUNCH MENU
HOT LUNCHES (All are served with a veggie and milk)
MONDAY- Dress your own Hot dog with maple baked beans.
TUESDAY- Hawaiian pork sliders with spicy Mayo and pineapple slaw with roasted sweet potato wedges.
WEDNESDAY- Chicken and cheese Calzone with marinara sauce and caesar salad.
THURSDAY- Creamy macaroni and cheese, garlic butter roasted carrots and maple muffins.
FRIDAY- Cheese, pepperoni, veggie pizza and fresh broccoli salad.
"COLD" Options: (offered daily)
Assorted Pre-made Deli Sandwiches
Yogurt Parfait with Fruit and Granola
Fresh Fruit and Veggie Bar with Dinner Roll
See Abbey Group Website for full details and to upload funds.
OFFICE NOTES
Important Reminders from the Plainfield School Office
Unfortunately, we need to cancel study hall on Friday’s until we are able to staff it. We will update parents and students as soon as we are able to.
Locker/Cubby Cleanouts
Teachers will be helping students clean their lockers and cubbies throughout the week. Out of an abundance of optimism for more spring like weather following the break, we will encourage students to bring their winter gear home on Friday. Please send a bag as needed to help your child(ren) carry these items home.
Solar Eclipse Glasses being sent home Next week.
Christine Downing was able to get solar eclipse glasses for all the students. These glasses protect your eyes while looking at the sun during partial eclipse phases, before and after totality (when the moon completely obscures the sun). During totality you can view the eclipse directly without protection.
Substitute Teachers Needed for 2023-2024 school year
The Plainfield School is seeking individuals who would be comfortable working with K-8th grade students in our building during the 2023-2024 school year. Applicants must be able to follow teacher substitute plans, be dependable, and enjoy working with children. If you are interested in applying, please contact Katie Lowery in the office at (603) 469-3250.
LOST & FOUND
Are you missing a sweatshirt, water bottle, hat? Please check the lost and found site for any items that may belong to your student(s). We are gathering more and more items! There are many items- stop in and see if your child left anything behind.
Amanda & Katie
603.469.3250
FROM THE NURSE
Important Reminders from the Plainfield School Nurse
In an effort to adhere to our school’s Wellness Policy, we’d like to share the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s guide to healthy snacking. Almost a quarter of a student’s caloric intake comes from the snacks they consume throughout the day. Snacks with dense nutrient content will support a student’s academic performance and overall well-being.
https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/smartsnacks.pdf
All students should come to school with a selection of snacks from home to support their growing bodies as the day progresses. In the Nurse’s Office I try to keep a selection of smart snacks to include fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, granola bars, and applesauce. These snacks are provided by the Town of Plainfield to support healthy eating and to help students whose supply of snacks has run out in the course of the day.
In health,
Nurse Beth
CO-CURRICULAR UPDATES
KNITTING CLUB - From Tina Darak
We've had great knitting success with some sweet little bunnies and proud kids! If your child plans to continue/join knitting and crafting with us, we'll meet on Mondays in April, 3:00-4:00 (April 1st, 15th, 22nd, and 29th). Jenny and I will be there with ideas and help - thanks, Jenny!
We'll have some suggestions for next projects and kids can choose what they'd like to do, with the expectation that they do plan to knit/craft during this time. If they want to bring any yarn that inspires them, we'll figure out a good project fit. I'm thinking a knit pouch/bag, scarf, bookmarks, headbands, random creations of their own, and finger knitting projects are all within their reach! We'll have pom pom making and some other yarny crafts if kids need a knitting break.
I look forward to knitting with your kids!
Email trd.1391@gmail.com
ATHLETICS
Attention Basketball families-5th-8th grade. We are still missing several basketball jerseys. Please have your child return their washed jersey to Katie in the office. Thank you!
PES track practice beings April 1st, 2024. For the most up to date schedule, please visit the co-curricular calendar.
Lebanon Middle School Spring Sports
Lebanon Middle School Spring Sports sign ups are now open! LMS sponsors 7th/8th grade Baseball and 7th/8th Softball. Parents/Guardians can register their student right now via Arbiter Sports (formerly FamilyID see direct link below). Registrations close March 4th. For more information please reach out to LMS Athletic Director Mr. Franklin at bfranklin@sau88.net
LMS 2024 Spring Sports Registration Link
Note: Soccer, 5th & 6th Grade Lacrosse is offered through the Lebanon Recreation Department - https://lebanonnh.gov.
Registration for grades 1 and 2 Baseball and Kindergarten Baseball/T-ball.
Farm Team
Generally current kindergarten group but not limited to. Basic skills of throwing, catching, and batting will be taught, as well as positions and rules of the game. No games are scheduled for this age group but may scrimmage some during the season. Practice will be once a week for about six weeks.
Minor Team
Generally current 1st and 2nd graders but not limited to. Practices and games will be played in town against other Plainfield Minor teams. Four to Six games will be played over the season with a combination of games and practices being about twice a week.
Any parents willing to help coach please let me know on the sign-up form. Please complete and return the form below with payment (make check payable to the Town of Plainfield) to the Recreation Envelope in the Plainfield School or to the Town Office no later than Wednesday, April 5th. If you have questions, contact Dan Cantlin at 603-469-3406, 603-667-0891 or e-mail dcantlin@aol.com
We have some forms printed in the PES hallway, or you can print forms off the Plainfield town website.
LEGO LEAGUE RETURNS
Looking to try and learn something new?
The FIRST Lego League team returns for current 4th to 7th graders. We will be competing in the New Hampshire scrimmage, which will happen in May.
This season will focus on the robot competition and the robot presentation only.
Our first session will focus building the competition board. Future weeks will see us develop both individual and team strategies for completing the missions.
We hope to meet Sundays, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Meetings will typically only be held on Sundays this term.
Please RSVP to lego@plainfieldschool.org if you plan to attend.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Start a PreK Program in Plainfield
What: If you are interested in supporting the creation of a PreK in Plainfield, please plan to join our monthly meetings. Our long-term goal is to start a town funded PreK Program at the Plainfield Elementary School (similar to Cornish and other surrounding towns). Our short-term solution is to start a private PreK located within 5 minutes of Plainfield Elementary School.
Who: Anyone with interest in supporting this cause, parents of kids preschool age and younger, current or retired elementary teachers, anyone with experience starting a new program at a public school.
Where: Meriden Congregational Church Parish House (white building to the left of the stone church that sits at the top of the hill of KUA campus). 5 Mitchell Drive, Meriden NH 03770
When: Saturday, Feb 3 at 10am, with plans to repeat the first Saturday of every month
Why: Preschool is a valuable tool to help children grow and develop educationally, socially and
emotionally. It creates a culture of community among children and parents.
Children are welcome and there will also be childcare at the meeting!
We are actively looking for a PreK director to run the program. This is an opportunity to help create and build a program from the ground up. Please visit our website for more information at: https://www.plainfieldnhprek.com/
Or email at Plainfieldnhprek@gmail.com
We are also interested to know if you plan to have the youngest members of your family to attend.
Please take a moment to answer a few questions: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/69WJRBG
APRIL VACATION CAMPS
TOWN OF PLAINFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES
Any Plainfield or Meriden resident requiring assistance for housing, heating fuel assistance, electricity assistance, medication assistance and or nutritional support from the Town should contact the Community Resource Director, Stephanie Schell. Contact information: 603-469-3201 or email sschell@plainfieldschool.org. All information is confidential.
Food Pantry
Residents of the Town of Plainfield can access the following local services.
Note: The food pantry and clothing swap rooms are located in the Christ Community Church on Route 12A (across from the Plainfield Fire Department). The Food Pantry is open the 1st Thursday and the 3rd Friday and Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and warmly welcomes all Town residents.
Free Clothing Rooms
The Christ Community Church has (2) very well-organized rooms that contain FREE clothing for adults and children. All clothing is donated and in great condition. In addition to clothing there are also Free household items, toys & books as well. These rooms are open to the Public each Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m.
Free Fresh Veggies & Fruit
Free fresh produce provided by Willing Hands: please check the Town calendar for dates and times.