BLACKHAWKS BULLETIN
PRINCIPAL PONDERINGS
Week of March 24, 2024
Good Afternoon!
Please be reminded there is no school tomorrow, Monday, March 25th. After yesterday's storm, the long weekend may come in handy for digging out!
Thank you to Shannon Decker and the many PTA volunteers for hosting a successful Scholastic Book Fair. From promotion and set up to staffing the register and tracking inventory, it's quite a substantial undertaking. This year, they even held evening hours on the night of Project Sleuth. They make it look so easy, but we know we couldn't do this without them!
Grades 3/4 held another successful Project Sleuth. All of the projects - from Hedgehogs and Sushi to Snowy Owls and Natural Disasters, and SOOOO many more - were impressive. The students were so comfortable and well-spoken. They clearly learned A LOT about their topics. My two kids and I remember Project Sleuth fondly. It's been around for a long time, and I am so glad Mrs. Taber, Ms. Culligan, and now Mrs. Kondratowicz are continuing the tradition. Project Based Learning approaches like this bring learning alive for our students, allowing them voice and choice while also helping them to acquire and demonstrate important skills, such as reading comprehension, research/critical thinking, written presentations, and public speaking.
Another type of Project (performance) Based Learning is Bridge Up which has begun in earnest in the 5th grade. Artists (actors) in Residence will spend the next several weeks working with our students on a Shakespeare production that will take place later this spring.
And speaking of performances, this is the big week for the spring musical - Twelfth Night! Our 3rd through 8th graders will attend a matinee performance this Friday, March 29th in the Plainfield Town Hall on Route 12A. In addition, there are evening performances on both Friday and Saturday evenings. The recommended donation for tickets is $10 pp. See more information below to reserve your tickets today! I want to give a shout out to Steve Halleran, the Selectboard, and the Plainfield Town Hall Study Committee for their gracious hospitality and support of theater arts here at PES. We are so fortunate to have access to such a beautiful and welcoming stage for our production!
Parents- permission forms for the Twelfth night matinee for grades 3-8 for Friday March 29th, have been sent home with your child. Please fill out and send back by Wednesday March 27th.
It has come to our attention that some students who ride the bus (particularly on P6) are throwing papers around and generally disrespecting the space and the rules for bus conduct. We have spoken with the students to remind them of the expectations and appreciate any reminders you can provide from home as well. Thanks!
Last but not least, please be reminded to sign up for the upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences which will take place the afternoons/evenings of Wednesday, April 3rd and Thursday, April 4th (early dismissals.) Sign up forms/information can be found below.
Enjoy the day off tomorrow!
Audra
Audra Bucklin, Principal
603.469.3250, ext 223
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
24 - Lego League - CANCELLED FOR SNOW CLEANUP
25 - No School (PD)
26 - K to 4 School Sing – 8 am Lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome
29 - Twelfth Night "Matinee" Performance - 3rd through 8th graders attending - 9:15 am
29 & 30 - Twelfth Night - Town Hall - 7 pm both nights
LOOKING AHEAD:
APRIL
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
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.
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW - TWELFTH NIGHT
PROJECT SLEUTH 2024
3rd & 4th graders wrapped up Sleuth Week with Sleuth Night. Parents and family members came to see the variety of presentations. Sleuth Week is when the students are able to share their research, findings, and projects. Students are able to choose a topic of their choice. Here are just a few photos from this year!
CLASS NEWS - 7th GRADE
7th Grade Smart Goals
During advisory the 7th graders are working on Character Strong, organization, and executive functioning skills. At the turn of the trimester students are reviewing the SMART goals they wrote for Trimester 2 and evaluating their progress. Students are then creating new SMART goals for Trimester 3. These goals can be entirely new because they have accomplished an old goal, or they can be related if there is more work to be done. Students are using the SMART acronym to help write the goals, see the graphic above or ask your students what each letter stands for and the goal they are working towards in Trimester 3.
Some examples of Trimester 3 goals so far are:
- “Staying on task to get a 3 in Social Studies.”
- “Use my agenda for homework to stay on top of my work in all classes to the end of the year.”
- “Keep my locker clean and notebook organized so I can find and get credit for all assignments.”
We look forward to sharing more during conferences!
7th Grade Science
In science, 7th and 8th graders worked through the engineering process to create some earthquake resistant towers. Towers were created using only straws and a limited quantity of tape. Pictured here is a group of 7th graders with two well built towers that they created together. Both towers stood up to our testing and were some of the strongest we tested.
SUPPORT NEEDED - CLASS OF 2025
From the Class of 2025
Hello PES families,
The class of 2025 is hosting an auction this spring to raise money for their class trip next year. We are reaching out to families in the greater school community to ask for your help in meeting our goal. There is no gift too big or too small, and you can get creative with your gift!
If you would like to donate, please fill out this form.
Ideas and suggestions from previous auctions include:
- baking a cake
- a piece of art from a local artisan
- preparing brunch
- a weekend getaway at a vacation property
- a gently used bike or kayak
- a trade / experiential lesson (fishing lesson, woodworking lesson, etc.)
- a spa gift or massage
- tickets to a sporting event
- a free car detail
- passes to a local attraction
- a local business gift card or gift basket
- …the list goes on!
Thank you in advance,
The Class of 2025
PES BOOK FAIR - THANK YOU!
LUNCH MENU
HOT LUNCHES (All are served with a veggie and milk)
MONDAY- NO SCHOOL
TUESDAY- Beef Nachos Supreme, garden salsa, rice pilaf, cabot sour cream, mexicali corn
WEDNESDAY- BBQ pulled pork sandwich and hand cut french fries
THURSDAY- Cheesy Ravioli Bake, vampire garlic breadstick, and roasted beet wedges
FRIDAY- Cheese, pepperoni, veggie pizza and maple glazed carrots.
"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
Solar Eclipse Glasses being sent hom the week of April 1st.
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
This warm spring-like weather has been lovely but unfortunately it comes with the year’s first tick! With the snow melting the ticks are emerging earlier this year. After outdoor activity, be sure to check yourself, your children and your pets for these nasty carriers of infection. Additional preventative measures of long pants tucked into socks and long sleeves can help prevent the ticks from digging into your skin. The larger dog ticks generally don’t carry Lyme but the tiny little deer ticks do. If bitten, remove the tick as soon as possible by using tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and gently pull without twisting the tick. Clean the area with an alcohol wipe and monitor for signs of the bulls-eye rash, fever, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling/pain, and fatigue. If symptoms are noted, or you’re unsure, a single dose of doctor prescribed doxycycline may lower your risk of Lyme disease.
In health,
Nurse Beth
CO-CURRICULAR UPDATES
KNITTING CLUB - From Tina Darak
The knitting club will add another day of knitting next Wednesday, March 27th. The goal is that everyone that wants to and has been working towards making a bunny, will be able to do it. If they are able to come on Wednesday with enough rows in their knitting to have a square, we'll cast off and sew bunnies! If not, they can keep knitting during that time with encouragement and help. If they are finished and would like to start another project, we'll have ideas and options!
It has been so fun to see the kids approach this learning challenge and their personalities and perseverance. We've had such a great group of kids and a huge Thank You to Jenny Ramsey and Ms. Bridge for their patient and encouraging help.
Thinking about the continuation and evolution of Knitting Club as Spring schedules ramp up. Would your child be interested in continuing to meet for knitting and a sprinkle of other crafty things? We have some crocheters that may be interested if I open it up a bit. If interested in continuing, would Mondays 3-4:00 work with your child's April schedule? Email trd.1391@gmail.com
ATHLETICS
PES track practice beings April 1st, 2024. For the most up to date schedule, please visit the co-cirricular 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.