BLACKHAWKS BULLETIN
PRINCIPAL PONDERINGS
Week of March 3, 2024
Good afternoon,
We had a busy first week back. Wednesday and Friday evenings were a highlight for me. Wednesday the classes of 2024, 2025, and 2026 held class meetings to check in on their progress as they help students with team building, community service, and class trip fundraising. It's always fun to be part of the meetings and feel the energy and support our community has for our pre-teen and teen students as they navigate the middle school years. The class advising program is a huge part of that! Speaking of Class Advising, please be sure to check out the "Support Needed" letter from the Class of 2025 Advisers below.
Parents from all three classes enjoyed potluck and/or pizza prior to a parent forum with Turning Points Network. Those who were able to attend the TPN Forum - co-hosted by Felecia Foley and the PTA - explored challenges and supports to help young teens identify and develop healthy boundaries and relationships of all kinds, especially given the complexities of social media. Contact Felecia Foley, School Counselor, for more information (ffoley@plainfieldschool.org)
Friday night, we held a "double FAST" session at Whaleback. It was a beautiful afternoon, despite some late winter icy conditions. Students were great about following safety guidelines from Whaleback's Ski Patrol. While the season is fresh in our mind, I would very much like feedback/input from ALL FAMILIES (even those who did not participate this year or previously.) We will need to make decisions about next season relatively soon. Please complete this very brief (4-question) survey. We will share the results in a future newsletter.
As you read through the rest of the newsletter, be sure to look for more details on the following:
- CDC Covid Guidance - You may have heard the CDC Covid Guidelines have been updated. See the "From the Nurse" section for what this means here at PES.
- WEEK OF MARCH 4 - SAS Writing test will begin. This marks the first of three required NH DOE Assessments that will be administered throughout the spring in grades 3 to 8. Please review the official letter below for more details about the NH state testing requirements.
- FRIDAY, MARCH 8 - 1 to 2:50 pm - WINTER WONDERS - This Friday afternoon, PES students will engage in a variety of activities including scavenger hunts, winter nature arts activities, and a STEAM project from 1 pm until dismissal. We encourage families to join your child(ren)'s class(es) for an afternoon of Winter Wonder! Many thanks to the PTA who will be supplying snacks for the event!
- FRIDAY, MARCH 15 - Read Across America Day! (rescheduled from 3/1)
- The overall budget to fund school programming and operations,
- Warrants for three-year teacher and paraprofessional support contracts,
- Authorization to continue to study/explore a new middle-school model,
- Authorization to form a joint committee with Cornish to consider a collaborative school district.
Please check out the video below to learn why it is so critically important and worth your time to participate in our District and Town Meetings.
Enjoy your afternoon!
Audra
Audra Bucklin, Principal
603.469.3250, ext 223
DISTRICT MEETING VIDEO
NH DOE STATE ASSESSMENT INFO LETTER
1ST GRADE NEWS
WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Events
3 - LEGO League Spring Team Kickoff - 5:30 to 7:30pm - Grades 4 to 7 (the Spring Season is geared towards exploration and skills development in preparation for the fall competition) - Please RSVP to Lego@plainfieldschool.org
5 - K to 4 School Sing – 8 am Lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome
6 - 6 to 8 Band Field Trip (LOH)
6 - 5th Grade Field Trip - McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord
6 - STUDY HALL CANCELED
6 - All District Band Concert - LOH - 7 pm
7 - Math Team Practice - 2:50 - 4:00pm
7 - All District Jazz Band Concert - LOH - 7 pm
8 - Winter Wonders Day - 1:00 - 2:50 pm
Parents of Drama students- please refer to the email from the Drama Club advisors as to when there is practice for your student (some are all cast, and some are specific groups only)
LOOKING AHEAD:
MARCH
12 - K to 4 School Sing – 8 am Lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome
14 - Math Meet - Lebanon High School - 3 to 6 pm
14 - All District Chorus Concert - LOH - 7 pm
15 - Middle School Ted Tak Viewing - (8th Grade Parents Welcome) - 1 to 3 pm
15 - End of 2nd Trimester
16 - Annual School District Meeting 9:00 am
16 - Town Meeting - immediately after District Meeting
20 - DEI Committee Meeting - 5:30 to 7:30 pm
19-21 - Scholastic Book Fair (19 to 21st for sale) - evening hours on 3/21 from 5 to 6 pm
21 - Project Sleuth Night (Grades 3 & 4) - 6 pm
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.
SAVE THE DATE - TWELFTH NIGHT
SUPPORT NEEDED
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
READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY - FRIDAY, MARCH 15
BOOK FAIR - COIN DRIVE!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - PES BOOK FAIR
LUNCH MENU
HOT LUNCHES (All are served with a veggie and milk)
MONDAY- Alaska Pollock Fish Sticks with tartar sauce, fresh creamy coleslaw and homemade dinner rolls
TUESDAY- Tater Tot Nachos, rice pilaf and black bean and corn salad
WEDNESDAY- Fluffy Pancakes with real maple syrup, broccoli and cheddar egg bites and sweet and white homefries.
THURSDAY- Chicken Alfredo with pasta, steamed broccoli, and vampire garlic breadsticks
FRIDAY- Cheese, pepperoni, and veggie pizza with 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
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!
Amanda & Katie
603.469.3250
FROM THE NURSE
Important Reminders from the Plainfield School Nurse
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Plainfield School has been following CDC Guidelines to reduce transmission and protect our school population of students and staff. As of Friday March 1,2024, the CDC Guidelines have changed to reflect current research. Basically, the CDC is now advising staying home for the duration of fever and other symptoms. When no longer having symptoms or a fever, stay home for 24 hours without medication before returning to public activities. However, for five days after returning to public you should take added precautions to prevent transmission. These precautions include taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
For the full CDC guidelines please click this link: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html
There’s nothing like a week’s vacation to unwind and relax! It also helps to give our building a vacation from the onslaught of germs. I’m pleased to report that our illness numbers have been significantly lower this week than they were the week before vacation. It was great to see all the happy faces returning to school and to talk with the students about any adventures they had over break.
However, students are returning to school very tired after break. No doubt they were up later than usual and were able to sleep in during break. Students who do not get enough sleep have a higher risk of issues such as obesity, injuries, poor mental health and attention and behavior issues. As we shift back into the school week, please help your student(s) to get an appropriate amount of sleep. (SEE PHOTO BELOW)
In health,
Nurse Beth
CO-CURRICULAR UPDATES
Spring Sports
Basketball is coming into its last week of practices and games. Coach’s will be giving directions about returning uniforms. Don’t forget to check the website under Athletics for the most up-to-date practice and game schedules!
Now it's time to get signed up for Spring Sports:
- PES TRACK SIGN UP LINK
- LMS 2024 Spring Sports Registration Link - 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
- Lebanon Recreation Department Lacrosse - for 5th & 6th Grade - https://lebanonnh.gov.
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.
KNITTING ANYONE?
Tina Darak is interested to coordinate an after-school knitting club open to students, staff and community members who wish to learn and grow their knitting skills together. Please complete this brief survey if you are interested to learn more!
DEI UPDATE
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
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.
NH Food Bank
The NH Food Bank’s mobile food pantry travels to many different areas of need across New Hampshire. Below are the details of the mobile food pantry coming near us!
Friday, March 8 – Claremont
Date: Mar 8th
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm (while supplies last)
Address: Runnings | 403 Washington St. | Claremont, NH
What to know before you go:
Our mobile food pantries are a drive-thru format.
Food distributions take place on a first-come, first-served basis and are while supplies last.
Each household receives an assortment of produce and shelf-stable foods.
We welcome anyone in need of food assistance to join us – no identification or requirements needed.