BLACKHAWKS BULLETIN
PRINCIPAL PONDERINGS
Week of March 17, 2024
Happy St. Paddy's Day
A HUGE THANKS to all who showed up for yesterday's school district meeting. Your voices and votes matter. We passed all warrants including the overall operating budget (AY25) and both negotiated contracts (teachers & support staff through June 2027.) In addition, we voted to appoint committees that will be studying the opportunities, feasibility, and logistics related to the following:
- Cooperative School District - possible models for furthering the collaboration between Cornish and Plainfield through a new SAU structure. The committee is charged with exploring the legal opportunities and limitations as well as the cost and efficiency savings related to possible models (as defined through state law.)
- Middle School Study (continued) - develop a detailed proposal including instructional model, building needs, and financial cost/savings model for a new approach to middle school. This would include the possibility of combining middle schools with Cornish. Survey data from both communities indicates that, while there is little interest in sending students to Lebanon Middle School, there is interest in expanding the student body and improving learning and engagement through increased voice and choice and project-based learning approaches.
Both committees are charged with returning to the Board with their information and recommendations for the 2025 District Meeting. Please reach out to the SAU (sauaa@plainfieldschool.org) if you are interested to be part of either of these conversations.
Finally, we established a capital building fund for future projects. That warrant article was amended down from $75K to $10K which is understandable given the increases to our taxes but also disappointing as it may delay any decisions to move forward with important building projects as well as a new middle school model. As was mentioned later in the Town Meeting (where we passed over $250K in reserve fund spending), sometimes you have to spend money to save/get money. If anyone knows of architects who are willing/interested to work with the district at a reduced/waived cost, please have them reach out to the SAU 🙃.
The most important outcome from the meeting by far was hearing from all of you. Of course, we always appreciate the positive feedback and accolades. Equally important are your questions and concerns. One of the concerns on all of our minds is our academic performance as measured through the SAS. While we still perform "above the state average," our scores in both math and reading declined during and immediately following Covid. In addition to the Covid impact, PES was in a period of high administrative and teacher turnover. To top it all off, just before Covid, PES - along with schools across the nation - bought into a reading and writing program that was later exposed to be ineffective. While all of this may help to explain why our scores declined, the most important thing now is that we have a plan in place to rectify it!
I want to assure you we are all working diligently to make changes systemically, instructionally, and programmatically to ensure all students are not just learning to read but are doing so at or above their grade level. It is safe to say that every PES educator, parent, and student shares this goal. I would love to continue this conversation in person at a Parent Forum - "Let's Talk About Reading" - later this spring. It's important to share the many steps we are taking and collaborate on what is still needed. Stay tuned! And just to be clear, we are having the same conversations about math!
I'd like to give a shout out to our 7th & 8th grade classes. 7th Graders provided babysitting while 8th Graders provided snacks and lunch. Thanks to all students and parents who pitched in to make this happen (and with a smile!) In addition, the following five 8th graders went above and beyond to run the District Meeting slides/tech and to run microphones to community members who wished to speak:
- Ayden Billingham
- Michael Demidov
- Tucker Green
- Ezra Lascell
- Calvin Ramos-Glew
And last but certainly not least of the District Meeting updates - Congratulations to Calvin Ramos-Glew and Audrey Underhill who received Board Awards as follows:
Sutherland Civics Award: The Claude Sutherland Civics award is given annually at School District meeting to an 8th grade student who exemplifies Mike’s brand of equitable community leadership. Claude (Mike) Sutherland served the Plainfield Community as a school board member for six years and filled a vacant seat in a subsequent year. In his tenure and example, Mike has simultaneously given generous and exceptional service to not only the school board but also other town boards and committees. The 8th grade student chosen to receive this award this morning is a community leader at the Plainfield School. Not only does he serve as a member of the Student Council, but PES regularly hears his voice for morning announcements, afternoon announcements, and the Pledge. It is a delight to present the award to (Calvin Ramos-Glew).
Beth Houde ELA Award: The Beth Houde ELA award is given annually at School District meeting to an 8th grade student who exemplifies Beth's dedication to both her craft and her community. Beth Houde served the Plainfield Community as a School Board member and Chair. During her tenure, she brought a steady hand to all proceedings and deliberations. This ELA award honors her creativity and continued self-discovery. This year’s recipient is a prolific writer and voracious reader. She finds connections to text that extend beyond the classroom. It is with great joy that we present the Beth Houde ELA award to (Audrey Underhill)
We had and have plenty of awesome things going on at school - TED Talks, Pi Day Celebrations & Math Meet, and Read Across America (last week) and Scholastic Book Fair and Project Sleuth (Grades 3/4) this coming week. Please look for updates about all of these throughout the newsletter.
Best,
Audra
P.S. We have only 34 responses regarding the ski program. If you wish to weigh in, please do so by the end of this week, Friday, March 22. I will be sharing information with the Board at our April 2nd School Board Meeting so we can make decisions about the future of the program.
P.P.S. Thank you for your understanding re: the last-minute bus route changes on Friday. I wanted to correct one piece of information. Butler was not technically "down a driver" as indicated in my message. P7 was stuck in the Lock Down at Lebanon High School and was unable to get here in time for our dismissal. They were incredibly helpful in a stressful situation all around!
Audra Bucklin, Principal
603.469.3250, ext 223
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.
DEI UPDATE - WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
ELECTRONICS POLICY REMINDER
I wanted to keep this running for a couple of weeks just to make sure everyone had a chance to see it. That said, we also want to thank all of the parents and students who are already making a change related to electronics. We really appreciate your partnership to ensure a focus on learning here in our classrooms!
From last week:
We are beginning to see an uptick in the use of apple watches and other personal devices that can connect to the internet. This is especially true in grades 6 to 8. This week, I reminded our middle schoolers that on page 16 of the Parent Student Handbook (linked below), it specifically prohibits the use of these devices, including smart phones, watches, iPads, etc., during school. Each teacher has a "caddy" hanging in their room. This is where students are expected to stow any personal electronics as well. Teachers and students will be working on making sure this happens moving forward. You may also opt to keep the devices at home.
Some students were concerned their parents would not be able to reach them if they put their device in the caddy. I assured them you can always call the office and we will get the message to them (or vice versa.) This last week, someone's smart watch chimed in the middle of state testing and it was a parent confirming pick up plans.
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.
WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Events
17 - Lego League - 5:30 pm - - Grades 4 to 7 (the Spring Season is geared towards exploration and skills development in preparation for the fall competition) - Please RSVP Lego@plainfieldschool.org
18 - Knitting Group - all welcome - 3 to 4:15 pm (Kindergarten)
19 - NO K to 4 School Sing - The lobby is set up for Book Fair, see you next week 🙂
20 - Wellness Committee Meeting - 3:15 to 4:15 pm (Library) - Rescheduled from 3/11
20 - Knitting Group - all welcome - 3 to 4:15 pm (Kindergarten)
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
22 - Early Release (PD)
24 - Lego League - 5:30 pm
LOOKING AHEAD:
MARCH
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
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
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 - 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
READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY - FRIDAY, MARCH 15
We had a blast celebrating diverse books on Read Across America Day with K-4 on Friday! Thank you to all our volunteers and helpers! K-2 students read about poetry, the importance of names, hearing without seeing, and family traditions. They wrote their own nature poem, made a special name tag, made paper flowers, and played Guess That Sound. The 3/4 classes read about frogs, hurricanes, diversity in baseball, music, and ancient Mexico. They played a trivia game, ran the bases, heard an electric violin played by a PES 8th grader, and made their own pictogram stories. Reading is awesome!
Watch the website for pictures.
PES BOOK FAIR - This Week!
LUNCH MENU
HOT LUNCHES (All are served with a veggie and milk)
MONDAY- Oven baked chicken nuggets, BBQ sauce, roasted potato wedges, maple baked beans, homemade dinner rolls
TUESDAY- Taco bar with the works, soft tortilla shells, garden salsa, rice pilaf, seasoned black beans, maple applesauce
WEDNESDAY- Maple apple french toast bake, real maple syrup, sausage links, sweet and white homefries
THURSDAY- Spooky GOUL-ash, vampire garlic breadsticks, roasted fresh zucchini, maple sundae
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
Notifying the office of transportation changes:
Thank you for the increased communication around your child's transportation plans. It's been so much better. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know when they are doing something different than usual after school.
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
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
PES MATH TEAM TAKES 1ST PLACE!
The Math Team is once again back on top. They won first place in their meet in Lebanon on Pi Day!
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.
Tina Darak is coordinating an after-school knitting club open to students, staff and community members who wish to learn and grow their knitting skills together. The group will meet on the following three dates and then gauge interest in continuing from there. Please feel free to join us (Be sure to notify the office of change of plans and fill out the survey below) as follows:
- Monday, March 18th: 3 to 4:15 pm (Kindergarten Room)
- Wednesday, March 20th: 3 to 4:15 pm (Kindergarten Room)
Here is some HELPFUL INFO about what to expect and guidance related to supplies.
In the meantime, please complete this brief survey to let us know you are planning to join us.
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.