NIS Weekly News
Nantucket Intermediate School - Nov. 30, 2020
Full of Gratitude
This Thanksgiving gatherings may have been smaller due to the pandemic, but no less filled with gratitude. Personally, I was so happy to have two of my three children home for a very relaxed Thanksgiving break. Our time together is something I appreciate more and more as they get older and start their own lives. When it comes to gratitude, this holiday is always the perfect opportunity to think of all we appreciate. Donna and I talk a lot about how much we appreciate all that our NIS staff is doing to care for and teach your children whether learning remotely or in-person. So many of you have expressed this same gratitude for all that our teachers are doing in emails to us, during meetings we've attended together, and even when we've run into each other in the community. Your deep appreciation for all our staff's hard work during a most challenging time in education is truly humbling. While, we are so appreciative of your kind and generous compliments, they would mean so much more to our staff coming directly from you. Thank you for taking a moment in these next few weeks to tell them just how much you appreciate their hard work, support, and genuine care for your students.
Please also know how grateful we are for you and your unwavering support as we navigate this very unusual school year together.
With our deep appreciation,
Evemarie McNeil, Principal & Donna Johnson, Assistant Principal
COVID Safety
This Thanksgiving holiday we understand that many traveled or invited others into their homes. Many of you were diligent about testing to ensure your family and friends would be safe and they too would keep you safe. Several of you chose not to travel this year, but met up with family and friends over FaceTime or Zoom. We are extremely grateful for all efforts made to keep one another safe. Despite our very best efforts, it's likely the virus traveled to new people and places over the holiday break. As a result, we need your help with assessing the health and well-being of your children daily before sending them to school.
As a staff, we have recommitted to following all of our safety protocols with diligence. It is due to our strong commitment to safety that no NIS staff or students have contracted the virus as a result of coming to school. Maintaining six foot distancing, washing and sanitizing hands frequently, cleaning desks and classsrooms, and wearing masks covering both the nose and mouth are critical to stopping any spread.
Let's work together together to keep our schools safe!
Congratulations to Ms. Francie Baskett and our 2019 5th Graders!
Huge shout out & congratulations to Francie Baskett for her work with the 2019 fifth graders to create PSAs for TV and radio promoting recycling on ACK - They won a 1st place Massachusetts Broadcasters Association Award! Here is the link to the winning PSA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4QbTRWJBHg&t=1m11s Way to go!!!
Attendance and Expectations
* Did you also know that in person learners are expected to be in school on their in person days - it is really not optional to decide to stay home and be remote.
* Did you also know that remote learning days are full school days and students are expected to be available during school hours to their teachers. If they are not "present" and responding to the teacher they will be dismissed from school.
We also need your help with calling our school nurse if your child will be out sick and not attending school. This is true for in person and remote learners. If you do not call us, we will likely be calling you.
Trips: Especially now, with the rise in COVID positive cases, we urge you to follow all state travel orders (see below). If you plan to take a trip out of state or the country for 15 days or more your child will be withdrawn from school and you will have to reenroll upon your return. A meeting with the principal - virtually or by phone is required.
There have been times teachers have shared they would rather have your child remote into school if away than be absent and not learning (less than 15 days). This is tricky because our teachers are well planned for teaching the different cohorts and should not be asked to change student schedules to make it work for a traveling family. If your child is out due to quarantining, we will do all we can to support their learning while they must be out of school.
If you have any other questions about how NIS determines students tardy, absent or dismissed when remote don't hesitate to reach out.
Parent - Teacher Conferences Wednesday, December 9th
If they haven't already, classroom teachers will be reaching out to you to plan for your parent/teacher conference either on December 9th or within two weeks of that date. Linguistica will be utilized for any conferences requiring an interpreter. Please sign up for your conference!
Grade 4 Decorated Tree on View at Whaling Museaum
Please Charge Chromebooks Each Night - Thank You!
Breakfast & Lunch Information
Breakfast and lunch will be available at no cost to any child who needs a breakfast or a lunch regardless of free/reduced status for the entire school year. Breakfasts is available for all who need a breakfast. No need to pre-order. The food truck is available Monday - Friday for meal pickup from 9:30am - 11:30am at NHS for remote learners.
District and NIS Return to School Safety Protocols
NPS Return to School Protocols - Fall 2020
NIS Family Handbook 2020-2021
- English: NIS Family Handbook 2020 - 2021
- Espanol: NIS Familia Manual 2020-2021
Tech Help Desk Access en Espanol
Video # 1
Steps for TECH HELP DESK REQUEST/Pasos para SOLICITAR AYUDA TÉCNICA
Loom | Free Screen & Video Recording Software — Watch Video
COVID-19 Travel Order
Effective August 1, 2020, all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts must follow new travel orders. The Commonwealth has made great progress to slow the spread of COVID-19 and gradually re-open the economy, and all visitors have a responsibility to help us keep transmission levels as low as possible.
All visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, who do not meet an exemption, are required to:
- Complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival, unless you are visiting from a lower-risk state designated by the Department of Public Health.
- Quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts.
If your COVID-19 test result has not been received prior to arrival, visitors, and residents must quarantine until they receive a negative test result.
Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine per day.
Please find more information, including the list of lower-risk states, exemptions, business guidance and other details at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order
For NPS District Information
Be sure to check the www.npsk.org website for specific District communications and updates.
Nantucket Intermediate School
Email: mcneile@npsk.org
Website: https://www.npsk.org/NIS
Location: 30 Surfside Road, Nantucket, MA, USA
Phone: 508-228-7290
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nantucketintermediateschool/
Twitter: @NISlearners