NIS Weekly News
Nantucket Intermediate School - June 8, 2020
Facing Racial Violence and Necessary Systemic Change
To all NIS families/caregivers,
We would like to express our deep sadness and frustration about the most recent incidents of racial violence against black Americans and the systemic racism that allows such violence and killings to occur repeatedly. The continuation of these egregious incidents highlighting the racial disparities in our country has made this a time of tremendous heartbreak. However, we would also like to recognize the glimmers of hope and opportunities available to us. We are so proud of and inspired by members of our community, especially the young people who helped organize the demonstration on June 1st. It was impossible to hear our 4th grade student speak his truth and not be moved by his passionate plea. Our children give us an idea of the better future we could create and now we have to give them the tools they need to be effective changemakers. We recognize that all of the children may be struggling with fear, anxiety or worry, as they hear about and witness some of the violence and chaos that erupted last week following peaceful protests. Again, our counseling staff is available to provide support.
To our black families and other families of color:
It is our goal at NIS to be continuous learners with the goal of growing and getting better at teaching children. That means teaching the whole child and actively working to become anti-racist as a whole school community. Beyond academics, it is our desire to ensure that we are supporting students in becoming deep thinkers who not only value racial equality and equity but are prepared to advocate for it. We want to ensure that students have the skills they need to speak out when they have questions or witness injustice. We want to empower all of our students to be kind and respectful of everyone in our community. It is our hope that in our desire to grow and increase our positive impact on our students, you are a part of that. As we work intentionally to engage in the work that must be done to support equality, equity, and inclusiveness, we ask that you tell us when we have made a mistake. Please communicate with us and share how we can be better as we continue to work harder to support members of the NIS community through our actions and advocacy. You are invited to attend a parent coffee this Thursday, June 11th at 8:00 AM to start the conversation.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/8959013527?pwd=ZnBncUtCVmhnOURUcFJGeWlkOTlpZz09
Password: 4204
To fellow white families:
While it is hard to admit it, we must acknowledge that most of us have not done enough to dismantle the system that perpetuates racial injustice because as white parents, many of us have been able to avoid having difficult and uncomfortable conversations with our children. This is a choice that we have as a result of our privilege; this option is not available to families of color. It is hard to talk about racism because we don’t want to say the wrong thing, feel ill-prepared and struggle with feeling guilty about our own privilege. But we were not born with racial bias, we learned it and we have to work to unlearn it and be aware of it so that our children will be raised with less bias and more awareness. We know that by the time children reach middle elementary age they have a basic understanding of race, and if they are not learning about it intentionally from us, they are learning it from messages embedded in our racist system. What do the stars of their favorite TV shows look like, who are the characters in the books they read, and what does the media they are exposed to teach them? Please join us in being committed to having uncomfortable conversations.
In an effort to support you with these conversations, we are offering the following resource:
Talking to Children About Racial Bias Excerpts from this article include the following:
“Strategies to Help Children Deal with Racial Bias
There are three strategies that parents can use to help their children deal with racial bias:
Talk to your children and acknowledge that racial differences and bias exist.
Confront your own bias and model how you want your children to respond to others who may be different than them.
Encourage your children to challenge racial stereotypes and racial bias by being kind and compassionate when interacting with people of all racial, ethnic, and cultural groups.
For grade schoolers: This is the age that is important to have open talks with your child about race, diversity, and racism. Discussing these topics will help your child see you as a trusted source of information on the topic, and he or she can come to you with any questions. Point out stereotypes and racial bias in media and books such as villains or "bad guys" in movies.”
At NIS and within the Nantucket Public Schools, it continues to be our goal and mission to create a culture of true inclusiveness. This will require us to not only acknowledge our own biases, but to take action when we see these biases cause harm to others while we seek to learn and improve. Black lives do matter, and as a country, community and school we need to take action to be more inclusive and equitable. At NIS we are dedicated to doing just that through ongoing anti-racism conversations, policy review, curricular review, hiring, and professional development for all staff. We encourage you to reach out to share ideas and thoughts about ways in which we can improve. We also remind you that we are here to support you and your children as they navigate their very real and hard feelings. Everyone is invited to our initial Zoom meeting on Thursday, June 11th to begin these conversations.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/8959013527?pwd=ZnBncUtCVmhnOURUcFJGeWlkOTlpZz09
Password: 4204
Respectfully,
Evemarie McNeil, Principal mcneile@npsk.org
Donna Johnson, Assistant Principal johnsond@npsk.org
Alexandra Rosenberg, Social Worker rosenberga@npsk.org
Jennifer Laredo, School Psychologist laredoj@npsk.org
Nantucket Nature Week June 8 - June 12
This week we have a Nature Week Bingo sheet with some additional challenges listed here:
CHALLENGES:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
Check out the Linda Loring Nature Foundation’s Story Walk! Read When Spring Comes written by Kevin Henkes and illustrated by Laura Dronzek, a story about the magic that is spring, as you stroll through our natural landscape!
Look for shapes in the clouds: come up with a story about what you see!
Find a rock that looks like a shape: can you find some others and make a pattern out of them?
Do your part - pick up a piece of litter (or two…): how else can you be a good citizen? Can you make a list of at least five ways?
Nature Week Bingo etc.: Click Here to see this week’s Bingo Board and challenges! Please send submissions to Ms. Dixson, current Gr. 1 teacher at NES, at dixsona@npsk.org
Family Time Tip from our NIS Counselors
Hello Super Hero Caregivers,
First a quick shoutout recognizing all the AMAZING things you are doing to support yourself and your children! Keep up the great work!
We also wanted to share a quick tip to stay connected with your children. Try taking a few minutes to check in while eating a meal or snack unplugged together. One way we like to get the conversation rolling with students at schools is asking them about their "Pit" (worst part) and "Peak" (best part) of their day or week. Here is a brief video and article we thought may be of interest to you all. Check it out! https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/why-device-free-dinners-are-a-healthy-choice
Again, we are here to support you and your NIS learners so if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out!
Warm Wishes,
Miss Adams & Mr. Peckham
School Counselor Information
School Counselor Office Hours
Monday: Miss. Adams from 10am to 12pm
Tuesday: Mr. Peckham from 10am to 12pm
Wednesday: Miss. Adams from 10am to 12pm
Thursday: Mr.Peckham from 10am to 12pm
Friday: Miss Adams and Mr. Peckham from 10am to 12pm.
Students, caregivers, parents, and families may call in to either School Counselor at those times. If these times do not work for you please contact the School Counselors to Schedule an appointment.
Ms. Adams: 774-333-2017 adamsv@npsk.org
Zoom Meeting: zoom.us/j/952032798 Password: NISRULES
Mr. Peckham: 508-348-9332 peckhama@npsk.org
Zoom Meeting: zoom.us/j/6919371321 Password: NISRULES
Want to reach our Social Worker? Here is her contact information:
Ms. Alexandra Rosenberg: 508-257-1783 rosenberga@npsk.org
From the Desk of our School Nurse
Hello NIS Families/Caregivers!
We are in the home stretch of remote learning. Great job everyone!! You made it this far, only a couple of weeks to go and then summer!!! Not sure what summer will look like this year, but I’m still ready for it. I relish the sun on my face, hanging out at the beach, and people watching on Main Street while eating ice cream. However, with COVID-19 and the influx of tourists on our island, I feel a little anxious. I worry about the spread of COVID-19. Will tourists follow CDC guidelines? Will they self quarantine for 14 days? Will they wear masks and keep their social distance?
Last week I read an article about reducing one’s anxiety. It stated that there is scientific proof that showing acts of kindness reduces one’s anxiety. When you are kind to someone or someone shows you an act of kindness, our brain releases serotonin, a "feel good” chemical produced in our brain. I thought wow what an easy and simple way to help reduce anxiety. Be kind. It doesn’t take much. A simple smile or “Hey nice mask!” or “Thank you for keeping your social distance.” The article also said that showing acts of kindness can cause a positive ripple effect. Lord knows we could use that right about now. Please tell my students to be kind to one another. It will help reduce their anxiety and make them feel better. Below is the link if you want to read the article.
Until next time, stay healthy, stay strong and be kind,
Nancy Small RN
Office Hours:
Ms. Nancy Small available daily to answer your medical questions Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Start with an email to smalln@npsk.org and Ms. Small will email or call you back.
School Supplies Through EduKit for 2020-2021
ORDER BY JUNE 30, 2020 FOR BEST PRICING AND FREE SHIPPING.
Nantucket Intermediate School offers the EduKit program as a convenient option for busy families to order school supplies for the 2020/2021 year. EduKits include the supplies approved by your school. Click on this link to order: NIS EduKits
UPDATE: Due to high demand of Clorox/Lysol brand disinfecting wipes, Edukit is no longer able to provide us with what we originally included in the kits. Instead, they have worked diligently so that we have a replacement. These new wipes are a 50 count and contain 75% alcohol content for rapid sterilization and kill 99.99% of germs.
For the 3rd and 4th grade kits, the original wipes were a 35 count, so this means more wipes at no additional cost! For the 5th grade kits, they originally contained 75 wipes, this deficient from 75 to 50 wipes this means that there is $2.00 per 5th grade kit that us as a school will be able to purchase additional supplies from their warehouse to supplement the 5th grade boxes.
Virtual Learning Tips for Caregivers
NPS Remote Learning Addendum for Parents and Families
The Nantucket Public Schools recently added an addendum for remote learning to describe assessment, feedback and grading. Click HERE for the link.
Kind regards,
NPS Administration
NPS Mental Health Resources Page
District counselors and social workers have shared so many amazing resources with families so we decided to consolidate all of their rich information onto the NEW Mental Health Resources page of our website.
It is located under the Parents & Students top tab of the District Website, under Remote Home Learning Resources.
Behavioral Support Offered to Families
Dear Families,
These are challenging times for our students and we recognize that feelings of sadness or anxiety may present themselves as behavioral challenges at home. If you are looking for additional support and strategies to address your child’s behavior during remote learning time please reach out to me during office hours noted below. I am also available by phone appointment. Also included is the link to my BCBA newsletter that includes additional information, resources, strategies etc. to address behavior.
Best regards,
Laura Stanley, MS, BCBA, LABA
District Behavior Analyst
Nantucket Public Schools
Phone: 508-228-7290 ext 4226
E-mail: stanleyl@npsk.org
BCBA Behavior Newsletter https://www.smore.com/wuh54
Parent Office Hours:
Monday and Wednesday, 12:30-1:00
Zoom ID: 960 679 983
Password: bcba1234
Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00-10:45
Zoom ID: 880 409 252
Password: bcba1234
Assistance for Families
Nantucket Food-Fuel-Rental Assistance --- https://www.assistnantucket.org
Nantucket Culinary Center is offering buy one give one for their family meals. If you are interested in purchasing a meal click here: https://nantucketculinary.com
If you are in need of a free meal please click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9ozRLWoaXIJ3aiSxp7AayARfyhIm3pifmEJ2W5iHfcrkz0A/viewform
Health Resources:
Fairwinds - https://www.fairwindscenter.org/fairwinds-corona-response/
Free drop-in Zoom support meetings:
Groups 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
How: Click on this zoom link to join any meeting: https://zoom.us/j/994360705
Groups 4:00-5:00 p.m. (individual Zoom log-ins, see below)
Mondays: From 4-5 p.m. Un grupo de apoyo gratuito en español:
El Grupo Creando Calmate ayuda a lidiar con la ansiedad y el estrés
Creating Calm Support Group in Spanish. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/712149785Thursdays: From 4-5 p.m. Teen Recovery Group offering support and answers to teens ages 14-21 in a non-judgmental, open forum. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/790603392
Gosnold- Teletherapy support and Mobile Crisis (877) 784-6273.
A Safe Place - 508- 228-2111 https://www.asafeplacenantucket.org
Nantucket Cottage Hospital -- Still open for same day appointments. Call ahead as they are working to keep potential Covid-19 patients separated from the general patient population. 508-825-1000
Utility Services COVID-19 response:
Wannacomet Water Company
No late fees, penalties or interest will be charged at this time: https://www.wannacomet.org
National Grid
Payment options and support services : https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Default.aspx
Comcast: Will not disconnect internet for nonpayment (and other assistance plans) Contact directly for more information: https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19
Verizon: Contact for specific offers of assistance: https://www.verizon.com/about/news/verizon-helps-eliminate-worry
Emergency Child Care:
Emergency drop-in child care programs are opening to provide emergency, back-up, drop-in child care for vulnerable families and members of essential workforces who have no other option. Parents and guardians working from home are not a priority for emergency child care. Likewise, if you have alternate child care, such as friends or family, you should not contact these programs. (from https://eeclead.force.com/apex/EEC_ChildCareEmergencyFAQParents)
Nantucket Locations: (See chart below)
Specialist Teachers' Learning Activities
Check back weekly for updated learning activities!
Please know each of our specialists have Parent and Student Connection hours too! Just email the specialist teacher you want to connect with to learn when the are available virtually.
Art - Heldj@npsk.org
Library - myerso@npsk.org
Music - sheppards@npsk.org
Physical education - gardnerg@npsk.org
Spanish - nashz@npsk.org
SEL - see counselor information above
Enrichment - baskettf@npsk.org
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
Information About Special Needs Advisory Council Attached Below...
Reminder about Netiquette and How You Can Help
We have seen some new challenges that online learning can bring pertaining to "Netiquette". We understand that remote learning and stay at home orders have likely increased screen time for your children. At NIS, we are truly grateful that we are able to connect with students and families through the digital platforms Meet and Zoom. While we are confident that most students are using the technology appropriately, we are getting word from some teachers that students may need some additional support from home to ensure that technology is being used appropriately. The following “Netiquette” has been shared with students and we would greatly appreciate if you could support your child at home with practicing the following suggestions and expectations:
Determine a time to turn screens off. Ensure that children do not have access to technology during the night time hours when they should be getting sleep. If students need to contact their teachers, set aside time first thing in the morning or at the end of the “school day” to send questions or to share their great work.
We understand that some children are using Google Hangouts Meet to connect with their friends. While we understand the need for this contact, we ask that students do not use the teacher’s meeting address to socialize. Under adult supervision, kids can create their own Meet links to connect with friends. We expect that this is done only after their school work is done for the day.
Please remind your child, that while we are not in the building, teachers and administrators still can access a student’s Chromebook screen and history via GoGuardian. Students are expected to adhere to the NPS Technology Acceptable Use Policies at all times when using the NPS network and devices.
Please remind your child that they are expected to dress appropriately when meeting live with their class and/or teacher. While comfortable clothing is appropriate, students should ensure that they are adhering to the NIS dress code and sufficiently covered up when using Zoom and Google Meet.
We encourage you to reach out to your child’s teachers, the NPS Technology Department or the NIS administrators if you have any questions or need additional support.
Nantucket Antheneum Information to Support You!
Hello everyone!
- The Atheneum can now look up your library card number. If If you've lost your card (or need to sign up for one), please send us an email and we'll get you set up. info@nantucketatheneum.org
- We've created a YouTube channel with instructions on how to easily set up your desktop or mobile device to download ebooks, audiobooks, stream movies, read magazines, learn a new language or take a class. There is something up there for everyone in the family, all you need is your library card and pin number (usually the last 4 digits of your card #).
- Nantucket Atheneum Digital Library
- Visit our homepage for further staff-curated educational links, resources and booklists to inspire you or sign up for an online class using our calendar.
- Nantucket Atheneum
Both pages will continue to evolve as we add more. Please stay safe and well. Hopefully, we'll all be back together soon.
Kind regards,
Leslie Malcolm