THE ROARING TIMES 12/8/23

Dear NCS Families,

Snow Day Plan

At a board meeting earlier this year, it was determined that NCS would no longer only have traditional snow days when there is inclement weather. Instead, we will have 5 traditional snow days - which are already built into our calendar - followed by remote learning days after that. The two main reasons behind this are to ensure that families and staff can plan on a specific end date to the school year and to maintain instructional continuity for students. Many schools have adopted remote learning plans following the pandemic, but at NCS, we are charting a unique course with ours. You can read about the details HERE. Briefly, rather than students spending many hours on an ipad or working through a work packet, we will be asking them to complete a special task list that is tied to our 3-Dimensions of Student Achievement.. Staff will also be working through this same task list. When we return to school, classrooms will then share their snow day work and experiences in a meaningful way. If you have any questions about the plan, feel free to contact me.

Staffing Announcements

Our new art teacher, Emily Fisher, has accepted a full-time position at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland. We are very thankful for her time at NCS and wish her the best of luck in this new endeavor. In her place, we have hired Olivia Richmond. Olivia is currently working at South Bristol School and Cony High School. She will be leaving the high school position to work at NCS on Wednesday through Fridays. On days that Olivia is not coaching track at Lincoln Academy, she will be piloting a new after school art club which our school recently received grant money for.

In addition to changes in Art, we have two new but familiar faces joining our ranks. Sam Pierce is back once again as our Kieve Educator in Residence. She has been working at NCS for 3 years so she comes with lots of knowledge about our students and community. EIR’s are placed in schools throughout the region to advance an experiential approach to social emotional learning and environmental stewardship. Abby Nelson has been student teaching in 1st grade with Mrs. Robyn Henry this Fall and we are extremely fortunate to have hired her on as an Educational Technician. Abby knows many students from her days at Coastal Kids and will be able to support literacy blocks, interventions, and an range of other assignments at our school

Welcome aboard Olivia, Abby and Sam!

Best,

Adam Bullard

7th grader Mary Gallagher has been selected to serve as a student representative for the Maine Department of Education Student (DOE) Cabinet! According to the DOE website, "The Student Cabinet is a group of students that meet monthly with representatives from the Maine DOE to discuss educational opportunities, improvements, and policy. The purpose of the Student Cabinet is to provide a forum for Maine students’ voices to be heard." Only two students from each county in Maine are selected to serve on the Cabinet each year. Congratulations, Mary!

The first snowfall was perfect for making snowmen, and made many students (and Teachers) happy on Monday!

Getting in the Christmas spirit, Kindergarten and 8th Grade Buddies worked together creating Santa Wind Socks

Not sure what to get your friends or relatives for Christmas? Eighth grade students at NCS are organizing an online auction as a fundraiser for their annual class trip. The auction will begin on Wednesday, December 13 and will close at 5:00 PM on Sunday, December 17th. Auction items include a weekend stay in Rangeley, two nights in a cabin at Duck Puddle Campground, a Nintendo Switch provided by DiMauro Electric, a handmade charcuterie board, and many local gift certificates. Look for more detailed information and an auction link next week.

Kindergarten and 8th grade students are holding a Food Drive through December 20th, collecting nonperishable items for both our 2 legged and 4 legged friends. Having trouble remembering to send items in with your student during the school day? No worries, collection boxes will be located in the lobby during our Winter Concert. In fact, we encourage all families to consider bringing a nonperishable item to donate Thursday night.

Clip Art for Spring and Summer - Clip Art Library

The Scholastic Book Fair makes its return!!! The NPTO is hosting the Scholastic Book Fair next week! Volunteers are still needed to help monitor the sale in the mornings as well as prior to and following the Winter Concert. If you are interested in helping out please sign up at the following link. NPTO: NCS Book Fair Volunteers (signupgenius.com)