Dear NCS Families,
The last two weeks, I have had the pleasure of attending school board meetings in Jefferson and Bristol to talk about the district middle level alternative education program called CAL (The Center for Alternative Learning), located here at NCS. Since the CAL classroom is in our building, I am the de facto Director of the program; a hat that I happily wear while supporting the mission and talented staff; Doug Parcher (Head Teacher), Lisa Steeves (Educational Technician), Shania Madden (Guidance), Erin Barter (Social Worker), and Angela Nilles (Special Education).
The middle school years are a crucial phase of a student’s educational journey. During this time, some students struggle with traditional approaches to learning. This can be for a variety of reasons; lagging executive function skills, social-emotional deficits, peer challenges, emotional regulation, and more. Whatever the causes, it is critical to intervene before students head to high school. CAL was created to address these challenges.
Authentic learning experiences are necessary for engaging students fully. This is why CAL closely partners with several local organizations. Over the past two years, CAL has worked with the Apprenticeshop in Rockland, Hearty Roots, Coastal Rivers Land Trust, Darling Marine Center, Habitat for Humanity, The YMCA and others to help deliver rich programming. Getting students out of the building and working alongside professionals is a powerful way to boost engagement.
As they would be in a traditional classroom, students in CAL are expected to work hard at developing academic, social-emotional, executive functioning and behavior management skills. The difference in CAL is that much of this is built into the routines of the classroom and is explicitly taught, monitored and assessed.
Additionally, CAL can be more supportive and personalized than a typical traditional classroom. The class size is twelve or lower, and the students loop with the CAL teachers. This reduces the number of transitions and time needed to teach routines.
Please feel free to contact me if you’d like to hear more about the program.
Sincerely,
Adam Bullard
It is that time of year when illnesses are in the air and the spread is fierce. Please remind your students to wash their hands vigilantly and NOT to share any drinks or food potentially increasing the spread of germs. There have been cases of the flu and mono as well as the common cold circulating NCS and we need to limit the spread of these illnesses, which can result in long-term absences. We also ask that you make sure your student is bringing in their own water bottle, and not sharing with other students. Thank you all for your continued effort in keeping all of our students safe and healthy.
Thank you,
Kayla
On Monday our undefeated boys basketball team traveled to North Haven by ferry for a day game. Showing great school spirit were our eighth graders, who joined the team for the adventure.
Meanwhile, back at school, the remaining students enjoyed the game on the "Big Screen" during lunch. GO LIONS!!
Kindergartners enjoyed Tech class this week, working with their Bee-Bots. While PE was a bullseye for 5th - 8th Grade students as they began their lesson in Archery.
As of the most recent storm, NCS has used 3 of its built-in 5 snow days. In preparation for possible remote learning days, we are requesting families fill out a quick survey. Please take a minute and complete the survey HERE.
MONDAY, JANUARY 15th
No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
TUESDAY, JANUARY 16th
Homework Club 240-340pm
Make Up Basketball Games at Woolwich (Boys at 345pm, Girls to follow)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17th
Basketball Games Home vs. Bristol (Girls at 345pm, Boys to follow)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 18th
Homework Club 240-340pm
Chess Club 230-330pm
5th & 6th Grade Sewing Club 230-330pm
Girls Basketball practice 230-4pm
Boys Basketball practice 4-530pm
FRIDAY, JANUARY 19th
8th Grade to Bath Regional Career and Tech Center
CAL to The Apprenticeshop
