THE ROARING TIMES 1/10/25

Dear NCS Families,

Bus #42 - Early Bus

Last year, First Student - our bus transportation partner - requested that we create a 2nd/earlier run in the afternoon for bus #42 driven by Abby. The purpose of this was to reduce the number of students on that run and thus create fewer behavioral challenges for the students and driver. At the time, we had hoped to put an NCS staff person on the bus to avoid splitting the route and prevent students from missing time at the end of the day. However, we did not have an Ed. Tech available to take that on.

I am pleased to announce that we have now identified a staff member to ride bus #42 in the afternoons - Katie Kocher. Katie works in our SSC - Student Support Center - and is more than capable of helping Abby manage behavior on that full bus. Thankfully, having Ms. Kocher on the bus means that we will no longer need to dismiss a handful of Back Meadow Rd. students early from classes. They can remain in their classrooms until the very end of the day and be dismissed with everyone else.

This change will take place Monday afternoon - 1/13/25. Students who are dropped off on Back Meadow Rd. will therefore be arriving a little bit later than in the past year. Additionally, the rest of the students on that bus will experience a small shift in their home arrival times due to more students on the bus.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the NCS office.

Best,

Adam Bullard

whncs

Chess club students in grades 3-8 have been meeting every Wednesday after school since the end of October. With help from Mr. Parcher and Mr. Hassett, chess players work to perfect their tactics and strategies. GO LIONS!

Chess Club

mindful Technology Use

At NCS, we are noticing that behaviors on video games and social media are affecting students' ability to be successful at school. This is a general reminder to check-in with students of all ages about their technology use. We recommend having a conversation rather than being accusatory. The goal is for children to feel safe when talking about their digital media. If you have any questions regarding how to talk to children about technology, please reach out to Shania at smelvin@aos93.org or 207-563-3437.

nurse

It's officially winter, and we've had some bitterly cold days this week. Our school policy is to have the students remain inside for recess if the "real feel" temperature is below 10 degrees. With that in mind, please have students come to school with the proper outside attire (hats, mittens, jackets, snow pants, and boots).

It's important to remember that during this time of year, as we all get closer and stay inside longer, there's an increased risk of lice exposure. To lessen this risk, students should not share or borrow hats, mittens, jackets, or any clothing from their classmates. The office can provide these items for students who aren't properly dressed for the weather.

Here are some additional helpful tips regarding head lice and how to treat it:

Even though they do not jump or fly, they can spread from one student to another by sharing combs, brushes, clothing, and hats. Please discourage the sharing of these items among friends.
Head lice can happen to anyone. It is not a sign of poor health habits or being dirty.
There are many lice treatment shampoos on the market and other mechanical and manual methods of controlling lice. The most important part of treatment is thoroughly combing to remove lice and nits.
If you find head lice. Bedding, clothing, and hats should be laundered on the same day your child is treated.
Nits (lice eggs) are tiny, white, pearly eggs that attach to the hair shaft close to the scalp. The nit can be removed manually with a "nit comb," available in most pharmacies.

If you'd like your child's head checked as a precaution, please contact me. Otherwise, I will only check a child if they report feeling itchy to either their teacher or myself.

Earlier this week I emailed about our partnership with Lincoln County Dental, Inc., a community health outreach mobile program (CHOMP). They will provide dental cleanings and other services to students who do not have a primary dentist, dental insurance, and/or students with MaineCare. They will be at NCS on January 15th and 16th. If you'd like to sign your child up for this service, please contact me at kodonnell@aos93.org or call the office at 563-3437.

Thank you,

Kayla

events Monday, January 13th