Nantucket News and Notes

The following are some important reminders of parent/guardian tasks to do at the beginning of the school year:

1. Did I update/verify my child's Emergency Card is up-to-date? Here is the link to do this online: https://secure.aacps.org/webapps/SEFP/OSS/Ecvr

2. Did I apply/reapply for Free or Reduced Meals for my child/chidren? Here is the link to do this online: https://www.aacps.org/page/apply-for-free-or-reduced-price-meals

3. Did I setup an account to pay for school meals automatically? Here is a link to do this online: https://www.aacps.org/page/purchasing-school-meals

4. Did I review the Student Code of Conduct with my child and return the Acknowledgement of Review of Student Handbook page? You can complete this form through ParentPortal or ask your child's teacher to send home a paper copy of the form.

5. Did I register for ParentPortal to help me monitor my child's progress and attendance? Here is te link to do this online: https://www.aacps.org/page/studentparent-portal

#BePresent is a community/school partnership designed to increase and improve community relationships within schools. Mentors and volunteers will assist school-based staff and administration with ensuring a safe and orderly school environment by being present during the school’s daily function. Mentors and volunteers are invited to have a greater presence in schools as a way to enhance relationships and make school operations safer and more efficient.

What will you do in a school? Although each school has unique needs, some possible activities might include:

• helping with arrival and dismissal.

• assisting staff during lunch and recess.

• being present in hallways during class changes.

• supporting specific programs/activities.

• mentoring a student or small group of students.

• reading with a student

Are you interested in learning how you can #BePresent to support Nantucket's Starfish? Please contact our School Counselors Mrs. Dring and Mrs. Brauer for more information!

Greetings from the Health Room!

Welcome back! Nurse Lauren and Mrs. Gina are excited to be back at Nantucket! Nurse Lauren splits her time with another local elementary school but is accessible by email nurse3282@aacps.org . Mrs. Gina, our Health Assistant will be here to care for our day-to-day needs. Our phone number is (410) 451-6135.

If your child requires medication during the school day, or for emergency purposes, please remember to have the student's doctor complete the Parent Request to Administer Medication at School form. A copy of the form can be found here. If you have a student with other healthcare needs or you have any questions, please reach out to our Nurse Lauren via email. Please check your student's take-home folder, we may be sending things home that may require your signature and need to be returned. Please remember that students may not carry medications at school without express consent from the health room. Medication drop-offs need to be an adult-to-adult transfer, please have a trusted adult bring the medication to the health room.

Be sure to send an extra set of clothes for your child to be kept in their locker. This helps ensure a quick return to class for students of any age. Spills, trips, and mishaps happen! Please help us and your student be prepared to face life's unexpected challenges.

Regular school attendance is very important to your child’s academic progress and success in school. Please try to schedule dental/medical appointments and other commitments for after school hours whenever possible. Please read the Attendance Section in our Family Handbook for more information regarding Attendance.

At our Attendance Committee Meeting in October, the committee discussed all students who have 4 or more cumulative lawful and unlawful absences and 8 or more tardies and/or early dismissals.

Chronic absenteeism includes students who miss 10% or more of enrolled instructional days. AACPS recognizes a direct correlation between attendance and other academic measures, including grades and state test scores, so monitoring, communicating, and supporting families is necessary for improvement. Even if your student has had lawful absences and you have provided doctor's notes, you may be contacted about your child's chronic absenteeism.

Parade: Nantucket’s traditional Halloween parade is quickly approaching. We hope you are just as excited to celebrate as we are! The parade will be on October 31st and start promptly at 8:40 AM.  The parade route has students parading on pavement around the exterior of the building.  Please see the map below for the best photo opportunities.  Parents/visitors are invited to stand around the parade route as indicated by the green lines in the photo below.  This is a well-attended event so be sure to get a spot on the parade route.  Grade levels will exit the building in the following order starting at the star, 4yo PK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th.  Unfortunately, due to our large enrollment, if it is raining, the parade will be held inside, and we will be unable to have visitors attend the parade.

Parking: Anyone planning to attend is encouraged to walk as parking will be very limited.  Visitors may not park in the bus or car loop and need to follow all posted parking signs in the neighborhoods.

Photography:  Due to privacy and security concerns, all visitors should refrain from taking pictures of any students other than their own. 

Classroom Celebrations:  Classroom celebrations will take place following the parade.   Light, store-bought refreshments will be organized and served by Room Parent to students.  Room Parents have worked with Teachers to plan fall activities during this time.  Please watch for communication from Room Parents about how you can support the classroom celebrations. Only Room Parents and up to 2 designated volunteers will be admitted into the building to support the celebration.