Dear Nantucket Lighthouse Friends and Families,Thank you all for sharing your time with us this week for our parent information sessions. I hope that you could easily envision your child’s day as we talked through not only our safety precautions but also NLS’s long-standing educational beliefs and approaches which celebrate the whole child – head, heart, and hands.
Next week, the NLS faculty returns for a full program of meetings and workshops. We start the week with a two-day Reader’s Workshop training by Dr. Jeanne Tribuzzi, Ed.D., an educational leader skilled in training teachers in Reading and Writing Workshop. Jeanne comes to us from the Teachers College Reading and Writing at Columbia University. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to deepen our discussions as a faculty about the many facets of effective reading instruction. Later in the week, we have a health and safety training with Meredith Lepore, RN, FNP-BC, the elementary school nurse.
If you have not received the Back To School Welcome Packet (via email) with class list and school reminders, please let us know. It was sent to all parents on Tuesday.
TRAVEL QUESTIONS
Many of you asked about our off-island travel policy this year. We have learned that NCH will provide Covid-19 testing when families have a compelling reason. The compelling reason that you can provide that you or someone in your family has been traveling off island. You do not need to make an appointment for testing.
THE FLU SHOT
Massachusetts state public health officials announced Wednesday that the flu vaccine will be required for all children enrolled in schools and day cares. U.S. public health officials have been urging all Americans to get vaccinated against flu this year so the flu virus doesn’t further complicate the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
We ask that all Nantucket Lighthouse students, faculty, and staff, receive the flu shot by October 15th, as recommended by Robert Santamaria. The shot will be available by appointment at the Nantucket Cottage Hospital Clinic and at Briarpatch Pediatrics starting next week.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Alicia Lynn.
PARENT FEEDBACK
“I just wanted you to know that I believe this reopening plan is amazing. Really, it’s so well done. Thank you.” Mark Lucas, Trustee and former NLS parent
“Thank you for working so hard on this. I can’t imagine how much time and dedication it’s taking. We are grateful for you!” Erin Henry, parent of Milo and Hank
Nantucket Lighthouse School’s Health and Safety Committee
Alicia Lynn (Covid-19 Officer)
Christine Hanson
Candice Tetrault
Maryann Hedda
Jillian Fraker
Alana Cullen
Jamie Foster
Jean Witt
Consultants:
Meredith Lepore RN, FNP-BC & Roberto Santamaria
NEW FACULTY & STAFF
Molly Zegans will be supporting Joni’s 1st/2nd grade class. Molly comes to us with a rich background in outdoor education.
Maggie Featherston will be supporting Linda’s Pre-Kinder/Kinderclass. Maggie will be leading the 3-5th grade Extended Day program. Maggie comes to us with a strong background in childhood programming, including special needs education.
Carol Pillion will be supporting Cohorts 2 and 3 in the afternoons. Carol comes to us with experience with all grades as a teaching assistant.
Emmy Lambalot will be supporting the Small School students in the mornings. Emmy will also be teaching Yoga classes to all classes in our outdoor gazebo. You might know Emmy from Supta Yoga or the Yoga Room.
Caren Oberg has just been named our new Horticulture Teacher. She will be teaching all the grades in weekly Horticulture classes. We are lucky to be able to bring island gardener, Sally Obremski, on board to provide garden maintenance. Sally will also guide student volunteer garden time during recess 1-2 times per week.
RAINBOW + SPRINKLESTry our Nantucket Lighthouse Rainbow Ice Cream at Island Kitchen!!!
For one more day only, Island Kitchen will be serving our school ice cream. Get yours and take a photo.
Tag us! @nantucketlighthouseschool #headhearthands
