Dear Nantucket Lighthouse School Community,
I hope this message finds you and your family well and enjoying the beautiful summer weather. It’s such a welcome reprieve from Nantucket’s long, chilly spring. While school is out, Nantucket Lighthouse School continues to buzz with activity. Camp Lighthouse is in full swing, and Amanda and Jessica, along with all the counselors, have been doing an amazing job of maintaining the fun on campus. Each week of camp carries a special theme, such as space, fireworks, garden, and last week’s Olympic games, and we continue to host weekly field trips, tennis lessons with Nantucket Community School, visits from the ice cream truck, and Friday talent shows. The energy is high, and the children are enjoying the quintessential camp experience.
As we continue to prepare for the coming school year, Nantucket Lighthouse School’s 25th Anniversary, we also hosted our 15th Annual Garden Festival during the week of July 22. Throughout the 3-day event, we offered a series of garden tours, workshops for children and adults, and lectures with industry leaders. We are so grateful for the Nantucket Garden Festival committee and for the many volunteers, homeowners, and NLS parents and staff who made this special event possible. We literally could not have done it without you, including our all-star garden tour guides. Thank you!
Last spring, I shared that Emmy Lambalot will be rejoining Nantucket Lighthouse School’s faculty, that Kerry Ray will be teaching first grade, and Stephanie Gilchrist will be teaching Small School. With our team expanding, Amanda Torchia will lead the group as our Head of Small School. Additionally, I am beyond thrilled to announce that Maggie Christakos will be returning to teach Grade 2, and Cayla Prichard will be joining the teaching faculty as our Grade 3 teacher, while continuing to provide math support and serving as the Head of Lower Grades.
Our team of specialist teachers is growing as well. Maria Chirinos will be teaching Spanish to all grades, and Will Datilio, whom many of you know from Nantucket Ice, will be teaching physical education. Additionally, we are happy to announce that Olga Vasko will be joining us later this month to lead the business office. We are entering the 2024-25 school year with a dream team of educators and administrative team members! I could not be more excited for our students and our families. You can read more about the 2024-25 faculty and staff on our website.
With only a month before school officially begins, I wanted to share some reminders about the first weeks:
· Last week, Alicia sent the back-to-school forms through Blackbaud. They are due on August 7, and the health forms are due on August 16. Please be in touch with Alicia if you did not receive the forms, or if you have any questions.
· In late August, we will send additional reminders, class lists, the parent handbook, and a copy of the school calendar. You can also access the school calendar on our website.
· Please mark your calendars for the following September events:
Tuesday, September 3, 10:00-11:00AM: Back to School Meet and Greet. Students and parents are invited to visit with teachers and to get a peek into classrooms.
Wednesday, September 4, 8:20AM: This is the first day of school for all students. Small School students dismiss at 1:00PM September 4-6.
Monday, September 9, 2:30PM: Extended Day begins.
Friday, September 13, 5:00-7:00PM: All families are invited to Nantucket Lighthouse School’s Back to School Picnic.
I hope you enjoy the remaining weeks of summer. I have included the summer reading and math work that went home in June. If you have any questions or want to drop off forms in person, the main office remains open.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Warm regards,
Emily
Emily Miller
Head of School
