A heartfelt thanks and greetings from NCS!

 

The food drive was a huge success!  Yesterday representatives of the 6th grade delivered 28 large grocery bags--each filled to the brim--plus 10 big boxes of food and personal/household items to the Ecumenical Food Pantry in Newcastle.  The pantry volunteers were astounded by your generosity!

Mrs. Sabina's 6th grade class said that it was a joy to do the work and experience first hand what giving is all about. A heartfelt thank you is extended to you, our caring NCS community!

Meanwhile, classes are "wrapping up" a short week before the winter break. We hope you'll enjoy your family time, stay healthy, be kind, relax, and we'll be back to school on Monday, January 4th.

Cool geometric ornaments:

made by:

Season's Greetings! 

from gr. 8!

December, week 2. Hello!

Here are a few updated notices for you this week:

• Have you seen your child's Trimester 1 grades?  If you haven't done this yet, Gr 5-8 parents are asked to confirm Trimester 1 report cards using this link:   Gr 5-8 Report Card Confirmation for Parents   
  
  
• K-8 students were given paper versions of Trimester 1 reports last Friday. This information is also available online by accessing your Powerschool parent account. Families can login at any time to see the status of Gr 5-8 assignments, attendance information, etc. 
  
  Here's the link for Powerschool:  Powerschool Parent Login Page   (If you forget your login information or need your PW reset, please don't hesitate to contact the school office.) 
  
  
• Menu change this week:  Thursday, December 10:   Macaroni & Cheese (instead of meatball subs).   
  
  
• We go outdoors regularly.   Please be sure that your child is equipped for winter weather: Hats, gloves, snowpants, boots. 
  
  
• THANK YOU to everyone contributing to the Gr 6 Food Pantry project.   We will accept donations through 12/18.   

We are wishing Mr. Mackey the very best in his new role beyond Nobleboro and AOS 93. This is his last week with us at school.  Welcome to Ms. Sperry who begins as Nobleboro's interim principal on Monday, December 14.   

A Merry Offer from grade 6

 

The Nobleboro Central School 6th grade students are managing a food drive to help local families!  Nonperishable food items as well as household items are needed.  If you would like to donate, please note that this will be going on December 2 through December 18. You can send items in with your child or drop them off as you drop off and pick up your student(s) in the front circle.

At the end of the food drive, we will deliver the collection to the Ecumenical Food Pantry in Newcastle. This food pantry serves the residents of Nobleboro, Damariscotta and Newcastle. Please donate if you can!  We very much appreciate it.  Thank you!

Our pleasure,

    the sixth grade class,

Suggestions:

• Nonperishable food items (canned soups, cereals, pasta)
• Household supplies (dish or laundry soap, sponges, cleaning supplies)
• Personal items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste)
• 
  

and from the Art Room . . .

 Happy Thanksgiving to all NCS families!

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest.  First place went to Kadence, 2nd place to Grace and 3rd place to AJ.   All participating 8th graders did a fabulous job and will be receiving certificates. 

Enjoy the break and see you on Monday!

PEACE, CONFERENCES, COMMUNITY INFO

Students in 8th grade created PEACE POSTERS and have submitted them to the the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest. Here are samples of our student work! So many nice posters were created.  

We have a short week coming up, Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving break.. Remote parent/teacher conferences continue next week.  You can still sign up directly through your child's teacher(s) or contact the school if you need help. November 24 marks the end of Trimester 1.  A milestone!

If you are aware of anyone needing assistance this season, please direct them to the COMMUNITY INFO POSTS on our school website.   

Families are reminded that students continue to be outdoors for breaks.  Please think about sending your child with warm clothes and/or layers for chilly days.  

November Notes--'tis the season!

Lost Art:   Paper folding--hats & puppets in Gr 4

NCS teachers have been setting up remote parent/teacher conferences.  Please contact your child's teacher(s) or the office if you need help in arranging your specific time. 

Good news!  Mrs. Weeks has returned to NCS!  Watch for a newsletter from the guidance office in the coming weeks.

Grade 2 Flying Turkeys

Oh, how we'll miss greeting the NCS community for a Thanksgiving holiday meal this year, but thanks to Angela and Patty our students can enjoy a turkey dinner on Thursday, 11/18. Tempting aromas have been wafting from the kitchen today!

Here is a selection of community notices that normally would be posted at school:

• YMCA's Giving Tree: The application period has been extended to November 20th. If your family would appreciate some gift-giving support during the holiday season, the Y Giving Tree may be a great resource for you. Or, if your family is looking for a way to help others, particularly during this challenging year, this could be an option!  The link provides information and the application:  Y Giving Tree 
  
  
• Also, Nobleboro's Minnehata Fire Department is organizing its annual toy drive.If you are interested in this offer and are a resident of Nobleboro, please complete a form and return it to the town office before Friday, December 4, 2020. Applications are available through the town office and Nobleboro Central School.  Please call the school if you'd like us to send you a form. 
  
  
• STAY & PLAY at the CLC-Y.   Saturdays 9-10am--one hour of free tennis for families to play together.   10-22am--group organized tennis games.  The Stay & Play program will be putting together some fun baskets (2 tennis rackets, red tennis balls, art supplies).  If you know of any students interested in tennis or a student who would benefit from the basket, contact:  Claire Mocarski 677-3666.

The end of Trimester 1 is approaching (November 24).   Grades will be released in early December.  We DO have school on Monday and Tuesday next week 11/23 and 11/24.

Such beautiful colors!

November 2020 Letter from AOS93 Superintendent Craig Jurgensen

Dear Parents, Families and Staff,

Our return to school this fall was anything but routine. But, with the significant planning and care that consumed our spring and summer months and the commitment of students and staff to keep one another safe and healthy, all AOS93 schools successfully returned to on-site instruction. The prevention and mitigation strategies we have implemented such as social distancing, consistent use of cloth face masks, and ongoing cleaning and sanitizing protocols have changed our daily routines. As a result, we have been able to safely engage in a robust and nearly normal school experience.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday recess and upcoming celebrations such as Hanakkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and the New Year, it is essential that we all continue to follow recommended strategies and actions that keep us and others healthy, particularly with regard to travel and in-person celebrations. 

Health experts including our AOS nurses remind us that it's important to consider a number of factors regarding travel:

• If you and your family are traveling out of Maine for the holidays, please be aware that if you travel to a non-exempt state, you are required to either quarantine for 14 days or get a negative PCR test before returning to school. At this time, travel to Vermont and New Hampshire are exempt from travel restrictions. Exemptions for Connecticut and New York ended on November 4 and the Massachusetts excemption ended November 16. Rhode Island is non-exempt.
• If you plan to host guests from out of state, be aware of whether they will be traveling from an exempt state with a low prevalence of disease or a non-exempt state.
• Stay up to date with travel requirements and exemptions for you and your guests by checking the Maine travel link
• Experts say flying is fairly safe right now because most airports are taking precautions--but it's still a confined space. If your guests are driving a long distance, they might have to stay at a hotel, which experts say can be risky. 
• Be mindful of the health conditions of family members and loved ones. Pre-existing conditions like heart or lung disease, cancer, and obesity can all lead to greater risk. 

If your family decides to have an in-person get together, Dr. Jarvis and Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC, say you should take precautions by using good hygiene and face covering and by practicing social distancing, even inside the home. You should also try to have some separation for at least the first three days of being together to watch out for symptoms of COVID-19--and you should have a plan for what to do if someone becomes sick. Click here for CDC Holiday Guidance to inform you of the best practices for safely enjoying upcoming holidays. 

And, as always, please remember to:

1. Get your flu shot--it is not too late!
2. Stay 6 feet apart
3. Wear a face covering
4. Avoid large gatherings
5. Wash your hands often
6. Stay home if you are sick

The more careful we are with health and safety recommendations, the more likely our schools are to stay open. Thank you for your continued support of the AOS93 community.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.

Craig Jurgensen
Superintendent

What Weather! Is it really November?

What gorgeous sunshine we had over the weekend!  

It's time to mention the 2020 Tree of Giving. An email about the Y giving tree was sent out last week. Applications are due to school before November 13 (or return them to the Y by Friday, November 13).   Here are details for both giving and receiving:  The Y 2020 TREE OF GIVING

This is a four day week school week. NO SCHOOL ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 in honor of all US Veterans. 

Be sure to enjoy the week!

Pumpkin Family by Sarah, grade K

 

Some good news

SCHOOL LUNCH UPDATE

NCS has received word that free student meals will be extended through June 2021.  All NCS students, regardless of lunch status, are eligible to receive a breakfast and/or lunch at no charge during the 2020-2021 school year. If your child has credit on their lunch account, it will carry over to next year.

Perhaps you are thinking, "Great! Now I don't need to complete that FRL application!"  We still ask that you complete a FRL application (if you think you may fall within the income guidelines).  Other subsidies are attached to the totals resulting from FRL forms, and that means we do really appreciate these applications.

Breakfasts are available as children enter the building at 7:55-8:10 am. The lunch menu appears under "Parent Resources" on the NCS WEBSITE.  A student may pick up a lunch on any given day.

Violins have arrived! Each Gr 5 student has his or her own violin until June 2021. 

Violinists Sam (Kieve educator in residence) and Michaela (grade 7) were on hand for lesson one:

4 Square in the art room!   How to depict an object 4 different ways..... by Claire, Grade 6 (started in March of Grade 5!)

CHECK YOUR CALENDAR:   We will have school at NCS on Tuesday, November 3.  Monday, Nov 23 and Tuesday, Nov 24 are also student days.  

CHECK OUT this FARMS TO FAMILIES FLYER for a schedule of a local free drive-thru farmstand.   Fresh produce!

Early October--Crisp Apple Season!

Beautiful morning at NCS

Amazing!  October (literally) blew in last week!  Did we really return to school a full month ago? 

Maine is blessed with a definite rhythm to the year. OCTOBER: apples, pumpkins, foliage, darker mornings and cooler temps. Please be sure your child has a layer for being comfortable outdoors this month. The daily outside break is so appreciated, but it's not much fun if you are not dressed appropriately.  Keep in mind that some classes are heading outdoors, too, weather permitting. 

Parents, please be aware of this change to our 2020-2021 school calendar.  Students DO have school on FRIDAY, OCT 9.  No complaining!  Everyone still gets a long weekend. No school Monday, October 12 Holiday.

You may have noticed that your child's lunch balance is not creeping up as quickly as it has in past years. As long as grant funds last (approx. to 12/31/20), there will be no charge for student meals this fall, regardless of your lunch status. See the 9/15 office news post for details. You also do not need to pre-order your lunch online at this point in the year.  

Completing the FRL application is still important, if applicable to you (as mentioned in 9/15 post). FRL data can help our school in other subsidized ways. Contact the office if you need a FRL application.

Reminder:  Use the front circle if you drive your child(ren) to school. Drop off times are 8:05-8:15 am.  

Here are some pictures to show you more about school:

Kindergarten  Physical Education  

CAL Project: More tables

Music Class

Thanks for reading.  Find some joy this week!

September

How is your school year going so far?   We have been carefully attending to the business of school, and it really feels good to be back together!

A few families have asked about how breakfast/lunch works. Now that we are beyond the first week(s) of school, we'll no longer need you to pre-order meals electronically. Here's what you should know:

• If your child needs breakfast, they can stop and pick up a breakfast on the way to their classroom.   K-2 pick up spot is near the front door/entrance to the primary wing. The Gr 3-8 breakfast pick up spot is in the lower lobby.  Breakfast is provided enroute to the classroom, but your child will continue to eat meals in their classroom.  
• At this point in the year, it's not necessary to pre-order lunches. If your child is going to receive a school lunch, they will have an opportunity to pick it up and return to the classroom to eat.   

Thank you for helping us to plan and prepare at the onset of the school year. Read on for some very interesting news:

THIS JUST IN! News from AOS 93 Kitchens

• USDA has extended the Summer Food Service Program Waiver until December 31, 2020 or when funding runs out. This means SCHOOL MEALS will be FREE to ALL children under the age of 18 until further notice.
• Please complete a FRL application so your child's status is accurate when we do go back to the National School Lunch Program. (*More about that below.)
• Whether children are attending in school or not, meals are available at no cost under the waiver. Meal pickup will be available at most schools. Contact school to find out when these meals will be available for pickup.

FRL (free/reduced lunch) applications were made available through Powerschool registration, and we also have sent home forms. If you feel your family may be eligible, please complete a form and return it to school with your child. Contact the school if you would like us to send home an application. Another option is to complete an application online. Visit www.schoollunchapp.com  Choose Maine and then our school district--AOS93/Central Lincoln County School System.

Our school benefits in more ways than lunch as a result of Nobleboro's cumulative FRL status, so we are happy to receive your application. All applications are confidential. If your child was part of FRL last year, we MUST have your application again in September.  

If you have questions about this, please contact the school. 

 

We're back!

We hope you have enjoyed a long Labor Day weekend. What gorgeous September weather!

It was truly wonderful to see students back at school last week. The first days provided the opportunity to practice some new habits and routines. Thank you, families, for your part in helping to make it a smooth transition back to NCS. Whether you were nervous or excited about the first day (or a little of both), it was a happy time.

Instead of trying to explain, here are a few pictures:

I

Our recess time may look a little different from before, but it's certainly nice to catch up with friends. . . or to make new ones. 

The 'learning tent' is very useful for holding outdoor classrooms.  Thank you to Midcoast Energy Systems for making that a reality.  We are going to enjoy this option while the weather lasts.

Except for Mrs. Stewart, everyone in kindergarten is new to our school, and we have some new faces in several other classrooms too.  Welcome!  A future post will introduce new staff members.

Students, please return summer reading logs to Ms. Harriman by 9/18. 

If your child(ren) eat school meals, you may send a check in to school or pay online. If paying electronically, look for the myschoolbucks link in your Powerschool account. If you need an access code for your schoolbucks account, please contact the office. Free and reduced lunch (FRL) applications are available. If you were eligible last year, it's important to reapply again in September.

Hang in there, and have a great week!

School begins on Tuesday, September 1 !

 

Looking back; looking ahead. . .

It's always amazing to watch growth spurts in our students at the end of a school year. The phenomenon seems especially evident in the kindergarten and 8th grade.  Kindergarten children came to us looking a bit like preschoolers. Suddenly, as summer approaches, the same children resemble first graders. Eighth grade students mature and actually look like they'll fit in high school rather than in jr. high. In fact, at every level kids suddenly look like they belong in the next grade. We have missed witnessing this marvelous transformation (in person) during the spring, but have faith the growth is happening. 

This week, our K-4 students participate in virtual enrichment activities. Enjoy learning some new things! Students are wrapping up the spring trimester. The last student day is Friday, June 12th. Technology gear will be collected at school on June 15th. 

Congratulations to the class of 2024!  We have truly enjoyed being part of your lives and wish you the best as you celebrate your accomplishments so far. 

 (Maine's ladyslippers are in bloom. That's amazing too!)

May!

It's time for another round of GR K-6 STUDENT PACKET PICK-UP's on Monday, 5/11/2020, 11am-1:00pm or 4-6pm.    UPDATE:  Gr 6 has work to pick up at school too.

Please begin collecting your NCS LIBRARY BOOKS.  All books should be returned by Monday, June 15. Technology equipment will also be returned to school by June 15th. 

Do you have a younger child heading to kindergarten in September?  Please contact ncourville@aos93.org NOW or complete this link: Kindergarten pre-registration form. If you know of another Nobleboro family with a child getting ready for kindergarten, please pass this request on to them too.

Wednesday, May 13, 10:30-12:30:  FAMILY PANTRY at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle--all families welcome!  Before or after your school lunch pick up, you're invited to swing by the Ecumenical Food Pantry in Newcastle. They are offering a pantry box of items. A special "Cook with your Kids" meal will be included too.

YMCA GEAR SWAP: The flyer has all the details:  YMCA GEAR SWAP FLYER

NCS is planning an 8th grade promotion in June. Details will be forthcoming. It may not be exactly what we're used to, but well . . . let's just wait and see.  In the meantime, if you are heading to Lincoln Academy in the fall, you may enjoy this:  A Message for 8th Graders from LA

NCS SPIRIT WEEK

We miss you all! Even thought we can't all be together in the same building, we can still rock our Nobleboro school spirit! Please join us all week (5/4-5/8) in celebration with your classmates. Everyone is invited to share a picture of yourself dressed for success on Seesaw or in your Zoom meetings. The Spirit Week themes are below:

• MONDAY, MAY 4:  Crazy Hat Day. Wear your favorite crazy hat, or even better, make one out of the things in your house.
• TUESDAY, MAY 5:  Favorite Sports Team or introduce your favorite stuffed animal.
• WEDNESDAY, MAY 6:  Mismatched Day. Throw fashion to the wind! This is a day to celebrate plaids and polka dots together. We can't wait to see what you come up with. 
• THURSDAY, MAY, 7:  School Spirit Day. Celebrate the NCS Lions by wearing green and white or wearing your NCS gear.
• FRIDAY, May 8:  This one is going to be easy for all of us. Crazy Hair Day.  Don't hold back! Time to celebrate the importance of barbers and hairstylists. 

Time of Wonder

Nature. Integrated education. It's science, art, music, math (holy multiplying cells!), and more. The natural world inspires writers and poets and people who just simply like to think. 

What a difference a day makes!

We will resume school support after this week's break. Teachers and staff are planning to have new student packs ready on Monday, April 27. Families may stop by at 11am-1pm and 4-6pm (curbside service, of course). We look forward to seeing you!

Keep happy this week, and maybe take a moment to observe something you find amazing . . .  

  

Being thankful today . . .

When people are in the midst of navigating change, it's sometimes easy to pass over some very nice things.  Pausing here with a grateful attitude for:

1. The beautiful area in which we live. The space to walk--even when we are 6 ft apart!--and the lovely changes in nature that will be unfolding before our eyes over the next few weeks.
2. Technology. It connects us when we might otherwise feel isolated.
3. Friends and community members who have been thoughtful, helpful and/or energetic. Right here, right now, is a great opportunity for a SHOUT-OUT:
   
   BARN DOOR BAKERY for supplying bread to Nobleboro families.
   
   RENY'S for a generous donation of puzzles. (Details for getting yours is coming soon.)
   
   ANGELA and some very kind NCS staff members who venture out to ensure food is ready every M,W,F.  MR. MACKEY for seeing that things are delivered, when necessary.
   
   NCS TEACHERS: Your planning and connecting with students makes a difference.
   
   SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS for caring to make plans for education to continue at home.
   
   And, MOST ESPECIALLY, our FAMILIES for loving your children. (You know, that is the real job.)  We understand that you are filling in all sorts of gaps that may otherwise go unnoticed.
   
   
   Thank you.

Parents/Guardians: T2 report cards went out last week.  K-4 report cards went home with the recent work packages. Gr 5-8 GRADES were made available through Powerschool (and the standards reports were mailed or sent in packages). Gr 5-8 parents can view GRADES by logging into your parent account.   If you need assistance or to set a new PW, contact ncourville@aos93.org.

Please confirm that you received your T2 reports:   T2 PARENT REPORT CARD CONFIRMATION

Hello! Thinking of you!

ARTWORK BY EMILY B, 8th

"Happiness is enjoying the little things in life."  Thank you, Emily, for your beautiful art work and for sharing that wise truth with all of us. 

Click here for: SCHOOL COUNSELOR NEWS from MRS WEEKS

Parents should have received an emailed letter dated 3/30/2020 from the school this week. If you did not find it in your inbox, please contact ncourville@aos93.org.  Here are a couple highlights from that correspondence:

• Teachers are putting additional materials together to help continue your connection with school. Grades K-6: Curbside pickup for packets will be on FRIDAY, APRIL 3 at two specific times:  11am-1pm and again at 4-6pm.  (See your letter for how this will work.)
• By the way, the Kindergarten-Gr 6 T2 reports are in the packets mentioned above. Grade 7,8 and CAL reports are being mailed out this week.
• We continue to offer curbside meals on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11am-12:30 pm. 
• The 3/30/2020 letter has more information as well as family resource information.   

A few people have asked about the reward gifts from our recent Heart Association's jump-rope challenge. Not to worry! They'll be delivered to school when we'are all back here together.  

Hello! Staying busy? Thinking of you!

Watch this: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9IXn4jhULA&feature=youtu.be

Thank you, lions!

How are you doing?

Noontime on Tuesday, 3/24/2020: Snow, sunshine AND warmth!  BEAUTIFUL!

From Mrs. Workman: Time to get creative!  Can you create a color wheel at home with found objects?

(Don't forget the neutrals in the middle.)

Parents, you should have received a letter from the principal this morning (Tuesday) by email. If you didn't receive it, contact the office ncourville@aos93  

Find your rhythm!

We realize your family's schedule has changed significantly. Young learners benefit from consistency and predictability. While we understand the needs and routine within each home varies, the following chart may help you to find balance and a rhythm to your family's day.  

FYI, bag lunches (2 per student) are currently available to families on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Pick up is between 11am and 1pm.   

Let us know if you find the following chart helpful!

Monday and Tuesday, March 16 and 17

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2-4:30pm:   Families are welcome to stop in at the front lobby to pick up student packages. K-4 students will have individual packages with activities, work, instructions for families.  Gr 5-8 will receive instructions electronically. 

NCS SPORTS NEWS:  In following the MPA guidelines, the pre-season start date for spring sports at NCS has been moved to Monday, April 27th.  More information will follow as details are available.

PERSONAL ITEMS (such as boots, instruments) may be picked up at school Mon, March 16 by 3pm and Tues, March 17 by 3pm.  

NOBLEBORO'S TOWN MEETING: originally scheduled for Saturday, 3/21 is cancelled. The rescheduled town meeting may take place on the first or second Saturday in May.  Stay tuned for information on Friday's Election details.  (That, too, may be cancelled.)  

Take care!

Recent Pictures to make you smile:  Archery Club, Grade 3 Skating Unit, Grade 4 Swimming and Water Safety.  

This week at NCS

CONGRATULATIONS to the following students for published ads and drawings in The Free Press:  Emily B., Maddy W., Jayden L., Whitney N, Chase C., Grace W., Kiera G., Hannah D. and Eric W! Look for these ads in the 2/25/2020 edition. 

Kindergarten celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday in the library earlier this week.  Here's a trivia question for you:  Which of these quotes were penned by Dr. Seuss?

• Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
• Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.
• A person's a person, no matter how small.

NCS 2020 Champion Noah P (left) with Runner up Abe G. 

CONGRATULATIONS! The results are in! Noah P has been named as a semifinalist and is now eligible to compete in the 2020 National Geographic GeoBee State Competition which will be held at the University of Maine, Farmington on Friday, March 27, 2020.  This is the second level of the National Geographic GeoBee competition.  Noah earned his invitation to the state competition by (1) winning the NCS National GeoBee on January 13th, and (2) completing an online qualifying test.

BINGO NIGHT is back on the calendar!  NCS families are invited to attend NPTO's event on Friday, March 13, 6-8 pm. Dinner ($2.50) and desserts (50 cents) will be offered during the evening.