NES Connection

Hello NES Fam,

Happy Sunday Evening!

School Secretary, Mrs. Gayman, Out of Office this week

Please be sure to communicate to the school office using nesoffice@northernyork.org. Any emails sent directly to Mrs. Gayman will not be seen this week.

Spring Benchmarks begin

NESers will engage in math and literacy benchmarks over the next couple weeks. These benchmarks will come home with your child in June.

2025 Northern Girls Basketball Skills Camp

June 16-19

• Girls Rising 1st-8th grade
• AM Session-9am-Noon-1st-5th Grade
• PM Session 1pm-4pm- 6th-8th grade

Held at NMS and NHS Gymnasiums

https://forms.gle/EvfKPsDfpVsA15bU9

Shout Out to the Sunshine Crew!

Thank you to the many hands and kind donations for our Faculty Appreciation Week!

• Creekside Farm, Texas Roadhouse, Wendy's, Duck Donuts, and our NES Families provided such wonderful treats this week! Thank you so much for these daily doses of sunshine!

Principal for the Day

Lyla Stine will be co-principal w/ Ms. Cal on Friday 5/23/25! Winner of the PBF Gala Silent Auction, Lyla will engage in leadership activities, collaborate on end of year activities, and partner on plans for 2025-2026! We can't wait to see her leadership in action!

Thank You Chaperones!

NES wishes to send out a huge thank you to the many chaperones supporting our field trips this year! Our Grade 4 parents provided wonderful support for a successful and fun day in Philadelphia! Thank you for helping to make this a a memorable day for our students: Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Ben Franklin Museum!

We wish you a wonderful week ahead and thank you kindly for your continued partnership and support!

Ms. Cal and Your NES Fam

* Fire drill to take place this week

May 12: Choral Rehearsal AM

May 13: PTO Meeting, 6:30PM NES RM 111 (Enter via Door 8)

May 13: Choral Concert, 7PM NHS

May 14: Beginner Band Rehearsal

May 15: GR2 Dill Tavern Field Trip - Wear NES Neon Tees

May 15: Advanced Band Rehearsal / Beginner Band Rehearsal

May 15: Band Concert, 7PM NHS

May 16: Speech Pathologist Day

May 16: GR1 Lake Tobias Field Trip - Wear NES Neon Tees

May 16: KDG Zoo America Field Trip - Wear NES Neon Tees

May 16: Food Truck Night at Logan Park

May 19: GR2 Mrs. Farr returns

May 20: GR4 Mr. Regener LTS

May 21: GR5 Senators Field Trip - Wear NES Neon Tees

May 23: Principal Stine on site!

May 23: GR5 Mrs. Long's last day for the year/ Mrs. Brosius will take over

May 26: No School

May 27: Ms. Cal honors Jump Rope for Heart Challenge

May 29: Orchestra Rehearsal

May 29: Orchestra Concert, 7PM, NHS Aud

May 30: Field Day: Wear NES Neon Tees

June 2: GR4 Swimming to June 10

June 6: PTO Skate Night

June 9: GR5 Farewell Day and Gathering

June 10: Polar Pride Day

June 11: Spring Benchmarks home via backpack mail

June 11: HS / GR5 Final Walk

June 11: Noon Dismissal

Following our parent handbook, family input for classroom placements will be considered if received in writing to the school principal starting on April 1, and no later than May 15. Requests received after this date may not be granted.

Parents/Guardians wishing to provide input may do via this form by May 15 https://forms.office.com/r/93g0wxi3Kh

• We do not take specific requests for specific teachers. Family input can include desired teaching style, management style and/or your child's learning style.

• Please note that making a request does not ensure the specific placement, but the letter will be brought into consideration when creating our class lists.

• Each building team, including the school counselor and instructional specialists, strive to determine the best fit for all students. Decisions regarding student placements include thoughtful review of academic, social, and behavioral data. We wish to assure families that our placements are carefully considered with students best interest in mind.

If families wish to provide further insight and input, please follow the handbook requirements listed above. Thank you kindly for your continued partnership.

Warmer weather means cooler clothing and so this reminder is important. Student shorts must be at a length appropriate for their age. Spaghetti straps and crop tops are not permitted. While we do have a limited supply of clothing for instances when a child needs to change, these are primarily for students with a medical or accidental need.

If a student needs to change because of clothing that is too short , it is very possible that parents may be called to bring in a change of clothes. We appreciate your support this time of year.

Smartwatches are used in the school setting as time keepers. During the school day, students are not permitted to text, call, record, or video using these devices. If used in this way, they serve as cellular phones and like cell phones, should be housed in the backpack during the school day.

Navigating Changes to ICE Enforcement Policies

We have heard concerns from District families asking how we will respond to an encounter at a school with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in light of recent changes to government policy that rescinded restrictions on ICE enforcement near schools. The law itself has not changed—and neither has Northern’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for students.

Working closely with our district solicitor, we have crafted a protocol for interacting with any law enforcement agency outside our local jurisdiction, including ICE. In the event of such an encounter, district administrators will work with the official, follow the law, and engage our solicitor to ensure that we do.

Should an ICE official arrive at any of our school buildings, they will be directed to the building administration. School employees who are not building administrators are not authorized to interact with ICE officials. While cooperating with the official, the building administrator will initiate protocol that includes:

• Gathering information from the Official
• Contacting the Superintendent and engaging the Solicitor
• Assessing access to school premises
• Documenting the interaction
• Handling student record requests
• Verifying any documentation presented (e.g., subpoena, warrant)

ICE officials do not have automatic access to school records, classrooms, hallways, or any non-public space within a school building unless they present a valid judicial warrant signed by a federal judge. Additionally, FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) strictly prohibits the release of student records to ICE officials without either parental consent or a court order.

Northern has not been visited by ICE, nor have we seen any escalation of activity in central PA school districts but wanted to let you know that we are aware of concerns and prepared in the event we encounter ICE at one of our schools.

This is the CREW working for you!

Our PTO Board champions our mission to LEARN, GROW, and LEAD, offering physical and financial support to supplementing events and resources for our Cub Leaders and Faculty. They represent our Family Unit (YOU) and they take great pride in ensuring equitable access for all, Family Fueled events, and an open door policy for all families to offer insight, feedback and support.

Pictured:

• Event Coordinator: Kara Johnsen
• Treasurer: Crystal Pitt
• President: Erin Stine
• Vice President: Heather Spicer
• Secretary: Currently vacant
• PTO Contact: NESPTO1@gmail.com

Fast Facts provide quick information to keep you informed.

NYCSD has partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students, staff, and their family members. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you find mental health or substance abuse treatment options matched to your needs regardless of circumstance.

Care Solace has Care Companions (customer service) available 24 hours/7 days to assist students, staff, and their families. Care Solace is not a treatment provider. Rather, it acts as a care coordinator by connecting the user to the provider.

If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:

• Call 1-888-515-0595,
• Visit www.caresolace.com/northernyork and click the “Search On Your Own” button, or
• Visit the Care Solace link found on our District Homepage: https://www.northernpolarbears.com/services/special-services/care-solace

Mrs. Christine Bertsch, school counselor, can provide any additional information. Please reach out to her at cbertsch@northernyork.org or X 1504 with questions.

Mechanicsburg Learning Center is currently accepting enrollment for the 24-25 school year.

• This program is housed in the Sunshine Cafe and families are greeted at Door #10 for entry and dismissal of their student.
• Student registration form and brochure are attached below.
• For more information contact Lindsey McGrath, School Age Director at 717-766-2439.

New Families to the district are asked to create a Parent/Guardian Portal Account in our Sapphire System.

Attached you will find directions to create this important account. Upon completion, this account provides access to your child's school records: class assignment, report cards, attendance information, etc. The Parent Account is a separate account from the Registration Account used to enroll your student.

We wish to support our families needing assistance in this process. Please reach out to our school with any questions or email sapphirehelp@northernyork.org if you need additional help with Community Portal log in.

We use our Sapphire Portal to provide access to class rosters, district information, report cards, and more. New Families to the district are asked to create a Parent/Guardian Portal Account in our Sapphire System. Attached you will find directions to create this important account.

Upon completion, this account provides access to your child's school records: class assignment, report cards, attendance information, etc. The Parent Account is a separate account from the Registration Account used to enroll your student.

We wish to support our families needing assistance in this process. Please reach out to our school with any questions or email sapphirehelp@northernyork.org if you need additional help with the new portal login.

Click the link below to access the Sapphire Community Portal. Directions to create this portal are also linked below.

Parent Responsibility:

Arrive at the bus stop 5-10 minutes in advance of assigned time. Pick up/Drop off times may

vary during the first few weeks of school as our drivers get into a route routine. An adult must

be present to drop off and pick up Kindergarten and Grade 1 students. Parents may not board

the school bus. Please additionally review with your child the Bus Rules and Guidelines here.

Student Responsibility:

Stay seated at all times while the bus is moving. (Back and bottom on the seat.) Use an inside

voice. Bodies should remain facing forward and out of the aisle. Once the bus comes to a

complete stop, students may exit at their stop. Food, drinks, and video or voice recording are

not permitted. Students are also not permitted to take pictures or use social media. Follow

the directions of the driver to keep everyone safe

Transportation and Dismissal:

If you are not able to reach us at the school, please contact Mrs. Esser at 717-432-8691 ext 1116. She will also have a direct line to our buses and can support you.

Our number one priority is to always get your students back home safe to you.

Car Riders

• AM Entry to Building: 8:45 AM - 8:55 AM
• PM Dismissal to Parents: 3:35 PM

Location

• Located in the back of Northern Elementary, between the High School and Northern Elementary
• Enter via Middle School drive, turn left onto Polar Bear Drive, turn right to the Car Rider Zone

Procedures

• Keep traffic flowing.
• Move forward to the very end of the line, closest to the High School, Do not cross the yellow line.
• Stay on the left side of line.
• Students exit vehicle via the passenger side - only when the vehicle is within the yellow zone.
• Drivers remain in their vehicles.
• NES staff will support student entry into the building.
• Students should be packed and ready for exit upon entering the car rider line. It is important that the flow of this line remains fluid and safe, allowing for exit and entry within the time allotted for this service.

Frequency of PickUp

• Fill out the registration form if your child will be a daily parent pick up or an occasional parent pick up.
• Visit www.northernpolarbears.com/nes and select the "Car Rider Registration Form" or access the form here: https://forms.office.com/r/8r6rZkV8AJ

Tag PickUp

• Families who register by August 10 will be able to pick up car rider tags for the new school year at our NES Open House Event on August 29.
• During the school year, anticipate a three day turnaround from completion to available tag

Clearance Purpose: To ensure the safety and welfare of our students, all volunteers for school events or chaperones for field trips must obtain the necessary school clearances. These clearances are mandated by the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law and ensure that individuals who have direct contact with our children have undergone a thorough screening process.

Required Clearances: Volunteers must provide the following documents: a report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police, a Child Abuse History Certification, an FBI Background Check (can forgo this if a PA resident for 10 years), a Tuberculosis Examination, and a completed Volunteer Information Form.

Clearance Validity: Clearances remain valid for a period of five years. For example, if you obtain your clearances when your child enters Kindergarten, you will need to renew them for fifth grade; however, the clearances will be applicable at the middle school level as well.

Obtaining Your Clearances: For more information on how to obtain your clearances, please click on the button below labeled "Volunteer Information and Forms." This will direct you to the district website, where you can find assistance in completing your clearance requirements.

Now is an ideal time to verify your clearances with the front office or to complete your clearances for the 2024-2025 school year. If you are uncertain whether your clearances are up to date, please reach out to Mrs. Gayman at NESOffice@northernyork.org for assistance.

Northern Elementary is a Title 1 School which means we receive Federal Title 1 funds to to assist students in meeting state achievement standards. Throughout the school year, we will provide you with important information about these services and your child's education.

• You have access to a letter that lets you know about your right to request information about the qualifications of the classroom and building staff working with your child.
• You will also find our Parent and School Compact, Parent and School Engagement Policy, Resolution Process for ESSA Programs, and Right to Know Letter on our school website.

Principal: Joyce Cal / Email: jcal@northernyork.org

Secretary: Cindy Gayman / Email: nesoffice@northernyork.org

Website: https://nes.northernpolarbears.com/