Good afternoon,

We have a handful of responses to the ski program surveys. I am hoping to hear from all families - even if your child not attend this year's program. We are collecting important feedback/input as we evaluate this year's pilot and look ahead to next year. The survey is only four questions. Thanks in advance for taking a few minutes to complete it.

SKI PROGRAM SURVEY LINK

This week was full of reminders of the benefits of a K to 8 school. On Wednesday night, I attended the All District Concert at LOH featuring middle and high school bands from Grantham, Lebanon, and Plainfield. The Plainfield band had the highest percentage of students enrolled. In fact, we have so many students with such diverse interests and willingness to try their own thing (vs. play what their friends play) that we were also the only middle school band that didn't need adults to step in and play a missing instrument. Learning to play an instrument and make music ON STAGE together with your peers is an invaluable learning experience and I am so proud of our students and our school for keeping it cool all the way through 8th grade. That isn't always the case in a more traditional middle school. Of course we also have the amazing Ms. Chien and who wouldn't want to hang out and learn to play music with her?!! Congratulations to Ms. Chien and her students for an excellent performance and especially for the way you all clearly have so much fun together! If you want to see this for yourself, watch for the video (should be out in a couple of weeks) or come check out the All District Chorus Concert this Thursday at 7pm at the Lebanon Opera House.

While "wondering what happened to winter" may have been a better a name for our event on Friday, we made the best of our first Winter Wonders. There were so many smiles while students, teachers and parents enjoyed time outdoors exploring our beautiful campus, capturing images and making nature art. From our elementary to middle school classes, students designed a wide variety of "snowball chuckers" (aka mini catapults with marshmallows and pom poms.) Only one bold middle school student aimed theirs at me when I walked into their "design lab" :). A huge thanks to the PTA for providing and distributing cocoa and snacks and to our volunteer fire fighters (Jamie Ordway and Ryan McGraw) who supervised the K to 2 S'mores firepit that was approved by Chief Taylor. Enjoy the pictures from the day throughout this week's newsletter. We have loads more and will be working to get some uploaded to www.plainfieldschool.org.

Lastly, I'd like to make one final plea for this Saturday's District and Town Meetings (3/16 starting at 9 am.) In a world that is increasingly divided and full of polarizing rhetoric, it is so important that we continue to model the skills of listening to one another, sharing our perspectives respectfully, and rising above our differences to make shared decisions on behalf of our community. All of this happens at District and Town meetings and is so much richer if we all show up. I know families are incredibly busy. We do so much for and with our kids already in this community. I promise this is worth your time. Our children are watching what we prioritize, who we interact with, and how we advocate for our beliefs and needs. Plainfield has turned out a highly engaged and civic-minded group of young people. A lot of that has to do with the way we all pitch in as a community. Town and District Meetings are central to this and also provide important opportunities to cast our votes. There is babysitting in the music room and lunch available for purchase in the lobby. I hope to see you there!

Best,

Audra

Audra Bucklin, Principal

603.469.3250, ext 223

abucklin@plainfieldschool.org

We are beginning to see an uptick in the use of apple watches and other personal devices that can connect to the internet. This is especially true in grades 6 to 8. This week, I reminded our middle schoolers that on page 16 of the Parent Student Handbook (linked below), it specifically prohibits the use of these devices, including smart phones, watches, iPads, etc., during school. Each teacher has a "caddy" hanging in their room. This is where students are expected to stow any personal electronics as well. Teachers and students will be working on making sure this happens moving forward. You may also opt to keep the devices at home.

Some students were concerned their parents would not be able to reach them if they put their device in the caddy. I assured them you can always call the office and we will get the message to them (or vice versa.) This last week, someone's smart watch chimed in the middle of state testing and it was a parent confirming pick up plans.

10 - LEGO League Spring Team - 5:30 to 7:30pm - Grades 4 to 7 (the Spring Season is geared towards exploration and skills development in preparation for the fall competition) - Please RSVP to Lego@plainfieldschool.org

12 - K to 4 School Sing – 8 am Lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome

13 - Knitting Group - all welcome - 3 to 4:15 pm (Location TBD)

14 - Math Meet - Lebanon High School - 3 to 6 pm (and it's "Pi Day"!!)

14 - All District Chorus Concert - LOH - 7 pm

15 - Middle School Ted Tak Viewing - (8th Grade Parents Welcome) - 1 to 3 pm

15 - Read Across America (see below)

15 - End of 2nd Trimester

16 - Annual School District Meeting 9:00 am

16 - Town Meeting - immediately after District Meeting

Parents of Drama students- please refer to the email from the Drama Club advisors as to when there is practice for your student (some are all cast, and some are specific groups only)

LOOKING AHEAD:

19-21 - Scholastic Book Fair (19 to 21st for sale) - evening hours on 3/21 from 5 to 6 pm

For the most up-to-date information, please be sure to see the Events Section of the website which includes athletic/co-curricular practices and games. If you download the website app on your phone (bottom right corner of the website for instructions), you can update the settings to it will alert you when events or news items are added.

Hello PES families,

The class of 2025 is hosting an auction this spring to raise money for their class trip next year. We are reaching out to families in the greater school community to ask for your help in meeting our goal. There is no gift too big or too small, and you can get creative with your gift!

If you would like to donate, please fill out this form.

Ideas and suggestions from previous auctions include:

- baking a cake

- a piece of art from a local artisan

- preparing brunch

- a weekend getaway at a vacation property

- a gently used bike or kayak

- a trade / experiential lesson (fishing lesson, woodworking lesson, etc.)

- a spa gift or massage

- tickets to a sporting event

- a free car detail

- passes to a local attraction

- a local business gift card or gift basket

- …the list goes on!

Thank you in advance,

The Class of 2025

HOT LUNCHES (All are served with a veggie and milk)

MONDAY- Meatball sub with maple baked beans and hand cut fries.

TUESDAY- Cheese quesadilla with garden salsa, Cabot sour cream, and confetti corn salad

WEDNESDAY- Hot ham and cheese pinwheels with seasoned green beans

THURSDAY- Homemade shepherd’s pie, dinner roll and beatnick cake

FRIDAY- Cheesy breadsticks with marinara sauce and hearty country vegetable soup.

"COLD" Options: (offered daily)

Assorted Pre-made Deli Sandwiches

Yogurt Parfait with Fruit and Granola

Fresh Fruit and Veggie Bar with Dinner Roll

See Abbey Group Website for full details and to upload funds.

This month is all about Cooperation! Cooperation means working together to reach shared goals. We see examples of Cooperation in lots of places! In school, it might be working with a small group in math to solve a problem or complete a project. Cooperation on the playground might look like a game of kickball or taking turns on the swings. Cooperation at home might be pitching in to help clean up after dinner. Be on the lookout for ways you can Cooperate with others in lots of places!

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller, American author and speaker with no sight or hearing.

Review the graphic below for different ways to cooperate!

Amanda & Katie

603.469.3250

office@plainfieldschool.org

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Plainfield School has been following CDC Guidelines to reduce transmission and protect our school population of students and staff. As of Friday March 1,2024, the CDC Guidelines have changed to reflect current research. Basically, the CDC is now advising staying home for the duration of fever and other symptoms. When no longer having symptoms or a fever, stay home for 24 hours without medication before returning to public activities. However, for five days after returning to public you should take added precautions to prevent transmission. These precautions include taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.

For the full CDC guidelines please click this link: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html

In health,

Nurse Beth

schoolnurse@plainfieldschool.org

Basketball is coming into its last week of practices and games. Coach’s will be giving directions about returning uniforms. Don’t forget to check the website under Athletics for the most up-to-date practice and game schedules!

Now it's time to get signed up for Spring Sports:

• PES TRACK SIGN UP LINK
• LMS 2024 Spring Sports Registration Link - Lebanon Middle School Spring Sports sign ups are now open! LMS sponsors 7th/8th grade Baseball and 7th/8th Softball. Parents/Guardians can register their student right now via Arbiter Sports (formerly FamilyID see direct link below). Registrations close March 4th. For more information please reach out to LMS Athletic Director Mr. Franklin at bfranklin@sau88.net
• Lebanon Recreation Department Lacrosse - for 5th & 6th Grade - https://lebanonnh.gov.

Looking to try and learn something new?

The FIRST Lego League team returns for current 4th to 7th graders. We will be competing in the New Hampshire scrimmage, which will happen in May.

This season will focus on the robot competition and the robot presentation only.

Our first session will focus building the competition board. Future weeks will see us develop both individual and team strategies for completing the missions.

We hope to meet Sundays, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Meetings will typically only be held on Sundays this term.

Please RSVP to lego@plainfieldschool.org if you plan to attend.

Tina Darak is coordinating an after-school knitting club open to students, staff and community members who wish to learn and grow their knitting skills together. The group will meet on the following three dates and then gauge interest in continuing from there. Please feel free to join us (Be sure to notify the office of change of plans and fill out the survey below) as follows:

• Wednesday, March 13th: 3 to 4:15 pm (Location TBD)
• Monday, March 18th: 3 to 4:15 pm (Location TBD)
• Wednesday, March 20th: 3 to 4:15 pm (Location TBD)

Here is some HELPFUL INFO about what to expect and guidance related to supplies.

In the meantime, please complete this brief survey to let us know you are planning to join us.

KNITTING SURVEY LINK

Any Plainfield or Meriden resident requiring assistance for housing, heating fuel assistance, electricity assistance, medication assistance and or nutritional support from the Town should contact the Community Resource Director, Stephanie Schell. Contact information: 603-469-3201 or email sschell@plainfieldschool.org. All information is confidential.

Food Pantry

Residents of the Town of Plainfield can access the following local services.
Note: The food pantry and clothing swap rooms are located in the Christ Community Church on Route 12A (across from the Plainfield Fire Department). The Food Pantry is open the 1st Thursday and the 3rd Friday and Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and warmly welcomes all Town residents.

Free Clothing Rooms

The Christ Community Church has (2) very well-organized rooms that contain FREE clothing for adults and children. All clothing is donated and in great condition. In addition to clothing there are also Free household items, toys & books as well. These rooms are open to the Public each Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m.

Free Fresh Veggies & Fruit

Free fresh produce provided by Willing Hands: please check the Town calendar for dates and times.

NH Food Bank

The NH Food Bank’s mobile food pantry travels to many different areas of need across New Hampshire. Below are the details of the mobile food pantry coming near us!

Friday, March 8 – Claremont

Date: Mar 8th

Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm (while supplies last)

Address: Runnings | 403 Washington St. | Claremont, NH

What to know before you go:

• Our mobile food pantries are a drive-thru format.

• Food distributions take place on a first-come, first-served basis and are while supplies last.

• Each household receives an assortment of produce and shelf-stable foods.

• We welcome anyone in need of food assistance to join us – no identification or requirements needed.