We start this newsletter hoping that it finds you and your family healthy and enjoying the last few weeks of summer weather.

As we turn our calendars to September, the start of the 2020-2021 academic school year is just around the corner. As you know, this year will look different than years past but we know that we have students, faculty, and community who are ready to take on this challenge. We are in this together and are committed to maintaining a safe high quality education for our students.

The information regarding this national crisis changes on a daily basis. We appreciate your patience, communication, and feedback as we continue through these unprecedented times and make this year a successful one for our students and families.

Our school counselors have been hard at work creating student schedules for the 2020-2021 school year. As we mentioned in previous communications, this is typically a 2-3 month process that has been condensed into the last two weeks. We plan to release student schedules on Tuesday following the holiday weekend. Please check your email for updates and information about when they will be accessible in PowerSchool.

Thank you for your patience with AP summer work as we worked through much uncertainty this summer. When student schedules are released, students will be able to check to see which AP courses they are enrolled in for the fall semester and focus on this AP summer work to start. Summer work for fall courses will be due at the end of September. Pre-work for AP courses taking place in the spring semester will be due at the end of January. AP teachers will be in touch with students enrolled in their AP courses via email with additional information as soon as schedules are released.

Parents who opted for their child to participate in the "stand-alone remote program" rather than the phased approach to re-entry (remote/hybrid/in-person) received an email earlier today with details about the stand-alone remote program. Those parents are asked to confirm their choice on the form provided in the email.

If you are interested in the stand-alone remote program but have not yet expressed interest in this opportunity, please reach out to Ms. Amy Buzzell (abuzzell@mursd.org) for additional information.

We understand that communication is more important now than ever as we begin our school year at a distance with remote learning. There have been different communications and updates that have come out from the district and from Nipmuc over the last month. Be sure to check your spam/junk file to ensure you are receiving all the emails to your inbox. Please also make sure your student is checking their MURSD email account.

You can also access the most up to date information about remote learning, schedules, frequently asked questions on Nipmuc Principals' Blog.

Stay connected to important information regarding your child's academic progress and attendance throughout the 2020-2021 school year via PowerSchool. If for some reason you are unable to access your child's account, please use the link below to request access.

Nipmuc school counselors have important updates for members of the Class of 2021. Please check out their counseling newsletter below to access information about navigating the year ahead, the college application process, SATs, and connecting with your school counselors. School counseling updates for the other classes will be forthcoming.

On Friday, August 28 at 10am we held a virtual meeting with the Class of 2021 to answer some of their senior-specific questions and reconnect with our seniors as we get ready for the year ahead. It was great to see 40 - 50 students and senior class advisors! Included below is a link of the questions and answers from the session.

Q: What is your favorite part about being an educator?

A: I love seeing students' passions develop and grow!

Q: What are you most excited for this year?

A: Joining the Nipmuc community!

Q: What (non-professional) hobby or interest do you enjoy most?

A: I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor sports.

Q: What would you like our students/parents to know about you?

A: I can't wait for the year, no matter the setting that it will be taking place.

You can follow Ms. Ayers on Twitter @MsAyers_Science.

Q: What is your favorite part about being an educator?
A: The best part of being an educator is seeing your students succeed. The happiness and confidence success brings them is what it’s about.

Q: What are you most excited for this year?

A: I’m excited to learn the culture of MURSD including staff, students, and more. I hope to get involved as much as possible!

Q: What (non-professional) hobby or interest do you enjoy most?

A: I love going to the Cape each summer and traveling as much as possible.

Q: What would you like our students/parents to know about you?

A: I am here to help you in any way possible. It is my job to ensure student success and parent involvement. Please reach out with any question and/or concern and I will do my best to address it. We work best when we work together!

You can follow Ms. Keniry on Twitter @Gkeniry1.

Q: What is your favorite part about being an educator?

A: Empowering kids to see themselves as world-changers.

Q: What are you most excited for this year?

A: Seeing how remote learning can disrupt the traditional school model.

Q: What (non-professional) hobby or interest do you enjoy most?

A: Gardening

Q: What would you like our students/parents to know about you?

A: I always value authentic learning and seek opportunities for kids to demonstrate learning in ways that honor their history and interests.

You can learn more about Ms. Nieves on her professional blog.