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Good afternoon, parents, guardians, and members of the Newmarket Community-
There are many ways that parents can become active participants in their child’s (ren’s) education here in Newmarket. This letter highlights some of these opportunities for the fall including information about virtual parent forums, committees, and the upcoming Special Town meeting. Also in this edition is an update on community transmission and the potential to relax indoor mask wearing requirements soon.
Virtual Parent Forums. All forums will be conducted virtually and are designed to provide parents support and or a better understanding of some of the educational programs we are providing to students. In October we will present parents an overview of the new math programs we are introducing this year. In November, Dr. Lynn Lyons, will conduct a workshop on Anxiety. Please mark your calendars.
October 13th, 6:30 PM – Overview of the new Mathematics Program at NJSHS. The overview will include:
- The Illustrative Mathematics Program Philosophy
- What is problem-based Curriculum?
- Lesson Structure
- Digital Components for Students
- Digital Components for Parents/Families
Meeting ID: 961 7926 8507
Passcode: 578271
October 20th, 6:30 PM - Overview of New Mathematics Program at NES. The overview will include:
- The Bridges Mathematics Program Philosophy
- Lesson Structure
- Lesson Components for Students
- Parents/Families Resources and Support
November 3rd, 6:30 PM – Anxiety and Children, Dr. Lynn Lyons
Dr. Lyons travels internationally as a speaker and trainer on the subject of anxiety, its role in families, and the need for a preventative approach at home and in schools. She is a sought-after expert, appearing on Good Morning America, in the New York Times, Time, NPR, Psychology Today, and other media outlets. Lynn has written several books and articles on anxiety, including Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous & Independent Children, and the companion book for kids, Playing-with Anxiety: Casey's Guide for Teens and Kids. Lynn is also the co-host of the popular podcast Flusterclux.
Committees. We are seeking a few parent volunteers to service on the District Community Relations Committee and the JSHS Student Handbook Review Committee this year. There is a description, membership composition, and estimated time commitment for these committees that can be found at this link. If you are interested in participating on either of these committees, send a note of interest to Patty Banfield by October 13th.
Special Town Meeting – NES Facility Needs. Earlier this month, the state informed us that we would be receiving additional aid this year. This money will go to reduce taxes unless the School Board holds a special town meeting with a spending proposal for the taxpayers to consider. The School Board would like to move this money into a trust fund to address some pressing facility needs at NES. These needs stem from deficient infrastructure and systems in the original section of the building (parts that were not included in the recent renovation projects). Given the magnitude and nature of the project, they cannot be completed before the fiscal year ends in June. For this reason, the warrant article requests that the funds be placed into a trust fund to access once the work can be properly bid and the space is accessible to the contractor.
Special Town Meeting - Important Dates
|
Event |
Date |
Notes: |
|---|---|---|
|
School Board Public Hearing |
10/7/2021 |
The public hearing will start at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Auditorium and will run concurrent with the School Board meeting |
|
Special Town Meeting Date |
10/30/2021 |
Saturday –9:00 AM – Town Hall Auditorium |
Mask Wearing. Over the weekend, community transmission in the Seacoast region was reduced to moderate and has remained at that level since that time. If this continues to the end of next week, indoor mask wearing will become optional the following Monday. Let's hope the trend continues.
We look forward to seeing you at some or all these events.
Susan K. Givens, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools