BLACKHAWKS BULLETIN
Week of May 17th
PRINCIPAL PONDERINGS
Good afternoon,
It was so nice to see so many of you at the concert this past week. While the winter concert is always special and full of familiar holiday tunes, this one was more demonstrative of our students' learning throughout the year. I was quite struck by the growth across all grade levels and programs. The fourth-grade band is playing full songs, the singers' voices were more confident and in tune, and the upper grade bands definitely impressed! The preparation and courage of our transition soloists was nothing short of inspirational!
I hope folks were able to get out to the rescheduled Bike Rodeo this afternoon. What a perfect day for it!
As we wrap up SAS testing (make-up tests only for students who missed a day) and finish any remaining NWEA testing, we are looking forward to the following:
- This Tuesday 5/19 - Portrait of a Learner Forum - 6 to 7:30 pm - Please RSVP below if you have not already done so. There is an opportunity to share your input, even if you are unable to attend.
- Wednesday afternoon & Thursday morning - Annual Kindergarten screenings & tours for incoming kindergartners (by appointment).
- Friday 5/22 - Cory Taber Hat & Kite Day - Students in grade K to 4 may bring a kite from home or use one of the kites we have here. Partner up classes will work together. Our 5th through 8th graders will help their K to 4 partners fly their kites high! Please note, hot lunch will be "bagged" on Friday, so will be limited to sandwich options. We plan to eat together "picnic style" with our partner up classes and then fly kites at about 12:15 pm, just before the Early Release at 12:50. This event, commemorating the fun-loving individuality of former student Cory Taber, is a sure sign that spring has sprung!
- Saturday 5/23 - American Red Cross Blood Drive and CPR event - see details below.
- Monday 5/25 - NO SCHOOL MEMORIAL DAY
- Tuesday 5/26 - Memorial Day Ceremony - 8:15 around the flagpole
Looking a little further down the road, staff are getting ready for an offsite evacuation drill on Tuesday, June 2nd. We hold these drills every three years as a way to practice a schoolwide relocation to Kimball Union Academy's Flickinger Auditorium in the event we needed to evacuate our site for any reason. Please note that buses will depart from the KUA campus at our normal time and all parent pick-up will take place at the normal time as well. Parents will just pick up at Flickinger Auditorium that day instead. Full details will be shared in next week's newsletter. NOTE: PickUp Patrol will lock at 12 noon that day as we will begin the evacuation shortly after lunch. Please plan accordingly. If your child is leaving early and/or returning from an appointment that afternoon, you will want to coordinate closely with the office on the details ahead of time.
In other news, I would like to share that we have posted for a .6 FTE Media Library Specialist. Mrs. Angela Smith has accepted a position at the Mt Lebanon School for the upcoming year. Please join me in wishing her well and note the May 29th deadline for return of all library books so Mrs. Smith can inventory the collection before departing for the year.
In the transition to a new Media Library Specialist, we decided to shift gears a bit and moved the tech integration responsibilities over to Mrs. Josie Wolfinger who will continue as a .6 art teacher while also picking up the .4 tech integrationist. Josie was an online educator in a former life and brings many "STEAM" skills to the role. She is looking forward to working with students and staff on digital citizenship education as well as personalized portfolios.
Amidst all of this, we still have plenty of learning to do...here's to a spectacular last month of the 2025/26 school year!
Audra
Audra Bucklin, Principal
abucklin@sau32.nh.gov
603-469-3250, x223
PORTRAIT OF A LEARNER FORUM - 5/19/26
8TH GRADE END-OF-YEAR EVENTS
WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
UPCOMING EVENTS
May
19- K to 4 School Sing – 8:05 am Lobby – Parents/Guardian
19- Portrait of a Learner, 6-7:30 (babysitting provided) - RSVP
20- Destination Imagination, 2:50
20- Open Gym, 2:50
22- Corey Taber Hat and Kite Day
22- Early Release, 12:50
23- Blood Drive at PES, Gym 8:00-3:00pm
25- NO SCHOOL- Memorial Day
26- Memorial Day Assembly (school sing included in this) Parents/Guardians Welcome, 8:15
26- School Board Meeting, 5:30 Library
26- PTA meeting, 7pm Meriden Library
27- 8th grade Ted Talks, 10-11:30
27- Destination Imagination, 2:50
27- Basketball Open Gym, 2:50
31 - LEGO League 26/27 Organizational Meeting - 5 pm - (See details below in Co-Curricular)
JUNE
2- K to 4 School Sing – 8:05 am Lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome
2- Co- Curricular Awards Ceremony, 6pm Gym
2- Emergency Evacuation Drill, 1:30-2:50
3- Destination Imagination, 2:50
3-Open Gym, 2:50
3-5- 8th grade graduation, trip
9- K to 4 School Sing – 8:05 am Lobby – Parents/Guardian
9- 8th grade step up day, 11am LHS
9- 5th grade, 3pm Northern Stage, Bridge Up
9- School Board Meeting, 5pm Library
10- Kindergarten Field Trip, 12:10
11- Celebration of Learning, 8th grade- 11:30
11- Semi Formal Dance- PES, 7:00-7:30 (8th grade only), 7:30-9:30- 6-8th grade
12- 8:30-10:30 Graduation practice- KUA, Early Release 12:50- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
12- 6pm- 8th grade graduation, 6pm KUA- Flickinger Arts Center
SUMMER SKILLS SIGNUPS NOW AVAILABLE
All students welcome to join one week or all four. The program is a half-day, four day per week program offering as follows:
Week #1: July 6-9
Week #2: July 13-16
Week #3: July 20 - 23
Week #4: 27 - 30.
We also offer a bus to MCC. Registration for the MCC program is through them.
MCC Summer Camp in Meriden
LUNCH MENU
"COLD" Options: (offered daily)
Assorted Pre-made Deli Sandwiches, ham and turkey. Sunbutter/Jelly sandwiches
Yogurt Parfait with Fruit and Granola
Fresh Fruit and Veggie Bar with Dinner Roll
REMINDER: CORY TABER HAT AND KITE DAY-5/22
BAGGED LUNCH ONLY- NO YOGURT OR HOT LUNCH.
CHOOSE ANY TYPE OF SANDWICH
OFFICE NOTES
Yearbooks For Sale
Yearbooks are now on sale through June 1st 2026. Please print this form out (or grab a form in the foyer in the office) and give it to the office with your check.
Checks should be made out to Plainfield School.
Memo: Yearbook (students name(s)
Four Winds
Do you know a grandparent or other family member who wants to spend more time with your child? Would you like to help out in your kids' classroom and learn who their classmates are?We are looking for volunteers for grades K-4. The Four Winds program at PES teaches about science through observing and playing in nature. Volunteers attend five training workshops and then go into the classroom to teach the kids what they learned. Examples of subjects we have learned include clouds, water, flowers, wind, insects, birds, and much more. Kids love seeing their family members in the classroom and always look forward to the fun lessons the Four Winds Institute plans.
If you are interested or know of a family member interested, please contact Kathleen Maslan.
URGENT SUBSTITUTE TEACHER NEEDS FOR THE END OF THE YEAR
Several of our college students who typically help out as subs during the last month or so of school are unavailable this year. In addition, we have hired a couple of our current substitutes to fill long-term sub positions following the April break. Therefore, we are urgently in need of some additional subs through the end of the year. If you have any availability AND interest to help cover substitute needs in late April through early June, please contact Amanda Jewell or Audra Bucklin via office@plainfieldschool.org
2026-27 Needs
The Plainfield School is seeking individuals who would be comfortable working with K-8th grade students in our building during the 2026-2027 school year. Applicants must be able to follow teacher substitute plans, be dependable, and enjoy working with children. If you are interested in applying, please contact Amanda Jewell or Audra Bucklin in the office at (603) 469-3250.
LOST & FOUND
2025-2026 Lost and Found…please bookmark the link below for access to our lost and found site. We amass quite the collection over the course of the year! Items are kept in a nicely organized "display" of sorts in the lobby just past the lunch area on the right.
FROM THE NURSE
BLOOD DRIVE COMING SOON
FROM THE LIBARARY
PTA UPDATES
The PTA is closing out another year of strong engagement from families in our efforts to support learning and community at PES! Some of our accomplishments & activities include: purchase of annual "calendar magnets" for all families, a back-to-school parent coffee stop, organizing the 6th annual Blackhawk Blaze in collaboration with the 7th grade, helping at school picture day, buying food for Stone Soup, hosting the Trunk or Treat event, holding a Holiday Craft Fair, organizing the Book Fair, sponsoring two movie nights, organizing food for parent-teacher conferences and a teacher appreciation lunch, holding the Bike Rodeo and Ice Cream Social. We were able to purchase a new pottery wheel for PES art students to use and two book carts for the PES library. Sending a huge THANK YOU to all volunteers who have contributed to these efforts that enrich our school community!
Upcoming events:
Tuesday 5/26, 7-8pm at the Meriden Library: Final PTA meeting of the year. We will elect new officers to carry us into the next couple of school years.
Help us garden over the summer! Signup here to cover a week of watering, weeding and harvesting in the PES garden during the summer months. Many hands make light work! We will be holding a community work day or two over the summer, so be on the lookout for information on those as well.
Co-Curricular News
Math Team - All Star Meet Results
For this meet we do not have team scores, only individual scores:
Out of all of the competitors:
1st place: Davie Barnett
2nd place: Zoe Rodriguez
Tied for third place: Carson George and Ben Matulonis
LEGO LEAGUE 26/27 - Organizational Meeting - 5 pm
CURRENT 5th to 7th Grade Students - Please join us on Sunday, May 31st to hear about some exciting new developments with the PES LEGO League, including:
- The Club will be held primarily during the school year and co-led by Mr. Jack Maling along with past coaches Joe Bretton, Brandi George and Mrs. Thompson. We are excited to expand the club's focus on team building and coding skills instruction.
- We are hoping to schedule some exploratory sessions to see what the club is all about and get the robots built over the summer.
- As we get closer to competition in the fall, there will be some longer, out-of-school, sessions to prepare for the competition. Coach Joe Bretton will bring his years of experience to these sessions!
Hope to see you on the 31st!
SPRING TRACK
The track schedule can be found via the Co-Curricular Calendar below.
Please note: Students participating in track will be able to take bus P7 to the track for 3 pm practices once those begin on Monday, April 13th.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Plainfield Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 6th, 2026
BASKETBALL OPPORTUNITY
Noble Hoops, based in Grantham, NH, is offering a low to no cost girls basketball program for:
3rd & 4th Grade Girls
5th & 6th Grade Girls
Our goal is to provide an accessible, positive environment where girls can grow both on and off the court—especially for families who may not have access to more expensive AAU or travel programs.
Program Details:
Workouts: Saturday mornings & Wednesday nights
Location: Grantham Village School
Games/Tournaments: To be determined
Cost: Low to no cost (sponsorship-supported)
We would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity with students and families in your school community. I’ve attached a flyer that can be distributed via email, newsletters, or printed for posting.
If families are interested or have questions, they can:
Email: jacob@noblehoops.com
Visit: www.noblehoops.com
Thank you for supporting opportunities that help young athletes stay engaged, active, and confident.
Coach Jacob Noble
603-667-8485
jacob@noblehoops.com
HOOD MUSEUM
The Hood Museum of Art is delighted to invite your students, their families, and your faculty and staff to our upcoming Community Day: American Pop on Saturday, May 9, from 1:00–4:00 pm. This lively afternoon celebrates the museum’s exhibition American Pop, which highlights artists who remix familiar pop‑culture imagery into bold new works.
Please help us get the word out to your community by printing and sharing the attached poster and by including information about this event in your parent newsletter. We understand this news may be reaching you after your school has circulated its weekly update, so whatever method works best for you is greatly appreciated.
Drop in anytime to enjoy the following:
Explore American Pop, featuring vibrant artworks that playfully remix everyday visuals.
Meet visiting Pop artist Michael Albert, learn about his collage practice, and create your own artwork inspired by his style.
Receive a free signed poster from Michael Albert when you participate in his workshop.
Enter a free raffle to win prizes for all ages. Snacks and juice boxes will be provided.
FROM STEPHANIE SCHELL
Community Resources are Available!
Due to the federal government shutdown and the suspension of the SNAP food benefits the town of Plainfield’s Community Resource Room & Food Pantry is ready and available to assist Plainfield, Meriden & Cornish residents during this unsettling time.
If you are without transportation or can’t physically attend these special pick-up times, please reach out and we will try our best to arrange for a drop-off at your home.
The Community Food Pantry is located at the Christ Community Church, 1259 Route 12A in Plainfield. Across the street from the Plainfield Fire Station.
The Community Food Pantry's regular hours are the 1st Thursday, 3rd Friday & 3rd Saturday of each month from 9-10:30 a.m. During these times any residents needing to stretch their grocery budget from Plainfield, Meriden & Cornish can access food.
We are here to help during these challenging times. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Plainfield’s Community Resource Director, Stephanie Schell at cr.director@plainfieldnh.org or 1-603-469-3201.
If people would like to make monetary donations to
Our local community food pantry they may do so by sending a check to:
The Town of Plainfield
P.O. Box 380
Meriden, NH 03770
In the check memo write: Food Pantry
IMPORTANT AREA EVENTS & RESOURCES
TOWN OF PLAINFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES
See below for a full list of upcoming events and ongoing resources in our community.
Fuel Assistance
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.
Fight 68 Hours of Hunger Care Package Program: A box of nutritious food is delivered to your home each Wednesday afternoon to help fight hunger. The box contains a variety of foods for the entire family to help stretch your grocery budget.
Willing Hands – FREE Fresh veggies, fruit, milk, eggs, bread & proteins Every Wednesday from 11:45-12:15 p.m. Cornish Town Hall is located on the fairgrounds. Everyone is welcome!
Southwestern Community Services: Claremont NH
Providing Heating Fuel & Electrical Assistance. They also have Rental or Mortgage Assistance programs. Completed applications for eligibility are needed. These programs are open to all Sullivan County Residents please call 542-9528 for more information.
Listen Community Services:
Providing Plainfield Residents with Heating & Electrical Assistance, Food Pantry resources, Holiday Gift Baskets, School Supplies Drive, Community Dinners, Housing Helper Grants, Summer Camp Scholarships and Thrift Store Vouchers for clothing & furniture.
Located at 60 Hanover Street, Lebanon
Call for an appointment to discuss individual needs: 1-603-448-4553