BLACKHAWKS BULLETIN

Good morning,

I hope everyone has/had a wonderful time at Trunk or Treat today. I'm sorry to have missed it. I am down in Massachusetts visiting with my parents before they head back to Florida for the winter.

Middle schoolers enjoyed their first dance of the season last Friday night. They did such a great job. A huge thanks to the Class of 2028 parents for the festive fall decorations and healthy snacks!

Speaking of parents who volunteer, we are DESPERATELY in need of 4 Winds volunteers in grades K to 4. There are only three more trainings and three more lessons to deliver for the year as follows:

• Training in November - deliver lesson in November/December
• Training in March - deliver lesson in March/April
• Training in May - deliver lesson in May/June

The trainings are on Tuesdays and the lesson is scheduled by the volunteer and the teacher of the class you are supporting. It is such a great learning opportunity for both the volunteers and the students. Right now we have only one parent volunteer in Plainfield. The rest of the lessons are being delivered by Kathleen Maslan and a very small corps of volunteers from the wider community. This is not a sustainable model for this very valuable program that has been in Plainfield school for over 20 years. You can learn more and share your interest in connecting with Kathleen at this LINK.

SAFETY NIGHT - Please consider joining us for the SAFETY NIGHT this Wednesday, October 28 from 6 to 7:30 pm. There is a flyer below with more info. There will be a panel of folks providing information about keeping our children safe online. The Plainfield Police Department will also be here with Halloween safety tips and to do fingerprinting for any community members who are interested to volunteer or sub at PES. This is a great opportunity to make sure you are all set to help out with FAST this winger!

FAST - We shared the student and volunteer sign up form for FAST last week. It is also included below. Please be sure to complete the form by November 22nd.

Parent Teacher Conferences Sign Ups - If you have not already signed up for a conference, please CLICK HERE - Fall Parent Teacher conferences will take place on Thursday, October 29 (afternoon and evening) and Friday, October 30 (during the day).

See you tomorrow!

Audra

OCTOBER

"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

LINK TO ONLINE MENU

Dear Plainfield School Community:

I am sharing this important message from our A.R.E.A. (Authorized Regional Educational Area) partner, the Lebanon School District since almost all of our students attend Lebanon High School. We are collaborating with Lebanon to study a change to the start and end times for Lebanon Middle and High School. This first step is to let all A.R.E.A communities know about these efforts. It is important to know that no decisions have been made at this time. The enclosed message includes a link to a Google Form that will allow any school community member, including students, families of K to 8 Plainfield students and Plainfield staff members, to provide questions and concerns that the study committee may want to consider and review. Please consider completing the form so we have a better sense of questions and concerns from a variety of stakeholders. This form will remain open through October 25, 2026. If you have students enrolled currently at Lebanon High School, you should receive a similar message directly from Lebanon. You only need to complete the form once for your family. I am sharing this information with our Plainfield PK to 8 students and families, as well as our Plainfield staff. This study will also look at impacts to our Plainfield community.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Baker

Superintendent SAU #32

The Community Committee will hold its first meeting of the year on November 4 at 4:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the middle school wing.

Made up of PES faculty and staff and members of the Plainfield community, the committee aims to ensure that the voices and perspectives of all students and residents are heard and recognized.

To support this goal, the committee facilitates learning opportunities that bring the community together. Past events have included a community read and discussion of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán last fall, as well as an autism workshop and panel discussion with Dr. Raymond Chin last spring.

Anyone interested in learning more about the committee or getting involved is encouraged to contact committee chair Joshua Hunnewell at jhunnewell@sau32.nh.gov.

Parent Teacher Conferences are just a couple of weeks away. Please see the attached pdf for links to sign up forms for each grade/teacher. Find your child(ren)'s class and click the link to select a time that works for you.

Student Council is up and running. Officers for the year include:

Co-Presidents - Lyla Darak & Hadley Lewis
Treasurer - Chloe Labombard

Secretary - Maisie Blanchard

Class Representatives:

• 6th Grade - Aubrey Darak
• 7th Grade - Riley Piper
• 8th Grade - Harper Senna-Pica

Their first order of business is a Spirit Week leading up to Halloween!

Hello folks,

It's that time of year., I am attaching the annual FAST program participant & chaperone sign up form. Please complete one form on behalf of each student no later than Sunday, November 22nd.

https://forms.gle/3rMzuwsVyp2aTBR77

If you plan to chaperone, please note that you will need to get fingerprinted ASAP in order for the prints to be back in time. Please consider joining us next Wednesday at 6 pm for the Safety Night. Officer Rob will be here doing fingerprinting. This is great for anyone who might wish to volunteer for an upcoming field trip, event, etc.

Joshua Hunnewell is the contact person for FAST if you have questions- jhunnewell@sau32.nh.gov

Ice Skates- do you have a pair of ice skates you no longer use? Would you like to donate them? We have boxes in the front office foyer for ice skate donations. Leave a pair! Take a pair to borrow! We need all sizes :)

Recently I've been hearing concerns about the use of screens late into the night and their impact on our sleep rhythms. I did a little digging and found this article from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry that outlines the difficulties with using screens late in the night. Even adults can be affected by late night screen time and we have to remember to model safe behavior for our children.

Nurse Beth

Children and adolescents spend a lot of time watching screens, including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, TVs, and computers. On average, children aged 8-18 in the United States spend 7 1/2 hours a day watching or using screens. While screens can entertain, teach, and keep children occupied, too much use or the wrong content may lead to problems.

Parents may not always know what their children are viewing, or how much time they are spending with screens. Children may be exposed to:

• Violence, self-harm, and suicide

• Videos of stunts or challenges that may inspire unsafe behavior

• Sexual content

• Negative stereotypes

• Substance use

• Cyberbullies and predators

• Advertising aimed at your child

• Misleading or inaccurate information

Too much screen time may lead to:

• Sleep problems

• Lower grades in school

• Reading fewer books

• Less time with family and friends

• Not enough outdoor or physical activity

• Weight problems

• Mood problems

• Poor self-image and body image issues

• Fear of missing out

• Less time learning other ways to relax and have fun

Managing a child’s screen time is challenging for families. Your child is never too young for a screen-time plan.

Consider the following as a guideline:

• Until 18 months of age limit screen use to video chatting along with an adult (for example, with a parent who is out of town).

• Between 18- and 24-months screen time should be limited to watching educational programming with a caregiver.

• For children 2-5, limit non-educational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on the weekend days.

• For ages 6 and older, encourage healthy habits and limit activities that include screens.

• Turn off all screens during family meals and outings.

• Learn about and use parental controls.

• Avoid using screens as pacifiers, babysitters, or to stop tantrums.

• Turn off screens and remove them from bedrooms 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

Screens are here to stay and can offer many positive benefits. It’s never too early to discuss screen media habits and experiences as a family. Let your children share their ideas and concerns. Some additional tips to keep in mind are:

• Carefully consider if your child is mature enough before allowing access to a new device (e.g., a gaming console or smartphone).

• Familiarize yourself with the content your child sees, to make sure it is age-appropriate.

• Talk to your child about what they are seeing. Point out good behavior, such as cooperation, friendship, and concern for others. Make connections to meaningful events or places of interest.

• Be aware of advertising and how it influences choices.

• Encourage your child to engage in other activities that do not involve screens, such as sports, music, art, and hobbies.

• Set a good example with your own healthy screen habits.

• Teach children about online privacy and safety.

• Encourage using screens in ways that build creativity and connection with family and friends.

• Consider your child or teen’s maturity and habits. The right plan for one family may not be a good fit for another.

Positive and healthy screen use is possible with proper guidance and consistency.

If you are concerned about your child’s screen time, talk to your pediatrician or family physician. If problems persist, ask for a referral to a qualified mental health professional.

Original article which includes links to related articles and facts: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx

Upper Valley Smiles is coming back to Plainfield School on Thursday November 5th! This program, which is part of Alice Peck Day's Community Health initiative, provides a simplified dental screening and toothbrush cleaning for each student who is signed up. Additionally they can provide a fluoride varnish, dental sealant and silver diamine fluoride as needed. This is a FREE program provided by APD to our school and is well worth the opportunity. Information and a consent form went home in backpacks last Thursday or Friday. Be sure to dig it out of the backpack and give it a review. Families that would like to participate will need to return the consent form to Nurse Beth by Monday November 2, 2026.

In light of the Student Flu Clinic cancellation, we are considering the future of the program and whether or not it is feasible for our school. To that end, we value your opinion as to whether the program should continue. Please take a couple of minutes to answer this short survey so we can determine how to proceed in the way that best serves our community.

https://forms.gle/kRBr8vU2GgYHik8d8

In Health,

Nurse Beth

MATH TEAM

Grades 6 to 8

No Practice This Week (Early Release)

FIRST MEET RESULTS

The Plainfield Math Team is back at it for another season! Our 16 mathletes meet weekly to review math skills and prepare for the next competition. We competed in Meet 1 at Windsor High School this week! With 8 students on each team, Orange and Black, we worked hard solving questions about Order of Operations, Ratios and Proportions, Decimals and Percents and Word Problems. In the end, we came out victorious with 3rd place and 1st place! Davie Barnett and Zoë Rodriquez both tied for first place with perfect scores of 30 points.

We have our next meet in December, go Blackhawks!

LEGO LEAGUE - Grades 6 to 8 (some 5th)

The LEGO Club will continue to meet on Fridays during school. They will host their first out of school meeting this Monday 9/28 from 3 to 5 pm. Please contact LEGO@plainfieldschool.org if you have questions.

SOCCER - Grades 5 to 8

Soccer season is coming to a close. Please be sure to return your uniforms to your coach.

BASKETBALL - Grades 5 to 8

We are getting ready for the basketball season. There were some exploratory conversations about combining with Cornish but after a thorough review with both ADs, both principals, and Dr. Baker, we decided to hold for now and consider for next year.

If your child plans to play, please complete the Basketball Survey above ASAP

We are so excited to offer this opportunity. Since we are partnering with others to provide pizza and babysitting, please take a moment to RSVP HERE

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 at: kathleen.maslan@comcast.net OR Complete the form below.

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 Cindy Huett in the office at (603) 469-3250.

We are looking for a head coach and some assistant coaches for the spring drama program (grades 6 to 8). The production is usually in April with casting and rehearsals beginning in late January. If interested, please contact Audra Bucklin at (603) 469-3250.

You are invited!

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

Financial 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

Thanks to the class of 2025 students are enjoying a Pickleball unit in P.E. Older classes learned to set up the equipment and to take it down. Enjoy the photos below!