BLACKHAWKS BULLETIN

7th graders bring new meaning to "togetherness".

Good afternoon, Blackhawks!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and is ready for our first 5-day week! As we move into the second half of September (gulp!), I wanted to share a 9/11 message I read to students on Friday:

9/11 - Reflecting on Everyday Heros

Throughout the year, our country has a number of holidays where we pause to remember important people or things about our history. We have Veterans Day to honor people who have served in our military, we have MLK Day to honor Martin Luther King, Jr for his leadership and service to supporting fairness and equality for all, we have Memorial Day to pause and think about lost loved ones.

September 11 is another important day in our history. And if I could choose a name for this day, it would be “Everyday Heroes Day.” I was 31 years old on September 11, 2001. I remember so many things about that day. But what I remember most is how, in the face of struggle and really hard things, people everywhere put their energy into helping. For some this meant going to New York City and helping with rescue and cleanup. Others donated blood or money. Still others reached out and comforted people who were sad.

Everyone somehow understood that they needed to spend time together, to reach out to neighbors and be more helpful and positive. And somehow in the middle of something that was a really big struggle, by being there together, being there for each other and wanting to help, you could feel an increase in joy and connection that helped us get through a really hard time.

Each of us can do that every day when we face struggle or even when we just see it around us. Whether something is hard for us or a friend, there are so many ways we can show up that can help everyone get through it.

I ended by challenging our school community to keep talking about the ways we can be everyday heroes in the face of struggle. I reminded them that we can actually choose to do things that increase joy in the world.

Speaking of JOY....the K to 4 School Sing returns this Tuesday at 8:05 am in the lobby. We hope you will swing in and sing with us. I promise you'll leave smiling! Also, Mountain Day is Thursday, September 24th. Make sure to be on the lookout for permission forms from your child(ren)'s teacher(s). And please consider joining us for one of our hikes. The full details are below under "5TH ANNUAL MOUNTAIN DAY"

OTHER IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

• Grades 4 to 8 Band paperwork was due last week. If your child is interested but you have not submitted the permission forms, you must reach out to Mr. Jones early this week at bjones@sau32.nh.gov
• If you have not already completed it, your online REGISTRATION IS NOW PAST DUE. Amanda, Nurse Beth, and I will be connecting directly with those who have not submitted the required paperwork.
• NWEA Testing Begins Tomorrow - Please be sure to encourage your child to do their very best. Data from the tests - combined with teacher observations/assessments - helps us to identify student strengths and challenges so we can best meet their needs for support and/or enrichment. In addition, the assessment trends help individual and teams of teachers identify areas for improvement and adjustment in our curriculum and instruction. We appreciate your help making sure students get a good night sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and have plenty of water. Most importantly, please encourage them to do THEIR very best. This is one of those opportunities for students to practice perseverance, even in the face of a non-preferred activity ;). Interestingly, I just read that colleges, after moving away from standardized test requirements over the past decade or so, are returning to the SAT and ACT requirements. A large-scale review of data indicated that standardized tests are a more reliable way to predict success in college.

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Audra

Audra Bucklin, Principal

abucklin@sau32.nh.gov

603-469-3250, x223

SEPTEMBER

K to 2 Parents, please join us for your child's curriculum night this Thursday, September 17 at 5:30 pm to learn more about what is happening specific to their class. Please see grade specific details below:

• Kindergarten students and their families are invited to "A Little Garden of Learning" where you will experience kindergarten through your child's eyes. Kindergarten children will serve as guides while you follow the rhythm of a kindergarten day and visit the spaces that make our school such a special place to learn!
• 1st & 2nd Grade parents will join your child's teacher for an informational session regarding their curriculum and daily routines. Students do not attend this event but there WILL be babysitting* available in the music room.

It is important to arrive on time. This is different from an "Open House." Teachers prepare and deliver an overview of the learning that will take place in your child's class(es) throughout the year.

NOTE: Children in grades 5 and below who are here on campus during the event must be with an adult OR signed in with the 7th grade babysitting service. Students should not be unattended on the playground. The 7th graders provide this as a community service with a suggested donation of $5/child (towards their class trip fundraising.)

8th Grade

Band- Monday+Tuesday

Sectionals

Monday- Alto Sax., Tenor Sax., Clarinet, Oboe

Thursday- Trumpet, Trombone

7th Grade

Band- Monday+Tuesday

Sectionals

Monday- Alto Sax., Clarinet, Oboe

Thursday- Trumpet, Trombone

6th Grade

Band- Monday+Tuesday

Sectionals

Monday- Alto Sax. Clarinet, Oboe

Wednesday- Flute, Percussion

Thursday- Trumpet, Trombone

5th Grade

Band- Friday

Sectionals

Monday- Trumpet, Trombone

Tuesday- Flute, Oboe

Wednesday- Percussion

Thursday- Clarinet

4th Grade

Band- Friday

Sectionals

Monday- Flute, Clarinet

Tuesday- Percussion

Wednesday- Alto Sax., French Horn

Thursday- Trumpet, Trombone

"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

The 7th Annual Blackhawk Blaze 5K and Family Fun Run will take place this fall on the morning of Sunday, October 4th. This is the PTA's biggest fundraiser of the year to support learning at PES!

Register to run here [runsignup.com].

This year the PTA is offering a cupcake party to any PES grade level that has 50% or more kid registration in either the Fun Run or the 5K.

Don't want to run/walk but interested in being part of the day and cheering on runners along the course? Volunteer signups coming soon.

We would love to have you join in this beloved community event!

The PES PTA and the Class of 2028

PLEASE ALSO BE SURE TO TURN IN ANY FIELD TRIP PERMISSION FORMS!!

Thursday, September 24 - Mountain Day - We invite you to take a day off from the grind to join your child's class for a fall hike. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the foliage, some exercise, and our wonderful community!

• Grades K to 2 - Top of the World in Cornish, NH (will be back to PES for lunch)

• Grades 3 & 4 - French's Ledges, Meriden, NH (will be back to PES just after lunchtime)

• Grade 5 - Mt. Tom, Woodstock, VT (hike followed by lunch in the park and then back to school)

• Grade 6 - Hike at Hulbert in Fairlee, VT

• Grades 7 & 8 - Cardigan Mountain, Canaan, NH (full day hike)

We will have our PES directory printed and sent home with each student (or given to the oldest sibling) the last week in September. We completely understand people’s desire to have the handy booklet form!

Study hall is offered for the dates below. A couple reminders:

1. Hours for study hall are 3-4:15

2. Make make sure PickUp Patrol is updated

3. Please make sure your student knows this is a quiet time to get homework completed or read quietly if they don’t have homework. If they are attending a practice after study hall, please make sure it is also noted in pickup patrol. Athletes will be dismissed directly to soccer.

4. If you are picking up from study hall, please use the walkie talkie in the entryway to radio the teacher.

NWEA Testing starts this week. The data we gather from testing helps us determine how well we are doing with our curriculum and instruction and also provides important student level data. It is important to remember a test score is only a single data point and does not define any individual child. At the same time, that data can provide important insights, especially when students do their best! Most will spend 1 to 2 hours on ELA/Reading and the same for Math but on separate days. We spread tests over separate sittings; it can be quite tiring! A good night's rest, encouragement, and healthy snacks are super helpful!

Packets went home with students this week. Check their backpacks. We have more available in the office as needed.

And we have started the school year with a bang! So far there’s a number of families reporting nausea/vomiting/diarrhea and mostly in the younger grades (K-4). Coming back to school in the fall always stirs up the germ pools and this year it’s the stomach bug.

I’ve also been getting reports of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and lice infestations in the pre-school population. Although we don’t have a pre-school, we do have siblings of preschoolers who could inadvertently bring HFMD and lice into our school. To prevent transmission of lice into our school, please check your student’s head at home (over ears and nape of neck) for nits or lice. If you find lice or nits there are a number of over-the-counter shampoos that are highly effective and can be obtained at your pharmacy.

HFMD is a contagious viral illness that mostly affects young children under five years old, though older children and adults can also catch it. Symptoms include fever and sore throat, mouth sores, and a skin rash on the hands and feet but can also appear on the buttocks or groin.

I’m still waiting on a variety of paperwork from families: 7th graders need updated Tdap vaccinations on file with me, I need a few more updated physicals for students playing soccer this fall, and some new students still need to complete registration files with physicals, immunizations, and/or birth certificates.

Students who need allergy and/or asthma action plans need to get that paperwork submitted ASAP along with the parent permission form to administer those medications.

Also please remember to fill out a 2026-2027 Student Health Information and Release Form. This is the form that allows you to give permission for your student to receive select over the counter medications, consent for hearing and vision screenings, allergies, and any health concerns your student may have. These forms live in a binder in my office and are the basis for treating minor illnesses or injuries that your student may encounter during the school day. So far, I only have forms from 53% of the students.

If you need a copy of any of these forms, please shoot me an email at schoolnurse@sau32.nh.gov and I will send you an electronic copy of whatever you need.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me about any health needs/concerns for your

student!

Nurse Beth

MATH TEAM

Grades 6 to 8

Thursday, September 17th from 3 to 4 pm.

LEGO LEAGUE - Grades 6 to 8

The LEGO Club will have its first meeting in school on 9/18 (during our middle school club block.) We are hoping more students will try out this exciting opportunity to learn coding and engineering skills. Students interested in competing will eventually have some afterschool and weekend practices as well.

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.

It's time for the annual Friends of the Philip Read Memorial Library Book Sale!

Hello,

We will be hosting a free Vaping and Oral Nicotine Education webinar for parents and caregivers on Tuesday, September 29th from 6:00–7:00 PM.

This webinar will provide parents, caregivers, and community members with practical information about vaping and oral nicotine, including:

• What vaping is and how it works
• Current youth vaping trends
• The risks and dangers of vaping
• What vaping products look like
• How to support youth who vape or may be at higher risk, including quit resources
• Evidence-based conversation starters for talking with youth about substance use
• Q&A

We’ve heard from community partners that there is a need for more education and resources around vaping and tobacco, and we hope this webinar will be a helpful opportunity for families and community members to learn more about youth nicotine use and how to talk to their child about it.

Registration is free: Click Here To Register

If possible, I’d appreciate your help sharing the flyer in your school newsletter or other parent-facing channels. You’re also welcome to print and display the flyer in your front office or other areas where parents and caregivers may see it.

Thank you, and please reach out if you have any questions!

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

K to 2 Students take their learning outside!