The OES Express

October 4-10 - Fire Prevention Week

October 9 - No School (PD Day for Teachers)

October 12 - No School (Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day)

October 19-23 - Bus Safety Week

October 21 - Unity Day (wear orange to support National Bullying Prevention Month)

October 22 - Evening Conferences

October 23 - Early Dismissal at 11:00 am for Conferences

October 24 - Halloween Stroll sponsored by PTC (3-4:30 pm)

October 28 - OES Night at the Barley Neck (4:30-close)

October 30 - Trunk or Treat sponsored by The Terraces Orleans (4-5 pm)

This month, we are shining a light on our nonverbal and minimally verbal peers. Did you know that not using spoken words doesn't mean someone has nothing to say? Many of our autistic students communicate brilliantly using iPad communication apps (AAC devices), sign language, pictures, or facial expressions!

Building an inclusive community starts at home. Here are simple ways you can talk to your child about being an awesome friend to a peer who communicates differently:

• Say hello anyway. Encourage your child to wave, smile, and say a cheerful "Hi!" even if their classmate doesn't answer back with words. A friendly greeting always feels good.
• Play without talking. You don't need a deep conversation to share a playground slide, build side-by-side with Legos, or color a picture together. True friendship is about sharing space and joy.
• Be patient with high-tech talkers. If a friend is typing on an iPad to speak, give them time! Teach your child to wait patiently for their friend to finish typing without guessing or interrupting.
• Talk about it at dinner: "If you couldn't use your voice for an hour, how would you show me that you wanted to play or needed a snack?"
• Sometimes communicating without words can be really hard. You may notice some of our autistic peers using repetitive lines from movies (scripting) or expressing big emotions through loud sounds or dropping to the floor; these are natural ways they communicate, process sensory information, or regulate themselves when overwhelmed. To help your child understand their neurodiverse peers, you can explain that behaviors like repeating phrases, shouting, or sitting on the floor are simply ways some friends express their feelings, manage big sensory moments, or communicate when words are hard to find.
  
  

Looking for a great bedtime story to spark a conversation about neurodiversity? Check out these highly-rated, neurodiversity-affirming books:

A Day with No Words written by Tiffany Hammond, an autistic mother of autistic children. This New York Times bestseller offers a beautiful first-person perspective of a nonspeaking autistic boy navigating a day using a tablet/AAC device to communicate with his family and the world. It is perfect for teaching children that a voice isn't just spoken words.

Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book written by Celeste Shally. This story centers around two best friends—one neurotypical and one autistic. It directly models playground inclusion. It shows the narrator learning how to patiently support his friend Matt during schedule changes or overwhelming moments, proving that shared joy matters more than how you talk.

My Words, My Way: This gentle story follows a young child named Kai who utilizes an AAC device to express thoughts and feelings. It is explicitly designed for classrooms and families to understand that every style of expression is valid and that high-tech voices deserve space and patience.

Talking Is Not My Thing! written by Rose Robbins. This charming and relatable picture book highlights a nonspeaking sister who uses flashcards, gestures, and a communication book to let her family know exactly what she needs and how much she loves to play.

Thank you for partnering with us to build a school community where every voice is valued, every style of communication is celebrated, and every child belongs. Have a wonderful and safe October!

Your School Psychologist,

Bethany Ambrose, M.Ed, CAGS, NCSP

Hello Families!

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. As you are aware, I have started teaching our Second Step Bullying Prevention Lessons in all grades. Second Step is a research-based program that provides students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 Recognize, Report, and Refuse bullying through the use of group discussions, videos, modeling, practice scenarios, checking for understanding, and take-home activities that support skills practice.

In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month we are welcoming your child to WEAR ORANGE ON OCTOBER 21, also known as Unity Day. This is one way we can all come together and share our support of community building through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. In addition, students will wrap up their bullying prevention unit by designing a “Bullying Prevention T-Shirt” in their classrooms that will be displayed in the school.

If your family could benefit from weekly food bags, please reach out to Mrs. Wright via email at wrightl@nausetschools.org or call her at 255-0380, ext 3116 and she will get your child set up. We will most-likely start receiving bags at the beginning of October. For more information about Cape Kids Meals click HERE or see the attached flyers (english/spanish/portuguese).

Happy Fall! With the change in season, we also see a rise in cooler weather and seasonal llnesses. Here are a few quick reminders, updates, and health tips to keep our students healthy, happy, and learning all month long!

Cold & Flu Season Essentials

As temperatures drop, we start seeing more coughs, colds, and seasonal viruses. Help us keep our school healthy with these simple habits:

• Hand Hygiene: Remind your child to wash their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice!).

• Respiratory Etiquette: Practice coughing and sneezing into the crook of the elbow, not into hands.

• Flu Shots: The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. October is the ideal time to get vaccinated before flu season reaches its peak.

• Stay home when you are sick*

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When to Keep Your Child Home

Deciding whether your child is "sick enough" to stay home can be a tough call. To prevent the spread of germs to classmates and staff, please follow these "Stay-at-Home" guidelines:

• Fever: Any temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning.

• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Students should stay home for at least 24 hours after the last episode.

• Persistent Cough: A dry, hacking cough that disrupts the student's ability to focus or participate.

• Sore Throat: Especially if accompanied by a fever or swollen glands. If strep throat is diagnosed, they need to be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning.

• General Malaise: If your child is unusually tired, pale, or has a lack of appetite, they likely need a rest day to recover.

*Reminder: Please always report your child’s sick absence to the main office.

The "Okay for School" Checklist

It is usually safe to send your child to school if:

• The Sniffles: A mild runny nose or occasional sneeze without a fever.

• Mild Cough: A lingering cough from a cold that is no longer productive or disruptive.

• Allergies: Itchy eyes or sneezing caused by seasonal pollen (and not a virus).

• Post-Illness: They have been symptom-free for 24 hours and their energy levels have returned to normal.

Medications Reminder

• All medications (including over-the-counter items) require a doctor’s order and a signed parent permission form. Medications must be brought to school by an adult in the original packaging.

• If your child is to receive a medication during the school day, please contact Nurse White

Reminder: Dress in Layers

October mornings are often chilly, while afternoons can be surprisingly warm! Please send your child to school with:

• A light jacket, sweater, or hoodies

• Change of socks - muddy and wet recess fields!

• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes for outdoor recess and P.E. class.

Please, feel free to reach out to me anytime with questions regarding your child’s health, medical condition, or medications. Wishing everyone a fantastic and healthy October!

Best regards,

Jess White, RN, BSN

whitej@nausetschools.org

508-255-0380 ext. 3005

*Rain date October 25th

Join us at The Barley Neck on Wednesday, October 28 from 4:30-close. 10% of all proceeds will go the PTC which will help benefit students at OES! This event is open to the public.

The PTC is looking for volunteers for its annual Scholastic Book Fair which will be held in November on the following dates/times:

Friday, November 20 (2:15-5:30 pm)

Monday, November 23 (2:15-5:30 pm)

Tuesday, November 24 (8:15-11:30 am)

All volunteers will receive at $25 Scholastic Gift Card. If you are interested, please email OESPTC123@gmail.com.

The PTC is gathering families' contact information for the 2026-27 School Directory. The Directory will include phone numbers and email addresses for families who choose to share them. If you wish to be included in the Directory and/or are interested in being a Class Representative, click HERE for the form.

If you have not done so already, please log into your Aspen Go Parent Portal account today to complete your child's reregistration. Additionally, all parents/caregivers are required to electronically sign the District Handbook and the Technology User Agreement. All returning student re-registrations will now be completed securely through the Aspen Go Parent Portal. Every family must complete this process to ensure that we have accurate information.

Entering your information directly into Aspen keeps student records up-to-date, protects sensitive data, and ensures a faster, seamless sign-off process for required forms, including Medical Info, Technology Agreements, Permission to Publish, and the Student Handbook.

Parent/Caregiver Directions for gaining/regaining access to your Aspen Parent Portal (slide deck)

Parent/Caregiver Directions for Online Returning Student Registration (OLRR) (slide deck)

Parent/Caregiver Directions for Online Returning Student Registration (OLRR) (video)

See attached flyer for directions in english/spanish/portuguese.

Mass Communication System:The district uses Thrillshare as its primary communication tool. We encourage you to download the Nauset Thrillshare app. We recommend enabling notifications for email, SMS (text messages), and app alerts to receive official information from OES promptly. Communication from OES will primarily occur through Thrillshare.

Nauset App: Stay connected on the go with the Nauset App - it's everything Nauset in your pocket! The Nauset App is a streamlined version of our website that gives you quick access to alerts, staff directories, event calendars, newsletters, and more. Visit your app store and download the Nauset App today for a faster way to access everything you need to know about our schools and district.

• Learn more about the Nauset App: https://www.nausetschools.org/page/mobile-app-and-rooms

• Download on Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nauset-public-schools/id6503474240

• Download on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptegy.nauset&hl=en_US

Breakfast & Lunch are free for all students. For Breakfast & Lunch Menus, please click on the following links: Breakfast Menu and Lunch Menu.

We would like to share some helpful information with families about school attendance

expectations and requirements under Massachusetts law. We view attendance as a shared partnership between schools and families. We recognize that families make significant efforts each day to ensure students arrive at school ready to learn, and we appreciate that commitment.

As a public school district, we are governed by certain laws and regulations established by the

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). One of these

areas relates to student attendance expectations. The Massachusetts Department of

Elementary and Secondary Education has recently set a statewide goal for all students to attend school at least 95% of the time to support consistent learning and engagement. Missing even a small number of days can add up quickly, making it harder for students to keep up both

academically and socially. Regular school attendance plays an important role in supporting

student learning, building routines, and ensuring students are able to fully participate in their

educational experience.

Beginning in September of the 2026–2027 school year, the district will begin using updated

attendance notification letters across all schools. We are sharing this information now so that

families have advance notice and receive consistent communication throughout the district. These updates are intended to provide clearer information about attendance expectations under Massachusetts law and the supports available to families. The overall process has not changed; the letters simply include additional information to help ensure transparency and consistent messaging.

What Does the Law Say? Children aged 6–16

Chapter 76, section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws states that all children between the

ages of six and sixteen must attend school. To be considered "present," a student must be in

school or engaged in school-related work for at least half the day. A school district may excuse

up to seven (7) full-day sessions or fourteen (14) half-day sessions in any period of six (6)

months. For the purposes of this law, a school day is defined as missing two (2) or more class

periods in the same day.

When a Student Has Five Unexcused Absences

Under state law, when a student reaches five (5) unexcused absences in a school year, the

school is required to offer a meeting with the student and their parent or guardian.

Purpose of the Meeting

The purpose of this meeting is to work together to develop action steps to improve student

attendance. These meetings are intended to be collaborative and supportive. They provide an

opportunity for the school and family to discuss any challenges that may be impacting

attendance and to identify strategies and supports that may help students attend school

consistently.

During this meeting, the school and family may also work with other school staff, and the school

can help connect families with community partners, such as public safety, health and human

services, housing, or nonprofit agencies, to provide additional support.

Excused vs. Unexcused Absences

The updated letters also include clarification about the difference between excused and

unexcused absences. In general, absences are considered excused for reasons such as illness

or medical appointments when accompanied by a note from a medical provider, bereavement,

religious observances. Absences that are not reported or that fall outside these reasons may be considered unexcused.

We are also including clarification regarding family vacations taken outside of the school

calendar. Vacations that occur outside of the designated school vacation weeks are considered unexcused absences. In recent years, the district has received an increasing number of

requests for extended absences due to travel. While we understand that family travel may be

important, the district is required to comply with compulsory school attendance laws and

applicable district policies and therefore cannot excuse extended absences for vacations or

personal travel.

If a student is absent for an extended period of time,15 or more consecutive school days, and

the absence is considered unexcused, the district’s protocol is to un-enroll the student. This may occur in situations where a student is absent for an extended family trip or other personal

reasons. Students are able to re-enroll in the district upon their return.

Additional Information on Massachusetts Attendance Laws

For informational purposes, the following is a brief summary of some of the Massachusetts

General Laws pertaining to school attendance. The full district attendance policy can be found in

Nauset School Committee Policy JH (Student Absences and Excuses).

Parental Responsibility

Parents or guardians are legally responsible for ensuring that a child under their control attends

school daily. Under Massachusetts law, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to cause

the child to attend school.

Application for Child Requiring Assistance (CRA)

A CRA application may be filed by a school district with the Juvenile Court if a child between the ages of six (6) and sixteen (16) is habitually truant or repeatedly fails to follow lawful and

reasonable school regulations. For purposes of this provision, a “habitual truant” is defined as a

student of mandatory attendance age who willfully fails to attend school for more than eight (8) school days in a quarter.

Filing a 51A

A 51A is a report of suspected child abuse or neglect that may be filed with the Department of

Children and Families (DCF). Under Chapter 119, Section 51A of the Massachusetts General

Laws, a report may be filed on behalf of a child under the age of 18 for educational neglect if a

child is not attending school on a regular basis.

This information is provided for awareness so that families are informed about the broader legal

framework related to school attendance. Additional information about attendance expectations can also be found in the Nauset Public Schools attendance policy, School Committee Policy JH

(Student Absences and Excuses) and in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for the many ways you support your child’s

education.

Sincerely,

Nauset Public Schools

BELONGINGS/DRESS - As students will be spending more time outside, families must outfit their children with appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. Please label all of your child's belongings so they can be easily returned if they become misplaced.

MORNING ARRIVAL - If you are driving your child to school, please remember that arrival time is from 7:30 -7:45 am. Students are marked late if they are not in their classroom at 7:45 am.

AFTERNOON PICK-UP - Our priority is to ensure a smooth and safe dismissal process for all students. Bus riders will be dismissed first to streamline the process, and pickups will only begin after all buses have safely departed. To facilitate this, we kindly ask families to wait until 2:00 pm to arrive at the school entrance, as access will be restricted between 1:30 and 2:00 pm. Please do not park at our neighboring dentist office.

ABSENCES -Every day your child is absent, please call 508-255-0380, select #1, and leave a message including your child's name, date, teacher, and reason for absence. Students are expected to attend school daily unless they have a medical excuse. Families of students who are absent for five or more unexcused absences will be invited to meet with the school counselor to discuss concerns related to student absences. They will offer support and referrals as needed.

BUS TRANSPORTATION - Students may only ride the bus to which they are assigned.

CHANGES TO DISMISSAL PLANS - If an emergency requires a change in dismissal plans during the day, please call the office by 12:30 pm. Please do not email your child's teacher, as they may not have had the opportunity to read their email before the end of the school day. If you will be dismissing your child early or have alternative dismissal arrnagements, it is essentil to provide written notification to the school. While we understand emergencies may occur that require you to call in a change, this should not be a frequent practice. We appreciate your efforts to plan ahead.

EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS - On early dismissal days, students will be dismissed at 11:00 am. Breakfast will be served and bagged lunches will be offered. Please inform the office of your child's alternate dismissal plans. If we do not have a note, your child will be put on the bus to go home.

PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY DEVICES - Cellphones, tablets, watches and other devices are not to be used during the instructional day and should remain in your child's backpack unless a specific and unique accommodation has been agreed upon by the administration and the Parent/Caregiver. The responsibility for the care and use of these devices remains with the student and his/her Parent/Caregiver. The school does not assume responsibility for any electronic device.