BLACKHAWKS BULLETIN
Week of October 18th
RECESS ENGINEERS
There's a very intricate bug house under those leaves!
PRINCIPAL PONDERINGS
Good morning,
Not sure what the weather was in Plainfield yesterday but I am away for the weekend and saw my first snowflakes fly. As the temperatures change (rapidly even in the course of a day!) please be sure your child is prepared with plenty of "layers." Soccer is winding down. A HUGE shout out to all of the coaches for your dedication throughout the season. I was pleased to make it to more games this year and so impressed with the growth - both skill and teamwork - I saw throughout the fall! Thank you for a wonderful season. Looking forward to strong finish over the next week or so!
Parent Teacher Conferences Sign Ups are now available - CLICK HERE - Fall Parent Teacher conferences will take place on Thursday, October 29 (afternoon and evening) and Friday, October 30 (during the day).
November 3 Voting - As we educate ourselves in preparation for November voting, I am hearing lots of discussion about HB1300 related to school funding tax caps. The New Hampshire Legislature passed HB 1300 earlier this year. The law (RSA 32:5-i) requires the following question to appear on all town ballots this November, and again in November 2028:
"Shall the [Name of Municipality] limit property tax growth for [name(s) of school district(s)] under RSA 32:5-i? If adopted for a two-year period: (1) the local property tax levy may not grow beyond the prior year's amount, adjusted for inflation and new construction; (2) SAU central office spending may not exceed 6 percent of total school district appropriations; and (3) bonded capital costs are excluded from both limits. These caps apply only to administrative operations of the SAU central office and do not affect classroom instruction, school-based services, or other municipal expenditures. These limits may be overridden as provided in RSA 32:5i. Adoption requires a three-fifths (3/5) majority vote."
Positioning and wording of this ballot item will be strictly in the control of the Secretary of State. The language will be the same throughout the state. If this ballot measure passes with 60 percent of the vote here in Plainfield in November, a tax cap will take effect for our district for the next two years.
There is quite a bit of information out there about HB1300. I am headed to an informational session on Tuesday, October 27th at 6pm in Grantham. I'm sure there are other events and online articles/resources for those who are curious to learn more so you can make an informed decision at the voting booth.
Enjoy your day tomorrow!
Audra
DANCE RULES & REMINDERS
Friday is our first dance. We will review the rules for students here at school as follows:
School dress code applies.
No food or beverage from home (there are plenty of snacks here courtesy of the Class of 2028!)
If you bring a cell phone it needs to stay in your bag - we are here to dance and socialize, not be on our phones.
Bags must be left in the office.
Permission forms for guests from other schools are available in the office. No other students will be allowed entry without the permission form which is due by Wednesday.
Drop off and pick up are in the front circle.
- Doors open promptly AT 7 pm
- Pick-up is AT 9 pm (NOTE: The line out front gets long. A viable and often less frustrating alternative is to park and walk over to meet your student out front.)
- Students MUST be released to an adult.
- If someone other than a parent/guardian is authorized to pick your child up, please make sure they have a note.
- Neighboring students (on Bonner Road) who have written permission to walk home, will need to wait until all other traffic has cleared before walking. And any other student going with them must have a note stating clearly that they have permission to ride &/or walk home with that student and his/her parents.
Thank you so much for helping to keep our students safe!
WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
UPCOMING EVENTS
OCTOBER
19 - Lego League, 3-5 pm - Library
20 - K to 4 School Sing - 8 am - Caregivers Welcome
20 - Math Team Meet - Windsor
22 - Math team Practice, 3-4 pm
23 - Middle School Dance, 7-9 pm PES Gym
26 - Lego League, 3-5 pm - Library
27- K to 4 School Sing - 8 am - Caregivers Welcome
28 - Safety Night, 6-7:30 pm PES
29 - Early Release - Parent Teacher Conferences, 12:50pm
30 - NO SCHOOL - Parent Teacher Conferences
NOVEMBER
2 - Lego League, 3-5pm
3 - K to 4 School Sing - 8 am - Caregivers Welcome
3 - Voting- Midterm Elections, PES Gym
5 - Math Team Practice, 3-4
9 - Lebanon Opera House K-2 Field Trip
9 - Lego League, 3-5pm
10 - K to 4 School Sing - 8 am - Caregivers Welcome
11 - No School- Veterans Day
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
PTA UPDATES
TRUNK OR TREAT
A WORD FROM DR. BAKER
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
OFFICE NOTES
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE SIGN-UPS
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.
SERVICE CLUB BAKE SALE
NURSE NOTES
UPPER VALLEY SMILES DENTAL SCREENING
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
CO-CURRICULAR UPDATES
Academic Teams
MATH TEAM
Grades 6 to 8
Thursday, October 15th from 3 to 4 pm.
FIRST MEET IS ON TUESDDAY, OCTOBER 20th in WINDSOR.
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.
Fall Sports
SOCCER
Our soccer season is well underway. Practices and games are posted on the PES Co-Curricular Calendar above and your coaches send regular updates via email so be sure to stay on top of those and update PickUP Patrol accordingly.
SAFETY NIGHT - OCTOBER 28th
PLEASE RSVP
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
8TH GRADE WREATH SALES
Happening Now!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
4 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 at: kathleen.maslan@comcast.net OR Complete the form below.
K to 2 HALLOWEEN PARADE
HELP WANTED
Substitutes Needed
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.
Drama Coach Needed
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.
COMMUNITY NEWS
WILLOW BROOK FARM
You are invited!
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
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
LOST & FOUND
LOST & FOUND
Please use this link to check out our lost and found! Thank you!