BLACKHAWKS BULLETIN

What a terrific turnout for last week's Blackhawk Blaze! Thanks to all who ran and all who supported the event!

Good afternoon,

I hope you are all enjoying the long weekend. As we settle into October, there are a couple of important topics to have on your radar as follows:

Parent Teacher Conferences are Coming - Save the Date(s) - Fall Parent Teacher conferences will take place on Thursday, October 29 (afternoon and evening) and Friday, October 30 (during the day). We plan to send the sign-up links so you can book visits with your child(ren)'s teacher(s) later this week. Please be on the lookout!

School Board Meeting this Tuesday, October 13 at 5:30 pm - Please see the agenda and my report attached below. I am also attaching my report from last month. I don't think I ever shared that one in this space.

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. There is another at the Lebanon Middle School this Thursday from 6 to 7 pm. 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

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

Sending a huge thank you to everyone who participated in and/or supported last weekend's Blackhawk Blaze 5K and Fun Run. We had 95 runners which is the highest participation in 3 years. The event raised a total of $5,302 which breaks down to $2,651 for the PTA to support the learning community at PES and $2,651 to support the Class of 2028's class trip.

Special thank you to all local businesses who sponsored the race:

Gold Sponsors:

AppCast, Loudon Investment Management, SNAX Restaurant, Loudon Investment Management, Townline Equipment

Silver Sponsors:

Mascoma Bank, Peak Mental Wellness, Poor Thoms, Omer & Bob's, Willow Brook Builders, Jenna Luce of ReMax, Riverbend Veterinary Clinic

Bronze Sponsors:

Izzy's Lawncare, L.A. Lascelles & Sons, Jewell Trucking, Marsh Brother's Deli, Schell Family Dental

Thanks

Madison

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

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.

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

‘Kindergarten?’ The walkie talkie blared. ‘Are you heading out to meet your special guests?’ A dynamic group of 9 mitten clad kindergarteners cruised to the back of the building with shrieks of delight. The Plainfield Fire Department was here…for KINDERGARTEN. Our brave local firefighters visited us on Thursday morning and taught us all about fire safety and the amazing world of fire engines. The kindergarten class got to climb aboard the engines and were given fire hats to bring home. Shortly after during Outdoor Playtime, children were engaged in creative play pretending to fight fires and rescue one another from a myriad of disasters! No doubt our collection of books about fire engines and firefighting will become the most coveted batch at Book Look and Buddy Reading time. We are so grateful for our local department and the generosity of time and energy bestowed upon our youngest learners by the town.

Happening Now!

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.

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