Good Afternoon!
You may want to grab a cold beverage and get comfy…there is a lot of info to share this week! We are definitely in the “mach speed” portion of this ride 
. I can’t believe this is the last full week of May!
EVENTS THIS WEEK:
SAS Testing winds down this week
SAS reading, writing and math tests are taken by students in grades 3 to 8. Students in grades 5 and 8 also take a science test. Our students have been doing a great job taking the tests seriously and are enjoying the healthy snacks provided by Mrs. Foley. Teachers are doing a great job incorporating outdoor activities to provide a little relief and balance. Thank you for continuing to make sure they are rested and ready to go!
All Star Math Meet - Monday (during school)
Our middle school Math Team is wrapping up a successful 22-23 season with the All-Star Meet this Monday. The team placed first overall in the Twin State Math League over the course of the year’s four meets, with John Rendahl earning top individual honors for the league and John Mathers placing third. The team’s top five scorers will be representing PES at this culminating competition: John Rendahl, John Mathers, Isak Tell, Ayden Billingham, and WIlliam Balch. We wish them luck!
1st Grade Parent Night - Tuesday Night
Potluck from 5:30 to 6:15
Social Emotional Learning Workshop/Updates - 6:15 to 7:30
**Browne Center progress updates & workshop
**Audra will provide an update regarding transition to 2nd grade
Babysitting available from 6 to 7:30
8TH Grade Class Photo - This Wednesday during school
Speaking of 8th Grade, there are lots of important dates coming up. There is a full list of dates as well as an RSVP for the Celebration of Learning Luncheon coming your way. Please reach out to Amanda Parker, Jen Lizotte or the main office if you have questions. Also, for more details on the LHS Tour (6/12) - SEE FLIER
ED 306 Update Session - Thursday Night
Interested in learning more about changes to New Hampshire’s Education Law (ED 306)? There is a regional info session on Thursday at 6:30 pm at Kearsarge Regional High School.
2nd Grade Plant Sale - This Thursday & Friday SEE FLIER
Beaupre Community Service Day - Friday Afternoon - 12:15 to 2:45
Please consider joining your child’s class from 12:20 to 2:15 and then staying for our recognition ceremony. As you take a look at the projects on the “List of Activities” below, the ones in “orange” are the ones classes are taking on this year. Partner up classes are working together on these projects and I’m sure some would appreciate your help and/or contributions of tools or supplies as noted in the list. Please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher if you have any questions.
SEE LIST OF BEAUPRE COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY ACTIVITIES
Some History of the Beaupre Community Service Day at PES
Our school has been participating in Beaupre Community Service projects for nearly 20 years. These projects are in honor of Steve and Donna Beaupre who retired from Plainfield Elementary School in 2004. Donna was our librarian and Steve was, at that time, a 7th/8th science teacher. He had many positions over the years including Principal back when this school was built 50 years ago!
Steve and Donna are two of the people who showed me what it means to be “in community.” I moved here from Atlanta where I lived IN a community next to neighbors, most of whom I didn't even know. When I moved here, people like Steve and Donna showed me that to be part of a community means that we reach out and welcome one another, get to know each other, do things together, and help one another out. They also showed me that being part of this community - the community here at Plainfield School - we value being part of a larger community - our town, our state, our country and even the world.
There is a quilted “BEE” in my office that is one of the many examples of community service projects that Donna led when she was a librarian. Through Donna, students learned about Heifer International - an organization that helps families in rural villages around the world - by donating farm animals, bees, and agricultural supplies so the families can feed themselves and even raise and grow food for others in their community. Back when the BEE was created, students would draw an animal and Donna Beaupre would make beautiful artwork and then sell it in the community. She donated all of the proceeds to Heifer International. The bee in my office was based on my son’s drawing.
Steve Beaupre serves his community in a number of ways. He has served many years as a volunteer firefighter, supporting his local church in a variety of roles, and helping friends and neighbors by visiting them and helping them with errands and appointments. He never stops moving! For many years he has returned to help with our annual leaf project in the middle school science classes.
When Steve and Donna retired, our community came together and decided the best way we could honor their many years of service, teaching and leadership here at PES was to take time every year to continue their tradition of giving back to our greater communities. For many years, we did so on a designated “day of service” but it eventually morphed into a variety of projects throughout the year that were celebrated at a schoolwide assembly. This year, we are thrilled to return to the idea of bringing the entire community together for an afternoon of service.
23/24 HIRING UPDATES:
In addition to our one retirement - Ms. Bridge - that was listed in the town report back at town meeting time, we have recently been informed of a couple of other staff departures. We are also hiring for a couple of new positions. Here is an update on our open positions for 23/24.
- As Viki Bridge retires, we will be welcoming Angela Smith as our new Media Library Specialist. Angela lives in Lebanon and has been working at a K to 8 school in Vermont. Angela has a wealth of experience in the position. She is passionate about books and helping students explore the world and themselves through literature. During the interview process, we were impressed with Angela’s knowledge and ideas for the LLC as well as her warm affect and ability to connect with students of all ages.
- New Position - Curriculum Instruction & Assessment - interviews are complete and the contracting for this position is in progress. Superintendent Leggett will make an announcement about this shared position (Grantham, Plainfield & Cornish.)
- NEW Position - Technology Director - Cornish & Plainfield Districts - The interview process is underway with finalist visits this week.
- Heather Heinz is moving on from Plainfield. First round interviews for a PE Health teacher began last week and will continue this week.
- 3/4 Teacher Haley Evans has decided to pursue an early childhood position. Interviews for an elementary teacher will begin this week.
- Taylor Friedman is also moving on from Plainfield and we have posted for an Executive Assistant to the Principal.
- Lisa Gradijan was planning to slide back over to the School Secretary position this coming year but recently received an opportunity she just can’t pass up at DH. Lisa has been here since my kids were in school. It will be very strange around here without her! We will keep you posted as we move forward with that position as well.
Please be sure to thank our departing staff for their service to PES students, staff and parents. They have all made a considerable impact in a short amount of time. We wish them well!
7TH GRADE PARENTS & STUDENTS
7th graders “host” graduation for the 8th grade. They are looking for donations of food (finger food) as well as students who would like to staff the table and/or serve as ushers the night of graduation (Friday, June 16). You will receive more details directly from the parents who are coordinating this (Emily Crouse, Jen Henderson, Candace Lord, and Heather Schwartz.) Please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of them if interested in helping out…next year it will be you guys graduating !
SPRING FLING - Shining under the Stars
- Thursday, June 15th - 7:30 to 9:30 pm (8th graders arrive at 7 pm for pictures)
- Tickets: $10 or $8 with a donation of art supplies for Molly’s Place @ DHMC (Art supplies needed: crayons/markers/pencils, paper, coloring books, stickers, self-adhesive foam shapes, gallon size zip-lock bags.)
- 6th graders are hosting this event. 6th Grade Students & Parents, be sure to check your email for more information.
ART CLUB
There is 1 Middle school art club left on 5/31/23 from 3-4:00
There are two 3/4 art club sessions left 5/24/23 and 6/7/23 from 3-4:00
And, as always, please remind your child(ren) to check Lost & Found and clean out their lockers and desks. Teachers will be helping with this over the coming weeks as well. Please don’t forget you can view our Lost and Found closet online.The lost and found website is updated weekly.
Have a great afternoon,
Audra