Week of September 7, 2020

Message from the President

As we enter into another school, I want to welcome our new colleagues to Nashua, and I want to extend a warm welcome back to all of you who are returning this year. There really wasn't much of a summer to recharge and relax. For many, the summer was filled with unanswered questions and a lot of uncertainty. Today, there are still many unanswered questions and still a lot of uncertainty. Many of our students and families are feeling the same way, too. We are used to starting with our kids in front of us, in our schools. They will start in front of us today, but it will be through Zoom or some other video conferencing app. This is not ideal for anyone. I remain hopeful that as we moved towards the end of 2020, news will start to improve, and that by the time graduation arrives in June, we'll all be back in our schools and classrooms. Until then, please remember to take time for yourself. Included below is information on the Employee Assistant Program. This free service is available to any district employee. Please use it if you need it.

We usually put together a Welcome Back packet for all members with the latest information. We were unable to do that this year because of COVID-19 so the packet is now digital. I did send it out last week, but here is a link to it in case you missed it. I have updated the supplemental insurance section.

The next few weeks and months will be a challenge. Having worked in this district for more than ten years, I know you will provide your students with the best experience possible. I wish you well and hope you have a great school year.

Know Your Contract

Using School Email

It is very common for staff to communication with parents, colleagues, the Union, and school district administration through school email, especially during remote learning. As public employees, any email you send using your nashua.edu or nsd42.net account is subject to the Right to Know laws under RSA 91-A. I would remind all staff that school email should be used for school purposes only. Those purposes could include communicating with administrators, parents, students (see POPPs Policy GBEBD), and colleagues about school-related topics. Your school email should generally not be used for personal business (see POPPs Policy EHAA). General Union business can be sent through school email including meeting announcements, updates, the Monday Morning Message, etc. If you are seeking advice regarding a concern you may have with your administrator, you should use your personal email or call the Union directly. It is safe to assume you can respond to the Union on your school email if we have emailed you directly. Please be mindful of how you are using your school email. If you have any questions, please contact the Union Office.

Happening Now...

NSD Approved Apps

The Nashua School District has released a list of approved apps that can be used with students and on the NSD network. These apps have been vetted and approved and is done in compliance with federal and state law.

For questions or concerns, please fill out this form.

NSD Food Service Feeding Kids

Starting Tuesday, September 8, 2020:

Students and Parents/Guardians of students can pick up meals each weekday, Monday through Friday, for both breakfast and lunch between:

7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. OR 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

At the following schools:

Amherst Street Elementary School, Dr. Crisp Elementary School, Fairgrounds Elementary School, Ledge Street Elementary School, Mount Pleasant Elementary School, Elm Street Middle School, Pennichuck Middle School

Note: You are not required to order ahead to utilize this program,

and all Nashua children under the age of 18 are eligible to participate.

Employee Assistance Program

We all know that our jobs can be stressful, now more than ever! Add on top of that the responsibilities we all have outside of school, it can sometimes seem overwhelming. Over the past year, there have been more and more stories about employees reaching their breaking point and not knowing what to do. The City of Nashua, through Anthem, offers, a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service call the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This service is open to all district employees, regardless if you have insurance through the district. The service is in place to offer assistance for a variety of challenges you may be facing: the stress of your job, being behind on bills, looking for daycare, etc. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To access this information, please visit www.anthemeap.com. Under "Members" click Login; then type City of Nashua.

Self Care Guide

School Psychologist Ashley Benoit created this self care guide back in March. It is still applicable today as we move into a new, different type of school year.

Upcoming Events

  • September 8th: First day of School

  • September 8th: BOE Finance and Operations Committee, 6:00pm, via Zoom (agenda)

  • September 9th: Officers/Superintendent Mtg, 3:30pm, via Zoom

  • September 9th: BOE Curriculum and Evaluation Committee, 5:30pm, via Zoom (agenda)

  • September 9th: Special Board of Education Meeting, 6:30pm, via Zoom (agenda)

  • September 15th: Board of Directors, 4:15pm, via Zoom

  • September 16th: Officers/Superintendent Mtg, 3:30pm, via Zoom

  • September 18th: Rosh Hashanah

  • September 23rd: Officers/Superintendent Mtg, 3:30pm, via Zoom

  • September 25th: National Food Service Worker Day

  • September 27th: Yom Kippur

  • September 30th: Officers/Superintendent Mtg, 3:30pm, via Zoom