Dear Students, Parents, and Community Members,

I trust that everyone was able to take a well-deserved summer break to spend with friends and family. Last year was undoubtedly one of the most difficult years for staff and administration with students’ social and emotional needs at the forefront of our minds. We know that much of this is due to the worldwide pandemic, but while 2022-23 was challenging for all, we are in a better place as we move into the new school year: we have a stronger understanding of what our students, staff and administrators need to be successful learners and educators and how to support each other in moving forward academically and socially. 

As we prepare to open our doors on September 5, the excitement and anticipation of the first day of school is still there, and school faculty and staff are really looking forward to welcoming their students into their classrooms. A school just is not a school without the sounds of children’s voices and footsteps throughout the hallways, classrooms, library, cafeteria, and gymnasium!

In the meantime, we hosted NPS summer programs and Nantucket Community School summer camps in our buildings to provide quality learning and enrichment experiences during July and August. We have also been working hard to make sure everything is ready for our 2023-24 school year. While hiring has been particularly challenging this year, we are lucky to welcome some excellent new educators to our NPS family as they fill newly created positions or take over for those who have retired or moved on. Our Facilities & Grounds Department has been hard at work thoroughly cleaning, moving furniture, repainting and resurfacing classroom areas, and beautifying our campus grounds. Our Tech Department has been busy repairing and setting up technology for students and teachers. Although many think that summer is a quiet time in the schools, it is quite the opposite, with our Central Office building, school front offices, and Central Registrar’s office buzzing with visitors and working to get ready for September!

While we are preparing for the start of school, we hope that you, too, are gearing up for a return to learning in September. Families and caregivers can certainly help to prepare students by encouraging educational opportunities through summer reading, visiting any of the wonderful community organizations on Nantucket that offer historical, scientific and/or environmental experiences. There is much to enjoy in learning about the rich heritage and natural resources on our lovely island! 

We look forward to welcoming back our NPS students, faculty, and staff soon, and as always, please stay safe and healthy!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Hallett, Ed.D.
Superintendent
hallette@npsk.org