May Nelson Newsletter

Posted Date: 05/01/26 (09:00 AM)

An exterior view of Nelson School, featuring a sign with the school's name and mascot, the Eagles.

May 2026

Dear Nelson Families,

May 4-8 is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and we are incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated team here at Nelson! Let's take this opportunity to recognize our amazing teachers and their committment to our students' success. They consistently go above and beyond, fostering a love of learning, inspiring young minds, and offering invaluable support. Consider expressing your thanks through a brief note or a kind word at the door. Even the smallest gesture makes a big impact on our staff.

As we begin planning class lists for next year, we invite you to share your unique perspective on your child. Please email Principal Leitao (lleitao@emsd63.org) and Assistant Principal Ezzat (sezzat@emsd63.org) with insights regarding your child’s interests or academic and social-emotional needs. Please keep in mind that specific teacher requests are not a part of our placement process. Students will receive their final class assignments in early August. Should you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Lauren Leitao, Principal

Sarah Ezzat, Assistant Principal

A simple calendar with a single red dot marking a specific date.

Important Dates & Events

Sunday, May 3

Nelson PTO Chalk the Walk from 2-4 PM

Monday, May 4 - Friday, May 8

National Teacher Appreciation Week

Tuesday, May 5

Kindergarten Orientation from 5-6:30 PM

Wednesday, May 6

National Nurse Appreciation Day
Nelson PTO Meeting: Spanish 6-6:30 PM / English 6:30-7 PM

Thursday, May 7

School Improvement Day: Early Release at 10:55 AM

Friday, May 15

D63 Annual Charity Basketball Game from 5:15-7:30 PM

Friday, May 29

Kindergarten Celebration from 1:15-2 PM

Tuesday, June 2

5th Grade Celebration from 1:15-2 PM

Wednesday, June 3

Field Day

Thursday, June 4

Last Day of School for Students

Teacher Appreciation Week Festivities

Poster announcing "Star Wars" themed Teacher Appreciation Week Spirit Week for 2026 at Nelson Elementary.

A chalkboard poster announces 'Chalk the Walk for Teacher Appreciation Week' with event details.

Mark Your Calendars: Signing out EAGLES style!

A colorful chart displays school spirit days with dates and corresponding illustrations: Enjoy a Book With A Friend Day, Art Day, Game Day, Look-alike Day, EXTRA Recess Day, and Signature Day.

Student Devices

We will be collecting student Chromebooks prior to summer break. Students in 2nd-5th grade need to bring in their Chromebook and Charger on June 2. Missing devices could result in charges.

Next school year, students in elementary school (Kindergarten-5th grade) will keep their Chromebooks at school. Only students in middle school will have take-home privileges.

26-27 Expanded Learning Registration Open

Registration is open for 2026/2027 Expanded Learning at the FRC programs. The FRC offers a wide-range of expanded learning programming for students above and beyond the school day. If your family is in need of before- and after-school care, care on early dismissal or parent/teacher conferences days, or school breaks, the FRC has a program for you. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended. Information regarding our programs can be found on our website.

Family Fun Fest

The East Maine School District 63 Foundation helps support initiatives at D63 like the FRC Marketplace, Open Gym, and sliding scale fees for Expanded Learning programs. This foundation is entirely volunteer-run and depends on generous donations to continue to support this important work. We need your help to spread the word and come out to support us at the annual EMSD63 Foundation Family Fun Fest happening from May 14-17 at Golf Mill Park! You will even see our very own FRC staff at the First Aid Tent - stop by and say, “hi!”

This is a great fundraiser that helps provide vital support for our D63 community, and we can’t wait to see you there!

Summer Camp Open House event announcement with date and time.

Summer Camp Open House - May 30

Summer Camp Open House is on May 30 from 10 AM -12 PM. Join us for a morning of meeting the camp staff, a [free] book fair, Kona Ice, and traditional camp activities!