Dear HKMS Families,

What an amazing Veteran's Day we had this past Monday at Keller. With 18 veterans present whose service spanned from the Vietnam Conflict, The Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan and the times between these conflicts our students learned so much about the experiences, training, and lessons learned by these heroes.  In the nine sessions I visited, I learned about:

• The “lighter than air base” in Lyndhurst, NJ.  That's where the dirigibles were stationed, and the Hindenburg blew up. One Vet told stories of being a helicopter pilot there.

• The medical frigate that was stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin healed soldiers injured during Vietnam.

• I learned what a Caduceus is and what it means (the medical symbol with two snakes, came out of WWII).

• I was blown away by the myriad of jobs the civil engineering core takes on, from constructing military bases to civilian deployments like hospitals, bridges, dams.

• The logistic operations for the Air Force were super interesting.

• How we are still updating 20th Century technology so it can work with modern technology.

• The importance of team work...the military is the ultimate team sport!

• One Vet shared how his ship tracked Soviet subs in the Mediterranean during the Cold War 

• And one veteran's inspiration to serve, came when JFK stated “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” 

I want to thank the veterans from VFW Troop 10059, our staff members, and our parents who are veterans for their service and for sharing their stories with our students and staff.  It was truly a remarkable day!  

Here are a few quick hitters: 

• We've extended the Boodle Brigade for one more week.  We hoped to fill 15 boxes for active military deployed overseas for the holidays.  Currently we only have enough donations for six boxes.  Please see the flyer below this message for a list of suggested donations.  

• The HKMS spirit wear shop closes today, check out the flyer and link below.

• Auditions for Willy Wonka Jr. will be held on Wednesday, November 19th from 3-5pm.  See the Happenings section below for more details and links to the audition materials. 

• Trimester one (T1) closes on 11/26 and report cards will be opened up on PowerSchool on December 8th.  There is still time to get those missing assignments turned in! 

As discussed at open house, each week we will highlight one skill that will give your child a competitive advantage in school and beyond.  These are skills we are working on in school, but will really only flourish if also worked on at home.   Each skill will include a rationale and some ideas on how you can promote it at home.  This week's skill is:

 Self-Talk

Rationale: 

•  The voice inside our heads becomes the soundtrack of our lives

• Children who learn to say, "I can do this, even if it's difficult" will always do better then those who default is, "This is too hard, I give up." 

• Self-talk can help build resilience and independence!

What you can do to promote:  

• As with many of these suggestions, you are the model.  Say your struggles and determination out loud. "This is hard, but I am going to try again."

• When your child is struggling, ask them what they are saying to themselves.  Then help them to positively reframe their inner dialogue. They will be surprised how well this works!

Be sure to check out all the great middle school teaching and learning in this week's newsletter!

Hoping you and your family have a great weekend!  

Sincerely,

Steve Clapp, Ed.D.

Principal

Extracurricular Clubs and Activities!