Dear HKMS Families,

After nearly three years of dodging it, the coronavirus finally caught me this week.  Despite being fully vaccinated, boosted, and very careful with handwashing, and other mitigations, this current variant seems to be even more contagious. Fortunately, the symptoms tapered over the week and I am feeling better going into the weekend, but the symptoms hit hard early in the week.  For the last few weeks, we have run Nurse’s Nook in this newsletter describing  “a triple-threat pandemic” with RSV, Flu, and Covid all surging.  Please be sure to do what you can to protect yourself and your family and if symptoms creep up, we have home tests for everyone at school, just ask Nurse Grega (sgrega@er9.org).

I want to send a huge note of appreciation to our amazing assistant principal, Mrs. Annie Mohr, who served as the sole in-person building leader this week.  For those who know Annie well, she throws herself into countless projects and initiatives at HKMS. She sits on several key committees, leads our school climate work, oversees substitutes, handles nearly all of the behavior concerns that emerge, and does it all with a contagious smile. She is a talented educational leader, a trusted teacher-coach, and an avid student advocate.  It pained me to leave the school this week, but I knew everyone was in her highly capable hands.  We don't say it enough, we are lucky to have you as a leader, Mrs. Mohr! 

We were also short-staffed in the office this week and Mrs. Cahalan stepped up big time! She not only added hours and responsibilities to her days, she also ensured the trimester grades were all entered correctly so report cards can go out to families on time! Thank you Sue for all the “above and beyond” this week, and every week really!

Speaking of report cards, they are available as of 3:00 PM today.  You can access them through the HKMS home page or you can follow the link here.  If you have not accessed the portal or forget, we have added full instructions to the "Happenings" section below. Here are a few “tips from the trenches” when discussing report card grades and comments with your middle schooler:

1. Focus on growth, what they have learned, not what points or marks they did not achieve.  For years now we know intelligence and academic performance are not “fixed” but are capable of great growth if properly supported and nourished.  Nothing kills a growth mindset more than, “Why didn't you get a better grade in that class?” Instead try, "If you are not pleased with that grade, what can you do to improve it next trimester?"

2. Reflect on their performance with them.  Ask them what habits, practices, and routines are responsible for their grades (good or bad) and how can you continue to improve them or reduce them for even greater success. 

3. Discuss and set goals.  If your child performed above expectations, ask how they can keep the momentum up. Have them set goals to maintain or even increase performance next trimester. If below expectations, focus on one or two areas they feel could really help them improve.  Setting goals that try to change everything are bound to fail, often focusing on one habit or routine can make a big difference. 

4. Be proud of them, and make sure they are proud of themselves.  Middle school is challenging, academically, socially, and emotionally. Focus on their successes and while they seek your approval it is even more important they are internally responsible for the work they have done. 

5. Any concerns should be brought to the teacher's attention.  Our educators are top-notch.  They are here to help and know what is or is not working for your child.  

I want to end with a big plug for the ELF auction going on right now.  The link is here and there is a flyer below in the “Get Involved” section. ELF supports a myriad of innovative ideas that we want to trial here at HKMS, and the auction features experiences you can get nowhere else!  Few other towns have such a dedicated organization, please do what you can to support their work by getting involved in the winter auction.  

Wishing you all a healthy and relaxing weekend.

Sincerely,

Steven Clapp, Ed.D.

Principal

Helen Keller Middle School

Find your strength, build upon it, and share it!