Dear HKMS Families,

From time to time, I like to update you on some national or local trends in education, adolescent development, trends around social media, screen time, and other "need-to-knows" about young adolescents.  Unfortunately, this week I learned about a national trend impacting middle and high schools called "SWATing."  This Tic-Tok challenge involves a prank call placed to the police department to respond to an emergency at a local school.  I don't have to tell you how dangerous this prank could be and the impact this can have on the entire community. Like last year's "devious licks" challenge, these social media pranks can be just too tempting for the undeveloped adolescent brain to resist.  At this month's PTO parent coffee (10/20, 9:30-10:30) we will be discussing the developing adolescent brain.  In preparation, we are hoping everyone will read A Grown Up's Guide to the Adolescent Brain by Kriya Lendzion.  Once we understand how the adolescent brain works, what drives decision-making, and the tremendous influence social media has on them, then challenges like SWATing and devious licks that turn into trends makes a lot more sense.  

While there is no simple solution to the high impact smartphones or social media had on our children, consistent supervision (even snooping), high expectations, and clear limitations all help.  Open and frank discussions about these trends and their implications with our children greatly reduces the likelihood of them actually engaging in these pranks.  Please take time this weekend to check out your child's text messages and snap chat conversations to see if there is anything that needs your help and guidance.  Remember, you own the phone.  It is your phone.  They are simply allowed to use it.   I am just hoping the next challenge will be the "donate blood challenge" or "pick-up litter" challenge. 

On a much lighter note, this week was pretty amazing at HKMS.  You have to check out all the Nature's Classroom pictures from 6th-grade, they could not have had a better day! Students used our new laser cutter in PLTW, and an 8th-grader conducted his orchestra class! There are great updates from all around the school as the work is really ramping up and the teaching and learning all around the school is impressive! 

This long weekend looks like a beauty as the trees start to decorate our beautiful town.  I hope you get a chance to enjoy some hot cider and well-earned time with your family.  

Sincerely,

Steven Clapp, Ed.D.

Principal

Helen Keller Middle School

360 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT 06612

(203) 268-8651

sclapp@er9.org  

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

At HKMS we believe all students should be thriving whether performing below, at, or above grade-level standards.  This section will highlight just one of the ways we support learners and/or extend their thinking. 

Students in Mr. Rogers' ILA classes were challenged to find textual evidence to the theme in their books. Students who felt confident in their theme and evidence were then expected to push their learning further by looking at multiple themes in one text and how they intertwine.