Dear HKMS Families,

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education” (the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.).  This is among my favorite quotes from Dr. King and I keep it close to my heart always, especially when things are challenging.  These words and his life help me focus on why we are really here.  Regardless of our challenges, Dr. King’s were far greater, and we should all draw inspiration from him.  This weekend I hope you have a chance to reflect on the life, the struggle, and the inspiration Dr. King gave to all of us. 

ZERO!  Yesterday was our first day with ZERO new infections in a really long time!  Let’s all hope this is a sign of the Omicron surge peeking and a return to some normalcy.  Despite the adjustments made to learning environments and grouping strategies, this week was full of exceptional teaching and learning evident throughout our whole school.  Check out the class peeks section of the newsletter to see rockets launching, the select chorus hitting beautiful notes, and gnomes too!

This week also featured the first event for our eighth graders' transition to Joel Barlow High School.  Monday evening the "program of studies" presentation highlighted the various pathways and opportunities available to our rising freshmen.  We have added a new "Transition to JBHS Information" section of this newsletter and will be updating it regularly. This week we included some screenshots of and links to the high school's excellent program of studies resources. 

As we head into this holiday weekend, I hope you have some time to "winter" with your family a bit.  I’m getting a fire going, putting on some good music, making some chili, and enjoying some “wintering.”  The idea of “wintering” (when applied to human beings and not flowerbeds) was coined by Katherine May and details the benefits of rest and retreat in difficult times (sounds lovely, right?).   I hope you can all join in your own “wintering” activities during a nice long, cold and snowy weekend. 

Sincerely,

Steven Clapp, Ed.D.

Principal

Helen Keller Middle School

360 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT 06612

(203) 268-8651

sclapp@er9.org

All of the wonderful activities, events, and learning going on around HKMS this week (and beyond!). 

What better way to clean out some closet space for those new holiday gifts? Eighth Grade Government is organizing a "gently used" clothing, shoes, and textile drive to benefit Big Brother & Big Sisters of South Western Connecticut.  STARTS NEXT WEEK!