Dear HKMS Families, 

(GASP!)...let me explain why there is no audio version of today's newsletter (GASP!)...I am still catching my breath from the awesome staff v. student basketball game today (GASP!) student won on a last-minute 3-pointer, nice shot Daniel. (GASP!)  The real winner is Mikey's Way as we crossed the $fK goal and are now north of $5,500!!!

When I was first hired, Mrs. Mohr told me, "...just wait until we get back to normal, when we get our mojo back, and you will see what a special place this is." Mrs. Mohr's prophetic words really hit home these last few weeks. From Annie Jr. and Mikey's Madness to live concerts and culminating projects to end trimester two, the school is firing on all cylinders.  The smiling faces of the students and staff, the pride in their work, and their excitement for the spring weather are palatable all around school and this newsletter. Be sure to check out the Egg Drop videos from PLTW, "swat ball" from PE, the basketball tournament video, and all the cute PJ day pictures from around the school. 

As much fun as we are having while learning this week, we were also reminded of the continued dangers of unfettered online internet and social media access during a PTO presentation by Detective Kent Lyman, from EPD. Unfortunately, he has seen many concerning and even illegal acts involving minors over the last several years right here in Easton, usually involving adults from outside of town who connect to our children.  There is no 100% way to stop this, but the best way to prevent it is to give limited access, have truthful conversations with your children, and be vigilant.  It is okay to snoop, it's your job. Don't forget we are here to help.  Whether it's a small problem to something you might think is illegal, Dt. Lyman and the HKMS administration team work closely to support and protect our kids and families.  The worst thing you can do is nothing or trying to do it alone. Remember, we are all on this journey together, and many hands make heavy lifting light work!

That being said, there is so much to look forward to in the coming weeks.  Several new afterschool clubs are starting or restarting (drama, futsal, ultimate frisbee to name a few).  Mikey's Madness has a number of new and exciting opportunities to add to our already very generous donation to Mikey's Way. We have begun talks and planning for a robust set of fun and rewarding end-of-year activities and events.  Trimester two's report cards will be available via power school next Friday (3/25). Not to mention that trimester 3 will be the most challenging and inspiring part of the whole school year.  

I hope you are all outside enjoying this beautiful Friday afternoon with your families and have a chance to reconnect this weekend.  I cant wait to see what next week brings!

 Sincerely,

Steven Clapp, Ed.D.

Principal

Helen Keller Middle School

360 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT 06612

(203) 268-8651

sclapp@er9.org

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. 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/thinking-about-kids/201201/keep-your-middle-schooler-organized 

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

Click on the flyer above for more information and the permission slip.

The Planning and Zoning Commission and Easton Land Use Department are creating for two “Welcome to Easton” signs with the intent of holding a student art contest for an artistic representation of what Easton means/represents to them. Two “winners” would be chosen by a judge’s panel consisting of members of the Easton Arts Council and Easton Arts Center. This contest will be open to students from Easton. Each winner’s artwork would be used for the signs, one on each. The signs will likely be 4 feet wide by 5 feet tall and the artwork would be roughly a 4 foot by 4-foot display on the sign.