Dear HKMS Families, 

Well, we almost had a full five-day week, but it is hard to count out those March surprise storms!  We do not want any more surprises and that goes for winter storms and grades as well.  We are in the closing week of the second trimester, which ends on March 17th (next Thursday).  That gives students only 4 school days to submit any overdue work, to make up any assignments, or get in that extra assignment.  Many teachers allow work to be submitted at any point in the trimester, but all work has to be in by 3/17. It takes the teachers about a week to correct all the last-minute assignments and to tabulate final the trimester grade.  You can expect report cards to be completed by 3/25.

The PTO is very active right now.  On Tuesday the PTO/principals coffee focused on the differences between sixth, seventh, and eighth graders as the transition between the middle school grades.  Team leaders Mr. Walsh (gr. 8), Mrs. Rose (gr. 7), and Mr. Breyer (FPA) provided insights and comfort to parents and each other about the social, academic,  emotional, and physical challenges, growth, and achievements evident in these years. At the general PTO meeting next Wednesday (3/16 7:30 pm, via Zoom) the PTO is having Detective Kent Lyman from EPD as a guest to discuss and update us on new and evolving dangers for our children online, right here in Easton.  His talk will also include many new and effective ways to keep our kids safe when they use social media and the internet.  On 3/24 the PTO is sponsoring "Men's Night Out" which will be held at EVS.  A great night of tourney watching, games, auctions, food and drink is planned and a good time should be had by all!  More information on all of these events is below in the HKMS Happenings section. 

All around school, evidence of our students' altruism and generosity abound as we are immersed in Mikey's Madness.  We have surpassed the 1/2-way point in our goal of $5K for Mikey's Way.  There are several big events to come, with the 3-on-3 tournament next week, PJ day next Friday, and bracelet selling that is ongoing, we are hopeful we can cross that line!  

Last week's performances of Annie Jr. were an absolute highlight of the year.  We did not charge for tickets and we were able to raise nearly $400 in donations for next year's play, which is well short of the $4,000 we spent on this activity.  There is still time if you would like to make a donation to the theater program, checks can be made to the HKMS Student Activity Fund.  You will find a recording of both Annie Jr.'s performances from last week in the Happenings section.

I love March for several reasons, the increasing daylight, the feel of spring in the air, and most importantly the level of learning evident across all classes.  This is one of the most productive times of the school year and you will see that in this week's newsletter, which is chock full of awesomeness! Enjoy the great work students and teachers are producing!

Sincerely,

Steven Clapp, Ed.D.

Principal

Helen Keller Middle School

360 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT 06612

(203) 268-8651

sclapp@er9.org

Teaching students to make an unbiased argument means having to back your claim up with evidence! This sign is at the Front of Mr. Rogers's class as a reminder that all claims must be backed up with clear and reliable evidence! The anchor charts below are guiding the students on how to improve their argument techniques.

Not only does Mrs. Mancini's whiteboard help students stay organized and prepared, and it lets them know what "I can" do by the end of the day's lesson! This high-impact instructional strategy really pays off with increased levels of student achievement (Hattie, 2020).

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. 

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

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.