For the Week of 4/17 - 4/21

Welcome Message from Dr. Clapp
Classroom Peeks
HKMS Happenings
Ways to get Involved
and...Upcoming Events!

Dear HKMS Families,

What a terrific return from vacation we had at Keller this week! The highlight had to be the wonderful Career Fair that Mrs. Terry coordinated and executed with infectious passion and excitement! My deep appreciation to the 31 presenters who volunteered three hours with the students and several hours of preparation that I know it took to get ready for such an event. The tremendous support this community demonstrates in events like the Career Fair fills our collective hearts and recharges our souls. Please be sure to check out the Happenings section which has dozens of pictures and videos of the fair.

Looking ahead, next week kicks off our annual testing season, as the eighth graders take the spring PSATs. In the weeks that follow, we will be delving into the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) assessment. Please be sure to review the spring testing letter included in the Happenings section below. Also, be sure to check out the upcoming events section which has been updated with many of the end of year trips, celebrations, and experiences that will make the culmination of our year exciting and memorable.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Friday and enjoyable weekend!

Sincerely,

Steve Clapp

Principal

Helen Keller Middle School

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

Grade 6

As they read Fever 1789, Mrs. Burke's readers are learning how to construct effective summaries of several chapters.

Mr. Bernardi's social scientists are working through several learning stations as they study the rise and fall of the Roman Empire!

Grade 7

Ms. Mancini's mathematicians are analyzing statistical models, data, and patterns! Her students were analyzing a survey about how much time various age groups spend with friends.

Dr. Baca ventured out on a nature walk with his scientists this week. They were in search of abiotics, or influential non-living aspects around our campus ecosystem!

Grade 8

Mr. Jockers' readers are studying the motifs of prejudice, hypocrisy, integrity, and injustice evident throughout To Kill a Mocking Bird. Students developed skits that personified the motifs! TKMB reading started today!

Mr. Mac's scientists are combining two species to create a whole new (and usually pretty creepy) specie. Such an interesting and terrifying project that drew in visitors like Mrs. Mancini and Dr. Baca who had to stop by and check them out!

FPA

Gr7TrumpetsApril2023.mp4

Blow Your Horn!

Here is a one minute preview of a new piece called Celtic Sounds by the grade 7 trumpet section!

The PE floor hockey unit started this week!

We just found a load of clay in my back yard...but we didn't know what to make of it! (haha!!)

Its that time of the trimester when Mrs. G rolls out the clay to see what students make of it!

With over 30 career presenters from medicine and law, to journalism and finance students attended 6 different sessions connecting what they are learning now to possible career paths! Thank you to all the volunteers who made this an overwhelming success!

A group shot of all the presenters!

Gustavo Casenave .mov

Grammy Award winner, Mr. Gustavo Casenave's performance!

Advisory fun the day before break!

IMG-3882.MOV

Smarter Balanced and the Next Generation Science Standards Assessments are coming soon!

Copy of SBA letter Spring 2022

Thursday's Principal's PTO Coffee on the changes that happen between grades as students transition from 6th to 7th to 8th offered great advice from our teachers and parents. Mr. D"Agostino wisely said, "It seems to me that the self-consciousness bus has arrived in 8th-grade." Thanks to Mr. D, Mrs. Rose, and Mr. Fearn for their insights and expertise!

School Spiritwear Store!

https://stapleskellerspiritwear.com/

Keller Educational Discussions

Do you have an area of expertise middle schoolers can learn from? Do you like sharing? We want you to give a KED-Talk! Click here for more information and to sign up!