For the Week of 4/22 - 4/26
Embedded Files
A Message from Dr. Clapp
Classroom Peeks
Counselor's Corner
Happenings
Get Involved!
Community Clicks
and Upcoming Events
Dear HKMS Families,
Since 1976, the first Friday night in May has been the annual pasta dinner which our 8th grade student government organizes. They prepare and serve pasta, meatballs, and salad to hungry Easton citizens. The students also get to pick the theme, and this year is "disco!" Next Friday, May 3rd, I want you all to journey back to the late 1970s when the HKMS pasta night was still the new fundraiser, and boogie down to great music and a wonderful meal (bellbottoms encouraged!). All proceeds support the 8th-grade end of year events. The entrance fee is $10 per diner, cash, check or card are accepted at the door.
In addition to the pasta dinner, we also have a few other community service projects that are currently running. Our Peer Leaders group are running a "change for change" fundraiser for local charities. Each grade has a large water bottle, and Peer Leaders want us to fill the container with pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. The grade that collects the most will get to determine the charity to which we we give all funds. Our Student Government is running a second round of the bottle and can drive, with all proceed supporting the student government initiatives. The new HKMS logo contest continues with new submissions coming in every week. Check all these out in the "happenings" section below.
Unbelievably, next Thursday (5/2) marks the mid-way point of the 3rd trimester! In PowerSchool, you will see a "P3" grade that marks a student's progress at this point in the trimester. It is a great time to sit with your child(ren) and review where they are and where they want to be by June 11 (the last day of grading in the trimester, final report cards for the year will be ready for you on June 18).
The week back from a vacation can often be a little lethargic, but not this week! We hit the ground running! Eighth graders took the PSATs, PE introduced a brand new field hockey unit, art classes began clay sculpting, sixth graders are learning about the various human bodily systems, and seventh graders built a "kindness tree" all this week. Be sure to check out all the great teaching and learning in the "classroom peeks" section below.
It looks like the "cruelest" of months is lightening its grip and spring-like weather is ahead. I hope you have a chance to enjoy the seasonable weather with your family, friends, and neighbors this weekend.
Sincerely,
Steven Clapp, Ed.D.
A glimpse inside of the terrific teaching and learning going on this week at HKMS!
Grade 6
Our young writers are seen here organizing their research while Mrs. Burke conferred with students in preparation for composing their first drafts of their research projects.
Mrs. Maggi's scientists are studying the various human "systems", how they work, how they interact, and how they keep us healthy.
Grade 7
A special developmental guidance lesson from Mrs. Burnham had students creating a "kindness tree" which is budding with messages of fairness, respect, and care.
¡La Hora de Jugar! or Time to play! A jeopardy competition is underway!
Grade 8
It was a special and memorable day of sharing their editorials with their peers in 8th grade ILA classes. Students created concise editorials on topics of their choice. As students read their peers' editorials, they identified the most compelling facts, best leads, and the best ending.
Before heading up to take the PSAT's, 8th grade held a brief class meeting and "got their wiggles out" by playing some of the cafeteria games, some basketball in the gym, and just hanging out with friends. It's always a great proactive strategy to flood those brains with serotonin before focusing on an assessment.
HKMS, JRMS, and JBHS Grades 8&9 Dance!
Permission slips, how to buy tickets, and other information about the dance can be found by clicking on the flyer above, scanning the QR code, or copying this link into your browser: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZH50YVQX2083T5_ZZ62JHBGRWIZUEM. Please note: All students need to print and bring a completed permission slip. Payment can be cash, check (made out to Joel Barlow High School) or through myschoolbucks (for an additional $4.95 processing fee).
The Dance Committee Needs Your Help!!
Please consider donating food and beverages for the event. The committee is also in need of parent volunteers for set-up and clean-up. Please consider donating items or your time by signing up via the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080C4BA8AC2AA4FA7-48836301-jbhs#/
Questions? Reach out to the dance organizers and 9th grade advisors, Beth Bailey (bbailey@er9.org) or Barbie Powell (bapowell@er9.org)
FPAs
Sixth graders showing off their new field hockey skills! As far as we know, this is the first field hockey unit in HKMS history!
Time for the line rider project in general music! Line Rider is a simple skier/snowboarder who plummets down a student-created hill (or line) and bounces, jumps, and flips (or wipes out) to a 1 minute music clip of the students' choosing. We show off finished projects in 2 weeks.
Our PLTW students are building towers to support a tennis ball using only pipe cleaners, straws...and (most importantly) a bit of engineering know how.
Tallest one so far? 86 inches, wow!
Health classes are researching and publishing pamphlets on the dangers of alcohol and other drug consumption. They are taking time to review the work of their peers from other classes and offering feedback.
Autism Awareness Month
by Bailey Keehan, MSW
School Social Worker
Helen Keller Middle School
Autism Awareness Month, observed in April, is dedicated. to raising awareness, encouraging acceptance and fostering a better understanding of what it means to have Autism.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it affects individuals in different ways and to varying degrees of severity.
Autism Awareness Month, observed annually in April, is a time dedicated to increasing understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. It provides an opportunity to promote awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dispel misconceptions, and celebrate the diversity and strengths of the autism community.
Individuals with autism often possess a wide range of strengths and abilities that contribute positively to various aspects of society. Here are some common strengths associated with autism:
Attention to Detail: Many individuals with autism have a keen eye for detail and a strong ability to focus intensely on specific tasks or interests. This attention to detail can be valuable in fields such as science, engineering, art, and technology.
Exceptional Memory: Some individuals with autism have excellent memory skills, particularly when it comes to recalling facts, dates, or specific information related to their interests. This can be advantageous in academic settings, trivia games, and professions that require memorization.
Analytical Thinking: Many individuals with autism excel in analytical thinking and problem-solving. They may have a logical and methodical approach to tasks, which can be beneficial in fields such as mathematics, computer programming, research, and engineering.
Creativity: Despite stereotypes about individuals with autism lacking imagination, many are highly creative and possess unique perspectives. They may express their creativity through art, music, writing, or other forms of self-expression.
Honesty and Integrity: Individuals with autism often have a strong sense of honesty and integrity. They tend to be straightforward and sincere in their interactions, which can be valued traits in personal and professional relationships.
Expertise in Specific Areas: Many individuals with autism develop intense interests and expertise in particular subjects or topics. Their deep knowledge and passion for these areas can lead to remarkable achievements and contributions to fields such as science, technology, history, and the arts.
Persistence and Determination: Individuals with autism often demonstrate high levels of persistence and determination when pursuing their goals. They may exhibit resilience in the face of challenges and a strong commitment to achieving success in their endeavors.
Unique Perspectives: Autism brings diversity to perspectives and ways of thinking, enriching discussions and problem-solving processes. Individuals with autism may offer fresh insights, alternative solutions, and innovative approaches to various situations.
To learn more about Autism visit: https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
Check out the "Road to Acceptance" Project at: https://autismsociety.org/autism-acceptance-month/
Events, activites, and other occurrences that happened at HKMS this week outside of the classroom.
This week we showed our appreciation for two of the best administrative assistants a school could ever hope for! Mrs. Cahalan and Mrs. Rudy..... thank you for all you do everyday to keep the ship afloat and headed in the right direction!
Direct Link: https://sites.google.com/er9.org/hkms-new-logo/home
Here are a few more submissions from this week!
Do you have some loose change kicking around? Peer leaders are asking for your help to fill these jars in a friendly competition between the grades! The winning grade will get to select the charty to which ALL the funds collected funds are donated.
Looks like grade 6 s in the lead again! Let's catch up grade 7 & 8!
The "Breakfast for Dinner" social was a tasty treat for all who partied down this week! Thank you PTO for all your support!
Green Playful Chalk Board School Bazaar Flyer.pdfPlease fill out the HW Club form linked here prior to Thursday
Spiritwear Direct
Easton's Here to Help Special Event!
Does your child or a student you care about have (or want) a smartphone? Trying to keep them safe, and having a hard time keeping up with the multitude of apps? Join Easton’s Here to Help and Officer Rich Marsh for a presentation on “The Secrets of the Apps”. Register today at: bit.ly/ehth-apps and join us on April 30th from 7:00pm-9:00pm at Joel Barlow High School, 100 Black Rock Turnpike in Redding. Learn what could be hiding in plain sight on their smartphone.
Officer Marsh will take a deep dive into the world of smartphone apps, and their hidden uses. If you are trying to get a better understanding of their digital world and the potential dangers surrounding anonymous messaging, multiplayer game platforms with built-in chat, social media, or secret storage apps that lock or hide, then please join us and stay for the Q&A session.
This presentation was created to give parents, guardians, and anyone else caring for school-aged children (from 3rd grade through high school) the information and resources that they need to make smart decisions about their child’s cellular phone use.
Events, entertainment, educational opportunities and at the EPL!
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@helen_keller_middle_school
@hkmsmediacenter
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