Dear HKMS Families, 

April vacation is no small milestone in the school year.  Not only does it usually mark the beginning of nicer weather and seasonal allergies, but it also initiates a countdown to the end of the year.  This is my least favorite feature of education. Witnessing students and teachers counting down the last days of a school year, each day feels like the year is slipping away.  It feels we are wishing away our most precious and non-renewable resource, time with each other.  Sure, when we return from break there will be 9-weeks until the 8th-grade "closing ceremony" (on June 17, at 6:00pm), and 51 days until our last day and field day at the ECC (on June 21). I like to look at things differently.  We still have 51 days which is over 1/4 of our school year and 1/12 of an entire middle school experience.  There is so much fantastic learning ahead!

In my experience as a teacher, Spring was my favorite time of year. This is when all the hard (and sometimes boring) work paid off. My students knew what they were doing, how to do it, and why they were doing it.  This allows for greater levels of independence, interdependence, and genuine interest-led exploration.  This is when they show the adults in their lives all the new skills, knowledge, and understanding they had developed, and how they use these new abilities to foster even deeper levels of learning.   You will see this happening in the next several weeks! And the most powerful thing you can do as a parent is to engage in the work with them.  Extending their thinking ("have you thought of...?"), challenging their assumptions ("but what about...?"), and showing how you still love learning as an adult ("I remember when I used to think..., now I understand..., because..."). Never doing anything for them, but really learning WITH them, being open, and enjoying the process.  It is one of the most fulfilling parts of being a parent or an educator, so don't miss out! Don't fret, the HKMS newsletter is here to help with lots of news, pictures, videos, questions, and topics for you to delve into with your curious learners!  

This week marks two important recognitions.  It is paraeducator appreciation week. Today the district recognized all the paraeducators with a nice breakfast, some sweets,  and heartfelt thanks from the administration.  Often "paras" are looked at as some sort of second-class educators, somehow "less-than" teachers.  That is a misunderstanding and a perception that could not be more incorrect.   Our paras do some of the most important, difficult, and essential work in schools.  They do it for less pay, less recognition, and with less training than certified staff.  They work closely with our most disabled students, fill in for teachers when there are no substitutes, provide interventions when students need an extra boost, supervise lunches so teachers can have a few minutes to eat and breathe, fix our technology glitches, run clubs and activities, and they always care for and support our students in all settings.  If you don't know a para, your child does.  Ask your kids about what paras do for them and why they think the role is important.  I am sure they will widen your perspective.  If you know a para (in Easton or beyond), please send them a note today, the work they do is so important and your thoughts will go miles, especially on those more challenging days.  

This week was also assistant principal appreciation week! Having worked at several buildings with over 10 APs (and having been one myself), there is no more capable, caring, and committed AP in the business than Mrs. Mohr.  The entire HKMS community benefits from her historical understanding (having been both a student and teacher at HKMS), her creative problem solving, and her devotion to ensuring we are a "relationships first" school.  She often has to deal with the most difficult misbehaviors and entrenched problems and she does so effectively and always with great care.  She is an astute instructional leader and a role model for our students and staff.  When you see her or contact her, it goes a long way to acknowledge her passion and skills for this work and our entire school community.

You might have noticed in the last few newsletters there is a parent questionnaire about hosting a "career day" here at HKMS for students.  The counseling department is seeking input from YOU about both your interest in HKMS hosting such an event and your ability to participate in it.  Over the last few weeks, only seven (n=7) people have filled out the questionnaire, which is not a substantial sample size.  If you can, please take a minute, really it will take one minute, to let them know your opinion on having an HKMS Career Day, your voice matters! The form is linked here for easy access. 

With that. I wish you all a wonderful break from the demands of the regular school schedule and hope you have a substantial amount of time to connect with your family and enjoy some lovely spring weather!  A blessed Ramadan, Happy Passover, and Happy Easter to all who celebrate! Safe travels to all who are on trips, and much rest and relaxation to all!

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. 

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

Our BRAND NEW American and State Flags flying high over HKMS on a beautiful afternoon this week!