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Dear HKMS Families,

Welcome to Maycember is the Hanson Family's ridiculously hilarious parody that you have to take 3-minutes to check out.  It certainly feels like the calendars are full of lots of important events, appointments, and gatherings.  I hope the upcoming events section and May/June calendars we have included at the bottom of this newsletter will help you keep it all straight!

There is now more evidence of the harm cell phones is having on our kids.  The rise in myopia (nearsightedness) among children under 20 is alarming.  Ophthalmologists theorise that the close viewing of cell phones are to blame. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), “More than 40 percent of Americans are myopic and that number is increasing at an alarming rate, especially among school-aged children.” The AOA also says that “one in four parents have a child with myopia… and about three quarters of children with myopia were diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 12….” In addition the prevalence rate is expected to keep increasing through 2050 when over half the world is expected to by myopic, when less then a quarter were at theturn of the century.   To combat this epidemic, doctors are "prescribing" 2 hours  of outside play per day.  Ophthalmologists also urge all of us to use the "20-20-20" strategy for anyone who experiences more then 20 minutes of screen time per day (see graphics below).  A great article and podcast from KQUD that came out this week exploring the surge and ways  to compact the effects.  Check out the article here: Want To Protect Your Kids' Eyes from Myopia? Get Them To Play Outside. 

So, before you head outside for your daily dose of eye therapy, be sure to check out all the wonderful teaching and learning that is all over this week's newsletter.  Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Steve Clapp, Ed.D.

Mr. Bernardi's historians are taking on one of the more difficult topics, the history of anti-Semitism and how Adolf Hitler used anti-Semitism to evoke fear in the German people in his rise to power.   When asked why we should learn this, one student poignantly said, "So we do not repeat the mistakes and evil of the past." Well said indeed. 

Grade 7

Mrs. Caldera's mathematicians are puzzling their way through understanding and calculating  independent and dependent probability. 

FPAs

Activity Period 

(during SBA testing)

It’s May, so just checking in… “How is everybody doing?”  May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a good reminder to focus on the importance of mental health and its impact on our well-being.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Nearly one in five Americans lives with a mental health condition. Mental Health Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the tremendous strides we have made in promoting mental health and increasing awareness that support is available.

Signs to Watch For In Youth:

• Changes in Behavior: Withdrawal from friends and activities, decline in academic performance.

• Mood Swings: Increased irritability, anger, or sadness.

• Physical Symptoms: Unexplained aches and pains, changes in eating or sleeping patterns.

• Risky Behaviors: Substance use, self-harm, or talking about death or suicide

Tips for Supporting Youth Mental Health:

• Open Communication: Encourage open and honest conversations about feelings and experiences. Listen without judgment and validate their emotions.

• Create a Safe Environment: Foster a supportive and safe home and school environment where youth feel valued and understood. Help youth find one trusted adult that they can connect to.

• Teach Coping Skills: Help young people develop healthy coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and problem-solving skills.

• Encourage Physical Activity: Regular exercise can improve mood and reduce anxiety.

• Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Ensure a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and limited screen time.

Mental Health Resources:

• Crisis Services for Youth / For children under age 18, call 2-1-1.

• Crisis Services for Adults / For adults in distress who are 18 years of age or older Available 24/7, 365 days a year. 1-800-HOPE-135 (1-800.467.3135)

• Access Line: For 24/7 access to substance use treatment, including detox and transportation, call the Access Line at 1-800-563-4086

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Provides resources and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Our 8th grade student scholars were recognized at Tuesday night's BOE meeting.  The Connecticut Association of Schools Scholar awards went to Anabelle and Arjun, while the Western Connecticut Superintendent's Scholars are Aniket and Saira.  These four student will be honored at an awards banquet on Monday 5/20. 

Last 2 Weeks! This shop closes on 5/31!

Spiritwear Direct 

 https://stapleskellerspiritwear.com/page/new-