• Welcome Message from Dr. Clapp

• Classroom Peeks

• HKMS Happenings

• Ways to get Involved

• and...Upcoming Events!

Dear HKMS Families,

I have come to firmly believe that we are at our best as human beings when we are giving of ourselves to others.  There is no finer example of this than the surprise our students and staff prepared for Sara Terry's family this week.  As you may know, our school counselor,  Mrs. Terry has been dealing with a health crisis with her youngest daughter.  While the treatments are progressing, their journey will be a long one. The process is exhausting and draining, so our community wanted to help them re-energize.  During the past couple of advisory sessions all students created pieces for the #Terry Tough Pathway, made up of hand made crafts, posters, coloring pages, and well wishes. During some of our recent “brain breaks”  a group of 8th graders spent their time turning those posters and coloring pages into fully laminated yard signs.  Along with donations from the community the staff loaded up our cars and decorated the Terry family's yard with all the signs of encouragement, hope, and positive vibes!  The positive ripples created by this work have been felt by our students, staff, and of course the entire Terry family.  No matter how challenging life can be, when we can step back and help others, we can't help but feel better about our collective future!  Please take a few minutes to check out all the great pictures of the process and product in the happenings section. I bet you’ll feel a bit better just knowing your child was involved in this inspirational school wide effort. 

This week had many fantastic highlights in and around HKMS.  From full music rehearsals, and terrific art work, to a reader’s theater and a wonderful parent coffee with the JBHS administrators, it was another thought-provoking week at HKMS. Be sure to check out all the great pictures of our students applying new learning to novel tasks.  As we wrap up our state testing season, with 8th graders taking the NGSS next week, the next big assessment will be the math final exams on 6/6.  There are a myriad of other end-of-year events in the "upcoming events" section, including a special to-do list for our 8th grade families. 

Wishing you and your family a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Steve Clapp

Principal

Helen Keller Middle School

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

Grade 6

The 6th grade cell projects are coming along!  Students are using their creative minds to create games and images bringing to life all they have learned about cells.  

Grade 7

There is so much happening in 7th grade ILA!  Students have completed their 40 book challenge and are also competing on teams to see who knows all of the little details from the book "The Outsiders".

Grade 8

As part of their unit on Reconstruction, 8th grade students are learning about and wrestling with the opportunities, difficulties, and decisions newly-freed black families faced in parts of the South after the end of slavery. 

Dr. Clapp celebrated a milestone birthday this week.  Thanks to PTO and Alina's Cakes and Cookies, we had the PERFECT cake!

Nothing better than a round of golf that helps support innovation in our schools!  Consider signing up for the annual ELF Golf Tournament. All proceeds go to support innovative educational opportunities at SSES and HKMS!