Dear Helen Keller Middle School Families, 

In 2008 I was given access to an early BETA version of Google Earth.  As a social studies teacher, I loved this tool for my students to better explore the places, time periods, and people we were studying.  As a critical thinker I enjoyed the experience of testing out this emerging learning platform.  Playing with this undeveloped technology, testing new features, finding the flaws, and advising the designers was super engaging. 

I think that is what makes working with middle school students so interesting, challenging, and rewarding; they are in their BETA version.  With one-third of their prefrontal cortex still undeveloped, with bodies growing to adult sizes, and minds expanding into new and uncharted territories, middle schoolers are still children, yet are starting to think like adults.  Their emotions are frenetic, often running super high and plunging low as their emotional regulatory systems are still developing.  Sometimes we expect more "adultness" out of those growing bodies, but thankfully they often need more of a childlike approach. 

This week, I witnessed a serious side of our students as we dove into our state assessments.  You would all be proud as everyone who took the tests buckled down and earnestly approached their work.  Teams then built in some time to blow off some steam and prepare for other assessments and other learning (check out the "extreme, rock paper scissors tournament 6th grade held, below in "peeks"). 

All those tests did not slow us down in other areas.  Students continued to learn, explore, and demonstrate new leaning in all areas.  Check out the peeks of the week to see students learning the conditions that lead to WWII (grade 6), how to dissect a frog (grade 7), improving argument writing (grade 8), and using CAD to design furniture (PLTW).

Because we are all in our BETA version and everything can and should be improved or strengthened, please take a few minutes to take our annual school climate survey.  Earlier this week, you were sent an email from the "ER9 Climate Committee" entitled "ER9 Middle School Climate Survey 2021-2022"  This email contained a link for you, as a parent/guardian, to take the parent "school climate" survey.  

The data that comes from the survey will be examined by the HKMS climate committee which is made up of students, teachers, and parents.  The representatives on this committee made a video to tell you how we use the data. I included the video in the "get involved" section of this newsletter.  They will use the feedback garnered from the parent, student and staff climate surveys to design action research projects aimed at improving areas identified in the survey. Your voice matters!!! Please add it to this important survey!

It looks like we have a beautiful weekend ahead.  I hope you get a chance to enjoy some time outside with your family!

Sincerely,

Steven Clapp, Ed.D.

Principal

Helen Keller Middle School

360 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT 06612

(203) 268-8651

sclapp@er9.org

Applying a social justice lens to fiction builds students skills in ILA.

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. 

Grades 6-8 Science Classes Reviewed test-taking tips, strategies, and the tools of the test so all student were well-versed in the materials and felt confident going into the assessment sessions .

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

The 8th-Grade "gift" back to the school will be a mural recognizing and celebrating the "COVID years" the students persevered and thrived through! (this is our "before" shot with the artists and designers involved)