For the week of 5/2 - 5/6
Embedded Files
A message from Dr. Clapp
Classroom "Peeks"
Counselor's Corner
Drive to Thrive!
HKMS "Happenings"
Ways to get involved at HKMS!
and...Upcoming Events!
Dear Helen Keller Middle School Families,
I was born in the middle of May 1973 and was the firstborn in my family. So, Mother's Day that year was a tricky one for my dad. Technically, my mom was not yet a mother, but she was really close. And of course, mothering does not start at birth, it begins many months before. My dad, trying to "thread the needle" of both recognizing her imminent motherhood, while not wanting to jinx their hopes for a healthy birth, bought her a shiny, new bright red wheelbarrow. Now, that seems pretty dumb, and Mom never let Dad forget this "gift," but it was kind of genius. You see, they were new homeowners, and my childhood home was sold to them as an "unfinished up" and the yard was just shy of a construction site. My dad, being an electrician, could see the potential in the house. My mom, being an aspiring model, saw a dump. Over the course of the 36 years they owned our home, they transformed this unfinished house into a lovely and warm home that was the center of our family and our neighborhood as we always seemed to be the hosts of family events and gatherings of their friends.
This time of year, I can vividly picture my mother, in her gardens she was so proud of, with her scratched and dented red wheelbarrow, long having lost its shine, in front of the home she and my dad had built. Every imperfection in the wheelbarrow represented one project or another she took on, evidence of the sweat, toil, and commitment to providing for her family. The wheelbarrow lasted until they sold our home, having become a symbol of our family, our home, and the work it took to get there...see??...genius!
To all the mothers and mothers-to-be out there, I wish you a wonderful Mother's Day, and hope your day is full of handmade gifts, a bit of pampering, and your own "red wheelbarrow."
I hope everyone enjoys this edition of the newsletter and has a great weekend!
Steven Clapp, Ed.D.
Principal
Helen Keller Middle School
360 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT 06612
sclapp@er9.org
Grade 6 Peeks
War rages across Europe! Students are experiencing the struggle for land and power that drove frequent conflict across Europe during the Age of Absolutism (1550 - 1800). Dr. Almeida, Head of Schools for JBHS, was a former middle school social studies teacher and loved being a part of the energy and excitement of this simulation.
Mrs. Maggi's sixth grade science students are testing different materials to determine the best insulation. There are accountable talk cue cards at each lab station to help with the academic discussions. Dr. McKinnon and Dr. Pierson Ugol even stopped by to learn from our students!
Grade 7 Peeks
Seventh Grade Social Studies students in Mrs. Rose's classes are researching the history and culture of eastern and southern Africa. They are using the guiding questions, "What is the legacy of conflict?" and "How does the physical geography of a place impact the way people live?"
Seventh grade science students have created their own biomes in bottles! They are observing, recording and discovering how life evolves for the many living components of a biome. They are being challenged to describe how abiotic and biotic factors affect a biome. The engagement and excitement is palpable in this classroom!
Seventh grade science students have created their own biomes in bottles! They are observing, recording and discovering how life evolves for the many living components of a biome. They are being challenged to describe how abiotic and biotic factors affect a biome. The engagement and excitement is palpable in this classroom!
Grade 8 Peeks
Science class this week featured a challenging assessment of waves. From soundwaves to microwaves, and length to crest and amplitude, students had to describe, label, and distinguish all elements of waves!
ILA classes reading To Kill a Mockingbird. While doing so, they are looking for the four sentence types; simple, complex, compound, and compound-complex...all readily evident on nearly every page of the Harper Lee classic!
The challenge of exponent, expanded notation, and square roots are being tackled in math classes this week!
FPA Peeks
Beautiful mandalas created in 8th grade Art classes this week!
6th grade art students are about to dive into their clay unit. Before they start, they are brainstorming all of the things they have always wondered about clay.
Musical Mastery!
These percussionists (right) are working on dotted quarter-note rhythms while chorus students (left) are critiquing videos of their performances!
Bravo!
Healthy Habits
by Sara Terry, MS, NCC, LPCA
HKMS School Counselor
Spring 2022 is here! The sun is shining brighter...the flowers are blooming...the days are becoming longer. The nice weather has us smiling and getting our natural vitamin D doses in! Spring is a great time to remind ourselves of healthy habits, especially now that the days are getting warmer.
Here are some helpful reminders for your child(ren):
1. Drink More Water- Now that temperatures are starting to rise (yay), it is important for students to intake water to decrease the likelihood of dehydration. If your child has difficulty intaking water, try changing the flavor by adding fresh fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, or lemon, or getting a fun cup with a straw!
2. Deodorant/Showering- Teenage bodies are constantly changing and new routines may be necessary to adjust to these changes. Two routine changes that may benefit your child include wearing deodorant and showering more frequently. Some teens may not even recognize their body odor, and as parents/guardians, we are here to support our children through these changes by helping them become aware of body odor and ways to stay hygienic. If you would like to read more about when kids should start wearing deodorant, visit Kids Health linked here.
3. Sleep- Middle schoolers should be getting at least 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Sleep helps us reset our brains and supports our attention and behavior, which impacts our learning. Setting healthy boundaries for sleep will allow for healthy sleeping boundaries in their future. For more information on sleep, please visit the American Academy of Pediatrics webpage linked here.
4. Connect with Nature- Ahh, the sweet smell of Spring! Studies have shown the benefits of being nurtured by nature. Being with nature, including taking walks or growing some plants, has positive effects on both our mental and physical selves. If it is a nice day outside, encourage your child to go outside and complete some homework, read a book, run around, and play!
5. Connect with Each Other- Connection is key. Humans are built to form connections and process experiences with others. Spend time connecting with your child. Ask your child open-ended questions such as, "Tell me three things that happened today at school" rather than, "How was your day?" Open-ended questions help open the lines of communication and give the opportunity for your child to reflect on his/her/their day and sets the tone for the next day.
Parent/Guardian Questionnaire:
The Counseling Team is requesting your input in regards to hosting a potential career fair for the 2022/2023 school year! Please fill out this short questionnaire linked HERE.
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.
Students in Mrs. Burke's class had the opportunity to show how historical events impact characters in historical fiction novels. Students determine what major events of the time period were most impactful and were given the opportunity to present this information to the class in numerous ways, depending on the student's strengths.
All of the wonderful activities, events, and learning going on around HKMS this week (and beyond!).
A huge thanks to the PTO for an amazing teacher appreciation week!
Monday teachers came into new and improved faculty rooms and the most amazing egg sandwiches ever thanks to the Tasty Yolk truck! What a great start to TAW!
Thoughtful and inspiring signs and message are all around campus from the PTO!
Wednesday's "grab and go lunch was especially appreciated and delicious!
Thursday's TAW treat, the Fiesta Taco Truck!
Cinco de yummy!
The PTO Spring Fling 2022
SSES vs. HKMS Staff Softball Game
We are the champions!
HKMS Cougars brought home the Easton Staff Softball title this year! It was a very close game and the SSES team was amazing! Good times had by all!
Spring Extra-Curriculars Up and Running!
Chamber Orchestra - Mondays (7:25-7:55 AM)
Math Club - Mondays (3:00 - 4:00)
Select Choir - Tuesdays (7:25 - 7:55 AM)
Jazz Club - Tuesdays (3:00 - 3:45)
The Keller Courier- Tuesdays (3:00 - 3:45)
Peer Leaders- Tuesdays (3:00 - 4:00)
Track - Thursdays (3:00- 3:45)
Student Council - Wednesdays (7:25-7:55)
Homework Club - Wednesdays (3:00 - 4:00)
8th-Grade Govt.- Wed. & Fri. (7:25-7:55 AM)
Ultimate Frisbee- Thursdays (3:00 - 4:00)
NEW! Drama Club - Thurs. (3:00 - 4:00)
NEW! Futsal - Fridays (3:00 - 4:00)
NEW! Track & Field - Thursdays (3:00 - 4:30)
The HKMS FUTSOL club in action!
Futsol.mp4IMG_1126.MOVIMG_1156.MOVIMG_1132.MOV
The Legacy of Joan Parker
Joan Parker was the principal of HKMs from 2004-2010, and before that she was the director of special education in Easton for years! On Thursday we rededicated the Joan Parker Outdoor Classroom as the space is now complete with a brand new roof! The Parker Family (Jeff, Elizabeth, and Megan), Dr. Pierson-Ugol (Assistant Superintendent), Mrs. Vicky Cram (HR Director), Beth Andrews (PTO Co-President), and Dr. Clapp were joined by a number of sixth-graders for the dedication ceremony. The group also toured the Joan Parker Engineering and Innovation Lab (opened in 2010), which is our Project Lead the Way Classroom. An amazing legacy for an amazing educator, leader, and member of the Easton community.
A special shout out to Mrs. Andrews who made it her mission to raise the funds, find the right design, and contract with the installers.
Community Service Opportunity!
Do you know of an individual or organization looking for a community service project? We would love ideas and help to create an outdoor eating area off the side of our cafeteria. A patio? Flower boxes? Please reach out to Dr. Clapp or Mrs. Mohr.
Keller Educational Discussions
Keller Educational Discussions
Do you have an area of expertise middle schoolers can learn from? Like sharing? We want you to give a KED-Talk! Click here for more information.
Have some gently used games getting little play?
Have some gently used games getting little play?
The PTO is organizing a new game closet for students to sign out on days we cannot get out for an active mask break due to poor weather. Please send an email to eastonctpto.hkms@gmail.com if you like to donate.
May 16th-May 26th: Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) Testing Window - Grades 6-8
May 20th: Minimum day for students (dismissal at 12:50), afternoon PD for teachers.
May 23rd: 7th Grade Field Trip (More Info Coming Soon!)
May 30th: Memorial Day - No School
June 2nd: Chorus Concert (6:30PM)
June 3rd: 6th Grade Field Trip (More Info Coming Soon!)
June 9th: Instrumental Concert (6:30PM)
June 15th: Grade 8 Celebration Trip: Brownstone Adventure Park
June 16th: 8th Grade Twilight Picnic Party
June 17th: Grade 8 Closing Ceremony (6:00PM)
June 21st: Last Day of School, Field Day at ECC, a minimum day (dismissal at 12:50)
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