Dear Helen Keller Middle School Families, 

My grandfather, Joseph (Papa), was a Navy Veteran of WWII, serving in the Pacific theater as an electrician aboard a Navy destroyer.  He worked in the bowels of the ship, keeping systems operational through maneuvers and battles.  His ship was once clipped by a Kamikaze and took on water for hours.  He lived through the war mostly below sea level, never seeing the oncoming attack, but keeping critical infrastructure working so those on decks and in the bridge could do their job.  He had to trust those above him to keep him safe, and they relied on him to maintain their ability to effectively do their job.  When he returned from the war, having lost two brothers, he married my grandmother.  They both worked, Papa as an electrician and my grandmother as a seamstress.   Like many of their generation, there were more ups than downs and the low points were especially difficult, but they always kept their nose to the grindstone. They saved every nickel and they eventually had enough to build a small home in Weymouth, Massachusetts with a backyard pool. Eventually, they had two sons and five grandsons.  

Every Memorial Day, the whole family would gather at their home and around that pool. Papa rarely swam in the pool, he didn't really like the water but loved sitting in the shade and watching his family enjoy playing while cooking over his grill. He taught the five grandsons how to properly unfurl and raise the flag.  We would walk down to the parade and he would identify the various military vehicles and aircraft flying overhead.   We listened as he recapped stories of the war and his experiences,  those he lost, and those who made it home.  As the sun set, Papa made sure we properly lowered and folded the flag, an exercise he went through every day. 

In reflecting on this week's events and looking ahead to this year's Memorial Day, I cannot help but evoke my memories of Papa and seek his guidance.  His hard work, simple pleasures, persevering through adversity, trusting the team, and sharing our history while relying on routine and structure to improve and ultimately thrive.  When times are tough, these values give me strength and a path forward.  While we could have responded differently to the tragedy in Texas, we put our noses to the grindstones, we relied on our routines, and we trusted the team we have in place to serve in their roles.  We also celebrated our recent history, as 7th-grade started the week with a celebration of the year on the Chelsea Piers trip. On Thursday night,  8th-graders presented their original research and creations at Barlow-Palooza and we ended the week with a school-wide spelling bee for the ages!  Through it all, teachers planned and executed amazing lessons and practices. Students studied, wrote, and performed above our expectations. Through it all, you trusted us, and for that, I am forever grateful.  

As you go into Memorial Day weekend, take the chance to share your family's story, how our parents and grandparents overcame times of adversity and came out stronger for it.  Your kids will one day pass those stories on to their kids adding to the mosaic story of our nation.

I wish you a peaceful and restful holiday weekend.  

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!). 

The Easton, Redding, and Region 9 School Districts acknowledge the uniqueness and varied experiences of all students, staff, families, and community members, as well as the uniqueness and experiences of people in our state, country, and the world. The HKMS  "Diversity Discussion" is intended to open up conversations with your middle schooler about issues of diversity!