Dear HKMS Families,

I am thrilled to announce that HKMS will be taking part in the national Walk, Ride, and Roll to School day on Wednesday, October 8.  This will be our fifth-year participating and it is always a big hit with over 150 students participating last year!  Because Easton does not have many safe pedestrian passages to the HKMS campus, we utilize the cul-de-sac at the top of Ridgedale Rd., which has a paved path through the woods (affectionately known as "The Snake Path") which emerges onto the southern edge of campus.  Better yet, join the fun and park in Jesse Lee's parking lot, and walk in with your child(ren).  The map below shows parking, drop off and the Snake Path (all in red).   We encourage the whole family to join in the walk; dogs, grandma & grandpa, younger or older children are all welcomed!! Groups of students often gather in the Jesse Lee parking lot and walk in together. EPD will be on hand as well as a number of teachers.  The walk from Ridgedale takes 6 minutes.  We will be out there starting at 7:30 a.m.  This is only possible due to the support and the partnership of Jesse Lee Church, Easton PD, and the residents of Ridgedale Road. Thank you all!  If you have never had the opportunity to walk your child to school, this is a chance to create a wonderful memory.

The PTOs one and only fundraiser is at its halfway point. These funds will be used to enhance and enrich all students experience. You can be a vital part of adding new recess games, lunch furniture both in and outside, providing innovative teacher grants, and the subsidizing of field trips. Bonus: the grade with the highest participation rate at the end of next week earns an extra recess.  Please consider making a donation today by following this link.

As discussed at open house, for each of the next 12 weeks we will highlight one skill that will give your child a competitive advantage in school and beyond.  These are skills we are working on in school, but will really only flourish if also worked on at home.   Each skill will include a rational and some ideas on how you can promote it at home.  This week's skill is:

 "Taking Responsibility"  

Rational: 

• We know that contribution builds confidence.  

• Children who take on real responsibilities grow in their self-esteem in ways that "being protected" from responsibilities stunts.  

• Taking responsibility also refers to being accountable for our actions and mistakes. 

What you can do to promote: 

• This is beyond chores, these are jobs that matter, and have consequences when not completed on time. 

• They take responsibility for feeding the pets, folding laundry, making a meal each week for the family, or setting the table for dinner.  

• Be sure to acknowledge their efforts when they accomplish their jobs (positive reinforcement works!).  

• When they "forget" or "get too busy", don't rescue them.  Show them the consequences of not doing their job, allow them to take responsibility for the lapse, and discuss how it impacts the rest of the family.  Then help them problem solve, but don't do it for them.  

• Children will learn that their responsibilities matter to the family and will rise to expectations! You'll be amazed how proud they will be of their work.    

One last reminder...PICTURE DAY IS MONDAY!  Please check out the flyer at the bottom of this newsletter for more information.  

It was another wonderful 5-day week at HKMS! Check out this edition of the HKMS Family Newsletter to see students being challenged and supported throughout the week! 

Sincerely,

Steve Clapp, Ed.D. &   Annie Mohr

Principal Assistant Principal

SEPTA!

Easton's Special Education Parent Teacher Association