Sunday, April 9, 2017

NewsNotes 4/9/2017

From Mark's Desk

Earlier this month, a visit from the Museum of Science Traveling Program...experiments for our 5th graders!


Placement Reminder: Each year I offer families a chance to provide input into their child(ren)'s placement for the upcoming school year. The attached letter provides details about the process, as well as an optional form that you can fill out and submit to me. Feel free to print the form out, complete it, and turn it into the main office, OR, you can use the electronic version and email it back to me.

Forms are due THIS Thursday, April 13th

I've attached a Word version and a PDF version. Please let me know if you have any trouble using these links:

PlacementLetter17.pdf

PlacementLetter17.docx


3rd Grade Persuasive Writing
: This week, 3rd grade students in Ms. Bard’s class shared their persuasive essays with me. The goal of the assignment was for students to choose an issue they were concerned about and then write a compelling argument for why something should change. Students wrote about a variety of issues, including the need for an elevator, better lunch options, improved bathroom facilities, and technology upgrades. I was impressed by the thoughtfulness of the topic choices, as well as the reasoning behind the arguments.

Food Service Feedback: On a related note, I am meeting with members of Sodexo this week to talk about food service at Horace Mann. If you have any thoughts you’d like to share please email me (before Tuesday) and I will pass them along. Another option would be to submit your feedback on the website. You can do so by clicking on this link:
https://newton.sodexomyway.com/people/feedback.html

Technology Use and Limit Setting: For any parents out there who have struggled with setting limits on the use of devices, here is a link to an article with some tips:

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/5-strategies-for-getting-kids-off-devices

I would also add that at our house, one of the most effective ways that we limit device use is to have designated times (during the weekday and weekend) where devices can be used. For example, the kids get an hour on iPads after homework is done (4:30-5:30pm ish). We also have device free Sundays. In the summer, the kids can use them in the morning and then again at 4pm. Generally speaking, we lock the devices away during the unavailable times, minimizing the temptation!

Responsive Home Workshop: Are you struggling with your child(ren)’s behavior at home? Do you want to work towards creating a supportive, encouraging home environment? If so, attend one of Newton’s workshop. The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 12th from 6:30-8:30 pm. This will take place at the Ed Center (room 210)

MCAS Schedule:

ELA (Reading/Writing)
Grade 3 - April 25th, April 26th, and April 28th
Grade 5 - April 10th, and April 13th

MATH
Grade 3 - May 4th and May 5th
Grade 4 - May 15th and May 16th
Grade 5 - May 1st and May 3rd




From the PTO


Horace Mann Spirit Wear is ready to order!

We have a great selection of Horace Mann Hawks spirit wear items that you and your children will not want to miss. Get your Hawks gear in time for our end of the year, school-wide "Fitness for Life" so the kids can show off their school spirit! The order deadline has been extended to April 16 ensure delivery before Fitness for Life.

Use the link sent to you by email last week, or

Click below to purchase today:
https://www.myschoolanywhere.com/cart-new.a5w?cart=HoraceMannElementary107984

Email Jon Mendicina (jmendicina@hotmail.com) or Karen Solari (sksolari@verizon.net) with any questions.


Talent Show Postponed!

You will have to wait a little longer to see our HM superstars perform their many talents. The talent show will now take place at Newton North High School on Friday evening, April 28th. Showtime will be at 6:30 pm sharp. More details about this move will be forthcoming. Please contact Sudha if this changes your ability to participate in this event (sudham1107@gmail.com).



REGISTER FOR NEWTON SERVES AT HORACE MANN





It’s time again for community-building through service! Please join us on Sunday, April 30, from 12:30-3:30, for NewtonSERVES at Horace Mann. We will spend the afternoon working on various indoor and outdoor projects at the school including:
- mulching
- spreading new fibar on the playground
- fence repair
- barrier installation
- painting an office wall

If you are able to volunteer, please come! Volunteers can register at http://www.newtoncommunitypride.org/NewtonSERVES-volunteer.php and select the Horace Mann School project.

 If you have any useful tools such as rakes, brooms, garden/work gloves, etc., please bring them with you. We hope to see you on April 30!

Thank you,
Ashley Sullivan & Kristy Moore