Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Wednesday Dismissal and Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear HM Families,

A reminder that Wednesday's dismissal is at 12:00 (not 12:30)


I also wanted to share a little bit about our assembly on Monday.  We read some poems written by Nikki Grimes about being thankful.  I've included some images of the poems below:

      


Afterwards, I asked the students to think about and share things that they are thankful for in life.

Finally, we watched a short video about simple ways to be kind in our everyday lives.  Here's a link to the Youtube clip:



I've asked students to come up with three kind things they can do, either at home or at school.  Feel free to ask your children what they can tell you about our assembly...

I hope you all get to enjoy some family time during the Thanksgiving break.  For those of you traveling, stay safe!

Best Wishes,

Mark Nardelli
Principal

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Blue Zone Update



I am writing to you with some updated information about our BLUE ZONE processes.  Please read carefully.

MORNING DROP OFF - The Blue Zone is for live drop off only.  Please DO NOT park your car in the BLUE ZONE.  DO NOT leave your car unattended during the morning drop off times.   If you would like to walk your child to class, please park your car in a designated parking spot or on a side street. 

AFTERNOON PICKUP - In the afternoon, the BLUE ZONE is shared by buses, vans and family vehicles.  Parents may park and leave their car to pick up their child from the rear entrance (K-2).  However, you MAY NOT DOUBLE PARK.  Also, DO NOT PARK on the GRASSY AREA next to the brook.

We have requested more frequent presence from the Newton Police and they will be issuing tickets for violation of these rules.

Thank you for your cooperation.  Please keep in mind that these rules are in place for the safety of the children who are entering and exiting the building each day.

Sincerely,
Mark Nardelli
Principal

Monday, November 12, 2018

NewsNotes 11/12/18

NEWSNOTES
November 11, 2018

In this issue:

From Principal Nardelli
Veterans Day Thoughts: Knowing that we have a number of parents and family members who have served our country in the armed forces, I wanted to briefly acknowledge and thank our HM families and also draw a little attention to their service:
"This week we honor the men and women who sacrificially serve, protect, and defend our country. First known as Armistice Day, President Woodrow Wilson set aside the day of Nov. 11 (the first anniversary of the signing of the armistice ending WWI) to recognize and thank our American soldiers for their service. This day was declared a National Holiday in 1938 and in 1954 the name was changed to Veteran’s Day to honor all American Veterans. Therefore, we take this day to commemorate and celebrate the brave, loyal, and selfless American soldiers and their families for giving us the opportunity to live freely in this great country."
Below are a few quotes:
  • "On this Veteran’s Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.”    ~Dan Lipinsky

  • "In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.”  ~ Jose Narovsky

  • "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”   ~ John F. Kennedy

  • "Our veterans left everything they knew and loved and served with exemplary dedication and courage so we could all know a safer America and a more just world. They have been tested in ways the rest of us may never fully understand...On Veterans Day, and every day, let us show them the extraordinary gratitude they so rightly deserve..."  ~ Barack Obama.

On a related note, I am also sharing a poem titled Be Thankful…My hope is that these words will be a reminder to all of us that the challenges we face in our lives have the power to help us grow, gain strength, and create opportunities that may not have existed otherwise.  All too often as parents we worry that adversity will hurt or damage our children in a way that they cannot overcome.  In reality, it is during those times that children can demonstrate how strong they are...

Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

~Author Unknown


4th/5th Grade Math/Screen Time Feedback - I apologize for the delay, but if you attended our evening workshop a couple of weeks back, I’ve created a 2 minute survey for people to fill out.  Your feedback will help us think about future sessions on these topics.  Click on the link here:

Staff Learning at HM - During the months of November and December, we will be looking at the biology of the brain to help us better understand how children learn, specifically in environments where students feel safe vs. threatened, welcome vs. alienated, valued vs. overlooked.  Building upon the work of Zaretta Hammond in her book titled Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, our goal thus far has been to focus on the role of the school and classroom environment in fostering learning opportunities for all students.   Moving forward, we will also begin using what we learn about brain research to look much more closely at instructional strategies that will maximize learning for students as well.  I will share more details as we get further into this work.


The Naming Committee for the School on Nevada Street seeks comment from parents, school staff and members of the community regarding its preliminary recommendation on an appropriate name. Please see these options for providing your input and listening to discussions:
  1. School Committee Meeting discussion November 14th, 7:00 pm in Room 210, 100 Walnut Street
  2. School Committee Meeting discussion & VOTE November 28th, 7:00 pm in Room 210, 100 Walnut Street
The Naming Committee welcomes written comments sent to  Naming225NevadaSt@gmail.com


Understanding Our Differences - This month, 4th and 5th grade students have taken part in the first UOD modules of the year.  The goals of UOD are:
  • Children learn to be more inclusive and friendly;
  • Children become more accepting and allies of those with disabilities;
  • Children with disabilities and their siblings are less likely to be bullied, teased or isolated;
  • Children meet and learn from individuals with disabilities;
  • Children become more comfortable around people with all kinds of disabilities.
The first 4th grade unit was on Chronic Medical Conditions including Allergic Conditions, Asthma, Diabetes and Epilepsy modules.
Key themes:
  • Allergies, asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy are not contagious.
  • These conditions are chronic and can usually be managed with proper medical care, medications, advance planning, and lifestyle adjustments, but there is presently no cure for any of them.
  • Allergies, asthma, diabetes and epilepsy are “hidden” conditions. You cannot tell by looking at someone whether he or she has any of these conditions.
This past week, 5th graders learned about Intellectual Disabilities.  This unit introduces the concept of intellectual disabilities, and helps students understand the causes and how they affect the functioning of the brain. Students learn that people with intellectual disabilities have hopes, dreams, and goals like everyone else and are able to live very productive lives.
Key themes:
  • People with intellectual disabilities can do many things, but it sometimes may take them longer to learn how to do them.
  • People with intellectual disabilities are unique but have can have multiple challenges, including language, academic, social and motor skills, and activities of daily living.
  • Name-calling is hurtful and cannot be confronted passively. Students are encouraged to use modern language and be a friend and an ally.
  • The importance of sensitivity and respect for children and adults with intellectual disabilities is emphasized.

           

Calendar

Picture RETAKE Day
Wednesday, November 14

NOT IN OUR TOWN EVENT
5th Grade Families
Thursday, November 15

Early Dismissal
Wednesday, November 21
NOON

No School, Thanksgiving Recess
Thursday and Friday, November 22 and 23

Visit the entire Horace Mann Calendar at www.horacemannpto.com

From the PTO

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Just in time for the holidays, you can order delicious coffee cakes from My Grandma's of New England Coffee Cake company. These decadent cakes (you may have nibbled some at the Book Fair breakfast) make a great gift and a perfect brunch item for a holiday morning. They stay fresh for two weeks and freeze for up to a year. And, the best part is, more than 30% of the profits go right back to the Horace Mann PTO. Click on the link below to order. (Paper forms are available in the Office if you want to sell at work or in your neighborhood. )

Details: Cakes are $12 each. Sale runs through Tuesday, December 4. Cakes will be available for pick up in the front of school on Tuesday, December 18 from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 19 from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. and Wednesday evening (time and place TBD.) We also deliver to D. A. D. cubbies!








Horace Mann Food Drive
to
benefit
the
Centre Street Food Pantry

Dec. 3rd-7th

TWO Upcoming SOCIAL EVENTS
Time to register for a night at 
The Paint Bar!
Thursday, January 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Register here:

Join Horace Mann parents for some fun pub trivia!
Details coming soon. Check you email!


Horace Mann is moving to the Carr Building 
Horace Mann is scheduled to move to the Carr Building in September 2019.
We know there are many questions about what to expect with regards to the move, facility enhancement, technology and many other areas. In order to help us communicate accurate information, Mark Nardelli will answer your questions through regular updates via email and news notes. Please list any questions you have about the move below. Thank you!

Quick Links
Don't forget to use our rewards programs when you shop! Money raised goes towards the PTO. Thanks!
You can also pay your dues online if you haven't already. 
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Thursday, November 1, 2018

Day Middle School Student Services Information Session



F.A. Day Middle School Student Services
Parent Info-Session


5th Grade to 6th Grade Transition Process for Students with
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)


DATE: Wednesday, November 28th

TIME: 6:30pm – 7:30pm

LOCATION: F.A. Day Middle School Library


Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of students at F.A. Day Middle School feeder pattern elementary schools (Horace Mann, Burr, Franklin, Cabot, Peirce) are invited to meet with Mike Thurm, Assistant Principal for Student Services, for a discussion about the transition to middle school process for 5th grade students with IEPs.



No RSVP Necessary