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:
School Committee Meeting discussion November 14th, 7:00 pm in Room 210, 100 Walnut Street
School Committee Meeting discussion & VOTE November 28th, 7:00 pm in Room 210, 100 Walnut Street
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.
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