NEWSNOTES
November 11, 2018
In this issue:
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| 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 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:
The Naming Committee welcomes written comments sent to Naming225NevadaSt@gmail.com
For more information, click on the following link: http://newtonptocouncil.org/2018/10/06/naming-committee-for-the-school-on-nevada-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:
The first 4th grade unit was on Chronic Medical Conditions including Allergic Conditions, Asthma, Diabetes and Epilepsy modules.
Key themes:
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:
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| 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
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| From the PTO |
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!
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| 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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