Dear HM Families,
ESSENTIAL INFO: In the interest of making things more accessible, I’ve highlighted key info here:
Virtual Science Night - Enjoy a night of VIRTUAL science fun on Friday, 7 p.m., February 26, 2021.
Schedule Change - Due to the Special City Election on Tuesday, March 16th, we need to switch the in-person day for Cohort A. Cohort A will attend in person on Wednesday, March 17th, instead of Tuesday. They will follow their Wednesday remote schedule on Tuesday, March 16th.
Horace Mann Annual PTO Meeting with Superintendent David Fleishman and the Newton School Committee -
On Thursday, February 25th at 9:00 AM, Principal Mark Nardelli, Superintendent David Fleishman, and members of the Newton School Committee will offer a chance to hear about school district news as well as recent updates about Horace Mann. If you are interested in attending, here is the Zoom link:
Zoom Link: https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/2454370913?pwd=NVhVUzR6WVNCVkw3MVovTTNKSm1idz09
Meeting ID: 245 437 0913
Passcode: Hawks
DETAILED UPDATES: If you would like more detail about what’s been happening at school, feel free to read the rest of the updates below:
Happy Lunar New Year! - The Lunar New Year, most commonly associated with the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, typically falls sometime between January 21 and February 20. This year, Lunar New Year is on February 12, and in terms of the Chinese zodiac animal, it's the Year of the Ox. China, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore and many Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year as national holidays. This list includes many families from our own community here at Horace Mann.
If you are interested in learning more, below are a few links/resources:
https://www.oprahmag.com/life/a34892893/what-is-lunar-new-year-festival/
https://chalkacademy.com/chinese-new-year-crafts-activities-kids/
Grade Level Learning Times in Grades 3-5 - Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve gotten feedback from both students and parents about the guided learning times in our upper grades. Based on this feedback, we’ve made the following clarifications and adjustments:
Students are expected to have cameras on during these sessions.
Many students need this time to complete their assignments. Adults will create breakout rooms so that students working on similar assignments can work on items together.
Adults will also be taking time to check in with individual students and to help groups of students with any work related questions.
For students who have completed their work, the supervising adults will also offer interactive games on related subjects. For example, in 3rd grade math today, we worked on area and perimeter using some online games.
Elementary Forum - Supporting Your Child in the 2020-21 School Year
If you missed the recent forum on how to support your child during this school year, the video has been made available for viewing. Click this link to view a video recording of the panel presentation.
The Work and Challenges of Being Anti-Racist: A Virtual Event with Dr. Edward Fergus and NPS Leaders
On Wednesday, Feb. 24th at 7:00pm, join the Newton Public Schools in a discussion led by Dr. Edward Fergus, author of Solving Disproportionality and Achieving Equity: A Leader's Guide to Using Data to Change Hearts and Minds to discuss these challenges and how to overcome barriers in implementing change in the practice of equity. Joined by a panel of NPS leaders, we will share some of the opportunities and obstacles that face us as we strive to be a more equitable and just district for all. Advance registration is required.
