NewsNotes 5/4/2022

NewsNotes Issue #15 May 4, 2022 From the Principal ESSENTIAL INFO COVID UPDATE Covid Reporting Numbers for the week of 4/25 - Horace Mann school recorded four (4) positive COVID cases (students and staff) at our school last week. Covid Reporting Numbers for the week of 5/2 - We’ve had an uptick in positive cases this week, with 7 positive cases across six classrooms being reported on Monday and Tuesday of this week.   HM Building Committee Meeting 5/5 The next meeting of the HM Building Committee is Thursday, 5/5, at 6pm. Register here. Upcoming EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE Wednesday, May 11th - Normal 12:20 Dismissal Thursday, May 12th  - 12:10 Early Release Dismissal Food & Culture Night - In person! Thursday, May 12th, 6:00-7:30 PM at Horace Mann Gymnasium Sign up here! Given the uptick in COVID cases, we are making plans to host this event OUTDOORS next week.  The weather looks good so far... Request from the Health Office - We are in need of donations of extra clothing items in our health office for when students have accidents, fall in the mud, etc.  Any donations would be appreciated.  Thank you! Items we need: Size 5 thru 10 pants Underwear Socks DETAILED UPDATES Eid Al Fitr - Muslims around the world celebrated the end of Ramadan on Monday. Wishing all who celebrate a pleasant and happy Eid this year. For anyone interested in learning more, I've included a link here: https://www.twinkl.com/event/eid-scotland-2022 Teacher Appreciation Week - Thank you to the PTO for your wonderful support of the teachers.  The beautiful sign out front, the daily food items and treats, and the ongoing support have been a morale booster for our staff at a very busy time of year.   Thank you! Newton Serves - I wanted to offer a shout out to all of the volunteers who came to school on Sunday to do some much needed cleanup of our school grounds.  The trash cleanup alone made a huge difference…eating outside every day has made the trash issue a daily challenge. Thank you!!! Facilities Updates Educational/Landscape Programmer Session - Just prior to the April break, school staff met with members of the design team, including the educational programmer and the landscape architect.   Teachers had the chance to talk about the current strengths and challenges with the building as well as see a number of design ideas for existing internal spaces, the proposed addition, and the exterior landscape.  Overall, it was a great brainstorming session. Project Manager Search Update - Candidates interested in applying for the OPM for the Horace Mann Facilities project toured the building last week.  They had until Friday to submit questions about the project and applications are now being accepted.  I will update you as this process moves along. Playground Update - Materials and structures for the playground addition have been ordered and could be delivered by the end of July, barring any delays and disruptions in the supply chain.  City staff have also been out to take measurements and do preliminary inspections on the the intended space.  Timeline for installation is still uncertain right now. Heather Dias Memorial - We’ve gotten design drawings and cost estimates for our proposed memorial for Heather Dias, beloved 5th grade teacher who passed away last spring. We are now working to revise some of the plans and cost estimates and will be establishing a donation site to fund this project in the near future.  Health and Safety Plan Updates - NPS recently updated the Health and Safety Plan for COVID protocols in all school buildings. Here is the link to the full document: Health and Safety Plan - Updated April 2022 A few updates and reminders to highlight: The CDC and MA DPH recommend that individuals exposed to a positive COVID case should mask for 10 days following exposure, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS. A rapid antigen or PCR test on Day 5 is recommended. As of Monday, May 2, 2022, masks will be optional in large assemblies, on field trips, and in music classes (chorus and general music.) Bell covers for musical instruments are no longer required and recorder instruction may resume. Spring Business  Class Placement - We will be conducting our placement conversations beginning next week.  This process will continue through the end of the school year and into the summer as new students register and families move away.   Spring Assessments - We will again conduct assessments in all grade levels in the areas of reading, writing and math.  This information will be used for spring progress reports, which will come out at the end of the school year.  We will also use the info as a starting point for the fall. K Screenings and Playdates - We have already begun meeting with families of incoming K students and we have our formal playdates and parent info sessions scheduled as well. Master Schedule Planning - We will be looking to make some changes to our master schedule to maximize time on learning, to improve on available intervention blocks,  and consider other programs that have been successful this year.  One example includes Hawk Families, which will need to be scheduled to allow for more staff to participate and run a group. Grade Level Teaching Assignments - I am still working with our staff to determine classroom teaching assignments for the fall.  The majority of our staff will remain in the same role, but there will be some changes.  I hope to have those solidified in the coming weeks. From the PTO Details below for spring events! The PTO has many fun events planned for this spring! Scroll down for all the details. Follow us on Facebook (Horace Mann Parents Group), Instagram (@hmannpto), or email us with any questions (hmann.pto@gmail.com). Food & Diaper Drive 5/2-6 It's not too late to support the Horace Mann Food and Diaper Drive to benefit the Centre Street Food Pantry (food) and Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors' City-Wide Diaper Drive (diapers).   1) Send a donation with your child to school by Friday.  2) Volunteer to help sort and box all donations 8-9am this week. 3) Volunteer to help deliver the food donations to the Centre Street Food Pantry on May 16th (9:30-11:30am) 4) Donate diapers through Newton Neighbors' Amazon wish list. Sign up here to sort and/or deliver. We can make a difference in our community! Thank you to Sarah Mathewson, Caroline Perriello, and Jenn Pucci for organizing. Food & Culture Night--in person! Sign up here! Thursday, May 12th, 6:00-7:30 PM at Horace Mann  On Food & Culture Night, Horace Mann is transformed into a global fair with tables hosted by school families - introducing food and artifacts from various cultures, countries/states where they have roots, or places they are interested in exploring. Children get a passport and are encouraged to visit all tables and earn a prize. We invite everyone to get involved. Host a table, bring food to share, read/share a book, run an activity table for kids, help with setup/cleanup. Just attend and visit all tables! This is a relaxed, fun, festive event... and we can celebrate in person! Sign up here. Keep your fingers crossed for nice weather so we can be outside! HM Building Committee Meeting 5/5 The next meeting of the HM Building Committee is Thursday, 5/5, at 6pm. Register here. From Josh Morse: "Gene and Christine will be giving the latest presentation to help move the conceptual options along with discussions on both interior and exterior spaces, as well as a discussion of takeaways from the staff visioning session." Here is the link to the latest presentation from the architects. Mystery Backyard Gather & Chill Returns June 4 The Mystery Backyard Gather and Chill is a FUN and social adult-only cocktail/appetizer gathering for the HM community. Reconnect with old friends and meet new ones while toasting and enjoying light fare. Hosts from the HM community will welcome you to gather in their backyards. The hosts and other guests at your backyard appetizer destination remain a mystery until the night of the event! Here's how it works: • 6:00pm: Attendees will gather at one large cocktail/light fare party where you will receive your mystery envelope revealing your smaller group appetizer backyard destination and host.  • 7:30pm: Everyone proceeds to their smaller group destinations. Hosts  provide appetizers and beverages.  • Around 10, everyone reconvenes for dessert, coffee or additional cocktails at a new (surprise) location.  Currently recruiting backyard hosts! Hosts will receive a $50 gift card to help offset your costs. If you can host, please contact Tracy Kane (tracy.kane7@gmail.com) or Sandra Lawry (Sandra1c@yahoo.com). Sign-up info to follow! Suggested donations are $20/person, $40/couple. Financial assistance and transportation help are available. Rain date Sunday, June 5 at 5pm.  Volunteer for Creative Arts & Sciences next year! The great CAS program at HM needs you! This program brings artists, scientists, authors, engineers, musicians, mathematicians...and more! into each classroom three times a year.  We need a volunteer to coordinate grade K and a new chair who can shadow the current chair next fall and then take over going forward. Time commitment: Moderate, but very rewarding! 3 days per year for kindergarten. Chair attends monthly city meetings and sends periodic emails to teachers and volunteers. Email Cedar Pruitt if you can help: cpruitt@gmail.com We Appreciate HM Staff! Thank you to everyone who contributed to a week of treats for the HM teachers and staff. Big thanks to Jess Schieffer and Kim Bourdeau for organizing! Here's a sneak peek at the treats for the week. Your child is welcome to send in a personalized note to a teacher who has made a difference for them. We will also hold a teacher appreciation luncheon in June. Thanks for beautifying HM! Thank you to the 35 people who spent their Sunday afternoon mulching, spreading fibar on the playground, picking up litter, and weeding at HM! The school looks great. City Councilor Tarik Lucas joined us too. We especially appreciate the leadership of Kristy Moore and Ashley Sullivan. Put these dates on your calendar Food and Culture Night: Thurs. 5/12 (in person!) Last day to submit CORI/SORI to attend Fitness for Life: 5/18 FORJ Book Club: Thurs. 5/19 Food Trucks at HM: Fri. 5/20  (Rancho Cantina and Chill Wagon) Mystery Gather & Chill: Sat. 6/4 Fitness for Life: Fri. June 17 5th Grade Graduation: Wed., June 22

Horace Mann PTO Horace Mann PTO 225 Nevada Street hmannpto@gmail.com