Dear HM Families,
All this past week as a school, in classrooms and in Hawk Families, we’ve been engaged in Lunar New Year activities and celebrations. I also know many families took time last weekend and this weekend to participate in their own Lunar New Year traditions. Unfortunately, the celebrations have been overshadowed by two horrific events that took place on the eve of the Lunar New Year's celebration in Monterey Park, CA and a few days later in Half Moon Bay, CA. I’ve tried writing to the community on more than one occasion, only to be stalled by yet another incident. This past weekend was no different, as the video of Tyre Nichol’s traffic stop and subsequent beating was released. I have no words to describe my own feelings of sadness for Tyre and his family. Add to this the multiple school shootings that took place this month, the violence in and around Boston, and the tragedy in Duxbury. I find myself wondering how to make meaning of any of this...including challenges in our policing and our justice system, struggles with mental health and our ability to deal with stress, and our difficulties communicating, managing adversity, and solving problems without resorting to violence. On the one hand, these events are unimaginable and overwhelming, and on the other hand, given the repetitive nature and frequency with which they keep happening, I fear that we have become desensitized and come to expect that this is now "normal" for our way of being.
I worry all the time about the world that my own children are growing into as they get older. My wife and I discuss whether to share and talk about these events, or keep our children sheltered to preserve some semblance of innocence in their childhood. In general, we keep Vincent (age 7) away from the vast majority of these stories. However, our older girls are all at an age where they should know what’s happening and be able to think about what the events mean for our world.
With that in mind, I also recognize that HM families may be pondering these same choices and likely impacted to varying degrees by these events. Families will make different decisions about whether or not to discuss these incidents. We will have some children who come to school fully aware of what’s been happening, while other families will decide not to share any information.
I write today to inform families about how we handle things at school when there are major news events. This morning, we met as a staff to discuss our own reaction to the recent news events and then discuss our plan for the students. These plans are outlined briefly below based on age/grade level:
For K-2 students/classrooms, we will not plan to have any discussion about these recent events. However, teachers and other staff will be available and receptive to individual students who bring up the topics and give them time privately to discuss.
In grades 3-5, we will initially follow a plan similar to that of our K-2 classrooms. However, if enough children are talking about the events in school, a teacher may decide that a whole class discussion is warranted. If that is the case, the teacher will communicate with families via email at the end of the day.
If your child is asking questions or talking about any of this at home, below are a couple of resources that you might find helpful.
Helpful resources to talk to your child(ren) about difficult topics:
Staffing Update - It has been a rough couple of weeks for our staff here at HM for a variety of reasons. I’ve outlined below some of the things we are currently dealing with, so you are aware that school has looked a little different for many of our students.
Unfortunately, Michael Dailey was injured earlier this month and learned that he has a full tear in his left Achilles Tendon. Mr. Dailey had surgery last week and is now home recuperating. At this point, it looks like Mr. Dailey will be out through the February break. He is in a bit of pain, but he said that the procedure went well. A huge thank you to Billy Young, who has stepped in as our art teacher during Mr. Dailey’s absence.
Horace Mann social worker, Mary Gartland, has confirmed that she will be out on leave until at least March 19th. We are working on a plan for providing social work support for our students in Ms. Gartland’s absence, but we are admittedly short staffed in this area. I am working to hire a social worker for the remainder of the year, regardless of Ms. Gartland’s absence.
Anna Cox, 5th grade co-taught teacher, has also been very ill. She is recovering at home, but will also be out until after the February break.
We are doing our best to manage coverage from day to day, and I can’t thank our staff enough for their flexibility and willingness to work as part of a team.
5th Grade Concert - Thank you to Alex King for the concert performances this past week. Alex has guided the students through many hours of preparation and practice since September, and it culminated in a showcase of our students’ musical skills and ability to work together. It was inspiring to finally have an in-school performance again. Our student audience was attentive and supportive, and we had a robust turnout for the evening show. Well done!
From the Health Office - With the messy and inconsistent weather, we are asking for your help in a couple of areas:
It is a good idea for the "big kids" to keep spare clothing in their locker for winter wet clothing changes. Please consider sending a bag in with your child with extra items to wear, in case of mud.
We are still looking for donations for our spare clothes closet in the health room, we're especially appreciative of warm socks and gender neutral sweatpants, especially size 8-14.
Staff Meeting/Early Release Day - We will be using the release time this week to focus on a couple of initiatives that are important to our work around equity and high expectations for all students.
Data processes for Literacy Instruction - Teachers will meet to talk about how we have been using data to inform our instruction in reading. We have a number of newer assessments, along with widely publicized information about how students learn to read. Given these developments, we are taking time to dig more deeply into what our assessment data is telling us, and using what we learn to change our approach to whole class instruction, as well as how we determine which students are most in need of intervention.
School-wide Values/Initiatives - For those staff not involved with literacy, we will be working to broaden and define our offerings in a couple of areas:
Black History Month - The month of February is dedicated to Black History and celebrating achievements of under-recognized people of color who have contributed significantly to society. Many activities take place within classrooms during this month, but we are asking staff to come up with more ideas to celebrate this month as a whole school.
Read Across America - In early March, schools across the country celebrate reading and literacy. We will again be planning events to celebrate this initiative, including WORD DAY.
Budget Presentation/Info - On January 23rd, Superintendent Kathleen Smith and the Newton School Committee shared big picture scenarios related to next year’s school budget. They presented two possible outcomes, based on whether voters approve the upcoming Override Vote.
Click the links below for more information:
