NewsNotes 6/3/2018

The month of June is filled with activity at Horace Mann.  The space below is an attempt to share some of what is going on these last few weeks of school:

• Assessments - We are currently conducting a variety of assessments to measure student learning in math, writing, and reading.  This information will help teachers to write progress reports.  It will also serve as a starting point for assessments and instruction in the fall.
• Progress Reports - Spring reports will be published on June 21st on the new Student Information System call ASPEN. Details will be coming soon.
• Placement - We are well underway with regard to creating class placements for next year.  In many cases, teachers create class lists for a given grade 3 or 4 times.  In the younger grades, we also set up class “playdates” with the new groupings to get a sense of the dynamics.  If we need to make adjustments, we reconvene the team.  In some case, we start over again from scratch.
• Celebrations - Lots of classrooms are inviting families in to see a culminating project, a variety of work samples, or a performance.  Some of the work taking place in classrooms is dedicated to 
• Closure - Teachers are also engaging students in activities that offer a chance for reflection and closure to the classroom experience. 
• Schedule Review - Each spring, we look at our master schedule and make adjustments to the way we systematically allocate resources to maximize how we use staff, how we run interventions, etc.

Fitness for Life - Another awesome day…as always, thanks to David Tynes for the inspiration for this event, as well as the tremendous effort it takes to organize, practice, setup, and put away all of the activities.   Thanks to the staff who ran activities, to Rose Mariano for helping with logistics, and to Elissa Matloff for tending to the children with allergies, scrapes and bruises, etc. Thanks also to all of our classroom teachers and other staff who worked with students to cooperate, take risks, and have fun. Finally, a huge thank you to all of the parents who contributed to organizing snacks, ordering water bottles and food, setting up grills and cooking, and for being present at the event. This event is a great way to summarize and showcase all that it means to be part of the HM community.

Carr School Planning - Now that the School Committee has voted to move us to Carr for September of 2019, we have begun to think about our planning needs in earnest. On Tuesday, June 5th, I will be bringing a small team of people (including central office staff) to do a walk-through at Carr to discuss requests around classroom space, storage space, and other things that might come up.  Shortly thereafter, I will update the community on what we hope to achieve.

Return Library Books - Because Ms. Karam is split between schools, I’d like to support her efforts to collect library books from students over the next two weeks.  If you have a book signed out, please remember to turn it back in as soon as you can!  Thank you!

Articles -  Came across a few articles over the weekend that I thought were worth sharing…might make for some interesting discussion out on the playgrounds or sports fields this spring...
For the first one, I thought sharing might provide families with a window into our philosophy and thinking about what is important in making schools a productive place:

 http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/inside-school-research/2018/03/how_principals_drive_student_improvement.html

The second two articles are on a completely different topic but related to one another.  I know my wife and I struggle with decisions around access to screen time, independence, decision-making, responsibility, and more.  The two articles delve into both.

The first features an interview with the author of a new book titled Why Children Aren’t Behaving and What You Can Do About It

https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2018/06/02/611082566/why-children-arent-behaving-and-what-you-can-do-about-it

The second talks about how little independence our kids truly have these days.  If you can’t access it directly frorm the link, try searching for it in your Apple News app on your IOS device

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-overprotected-american-child-1527865038

NewsNotes 5/17/18

Carr School Update -  It appears at this point that we are very likely to be moving to the Carr School Building next summer and opening up in the fall of 2019.   The following notes are an excerpt from the School Committee meeting that took place on Monday, May 14th.  The notes discuss the preparations needed for the move: "There are facility adjustments and costs associated with preparing the Carr building to become a permanent school, and other costs associated with moving the school. The district has begun to make rough cost estimates and to delineate the type of work that will be required. The following activities andprojects at the Carr building will be needed in the upcoming fifteen months to ensure a smooth transitionfor the Horace Mann community, including: Adding a separate bus lane Possible modification to two adjoining smaller size classrooms to create more flexible space Addition of a storage area because only crawl space storage is available in the building HVAC work to add cooling to the Carr building as a permanent school building (CIP funds) A furniture and equipment inventory (to facilitate move, reuse or surplus existing furniture and needs assessment for new student furniture; Carr was furnished with a mix of good quality used furniture and new items five years ago) Limited replacement of student furniture Teacher stipends; packing support Professional movers to transfer curriculum materials and limited furniture and equipment" May Assembly - At this month’s assembly, we got together as a whole school to share a number of things that we wanted to celebrate: Kindergartners in Ms. Seyferth’s class decided on their own to celebrate KIND WEEK in their classroom.  They started by making a giant poster for a new student, made an effort to do kind acts at school and at home, did a craft project where students created tiny cutout versions of their classmates, and talked about Kindness at whole class meetings throughout the week.  We also decided to make KIND WEEK an annual event for the whole school! We recognized Erica Sato, 3rd grader in Ms. Rosen’s class who recently was selected as one of five national finalists of the Future Chefs Challenge, sponsored by Sodexo.  She won some cool prizes, including a scooter,  an iPad and more. Congratulations again to Erica. We finally unveiled the Buddy Bench, complete with each student’s fingerprint creature.  The bench is aimed at providing students with an opportunity to connect with others at recess.  So far, we’ve seen students display tremendous empathy and kindness as they’ve reached out to one another to invite new friends to play.   Mr. Feldstein’s class memorized and performed the poem Human Family by Maya Angelou.  I’ve included the text of the poem at the end of my NewsNotes section. Newton Serves - A belated thank you to all of the families who came out on Sunday, April 29th to take care of the grounds around Horace Mann.   Volunteers came to spread fibar and mulch, do some trash cleanup, and otherwise take care of the area surrounding our school. Thanks also to Ashley Sullivan and Kristy Moore for coordinating this year’s event. My Friends, My City - David Tynes, Priscilla Bartley, and Claudia Hoover have recently initiated an effort to connect Boston and Newton students and families.  We began by asking students in the Metco program to identify a friend in Newton who they would like to connect with.  On Thursday mornings, the two groups of children come to the gym to play basketball before school.  Later this spring, the students and their families will then spend a day in Boston getting to know more about one another as well as more about life in the city.  Our hope is to expand this program next fall! Teacher Appreciation Week - Last week, the PTO provided a wonderful array of daily treats to show appreciation for the tremendously hard work that our teachers put in on a daily basis.  We had a nice, light breakfast and lunch, ice cream treats, classrooms supplies, and an array of appreciative cards and notes from students and families.  Thank you to all of the community members who participated.  Thanks also to Jess Schiefer, Jacqueline Freeman, and Megan Anapolle for organizing.  It was a great morale boost for staff. Human Family Maya Angelou I note the obvious differences in the human family. Some of us are serious, some thrive on comedy. Some declare their lives are lived as true profundity, and others claim they really live the real reality. The variety of our skin tones can confuse, bemuse, delight, brown and pink and beige and purple, tan and blue and white. I've sailed upon the seven seas and stopped in every land, I've seen the wonders of the world not yet one common man. I know ten thousand women called Jane and Mary Jane, but I've not seen any two who really were the same. Mirror twins are different although their features jibe, and lovers think quite different thoughts while lying side by side. We love and lose in China, we weep on England's moors, and laugh and moan in Guinea, and thrive on Spanish shores. We seek success in Finland, are born and die in Maine. In minor ways we differ, in major we're the same. I note the obvious differences between each sort and type, but we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike. We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike. We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.

Calendar

Fitness for Life Friday, May 25 No School-Memorial Day Monday, May 28 Family Appreciation Night and PTO Open House Friday, June 1 Deadline for ordering School Supplies June 15 Parent Pick-Up Basketball Friday, June 15 5th grade Graduation Thursday, June 21  Last Day of School-noon dismissal Friday, June 22 Visit the entire Horace Mann Calendar at www.horacemannpto.com

From the PTO

THANK YOU to all who helped at NEWTON SERVES! It was a great day, despite the rain. Lots of volunteers helped pick up trash and spread mulch and Fibar. A big thanks to our organizers Ashley Sullivan and Kristy Moore.  Fitness For Life is getting greener!  The PTO has approved the donation of individual, reusable water bottles for all students. These water bottles are BPA-free and feature exclusive Fitness for Life artwork designed by our very own Mr. Dailey. In addition, Belmont Springs has agreed to donate 50 gallons of water to help us fill them! Thank you Belmont Springs. Don't forget to pay on-line if you haven't already. [Store_Button] Order your School Supplies for next year   Horace Mann is again working with SchoolKidz.Inc. to bring great school supplies into our school. Skip the back-to-school lines and have your child's school supplies delivered to his or her classroom on the first day of school— it couldn't be easier! Teachers have put together lists of required school supplies. To order, either fill out the form that was sent home with your student or:  1. Go to WWW.shopttkits.com 2. Enter Account 32991 3. Fill in your child's name and grade 4. Add to cart and checkout Kits will be delivered to your child's classroom on the first day of school. As always, ordering an extra kit for the classroom is much appreciated. If you choose not to use this great service, (why wouldn't you?)  remember to print out the list of required school supplies for your child and purchase them on your own. (Avoid the hassle-order through us! )  DEADLINE: JUNE 15, 2018 Family Appreciation Night! Bring the whole family to the Horace Mann gym on Friday, June 1 from 6-8 p.m. for a fun game of Bingo with prizes and refreshments. Hosted by the PTO. Let's gather together one last time before school lets out for summer! Board members will be on-hand to answer questions about the PTO and offer a year in review.  Let us know you plan to attend by signing up below. [Signups_Button] Parent Pick-up Basketball Friday, June 15 Horace Mann Gym Just a $1! [Store_Button] Want to get involved? The PTO needs help with two committees next year. We need someone to head up our Box Tops committee. This includes coordinating all of our purchase-to-donate programs, such as AmazonSmile and Stop and Shop A+ Rewards. We are also looking for someone to help run two (or more!) community building events. Ideas can range from a night at the Paint Bar to trivia night at a local pub or anything in between!  Please email freeman.jac@gmail.com if you are interested.

Tynes Times Spring Edition

The Tynes Times

 Spring Edition

EFFORT IS EVERYTHING

April 25, 2018 – With spring finally here, the kids at Horace Mann are back outside enjoying the fresh air and running, jumping, hopping, skipping, galloping and leaping over some rain puddles. Now is a good time for families to prepare to “make time for exercise.” Family hikes, family workouts, or any physical activity that involves the family unit will leave a positive and lasting impression on most children. The following is one of many links that will help you get started: http://www.active.com/fitness/articles/family-fitness-tips

What’s been going on in Physical Education? - We have finished our Striking Volleyball, Basketball units and we are preparing for Fitness For Life.

What’s Next? – We are now in the early stages of our massive unit on Fitness, Nutrition and the Systems of the Body with emphasis on the cardiovascular system. We will be focusing on food labels and comparing and contrasting the old and new ones that are soon to hit your grocery store. We will be learning about cells, DNA, and the amazing, incredible human body. The students will be working out with over 25 machines and pieces of fitness equipment.

Sneakers - Please make sure your H.M. student brings his or her sneakers on Physical Education class days.  Please no sandals, crocks or flip-flops!

Student Helpers from North - All year long students from Newton North’s Special Education programs come in to assist me in Physical Education classes. We have students every Tuesday and Friday. This continues to be an enriching program for our students and for the students from North, as well!

Save the Date - Fitness for Life is Friday, May 25^th!

(Rain Date - 6/1) For those new to Horace Mann, this is an event that happens only at our school. We reserve the entire Auburndale Cove for the day and celebrate fun, families and fitness. This is an event that I encourage all families to participate in. It is a wonderful way to connect with the entire Horace Mann community. You will be receiving a lot of information in the next few weeks.

Parent Helpers – WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are in need of parent helpers to be part of the set up and break down crew on May 25^th for Fitness for Life. Please let me know if you are able to help out.

SET UP - This involves meeting Mr. Tynes at the Cove to unload the truck and set up the stations. If you are available we will meet at 7:00am. I will have a map, tools, and instructions for each station.

BREAK DOWN - At 1:45 we will begin breaking down the stations. We will load up the truck and head back to Horace Mann.  If you have a pick up truck and don’t mind throwing some stuff in the back, this will be a big help.

As your children grow and begin to choose spring sports, chances are you may be asked to coach or help out with one of the teams. Here is some advice from a teacher and dad who has been doing both for over 30 years:

Four Tips for Family Members Who Coach - The students are just beginning to figure out how to use their amazing bodies. At Horace Mann, I encourage all children to give their best effort. As they grow and participate in sports, the right coach can shape, make, or break a child.

1.   Make sure you are familiar with child development and what research, data, and science says is best for a particular age group.

2.  Try not to punish with exercise (it is not what happens here in Physical Education class). Exercise should be meaningful and fun.

3.  Remember - it is about them, and you have a great opportunity to make a lasting impression.

4.  Make it fun, safe and “make their day.”

In The Sprit of Sportspersonship,

Mr. Tynes

NewsNotes 4/22/2018

The good weather finally arrived (albeit at the end of the week!). I hope for anyone who was running (or watching runners) during the Boston Marathon you were able to navigate the terrible conditions safely. At the Nardelli household we had a fairly low-key week. We spent a lot of time in the yard collecting branches, raking, cutting down limbs, and doing general cleanup. We also tried to do a couple of excursions…Hiking locally, bowling, Blue Man Group, Urban Adventure Park (trampolines, climbing walls, etc.) Overall, it was a good opportunity for us to recharge and get ready for the home stretch.                 Recap of NNHS Student Visit - On the Tuesday before break, a group of 18 Newton North High School students came to talk about their experiences attending Newton Public Schools as students of color. As a staff, our hope was to learn about their experiences so that we can have better insight into attitudes and practices that could either promote student connectedness/achievement or serve as a barrier. Below is a sample of the questions we asked: What would you like our staff to know about your experience as a student of color? What forms of racism of racial bias have you experienced in the Newton Public Schools? What have staff members done to help you feel connected with your school? How do you think elementary schools can better prepare students for middle and high school? Students shared a variety of heartfelt opinions. Here is a small sample of some quotes: “I never had a teacher who looked like me” “I spent a lot of time pretending to be someone else.” “I was always worried that kids would make fun of the food I brought to school." “I never got to see an Asian protagonist in any of the stories we read until high school.” Here is some of the advice they had for us: Show us that you care: get to know us, make eye contact, shake our hands, remember our names. Help kids speak for themselves about their experiences and feelings. Push us to be better; expect high quality work. Expand the perspectives represented in the curriculum, in the stories we read, in the music we hear, and in the celebrations we honor. Sodexo Future Chefs National Challenge -  A few months ago, students were invited to participate in a nationwide cooking competition called the Future Chefs Challenge.  These competitions took place in a number of schools and districts across the country, including Newton.  I am thrilled to share the news that Erica Sato, current 3rd grader in Ms. Rosen's class at Horace Mann, was recognized as the 1st place winner for the city of Newton.  In addition, Eric's entry was selected as one of the top 5 entries nationwide. Erica is now competing with the other four entry winners.  You can see a video of Erica and her meal and also submit a vote for Erica beginning tonight!  Please click on the link below:  http://sodexoinsights.com/quality-of-life-services/schools/2018-sodexo-future-chefs-competition/ New Mural - As part of our effort to represent and embrace the diversity in our school, we have begun to create a colorful display with a Poetry Tree mural outside of the art room on the 2nd floor.  The goal of the mural and the tree is to create a display that reflects the diversity of our school.    Oe part of this is to display poems from around the world on a rotating basis.  To get started, we would like to collect samples of children’s poetry that is important to your family, or poems from your families’ cultures.  We would love to have representation from well-known poems and poets from different countries and in different languages.  Here are the steps to follow: Find a poem and share it via email ( mark_nardelli@newton.k12.ma.us ) or send in a hard copy (to Rose or  your child’s teacher).   Please provide the name of the poem and the name of the poet, if possible. If you provide a poem in a language other than English, we kindly request that you provide a translation, if possible.   We will also be sharing pictures of the poets.  If you have pictures of the poets available and can share them that would be great, but it is not imperative.   Feel free to share with us why this poem has special meaning to your family. We’re looking forward to reading what you have to share!     Announcement from the Student Assignment Working Group The Student Assignment Working Group (SAWG) has been seeking feedback on seven preliminary scenarios that were released on March 5, 2018.  Feedback received to-date has been valuable and has helped to refine scenarios.   These preliminary scenarios involve some areas near Cabot including boundaries with Horace Mann, Franklin, Peirce, Burr and Underwood.  Also, the area of the Lincoln-Eliot school district near the Carr building on Nevada Street is impacted.  Some key streets and surrounding areas that may potentially be impacted include:  Adams, Bridge, Central, Prescott, Court, Washington, Parsons, Eliot, Taft, Harding, Morrill, Elm and Cherry. A final public comment opportunity on the scenarios has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in advance of the Wednesday, April 25th meeting of the Newton School Committee.  School Committee meetings are held in the Education Center, 100 Walnut Street, Frazier Room #210. Agendas will be posted once confirmed. Related documents are posted as soon as possible but no later than the day of the meeting.  There will be discussion of the feedback received and an update on next steps in anticipation of a planned recommendation in May or June (exact timing to be determined soon).  The recommendation will consolidate the preferred elements in the A, C and G scenarios and will explain the impact on projected school enrollment and capacity going forward.  MCAS -The remaining test schedule is as follows: Grade 3 ELA - 4/23 Grade 3 Math - 4/26 and 5/3 Grade 4 Math - 4/25 and 5/4 Grade 5 ELA - 4/27 Grade 5 Math - 4/30 and 5/2 Grade 5 Science  - 5/18 and 5/21

Calendar

Student Assignment Public Comment at School Committee Meeting April 25 Talent Show April 27 Newton Serves April 29 Early Release May 3rd Visit the entire Horace Mann Calendar at www.horacemannpto.com

From the PTO

Please join us on  Sunday, April 29, from 12:30-3:30, for NewtonSERVES  at Horace Mann. This is a great opportunity for community building through service! Show your children what it means to be a part of our community! We will spend the afternoon working on various projects at the school like spreading mulch and new fibar on the playground. If you are able to volunteer, please register for the Horace Mann School project at http://www.newtoncommunitypride.org/NewtonSERVES-volunteer.php (Please note that the city requires that volunteers be 8 years of age or older.) If you have any tools such as rakes, brooms, shovels, wheelbarrows, garden/work gloves, etc., please bring them with you. We hope to see you on April 29!   Buy your talent show tickets! Don't miss this awesome evening of entertainment and talent. Come see your classmates perform! Friday, April 27, Newton North High School. Tickets are $10 each, $25 per family.  [Store_Button] Help us help the planet! Please bring in your old markers for recycling. There are baskets in the front and back of the school where you can drop them off. In celebration of Earth Day, we will be sending them in to Crayola for recycling.  Auction Survey Results Thank you to all who took the time to take the survey. The results were very positive. The 80s theme was a hit! As far as themes, a different decade and Speakeasy/Casino Royale got the most votes for next year. Keeping the party at North was the definite consensus. People would like to see a combo of online/silent and live auctions again next year. A lot of the surveys asked for more social events, big and small! Let us know if you are interested in organizing a PTO social event.

NewsNotes 4/8/2018

Staff News - As some of you know, Lisa Mikus (4th Grade teacher at HM and in Newton for many years) has been in New Jersey for the past two years supporting and taking care of her mom.  At the time, Lisa’s hope was to move back up to Massachusetts and return to Horace Mann. However, due to a variety of circumstances, Lisa has made the decision to stay in New Jersey to continue supporting her mom and re-engaging in her teaching career there. 

I wanted to take a moment to briefly acknowledge Lisa’s career in Newton.  For those of you who know Lisa, you can attest to the fact that we are losing a thoughtful, passionate, and tremendously skilled educator.  Over the years, many students and their families have expressed gratitude for the rich experiences Lisa has provided in her classroom. Lisa’s ability to inspire and foster a love for learning in her students was a gift, and one that she will now bring to a new generation of children in New Jersey...few teachers are able to say that they've made such a positive impression on so many young lives.  It has been a privilege to work with Lisa for the time we had...she will no doubt be missed. Best wishes to Lisa in this new chapter.

MCAS - Testing begins this week. The schedule for testing this week is as follows:

• Tuesday - 4th Grade ELA
• Wednesday - 4th Grade ELA
• Thursday - 3rd Grade ELA
• Friday - 5th Grade ELA

After the April Break, the remaining test schedule is as follows:

• Grade 3 ELA - 4/23
• Grade 3 Math - 4/26 and 5/3
• Grade 4 Math - 4/25 and 5/4
• Grade 5 ELA - 4/27
• Grade 5 Math - 4/30 and 5/2
• Grade 5 Science  - 5/18 and 5/21

FORJ Meeting - FORJ Event - On Tuesday April 10, we will gather at Horace Mann school at 7pm for our third discussion group this year. We will read Chapter 5 of the book The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. If you need help obtaining this chapter, please let me know - I have it. Option to also read Chapter 1 for context!
Please RSVP here: https://goo.gl/forms/ Jtca8cPX5UA4wFUn2 and pass it on!
Questions can go to Cedar Pruitt at cpruitt@gmail.com

SEPAC Update
Tuesday, April 10th – SEPAC Open Board Meeting
Networking starts at 7:15pm; Meeting starts at 7:30pm
Education Center; Room 217

Wednesday, April 11th - Transition to post High School
Education Center; Room 210; 7:30pm
Overview of NPS Transition Services, presented by Jill Curry (NPS Transition Specialist)

Thursday, April 12th - SEPAC Board meets with Karen Shmukler

Placement Reminder -  I have again attached a form that can be filled out electronically or by hand if you wish to provide me with any information that might be helpful in our placement process.  Filling out the form is OPTIONAL.

PlacementLetter18.docx

PlacementLetter18.pdf

If you decide to complete the form, please return it to the main office or via email at mark_nardelli@newton.k12.ma.us by Friday, April 13th, 2018

Assembly Video

Dear HM Families,

At our March Assembly we talked about the importance of struggle, challenge, and failure as it pertains to brain development and learning.  Learning from mistakes is an essential part of helping students to grow (and also to learn that they can achieve goals even when they have failed at something).  

For the assembly, we shared our newest Horace Mann video production titled “Try Everything”. 

I have included a link to the video here:  https://vimeo.com/261950815

This video is private.  To view, use the password: horacemann

After the video, I talked to the students about the basic message, which is:

1. Sometimes things are going to be challenging (in academics, with friends, learning a new skill, taking a risk)
2. When things get hard…don’t give up.  Use a strategy, take a break, and try again.
3. Making mistakes is how learn and how we grow our brains.
4. Try Everything!

Over the next couple of weeks (and hopefully beyond) students will be asked to reflect on their own mistakes and challenges, along with their use of strategies to overcome those mistakes.  They will then fill out a short reflection sheet for posting in classrooms, in the hallways, or at home.  Our goal is to normalize the idea that making mistakes is actually a good thing! 

Optional Placement Input

Dear HM Families,

During May and June, our staff will begin the process of creating class placements for the next school year.  Part of this process involves getting input from families.  I have attached a form that can be filled out electronically or by hand.  Filling out the form is OPTIONAL, but is a good way to help us with placement.  Also, keep in mind that is form is NOT for current 5th grade students who are moving on to middle school. It is only intended for making classes at Horace Mann.

PlacementLetter18.docx 

PlacementLetter18.pdf 

If you decide to complete the form, please return it to the main office or via email at mark_nardelli@newton.k12.ma.us by Friday, April 13th, 2018

Thank you,

Mark Nardelli

Principal