Best of Bennet
January 15, 2021
From the Principal
I find myself feeling a bit of stress and anxiety as I write this note. Then, of course, I cannot help but think of our students and what they must be thinking as children. They must be confused and worried as they watch the news and the state of affairs in Washington. More than ever, your children need a sense of stability which will help them to feel safe and secure. Please know we are doing everything we can to maintain a sense of normalcy and routine for your children and help them process current events at their level.
Again, we thank you all for partnering with us in this important work!
Joe Chella, Principal
Can my child go to school today?
Has your child or a family member been in close contact with a known positive Covid person?
Does your child or a family member have a persistent cough, or other respiratory symptoms, shortness of breath, lung congestion?
Has your child or a family member lost the ability to smell or taste?
Does your child or a family member have a fever over 100 F?
If you have answered YES to any of these questions for you or your child, your child should stay home and you should call the school absentee line.
If you answered YES to any of these questions for a member of your family, please contact the school nurse for advice prior to sending your child to school.
We moved to Nut-Free this year!
Remind your student please!
What's for lunch?
What is your child is learning in Math?
Grade 5 Math students continue to demonstrate resilience in mathematics and their ability to persevere strengthens. Throughout our second marking period together, students put forth tremendous effort, were responsible, and had a willingness to learn new mathematical concepts. Students began the marking period by using their understanding of place value to read and write decimals through the thousandths. Students built on this understanding to compare, order and round decimals. An understanding of decimals is a good foundation for our fraction unit later in the year.
Following the decimal unit, we began our multiplication unit. This unit began as students built on their prior understanding of rounding to estimate whole number products. Fifth graders were immersed in several strategies to multiply multi digit numbers, including but not limited to the standard algorithm, area model, and partial products. As students developed their fluency with these strategies, they engaged in mathematical discourse with their peers to explain their reasoning & computation. Students also participated in a variety of activities and experiences in which students displayed their higher level thinking.
As we look ahead, we will continue to build our mathematical proficiency as we begin our upcoming division unit. We continue to be grateful for your support as we navigate the challenges that are presented to us all.
Grade 6 Math students have completed their study of positive rational numbers and are now working on Ratios, Rates, and Percents. This includes how to use ratio language to describe the relationship between two quantities. Your child is also learning how to use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world and mathematical problems. He or she will solve unit rate problems involving unit pricing and constant speed. You can help your child become proficient with this. When working with ratios with your child, make sure that he or she names each group and pays attention to the order of the numbers in the ratio. For example, when making a recipe each ingredient in a recipe is added in a certain ratio to the other ingredients. You can write the relationship of two ingredients as a ratio: 2 eggs to 1 cup of flour. In addition to work assigned in Google Classroom your child should be completing online lessons in Dream Box. We recommend five lessons per week. Finally, an awesome online teaching activity for modeling ratios is Thinking Blocks Ratios @mathplayground.com.
Grade 6 Advanced Math: Students have been working through ratios and rates since Thanksgiving time. We are ready to tie that concept into percentages. In this topic, students will use models as they learn, including hundreds grids, number lines and circle graphs. They will develop an understanding of the concept of percents as parts of 100, find percentages of a number and find the whole given a part and the percent. For example, if the teacher states that 33% of the 24 students in class are boys, a number line could be used to help find the number of boys. The equation .33 x 24 is about 8 could also be used to conclude that there are 8 boys in the class. You can help your child by sharing with them real life examples when you use percentages.
In addition to work assigned in Google Classroom your child should be completing online lessons in Dream Box. We recommend five lessons per week.
Grade 6 Pre-algebra students have completed the unit on Proportional Reasoning. This unit allowed students to investigate some seventh grade standards, providing them challenging problems to work with in their collaborative groups. We are now exploring the world of percentages. Within this unit, students will solve problems involving the percent of a number, using a percent proportion to find an unknown number, solving problems around percent change and percent error, percent markups and markdowns and simple interest. This unit will also give students opportunities to work through some seventh grade standards. Any time you come across percentages in your daily life, share this with your kids. They will get to see the real life application. In addition to work assigned in Google Classroom your child should be completing online lessons in Dream Box. We recommend five lessons per week.
We are very grateful for family support with math education, and hope that students feel challenged and supported through this program. Please remember that office hours are designed to help students who struggle with a concept or an assignment. If a student did not earn a score that they are happy with on an assignment, we can make corrections during office hours to clear up misconceptions and to increase the score on the task. In addition to work assigned in Google Classroom your child should be completing online lessons in Dream Box. We recommend five lessons per week.
WHAT'S NEW WITH TEAM ROWLING...
It’s been a great start to the new year for students on Team Rowling! Even though it started remotely, students logged on with smiling faces and a sense of rejuvenation ready to work.
We are excited to start several new units over the next few weeks. In Reading and Writing, students will be learning to identify main ideas and supporting details of nonfiction texts. They will also begin organizing research about a topic of their choice in preparation for a report.
During Mathematics, students have been working very hard to master the many ways to solve multiplication problems and will be moving into word problems with multiplication. Please remind your students to log onto Dreambox daily to help hone their mathematical skills.
Students have also been investigating how plastics affect different parts of our Earth and begun having conversations about ways in which we can use these items in a more meaningful way so we don’t create more pollution.
Our last topic we are working on is the establishment of the 13 Colonies. Students will be learning why settlers came to North America and what their life was like during this time.
As you can see there is lots of new learning happening on Team Rowling and we are excited to be back. Please continue to check in with your child to make sure they are completing their in class assignments as well as reading each night for at least 30 minutes.
ROOSEVELT TEAM UPDATE!
Happy New Year! 2020 was a year full of challenges but also one full of blessings. Some days it was hard to look for the positive but we all made it! With the new year comes a renewed sense of hope and gratitude. May we all look for the blessings this year and look forward to health and healing in 2010.
As we start the second half of the school year please check to see if your student’s supplies need to be refreshed. It is recommended that students keep a spare mask in their book bag as well as their own sanitizer. There are class sanitizer bottles and students are given sanitizer to use every time they enter or leave the classroom. Students have been excellent about sanitizing and masking up!
We were excited to return to the classroom this past Monday! Students have adapted nicely to navigating their split learning schedule between in person time and online classes. As we move forward, the schedule will not change. As a reminder, on days that learners are not in school physically, they should be starting their day online at 1:15pm. They will go to their google classroom and navigate the assignments posted for them with the guidance of their teacher remotely. All students are remote learners on Wednesdays and should be logging on for their Advisory period at 9:45 a.m. every Wednesday. It is during this time that schedules are reviewed for the day and they will be guided where to log on and at what time. It is important to note that attendance is taken based on their online participation in scheduled class times. If they are not on for at least 50% of the time the teacher is logged on and conducting a lesson via meet, they will be marked absent by the teacher. Of course, if there are extenuating circumstances that cause the student to not be logged on, those will be considered.
Lastly, and most importantly, students must bring their chromebook fully charged each day to class. If they have not charged the chromebook for the day, they should bring their charger so that they can plug in once they enter the classroom. Chromebooks are used everyday and it is vital in keeping students safe, as we are not allowed to share materials this year... our goal is to keep them safe and socially distant.
Our remote learners are working hard from home and follow a similar class schedule to hybrid learners. Remote students are logging on with their teachers at either 8:15 a.m. or at 1:15 p.m. depending on the day (excluding Wednesday which students log on at 9:45 a.m.) It is crucial that students show up to class on time in order to avoid missing the lesson being taught that day. When students are online, it is important that they keep their cameras on in order to participate in an ideal learning environment. As a reminder, please be aware that your student may have their microphone on and anything happening in your home becomes audible for their class.
Finally, We have some good news! Mr. Pinatti and his wife welcomed their first child into the world on January 6th! Her name is Dahlia. Everyone is happy and healthy! Congratulations to the Pinatti Family!
Thank you for sharing your children with us. We hope that their Bennet experience is a positive one especially during these trying times.
English Language Learners at Bennet
Susan Redman, TESOL teacher, and Helen Delacruz, TESOL tutor, work with speakers of other languages at Bennet. This year there are 16 languages other than English spoken by our students and families. Some of these students have been bilingual all their lives, while others have recently moved to Connecticut and are using their English skills for the first time. Mrs. Redman and Mrs. Delacruz work to support classroom assignments and activities, as well as teach the English Language Learner curriculum to provide Bennet’s multilingual students with tools for their success.
Drink up!
Let's shoot some hoops!
Who needs coffee?
Let's Stay Active - What's happening in PE class?
Current Unit: Basketball
Students will be working on the primary skills of basketball which includes: dribbling, passing and shooting. Activities help students work on speed, agility, strength and motor skills.
What’s up next: VolleyBall
Did you know…. Our FAVORITE sports are:
Mr. Silver - Basketball
Mr. Leitao - Football
Ms. Palmisano - Gymnastics
Mr. Hansen - Baseball
Ms. Coles - Soccer
Lets Think: Who invented the game of basketball and where was it first played? Tune in next month to find out or ask your PE teacher!
Last Months Let’s Think: What player holds the record for the fastest pitch recorded in Major League baseball? Arolids Chapman threw a pitch that clocked in at 105.1 mph on the radar. Here is a link to a video of the pitch.
Have a question for your child's PE teacher? E-mail them at:
Coles: b25scole@mpspride.org
Hansen: khansen@mpspride.org
Silver: msilver@mpspride.org
Leitao: mleitao@mpspride.org
Palmisano: apalm@mpspride.org
Do you want your child's picture in the yearbook?
Bear Care Corner
Bear Care has become a popular option for many families. If your child is a Bear Care Cub but your circumstances have changed and you no longer need this service, please let us know. We have a waiting list of cubs hoping to join us once we have room.
If your child is a BC Cub currently, please remember to send them to Bear Care with a charged Chromebook and charger, earbuds, a reading book, and a nut-free snack!
Fire Prevention Poster Contest Winner!!
Could you use a helping hand?
If you have fallen on hard times - you're not alone. Unfortunately, during this pandemic many people have also felt the economic consequences. These services have been put in place to assist people in need: CT/Government assistance: https://www.connect.ct.gov/access/jsp/access/Home.jsp - this is the website to apply for cash assistance, food stamps(SNAP) and medical. The first box will ask you questions and take about 15 minutes - to find out if you are eligible. The second one beneath it will take about 30-60 minutes to fill out for benefits. Click on it and it will take you to a page of information: You'll want to click the circle to the left on the page for start a new application - it looks like this:
Start a new application for any of the following:
Manchester Food Pantries: https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/ct-manchester
Mobile Foodshare is an outdoor pantry-on-wheels for people who need food assistance. The program visits community sites throughout the Greater Hartford area. Food choices vary from week to week, but usually include several types of fresh produce. To receive the Mobile Foodshare schedule on your cell phone text FOODSHARE to 85511.
Thanks to Miss Cavanna, Bennet Academy Social Worker (860-647-3571 x70543), for sharing these resources.
Do you want to lend a hand?
If you know other ways community members can help, please share your ideas with us for possible publication in a future newsletter. Email cberman@mpspride.org.
SHOUT OUTS!
We are trying to highlight positives this school year...and the following people have had a positive impact on us at Bennet!! We have six kiddos this week, along with one staff member, being highlighted. Do you want to see someone shouted out next time? Email your suggestion to cberman@mpspride.org.
Parent Geno Ayala would love to give a shout out to Ms. Jodoin! His son Mateo is doing so well in school, during this very challenging year, and he knows it has a lot to do with Ms. Jodoin’s awesome teaching! The Ayala family appreciates you, Ms. Jodoin!
Mr. Ayala would also like to shout out to his son, Mateo, who has received some of his best grades this school year, including High Honors! Way to go my Mateo…keep it up (and Dad loves you!)!
Shout out to Aamiyah P!!
Shout Out to the Martin Luther King Award Winners!
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY is fast approaching! Initiated in 1994 by Congress, Martin Luther King Day is a national day of community service grounded in Dr. King’s teachings of nonviolence and social justice. The Town of Manchester’s 36th Annual Martin Luther King Celebration was held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 virtually.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “If your actions inspire others to dream more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” As in previous years, this celebration is to honor students and small groups who are promoting positive change in their school or community. Each school was given the opportunity to nominate one student or small group that is making a significant impact through their service to others. Nominees were exceptional students or groups that display acts of selflessness, determination, courage, and compassion.
The winning small group from Bennet is a group of students from Team Adams (Mrs. Christensen's 5th grade remote learners) Amelia Miller, Nkosi Monze, Jade Ortiz and Jack Stone. These four high honor roll students show up to full time remote learning class on time each and every day, motivated and ready to learn. They are consistently engaged and willing to take risks, answer questions, and share their ideas. They serve as role models for their peers by demonstrating and promoting a positive, healthy learning environment. It is not unusual to hear any one of them encouraging another student, or even their teacher, to keep working hard.
Amelia always has her hand up, eager to answer a question. And the class can count on her to be their number one cheerleader and coach if they are in need. Amelia never turns down an extra opportunity and has participated in writing both our classroom newsletter as well as the Bennet Academy newspaper.
In addition to outstanding academic participation, Nkosi contributes a combination of seriousness and humor as he shares stories of his experiences in Zambia (He actually cut off the head of a chicken there!) as well as favorite dishes he prepares at lunch time. Nkosi is not afraid to take risks and he encourages his classmates to do the same.
Jade demonstrates perseverance and determination in her learning. Even though we start school later on Wednesdays, Jade says, “I set my alarm and am up by 8:00 a.m. so I can complete any of my independent work since we meet as a whole class and don’t have independent work time on Wednesdays.” During times of serious technical difficulties, and yes, they do sometimes happen, you may hear Jade remind the teacher with a soothing voice, “Breathe, Mrs. Christensen. Just breathe.” Jade has also volunteered to stay after school to work on our classroom newsletter.
Jack, affectionately also known as Dr. Stone can be counted on to continuously contribute his wealth of background knowledge to science and social studies classes. There are times when Jack quite seriously might be mistaken as the teacher in the classroom as he embellishes on a science or social studies lesson. Jack recently signed on to help with the classroom newspaper as he felt it important to document some of the current events that are happening in our world.
Though our world has thrown us a curveball, each one of these children demonstrate qualities of model students, braving this storm and overcoming obstacles. Amelia, Nkosi, Jade, and Jack (pictured below during remote learning) are born leaders and will be successful in anything they set their minds to do.
Congratulations and thank you for representing the Best of Bennet!
The Bennet Bear Den
NURSING NEWS!
REMINDER for 6th Grade Families
In order to start 7th grade your student needs to have a physical exam by your doctor, a walk-in clinic, or an urgent care center, as well as both the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines. Physicals for 7th grade may be dated anytime anytime after January 1, 2020, so if your child had one last winter or over the summer and you have not provided the nurse with a copy, please do so now. You can fax the paperwork to the nurses at 860-647-6348 or send the hard copy to the Nurse’s office via your child. Be prepared, doctor's offices often schedule physicals months in advance, especially during summer - You don’t want your child to miss the first days of 7th grade!
Bennet School Nurses
Penny & Elisha
860-647-3582 (p)
860-647-6348 (f)
Attendance Line
REMINDERS
*There is no school Monday or Tuesday, January 18 (Martin Luther Kind Jr. Day) and January 19 (Staff Professional Development). Wednesday is a regular remote day for all learners.
*We try to go outside every day for mask breaks, PE class and whenever we can sneak in a short break. Please be sure your student is dressed appropriately - it is cold outside! If you are in need of help acquiring a warm jacket, gloves or a hat for your student please reach out to their guidance counselor. We often have donations we would love to share with our Bennet Cubs.
*Please be sure your student has a mask when they leave the house. It is also helpful if they carry an extra mask in their backpack just in case.
Take a look at our Virtual Backpack!
Do you want to make a real impact on our school? Join the PTSA!
Help your student get involved with PTSA!
Bennet Bears! Strong communities are comprised of strong individuals & we need your child!
As a member of the PTSA (Parent, Teacher & Student Association), students will represent their peers and classmates of Bennet Academy. We will work to ensure Bennet is a welcoming, respectful and inclusive community.
Together we will identify goals for our school community, discuss activities for all members to engage in, and develop plans for implementation. Think movie nights, spirit days and more! Your time, talents and skills can help build a stronger school community & WE NEED YOU!
Meetings will be held virtually on Thursday afternoons from 3-4pm. Use this PTSA FORM to join!
News from the Bennet Office:
Would you like to talk directly to Principal Chella? He has parent office hours every Thursday from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm. If you would like to sign up for a Google Meet with Mr. Chella please contact his secretary Mrs. Hegenauer (laurenh@mpspride.org) to sign up for a time slot as soon as possible, but no later than 2:00 pm Thursdays. If there are no time slots available for the current week you will be scheduled for the following week.
Picking your student up early? Please call ahead and we will have your student ready. Let us know when you arrive and we will meet you at the door with your student to check your ID. Thanks for being patient with this early dismissal procedure as we limit visitors.
For all technology assistance (including Chromebooks, laptops and iPads), go to the IT Helpdesk or call / text 860-682-0607, Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
- Did you move? Please see the list of required documents. Contact Registrar Heidi Turner to update your information: b39hturn@mpspride.org or 860.647.8275.
- New number? Please remember to update the registrar with any changes to your phone number or email so we can reach you!
- New email? If you are reading this on our app and not in your email it may mean we have old information. Please contact Ms. Turner with your new email address so you don't miss out!
A note from the security team.
Please be aware of our school security guards directing traffic for arrival & dismissal times at the exit area of our bus Lane and Vine St. Parents dropping off and picking up should enter the property via Spruce to School Street and exit onto Wells Street. Thank you for your patience.
Is there something you would like to see in this newsletter?
Bennet Academy
Email: jchella@mpspride.org
Website: https://www.mpspride.org/Domain/9
Location: 1151 Main Street, Manchester, CT, USA
Phone: 860-647-3571