HMS UPDATE
November Newsletter
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
We did it! Last week, thanks to the efforts of many, we were able to see Wonder. As a school community, we have adopted the message of Choosing Kind as a year-long focus to help model and instill the values of empathy, friendship and cooperation.
Throughout our classrooms, doorways, hallways, windows, and pathways Wonder themes abound. The effectiveness of an initiative such as this is highly dependent upon the collective buy-in of all stakeholders. As the school principal, I am very proud to see how our staff- the entire staff- has come together in making this a meaningful experience for our students. Seeing the movie, while fun and exciting for our students, is only one component of the larger goal of making HMS (and our world) a kinder place to learn and grow.
Be sure to check out the Wonder-themed photo album at the end of this newsletter.
Proudly,
Mr. Layman
Principal
mrlayman.blogspot.com
UPCOMING EVENTS AT HMS
December
1- Early Dismissal (Teacher In-service)
7- End of Trimester 1
14- Report Cards posted (see below for instructions)
22- Early Dismissal
25-Jan.1- Schools Closed
CONCERT SCHEDULE (all @ SHS)
7- Strings
11- Band
21-Chorus
Welcome, Mr. Grogaard
1. What was your favorite subject when you were in 4th grade, and what is your favorite subject to teach?
When I was in 4th grade, I loved science and reading. I loved studying both how the real world worked and diving into the fictional worlds of other's imaginations. Now that I am a teacher myself, my favorites have switched slightly to US history and reading. I still enjoy the mysteries of science and reading will always be a passion of mine, but I truly get a thrill out of reading how this country came to be.
2. You seem pretty savvy with technology...how has technology improved the student learning experience?
Technology is the new frontier where education is concerned. Technology allows every student and teacher alike to explore the world in new fantastic ways. Moreover, the ease of accessing information from all over the world allows for more time spent on creating new ideas and projects with others instead of all of your time spent researching. Technology when used in the right ways will lead students to create, adapt, and evolve in amazing ways.
3. If you were not a teacher , you would be....
Although teaching is my true calling and passion, if I woke up tomorrow and teaching was not an option anymore, I would say my dream job would be to work for the US Department of the Interior as a national park ranger. My love for the outdoors stems from both my interest in natural science and my connection to the Boy Scouts of America. As an Eagle Scout, I believe nature is one of mankind's greatest treasures and we all have a duty to protect and preserve its beauties. I enjoy any opportunity to involve an outdoor classroom setting into my instruction as often as I can.
4. What is your greatest fear?
I would have to say my greatest fear is letting my loved ones down. Being loyal and true to my family and friends is the most important thing in my life.
5. What do you want HMS students to know about you?
I would like the students to know how much I have enjoyed my time so far at HMS! Every student I have greeted in the classrooms and hallways and every teacher I have interacted with has been so welcoming and incredibly friendly. HMS feels like home, which is why I love coming to work each and every day! So thank you all!!
4th Grade Math Homework Help
2 HOUR DELAYS
Standards-Based Report Card
ACCESSING REPORT CARDS IN GENESIS (Dec. 14)
HMS Ski Program 2.0
Please click here for information on how to sign up for this year's ELV8 ski/snowboard program.
Answers to FAQs:
-All skill levels welcome
-Snowboard availability based order of registration
-Chaperones needed (leave HMS at 4, return around 8)
-Students will be sized for equipment here at HMS
-Students can not bring own equipment
-Students will change at HMS prior to departure
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS
Please consider nominating a teacher and/or educational services professional for the HMS 2018 Governor's Educator of the Year Award. Here is the link to the form, please submit by 12/18.
Ms. Rudolph's Art Class Newsletter
5th Grade Trip to see the NJSO
On Friday, November 17th, our 5th grade student musicians attended Concerts for Young People and watched the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra perform! It was an incredible experience to witness the talent and enthusiasm of these professional musicians up close in our very own Sparta High School auditorium. The concert's theme was "Shooting for the Stars", so the program featured pieces with connections to outer space such as Holst's Mars and Jupiter, Mozart's "Jupiter" Symphony, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony (the one that goes DUN DUN DUN DUNNN!) as well as themes from Star Trek and Star Wars. Both the conductor and concert host were fun and interactive. Not only did they touch upon the stories of each piece and its composers, but they highlighted each instrument family in the orchestra as well. They also introduced a more uncommon instrument called a theremin, which is an electronic instrument that produces an eerie sound by waving both hands in thin air—the kids really got a kick out of that! The performance left everyone awed and inspired. We are incredibly grateful to have had this amazing experience!
Team Arlen and Rennie participate in Pass It Along's Family Day
Hour of Code
The week of December 4 through 10 is the official Hour of Code week. Join many of our students at HMS in participating as a family or on your own at home.
Two great places to start:
1. Khan Academy
HMS Thanks...
SPARTA Police Detective JEFF MCCARICK (MCCARICK'S LANDCAPING) for donating over 500 rocks for our kindness painting project. Rocks will be displayed on our walk way.
Sparta Evangelical Free Church and their Sussex Serves program, for painting our playground lines, cleaning up our courtyard, and painting the Band Room doors.
ThorLabs for sponsoring the HMS Lego Robotics program.
Sparta Theater, and specifically the manager, Lindsey Sauer, for accommodating our students and staff for our Wonder trips.
HMS in the News...
HOLIDAY MUSIC SPECTACULAR!
HMS PHOTO ALBUM
The HMS Wonder Experience
SPARTA COMMUNITY FLYERS
PREVIOUS GENESIS E-Mails
HMS REMIND TEXT MESSAGES
Helen Morgan School
Email: doug.layman@sparta.org
Website: www.sparta.org
Location: Sparta, NJ
Phone: 973.729.5770
Twitter: @bulldogblasts