The Hopkins School Hawk Squawk
Hopkins' Principal Updates - 10/4/2020
Scenes from Hopkins' opening - September 2020
Updates from the Hopkins' Office
Dear Hopkins' Families,
This has certainly been the most unusual school start, but we are off and running at Hopkins School! The building has truly has come to life with children enthusiastically embracing their journey as learners in Grade 4 or 5. As Ms. Babson and I work our way through the hallways and classrooms, we see and hear great things happening, both in building and online. The lunchroom began the year uncharacteristically silent, but some happy tunes over the speaker and our creative students have many of us dancing, even as we socially distance. There are smiles beneath those masks! The tireless dedication and passion of the Hopkins' staff and educators is truly apparent when watching the adults interact with students! Our theme for this school year is certainly a relevant one for 2020, "The best view comes after the hardest climb!" While we still have a LONG way to go, we are already seeing some pretty special sights!
Whatever the setting for your child's instruction, the educators are working tirelessly to ensure that they get the most possible out of this special, albeit very different-looking, year. Kids are getting to know one another as they learn about similarities and differences amongst their classmates. Teachers are creating communities of learners and establishing the routines and expectations that make a classroom hum. Students are engaged in their learning, eager to make a good impression and start the year off with success!
Overall, it’s been a very smooth start at Hopkins. The logistics and systems we have in place for arrival, dismissal, and safety seem to be working well. There are certainly a few wrinkles we’re working out as these critical processes become routine for students, staff, and families. Beginning a new school year is wrought with change: new Learning Management Systems, new schedules, new teachers, new classmates, new routines, new settings. However, our students continue to show us how resilient they are, and how willing they are to trust our teachers. They quickly recognize our staff cares very deeply for them as individuals and as a student body, and know they are in a safe place at Hopkins. As excited as I was to begin the school year, the successes of our first days together has me imagining the possibilities and opportunities to come!
Recognizing the busy schedule of the modern day family, the Hawk Squawk will continue to follow a bi-weekly format. After each Principal's Update, you will find several key sections: upcoming dates, pictures from around Hopkins, videos- often linked to the Core Value discussed, as well as names of Principal's Cabinet members for the month (a tradition we will continue this year!). Finally, at the bottom of each newsletter, families will find links to other forms of information from Hopkins- Twitter, website, Instagram and Facebook. Through all this, we hope to keep you informed about the happenings of Hopkins! I've shared two of my favorite videos for the start of a school year with you below. The first is the parenting "manifesto" from one of my most admired authors and speakers, Brene Brown. This second is one I share almost every year, the special story of the Panyee soccer team- an inspiring video about the importance of community- and believing we "can." This message seems so appropriate for our current times, so please enjoy!
Some important updates/reminders as we move into October:
- Morning Announcements with the Hopkins' Bitmoji Office - COMING SOON! At Hopkins, we know that while community begins in the classroom, it is most vibrant when it extends to our National Park Teams and across our whole school. While this is more challenging in our current environment, we are determined to build school spirit! In coming days, Ms. Babson and I will be sharing out our "Hopkins School Bitmoji Office," which will include opportunities for all our students to hear the daily announcements and be able to explore ways to connect with our larger school community.
- Technology Update - If you did not have an opportunity to read the update on remote learning expectations, please see the technology section below to download the communication.
- Grade Level "Learning Labs" - COMING SOON! We recognize the unique challenges of asynchronous remote learning, especially for 4th and 5th graders whose executive functioning skills are just beginning to emerge. Stay tuned for a communication from the office next week with information about our "Learning Labs," that will be staffed by Hopkins' paraprofessionals, to assist students as they complete asynchronous assignments in math and ELA. We anticipate these beginning, initially, on an "invitation" level, and expand in coming weeks.
- Literacy Support & Math Tutoring - Our Literacy Specialist, Mrs. Sarah Fox and our Math Tutors, Mrs. Suzanne Starzyk and Mrs. Erin Rasmussen are busy examining beginning of year assessment data for our students with classroom teachers and will be sending communication to families of students who are recommended to join these services. Both will be by appointment- math tutoring will take place on students' asynchronous days/times and literacy support will be on a scheduled basis, as described to families by Mrs. Fox.
- Curriculum Nights/Open House- This year, all Hopkinton Public Schools will be sharing our traditional "Open House" information with families through pre-recorded video messages that all families will be able to access, at their convenience, during the week of October 19th. As we get closer to this date, more details will be shared on how the videos will be accessible to everyone.
- Adjustments in schedules & asynchronous learning - Remember that we will continue to SLOWLY ramp up learning and expectations for your child over the next few weeks and months. Schoology is a new Learning Management System for all of us and we also need time to adjust to this new back to school pace. Please, be patient during this process, but do speak with your child's teacher if you are finding the time on "home learning" is taking significantly more or less than the expectations communicated by your child's teacher. Additionally, families in the elected remote model can anticipate that time spent on asynchronously learning will increase in coming days/weeks as teachers begin more small group work and individual conferencing.
- Model Changes - Families who requested a change in learning model will hear from the school by the end of this week regarding their request. Patience is requested, as the process of adjusting homerooms after the start of school is a complicated one.
- Dress for the weather - Make sure that children dress in layers if they are headed to Hopkins- we anticipate being in and out of the building a lot, rain or shine!
Warmly,
Vanessa Bilello
Principal, Hopkins School
Upcoming Hopkins' Events
- Monday, October 12th - NO SCHOOL, Columbus Day/Indigenous People Day
- Wednesday, October 14th - @ 9:00 AM: Virtual "Coffee Talk" with Mrs. Bilello
- Friday, October 16th - Early Release (12:15PM dismissal, lunch is served)
- Week of October 19th - "Virtual Open House Week" - stay tuned for info and links
- Tuesday, November 3rd - NO SCHOOL, Professional Development Day & Election Day
- Wednesday, November 11th - NO SCHOOL, Veterans Day
- Wednesday, November 25th - Early Dismissal, Thanksgiving Break
- Thursday, November 26th - 27th - NO SCHOOL, Thanksgiving Break
Welcome to our new LTS Art Teacher - Mrs. Dawn!
According to the Acton Art School, "Sahar is a highly skilled artist who works in a variety of mediums including marquetry (wood veneers precisely cut and inlaid to simulate painted images) mosaic tileworks, painting, drawing and more. She has taught a variety of fine art classes at the Fitchburg Art Museum, Mount Wachusett Community College, and Leominster Library. Sahar has previously taught Kindergarten and special needs students in Iran. Samples of Sahar’s artwork can be seen at her website and on instagram:
http://ghavimiartworks.weebly.com/
https://www.instagram.com/Honar_moaragh_/
WELCOME TO HOPKINS MRS. DAWN!
Updates from the Hopkinton PTO
Welcome back to Hopkins! We know we are embarking on a very different school year for everyone, but our Hawks are excited to start regardless of how it may unfold. On behalf of the HPTO, we wanted to say thank you to the Hopkins team who has been working so hard and has done an amazing job preparing for a safe start with so much uncertainty!
An exciting change was in the works this summer and the final items are being implemented on all communication moving forward: the HPTA is now the HPTO. After a membership vote last spring, we have officially transitioned to our own independent, non-profit organization. This allows us to keep 100% of our membership fees locally. Our mission remains the same - to support Hopkinton schools through fundraising and volunteerism - the only change you need to make is to update your website bookmarks to point to our new website at hptoonline.com and all emails should be sent to hopkins@hptoonline.com.
A friendly reminder that membership in the HPTO is based on the school year, so if you haven't already, please join or renew for this fall. Here is a link: https://hopkintonpta.membershiptoolkit.com/ Scroll down and under Quick Links in the bottom right section, you'll see Login/Register and Join buttons. Your support really does make a difference: it will continue to provide enrichment programs (most will happen this year, albeit with a twist), after school activities (to be held online this fall), staff recognition, and much more. Check out the flier below for information on our Square One Art fundraiser to support the schools!
If you have any questions or want to find out how you can volunteer for the HPTO this year, please don't hesitate to reach out to us using the HPTO links above.
Thank you so much and we look forward to supporting Hopkins and our Hawks this year,
Nikki Howell and Katie Principe
Hopkins HPTO VPs
Hopkinton Public Schools Tech Support
Support from HPS Tech Department
- Mrs. Doty, our Elementary Technology Specialist, will be hosting a zoom "help desk" for Tech support office hours, where she will help families navigate the home learning experience and assist with questions, especially related to our new Learning Management System, Schoology. She will be available on Zoom each day of the week for basic account issues and troubleshooting Schoology and Seesaw issues. Please do not ask them about hardware issues, those issues should be addressed through the ticketing system. Her office hours are listed below
- Elementary 12:00 - Zoom Link
After hours 1-800-HPS-HELP (Tech integration Zoom Link Monday & Wednesday 5:30 to 6:30
- If you are have hardware or other tech problems related to your HPS device, please email helpdesk@hopkinton.k12.ma.us and put your question in the body of the email and a ticket will be generated for you.
- The Tech Center is managing and triaging all tickets and someone will reach out to you with help. If you see a reply from the helpdesk ticketing system please respond to it. This is how we can engage in a back and forth conversation about the issue. Please know that call volume is HIGH right now, so please show patience!
- Techs will be available to help parents and students between the hours of 7:30am and 8pm. So please submit a ticket and we will get to your issue as soon as possible.
Schoology Video Link - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyhiW2xh9YYiRnJs9tuD41IHl64NoAF9Y
Social Emotional Learning Resources for Families
Hopkins' Counseling Department Resources
Social-emotional well-being is first and foremost for all of us! The Behavioral-Emotional Support Team of Hopkins, including Mrs. Shea (Guidance Counselor/504 Coordinator), Mrs. McCorvey (Adjustment Counselor), Mr. Shade (BCBA), Mrs. Clabbers (Psychologist), Mrs. Steen (Nurse), Mrs. Callahan (SPED Team Chair), Ms. Babson and I are firmly committed to helping families navigate these uncharted waters, so please reach out if you and your child need support! The Hopkins' Counseling Team has gathered a tremendous list of resources to support families, so please reach out if you need assistance!
Beginning of Year Key Info
What do I do if I have a technology related issue?
Please check out the full "tech section" below for info related to technology, including our new "help desk," hosted by Mrs. Doty, for support with our Learning Management System, Schoology, as well as the ticketing system info for hardware issues related to HPS devices.
What are school office hours?
Hopkins' office hours will be 7:30-3:30. Students may not be dropped off until 8:00 AM, when supervision will begin in the front of school, for walkers and parent drop-offs, and behind the building for busses. The tardy bell and announcements occur at 8:15 AM. At 3:30, the office closes and families will not be able to gain access to Hopkins.
What about lunch?
School lunch is available from HPS, including on home learning days. Students are also welcome to bring their own lunch. Remote Learning Students picking up lunch or student taking home lunch for their home learning days MUST Pre-Order meals by 7pm Wednesday for the following week. The order form is accessible from your Parent Portal in Powerschool. Please check the school calendar and the district website for details about the school lunch program.
What about all the Health Protocols?
Please check out the school webinar and district website for the latest information from our Department of Public Health and our District Nurses. Check out key slides from our district nurses below!
What about face coverings?
Please review this policy carefully and note:
(1) The Hopkinton Public Schools is not permitting the wearing of gaiters or bandanas;
(2) Cloth masks must have multiple layers of fabric;
(3) Disposable masks should be 3-ply.
The school district has been able to provide an optional face shield for every student and staff member.
In addition to the School Committee Policy, here are a few resources from the HPS Nursing Staff on preparing for the return to school and wearing a mask safely.
HPS Preparing for Return to School
9-14-20 HPS Wearing Masks at School
How can I get involved?
Families are encouraged to learn more about volunteer opportunities with both the HPTO (Parent-Teacher Organization - please see below for more info!), HEF (Hopkinton Education Foundation), and SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council). These are great ways to become part of our community at Hopkins- and are extremely important supporters of our schools in Hopkinton! We look forward to inviting families to volunteer in classrooms in a virtual format later in the year - stay tuned for updates!
Security Reminders
Drop-off/Pick Up Window:
Drop off hours for forgotten lunches and other items occur between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM at Hopkins School. Please do not bring forgotten homework to school. To drop-off items, you will be buzzed into our main entrance exterior door, and a cubby/shelf will be located in the vestibule. Please leave the clearly-labeled items on the table. Our staff will call students down to the Main Office to pick up these items at approximately 10:35. For families in the Elected Remote model, materials for instruction will also be left in these cubbies for pick up, as arranged with the classroom teacher.
School Doors:
Access to school buildings is incredibly limited, in order to ensure the safety of those inside. Meetings with families will be scheduled via Zoom or phone wherever possible. To review the map of traffic flow for dismissals, please see the Drop Off/Dismissal section below. As a reminder, it is necessary to stay in your vehicle when in the dismissal line. This is not applicable for the Kidsborough Afterschool Care, which has their own dismissal protocols.
Drop Off and Dismissal
Busses:
If your child will be taking the school bus, you can access bus route information on the school district website. We recommend that you be at bus stops somewhat earlier than the printed times for the first week or so, until the buses have a chance to fully establish their routines. We encourage a 10-15 minute window at the beginning of the year, as route times are approximations. Be respectful of the time, as those not prepared will delay the route for all. For the dismissal route, again, please allow a 10-15 minute window of time. Route times are approximate, not exact.
Family Drop-Off and Pick-up Procedures:
For those of you not familiar with our process, information can be found on our website. Drop-offs in the morning start at 8:00. Please know that if you drop off your child prior to 8:00, we are unable to provide supervision or entry to the building. Therefore, we ask you aim for as close to 8:00 as possible. Our tardy bell rings at 8:15. The pick-up line will begin dismissing students promptly at 2:30. Be prepared with ID for all parent pick-ups at the end of each day. As seen in the image below, family drop-off/pick-up is at the areas marked on the map 2 & 3, along the sidewalk next to the front of the building.
Dismissal/Transportation Changes for Students:
It is critical to your child and our staff at Hopkins that we know your child’s dismissal routines, or, if there is a change to transportation at the end of the day. Please complete the dismissal change form for any changes for your child. Hopkins parents/guardians must complete dismissal changes before 1:15PM. Any dismissal changes also need to comply with our District’s Transportation policies.
It is imperative that we are able to verify our transportation information for our young students. Continuous changes impede this verification. Please follow district protocols for any changes.
It is also important for your child to know their dismissal plans each day, especially if they have different routines on different days of the week. Children are sometimes confused or forget about the days of the week. Kids can also be on “auto-pilot” at the end of each day and not think about where they are supposed to go. If your child has different plans on different days, please review with your child their schedule and routine.
Health Resources for Families
Communication
Our school website has static information, but it is also updated with current news, photos and bulletins. Every other week, you can expect a school-wide update from the Principal’s Office, the Hawk Squawk. This is distributed to families via email and can also be found on the school’s webpage. You can also follow us on Twitter: @hopkinsschool, Instagram (hopkins_elementary), and Facebook (HopkinsElementarySchool). Ms. Babson sends out the Hopkins Herald newsletter every other month. This includes articles written by staff and students at Hopkins, as well as many pictures from our hallways.
In addition to the above school-wide methods, please communicate openly with your child’s teacher(s). Each teacher has an email address and voice mailbox. Many also utilize a website and/or Twitter to share news. You can find their contact information on our school website or you can call (508)-497-9824 to reach teachers’ voicemail.