Best of Bennet
April 30, 2021
From the Principal
Students, both remote and in-person, have been back to full time school for the past two weeks. Students and staff have not skipped a beat. We are so proud of how students have transitioned so well. They have been troopers with every step of this ever changing year. I would like to shout out our staff as well for their flexibility with our full time return. Lastly, I would like to again thank families for their consistent support. You all have been amazing this year! Together, as a team, we will navigate the ending of this unprecedented school year.
Thanks for your continued partnership!
With appreciation!
Joe Chella, Principal
PRE-ORDERS for Grade 5 YEARBOOKS!
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 are Nut-Free this year!
Remind your student please!
What's for lunch?
Team Adams
As the year comes to a close, Team Adams wanted to give our students the chance to share about a memorable experience they had this year. Here are a few highlights and you can check out the rest of the team's memories here!
Josh from Miss Milton's class said: A positive experience I had this year was I made friends.. Also, I learned about the 13 colonies and I didn’t know anything about it until this year. Also, I learned about plastics and how badly they are affecting the world.
Mateo in Mrs. Jodoin's class said: You have truly changed us. From google meets to going to school every Monday and Thursday. You have changed us. I know for sure that I will remember all that I can of this school year. The times I laughed with my friends. And the times I cried. This school year was and is unlike any other. Masks, 6 feet apart, shields and much more. The COVID19 virus has changed our lives. But we can not let it change who we are.
Mrs. Christensen's Nkosi said: One of my favorite moments is when I thought virtual learning would be scary, but I ended up having a fun learning experience with online school and I had one of my favorite learning experiences in my life.
Miss Woodard's Lila noted: My favorite memory was when we went back full time cause I missed having a full class and computer class. Also when the band started in person because online was tough.
In Mr. McDougal's class Calyssa said: Umm..I got a self lesson to not worry too much about my grades and just get the work done so you may have fun.
Team Escalante
Hello Escalante Families,
Happy Spring! We hope this newsletter finds you well.
Last week, we were excited to welcome our in person students back for 5 days. All of us appreciate your patience as we work to iron out any kinks in our new schedule, both in person and online.
We are well into the fourth marking period and our last units in every subject. After integrating social studies with ELA for the third marking period, we have split them again. In social studies, we will explore the countries and cultures of Middle America. In ELA, we will read and write informational pieces. The focus will be on teen activism. By the end of the unit, our journalists will write their own e-Books that demonstrate their understanding of the specific topic they chose to research. The final product will also showcase each writer’s understanding of the role that activism played in bringing attention to the topic. Our last unit in science has us exploring the cycles of matter. Students that are enrolled in 6th grade math with their homeroom teacher, have begun a unit on numeric and algebraic expressions.
Normally, by this time, we have had our trip to Illing Middle School. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend this year, but students were given the opportunity to take a virtual field trip to the school and meet many of the staff. They were also able to learn about many of the different extracurricular activities that Illing has to offer. While it’s not the same as walking the halls, it did provide a venue for students to get a glimpse into their future school and ask questions.
We want to thank you for your continued support during this unusual year. We look forward to continuing our partnership with all of you to maintain a positive, supportive, and safe environment, both emotionally and academically, for our students. As a team, we continue to work collaboratively to set high expectations for our students in the classroom, as well as during online instruction.
Please never hesitate to reach out. We’re all in this together!
Sincerely,
Team Escalante
Stars Award!!
School Spirit
LAST CALL - We need YEARBOOK candids!!
Many parents have been asking about the "regular" yearbook photos that we typically take in the fall and use for identification in our computer system as well as the yearbook and parent purchase. Obviously this year will look very different for that and more information will be forthcoming from Central Office as to how we can accomplish that. Stay tuned!
CURIOSITY CAMP - SUMMER PROGRAMMING!
You can see a sample schedule here. The program runs 8am-4pm and transportation is provided if needed. There are also extended hours available through MELC (7-8am and 4-5:30pm - no transportation is provided for these extended times- and MELC registration is required for extended hours at melearning.org).
Students will partake in field trips, STEAM opportunities, hands-on and inquiry-based activities, Read180, opportunities to build leadership and strengthen personal academics through tutoring elementary students, physical activities, SEL, targeted academic intervention, and so much more!!
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!! Do you want to see someone shouted out next time? Email your suggestion to cberman@mpspride.org.
Shout out to Mr. Chris Morelli for always having a smile on his face and spreading his cheer to coworkers and students alike...we will miss you Mr. Chris!!
The Bennet Bear Den
NURSING NEWS!
REMINDER for 6th Grade Families
As the school year is coming to a close quicker than you think - In order for your child to start 7th grade they need 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 - Masks, Jackets, and Report Cards!
*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 can still be cold outside, especially in the shade!
*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.
*Progress notes will be posted in the Home Access Center by May 6th, or mailed home if your child earned a D or below in any subject. Your login and password remain the same for HAC throughout your child's time in Manchester Public School through graduation. Please keep this information in a safe place as you can always log in to look at your child's grades, but it is also where Progress Notes and Report Cards are found. If you need help logging into the HAC please contact the Registrar, Heidi Turner at b39hturn@mpspride.org.
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