HMS UPDATE
September Newsletter
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome to this year's first edition of the HMS Update. The purpose of this newsletter is to share with our parents and guardians highlights of the month, upcoming events and programs, insights into the HMS life, and celebrations of our students and staff.
We hope you enjoy our Back to School Nights and that you come away knowing that the HMS staff is committed to the social, emotional and academic success of every student. Thus far, I think our students have successfully transitioned into the new school year. By now our routines have been established and the days are getting more exciting with the start of our after-school activities, band and orchestra classes and several upcoming programs, trips and events.
On a personal note, I would like to recognize the efforts of someone who for the past eight years has played an integral role in the success of Helen Morgan School. Mrs. Alison Werkmeister has masterfully captained the HMS main office with poise, professionalism, compassion and confidence. For parents, visitors and guests a main office often serves as the first impression of a school. We pride ourselves on creating a positive and welcoming school environment and I thank Mrs. Werkmeister for helping to build and maintain that foundation. Beginning next week, Mrs. Werkmeister will have a new role at the Board of Education office. We wish her the very best, and we will certainly miss her. Speaking for many of us here, it is going to be very challenging to stop saying, "just ask Alison".
Proudly,
Doug Layman
Principal, HMS
973.957.1HMS
UPCOMING EVENTS
September
25- 5th Grade BTSN
26- Wear Yellow for Friendship (all elementary schools)
27- School Picture Day
October
1- 4th Grade Trip to Sterling Mines (1st group)
2- 4th Grade Trip to Sterling Mines (2nd group)
7-11- Week of Respect
9- Schools Closed
14- Schools Closed
Introducing Mr. Kelly
HMS Visiting Author Announcement
Several of her books can be purchased in advance by submitting this order form.
SIGN UP FOR PICK-UP PATROL
Here is the link to the welcome letter if you not already signed up.
Afternoon Pick-Ups
PASS IT ALONG 5th GRADE WORKSHOPS
At Pass It Along, our goal is to encourage and empower young people to make lasting
and sustainable changes through service, leadership and self-discovery.
Our self-discovery series, Discover Your Passion and Purpose (DPP), empowers young
people in regaining that unshakeable sense of self-worth and confidence. This program
helps to create connection, passion, empathy and purpose. Discover Your Passion and
Purpose builds self-esteem and self-acceptance and promotes compassion and
altruism. This workshop also gently guides teens as they begin their lifelong journey of
recognizing, cultivating and manifesting their larger purpose for the benefit of
themselves, their communities and the world.
DPP is a 3-part interactive, in school workshop which explores the following topics…
Self-Awareness: my thoughts create my life
Gratitude: there is always something to be grateful for
Service: every act of kindness matters
FROM THE HMS PTO....
Welcome back! The HMS PTO has been busy over the past few months planning for an amazing school year. We have lots of fun events and fundraisers planned for this year.
Thank you to the families that donated items to our Back to School Teacher Breakfast on August 29th. Everyone enjoyed the delicious treats provided by the PTO. It was a great start to the school year!
Please remember to send in your Student Donations . The Student Donation drive is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Sadly at this time less than 10% of families have donated. We rely heavily on these donations to fund our events during the school year.
Upcoming Events:
PTO Meeting- Thursday September 19th 2 pm
Spirit Wear Sale- Ends Friday September 27th. Click here to see the merchandise. Place your order by sending in this form.
Please feel free to contact us at our new PTO email address: sparta.hmspto@gmail.com
Thank you for your continued support,
The HMS PTO
Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
HMS World Language Club
Food Rescue is Back!
I t is reported that 40% of food produced in the U.S. is wasted, including 1 billion food items annually from U.S. schools. Helen Morgan has partnered with K 12 Food Rescue (https://www.foodrescue.net/) to help eliminate that waste and give back to those in need.
Across the country over 100 K-12 Food Rescue Schools have rescued over 3.4 million food items from the landfill. Rotting food in landfills produces methane gas that is 21 times more harmful to the environment than CO2. Helen Morgan students will be joining the food rescue movement by placing unwanted food items to the side during their lunchtimes. Student volunteers will sort the food, store it appropriately and log it into our school’s tracking tool on the K-12 Food Rescue website. The food will then be transported to local pantries. Look for updates throughout the year to hear about the positive impact on our community and the environment!
FROM THE SPARTA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
HMS PHOTO ALBUM
The workshop approach in 4th Grade Math
Live lesson on Carbon Dioxide and Rising Temperature
A nice addition to the gymnasium
WALKING WEDNESDAYS
Our first STOMP OUT BULLYING Upstanders
4th and 5th Grade Character Lesson
a cozy read aloud
4-Square
SPARTA COMMUNITY FLYERS
PREVIOUS BLACKBOARD EMAILS
SUGGESTION BOX
Where to find these on the HMS website
Helen Morgan School
Email: doug.layman@sparta.org
Website: www.sparta.org
Location: Sparta, NJ
Phone: 973.729.5770
Twitter: @bulldogblasts