Bennett News
February 11, 2024
Celebrating the 100th Day of School
Spotlight on Learning
Dropping Knowledge through Hands-on Lesson
This week, some of our 4th grade students explored the brain’s role in receiving information from the senses, processing that information, and controlling the muscles to enable movement. In the activity, Think Fast!, students tested their reflexes by measuring how quickly they were able to catch a falling ruler as it passed through their hands. The lesson helped illustrate how we process information in our brains and then respond to that information in different ways.
Exploring Science beyond the Schoolhouse
To introduce the importance of scientific thinking and learning, Kindergarten students engaged in a dramatic play activity and dressed up in outfits associated with various science-related careers. As part of the lesson, students also reflected on why science might be important to the professionals in those fields.
Cultural Heritage on Display at Immigration Fair
Additional Pics at End of Newsletter
PTO News and Updates
Register Now for Bennett Glow Run!
It’s go time! You can now register your child for our Bennett Glow Run! As our biggest fundraiser of the year, our goal is to raise $10,000 for student activities and enrichment programs. Registering is easy and free! Just click on this link.
⭐️ Register Now On MYBOOSTER.COM ⭐️
Registered students have the chance to win great prizes leading up to the big event. In addition, if we get more than 50% of our students registered before the Bennett Glow Run, our WHOLE SCHOOL gets a PJ Day! This INTRO VIDEO shares more about how the program works. Don’t forget to check out the easy sharing functions on MYBOOSTER.COM to let others know how they can help support our school. Thank you for working with us to make our school stronger and creating more opportunities for Bennett Scholars. We are grateful for your support!PTO Fundraiser Planned at Local Restaurant
On Wednesday, February 21, the Bennett PTO is hosting a fundraiser at Brack's Grille & Tap, located at 2097 Bay Street. On that day, present the coupon below and 20% of your purchase will be donated back to the PTO in support of student activities and enrichment programs. This deal applies to all dine-in, take-out, and gift certificate sales. The restaurant is open from 11 AM - 10:30 PM. The event will also feature gift basket raffles with all proceeds going to the PTO. If you would like to volunteer your time or donate a raffle prize, please contact Christina Rando at christinarando8@gmail.com or look for the sign-up genius form on the Facebook page for the Bennett PTO.
Be a Part of the Bennett PTO
The Bennett PTO is a group of parents, teachers, and administrators working together to help supplement the educational offerings at BES by planning, coordinating, and running special events and fundraisers. The group meets monthly and is always looking for new members. If you would like to take a more active role in supporting the school community, please consider joining the PTO. The next PTO meeting is scheduled for 6 PM on Wednesday, February 6, in the Bennett Cafeteria.
School News and Reminders
February Vacation
The Taunton Public Schools will be closed for February break from February 17 - 25. Classes will resume on Monday, February 26. We hope you have a safe and relaxing vacation.
Parenting Resource Library Available Online
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce its new, free MPY Parenting Solutions Library. To date, over 2,200 videos have been borrowed. MPY is offering the MPY Parenting Solutions Library in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions, a non-profit located in Mansfield, CT. Peace At Home Parenting Solutions is a dynamic hub of trusted knowledge and compassionate support that inspires parents to create positive change for their children, their families and themselves. Through this new partnership, MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students’ families thrive. The library provides evidence-based strategies to foster nurturing connections that safeguard children's mental well-being. When parents grasp the interconnection between the brain, body, and behavior, they experience reduced stress levels, resulting in less stress for their children. Parents can watch or just listen to experts who get right to the point solving big and small challenges. The 24 library presentations focus on the topics below. Each presentation includes a 10-minute video and handouts.
- Inspire School Success for Elementary, Middle and High School Students
- Parenting Principles for Progress Not Perfection
- Mental Health Knowledge and Skills
- Support Your Anxious Child Library
- ADHD and Autism: How to Help Your Child Thrive
The Home Parenting Library may easily be accessed using the link on MPY’s home page (www.mpyinc.org). No log in or passcode is needed.
Important Reminder - Policies on Sharing Food
Just a friendly reminder that district policies restrict students from bringing food/candy to school to be shared with classmates, unless it is part of a classroom lesson or activity being coordinated by their teachers. This standing policy also applies to birthdays and holidays such as Valentine’s Day. Despite being well intentioned, students sharing food items with their peers can present health risks for students with allergies and feel exclusionary to those who are unable to partake for any reason. In addition, before sending students in with toys/games to share with classmates, parents are asked to consider the potential disruption to learning they may cause. Your support and understanding is greatly appreciated.
Health Office Updates
Parent Communication Tool Available
The communication app called Parent Square will be used to share regular school updates and reminders from classroom teachers. All parents are encouraged to sign up for Parent Square using the QR code pictured here. While registering, you will be asked to select a school/district. Please enter Edmund Hatch Bennett School. Once you are in the app, you will be able to enroll in the classes your children have be assigned to for the year.
Last Call for Claiming Lost & Found Items
It's amazing how many jackets, sweatshirts, hats, and water bottles find their way into our lost & found each day. The pictures below show some of those items. If you see anything that looks familiar, encourage your child to pick it up during lunch. Lost & Found items not retrieved by the start of February vacation will be donated to local charities.