Best of Bennet
February 26, 2021
From the Principal
As we are nearing the midpoint of quarter 3, we want to remind families of the importance of routines for students. More than ever in this unique time of the pandemic, students need a structure to their day. Especially on student off days and with our remote students. Having a regular time to wake up and start their day/academics, whether remote or independently, is extremely important for students. We understand this is putting more on parents/guardians and we thank you all for working so hard!
With appreciation!
Joe Chella, Principal
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?
What is your child is learning in Social Studies?
In 5th Grade Social Studies class we have wrapped up our studies of the New England Colonies and are moving on to the Middle and Southern Colonies. We will focus on the climate, geography and economy of each region. We also explore the origin of each colony, and the diverse cultures of the people living there.
In late March and April we will learn about The French & Indian War. Together we will be seeking to answer such questions as: What were the causes of the war? What changed as a result of it? What was the effect of the French and Indian War on the relationship between England and the colonies? At the end of our unit of study it should be clear to the students that this war led to the Revolutionary War.
In Grade 6 we have finally wrapped up our launch unit where students learned all of the skills they will need to be successful in social studies classes this year and in the future! Usually, we would be starting to explore the country of Mexico and its vibrant and colorful culture and geography. However this year we have decided to take a quick break and join forces with the English and Language Arts departments in order to form a temporary Humanities Department. This Humanities Department is working across disciplines with our students to read an amazing book called Refugee by Alan Gratz. We are able to work on and develop our reading and writing skills as well as learning tons of historical context and the implications these historical events have had on our world both historically and presently. The students are truly enjoying the book and are invested in each chapter so intently!
After we are done with Refugee we will move back into two separate departments and we will begin to dive into the country of Mexico. Keeping in mind our year long learning target of how where someone lives influences the way that they live, students will explore the culture and geography of the country. Using the 5 themes of geography as lenses, we will analyze and explore Mexico together!
WHAT'S NEW WITH TEAM JAMES
Here are photos of Team James students following their typical day’s schedule while at school. As you can see, all of your students are engaged, happy, and productive while at work!
TEAM JAMES PHOTO ESSAY: A DAY IN THE LIFE
Movement Break
Google Classroom.
Science lesson.
Science lesson.
You looking at me?
Help please!
Google classroom.
Writing work!
Being safe!
A great attitude!
Thumbs up!
Smile!
Khamai is always smiling under that mask!
Kelly
Thumbs up!
Caden is always first to jump on our Google Meets!
Love that smile!
Ben
Griffin
Jadiel
Maniyah
Maniyah is so creative and has a great sense of humor!
Vincent & Stephen
Mackenzie
Alex W
All smiles while at school! (Behind the mask, of course!)
Alandre B
Maxine
K'mahree
TEAM ANGELOU
What a month it has been for Team Angelou! With February being Black History month and our team’s namesake being such an important and inspirational figure in our nation’s history we would like to take this opportunity to share a bit about Maya Angelou and a new trailblazing Black poet, Amanda Gorman.
Maya Angelou was a writer, poet, dancer, actress, singer, and civil rights activist. She was born on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri and died on May 28, 2014 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Ms. Angelou was best known for her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Maya was a smart girl who loved to read. Her favorite thing in the world was books and the stories they told her. She graduated from high school in California and then began to work a variety of jobs including fry cook, waitress, cable-car conductor, and dancer. She became famous for her acting and toured Europe as part of the cast of the opera Porgy and Bess. At one point Maya worked as a civil rights activist. She first worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Later, she worked for Malcolm X. She worked for the rights of African-Americans and women throughout her lifetime. Although Maya had a lot of interests and careers, her true love was writing. Maya was an international star. One of the many things she is remembered for is reading her poem, On the Pulse of the Morning, at President Bill Clinton's inauguration.
It is likely that our team namesake inspired President Biden’s inaugural poet, Amanda Gorman. Ms. Gorman is the youngest ever inaugural poet. Her stunning poem, “The Hill We Climb” was inspired by President Lincoln, Dr. King, and of course, Maya Angelou. Did you know that at the inauguration Amanda wore a ring with a caged bird? It was a gift from Oprah and symbolized Maya Angelou.
Students and staff at Bennet have the opportunity to complete a short survey and share the names of Black people who inspire them. Mr. Chella reads the submissions aloud each day during morning announcements. We are certain that our inspiring namesake will be featured. Click their names to read more about Maya Angelou or Amanda Gorman or here.
Maya Angelou
Words to live by.
Amanda Gorman
Mr. Morelli helping Olivia navigate the stairs
Mr. & Mrs. Christensen
Amelia M.
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!
Bear Care Corner
Bear Care has become a popular option for many families. If your child is a Bear Care Cub but your circumstances have changed and you no longer need this service, please let us know. We have a waiting list of cubs hoping to join us once we have room.
If your child is a BC Cub currently, please remember to send them to Bear Care with a charged Chromebook and charger, earbuds, a reading book, and a nut-free snack!
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.
Principal Chella wants to thank all staff for working so hard for our students in these unprecedented times! An educators role has shifted significantly and all Bennet staff have evolved and taken this challenge with purpose and a smile on their face. You all are amazing and very much appreciated!
Nurse Penny and Nurse Elisha would like to thank all of the staff at Bennet for being so patient with us during this pandemic. Their detailed communication, constant updating, vigilance and reporting of potential cases, implementation of mitigation factors and stepping up of first aide skills, have all helped us immensely in keeping us safer this year. We are in awe of your awesomeness and ability to adapt in so many ways. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
Ms. Carlson and Ms. Cerins
Family Fun
Ms. Christensen's son Arleigh and grandon Mason making a new friend!
Maiya W.
The Bennet Bear Den
NURSING NEWS!
REMINDER for 6th Grade Families
In order to start 7th grade your student needs 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
*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 is cold outside! If you are in need of help acquiring a warm jacket, gloves or a hat for your student please reach out to their guidance counselor. We often have donations we would love to share with our Bennet Cubs.
*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.
*It's almost time for progress notes. Grades closed February 23rd for progress notes for Quarter 3. We will let you know when progress notes are posted in the Home Access Center, sometime end of the first week of March.
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!
SOCKS FOR SALE!!
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