January 2023 District Newsletter
Dear Hingham School Community,
We have reached this school year's halfway point. Every day there is so much to celebrate in our schools and classrooms. Last week, the middle school celebrated with the seventh graders at the halfway point of their middle school career with family members lined up, cheering on their young people. At South on Friday, the whole school community celebrated the dedication of new flags in their cafetorium meant to represent all of the countries of our students and families. I am proud of all our learners, staff, and families who create this wonderful community.
Last week, I provided an update on the current status of the budget and the difference between the level services with an override and the balanced/reduced services budget without the override. It was a challenging week for our school community as we shared the news of the reductions needed to address the townβs budget shortfall. I shared that the estimated budget shortfall was approximately 4.8 million, which includes needed funding to cover unemployment costs, requiring reductions of approximately 60.6 positions and additional fees for athletics, full-day kindergarten, and activities at the high school. We expect over the coming weeks to continue to receive more information on the townβs revenues and the final number of required reductions for the balanced/reduced service budget.
Please continue to be engaged with the budget process over the next few weeks. The Town of Hingham has established a website for information about the override. All of the budget information for the schools is also posted on our website here. The following are the upcoming meetings:
February 1st at 6 PM-School Committee: Budget Meeting and Discussion with Principals of Additional Reductions
February 7th-7 PM-Budget Meeting with School Committee and Advisory Committee
February 13th-6 PM-School Committee Public Hearing
February 16th-7 PM-Budget Meeting with school Committee, Select Board, and Advisory Committee
We are grateful for all of the engagement of our families and educators as we move forward in the budget process.
Sincerely,
Margaret Adams
Superintendent of Schools
East Elementary
During this month, East students learned about Lunar New Year. Classes learned about the customs of the holiday and the cultures that celebrate it. Classes had read-alouds, watched videos, created slideshows, heard presentations from parents, and other Lunar New Year related activities.
Foster Elementary
The School Building Project has begun at the back of Foster School. The project is currently in Phase 1 as they prepare the site for upwards construction.
Plymouth River Elementary
South Elementary
South School had a Flags Around the World dedication during their Buzz Assembly this month. South School dedicated an additional 39 flags to better represent students and families.
Hingham Middle School
Hingham High School
220 Central St. Hingham, MA 02043
Phone: 781-741-1500