Friday Update

Hello Foster’s Finest,

Today was an interesting day here at Foster. The shed was taken down right as school began. Some of the students had a bird's eye view of this as they entered the school. There was a lot of excitement in the air. What an opportunity to see "simple machines" at work. The playground sod has been put into place and the playground is calling to us. I am told the parts needed to finish the equipment are arriving early next week, with the potential to have everything ready by the end of the week. My fingers are crossed. Please praise your children for their excellent behavior while we have been in the front of the school for recess. Mrs. Newell and I have been at almost every recess to assist in supervising the students and we are both very impressed with how well they have adjusted and made it fun for all.

Our second round of our assessment cycle is complete, and next week the staff will begin their data meetings. We will be planning our instruction to make sure our students are learning the curriculum and using this data to plan to address any gaps. One item that has come up across the state is the MCAS assessment and the impact of the COVID years. The state has seen a dip in the writing scores. While our scores in the area of writing in both math and reading look good compared to the state data, we have seen a dip from the years prior to COVID. Last week, teachers in grades 1-5 had an opportunity to work with the district writing coach to plan some instruction for improvement. This morning as I visited classrooms, I was able to see some of that work from last week, being implemented in our classrooms. The Foster Staff is working hard to give our students what they need to succeed. It is always exciting to see professional development having an impact.

I hope you have a great weekend,

Mr. Scheufele

2022-2023 HOMEWORK CLUB SESSION 2 SIGN UP NOTICE

We are excited to bring Session 2 of Homework Club to Foster School for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year. Homework Club sessions are designed to help students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade develop their study skills and build independence when completing homework. Homework Club is being offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2:30-3:30pm, with Session 2 beginning the week of February 27th. Interested families of grades 3, 4, and 5 students should follow the link below to sign up their children by Friday, February 3rd at 3pm. Payments must be submitted by Monday, February 6th at 3pm. Please contact Jessica Sinanan at jsinanan@hinghamschools.org if you have any questions about this program. Sign Up Form: https://forms.gle/wT5rX3FmCZigFUkN7

Program of Studies Night

Hingham High School will deliver its annual “Program of Studies Night” on Monday 2/13 at 7 PM. After introductory remarks about course selection in the auditorium, parents will have an opportunity to meet with department directors and coordinators in the school cafeteria. Student volunteers will provide building tours for any interested parents.

Kids In Action Beginning String Classes

Registration opens tomorrow for this wonderful opportunity. Please take a look at the attached flyer for information about the strings program being offered after school. It is a first come first serve registration process and space is limited.

Pre-School Spanish Immersion Classroom

HPS is excited to announce the opening of the Spanish Immersion PreK pilot program coming this fall. This is a full day program running 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM from September 2023 to June 2024. The program will operate under KIA (Kids in Action).

There are two information sessions this month:

1. In Person - Thursday, January 19, 2023, 7:00 - 8:00 PM @ Foster Elementary School,

55 Downer Ave. Hingham, MA 02043.

2. Virtual - Tuesday, January 24, 2023, 7:00 - 8:00 PM Via Zoom. The Zoom link will be

posted on our website.

For more information on the program, visit: https://hinghamschools.org/spanish-immersion-prek/

Registration for the program opens on Monday, January 23, 2023. The enrollment deadline for the program is February 15, 2023.

Kids In Action Pre-Kindergarten Registration 2023-2024

KIA Pre-Kindergarten and Spanish Immersion Pre-Kindergarten registration will open on January 23. The programs are designed for children who will be 4 by August 31, 2023. Our Pre-K programs offer a 5-day schedule from 8:30-2:00. We are excited to pilot an extended day option for our Pre-Kindergarteners that will run from 2:00 – 6:00.

For more information about our Spanish Immersion class please join us for a parent informational session on January 24th from 7:00 – 8:00 via Zoom.

We will also be hosting an Open House for families who are interested in either Pre-Kindergarten Program on February 1st from 1:00 – 2:30 at East Elementary.

For more information or to register please visit Kids In Action Pre-Kindergarten on the Hingham Public Schools website.

PTO NEWS

Save The Date: Our next PTO Meeting is Thursday February 2nd 6pm-7pm @ Foster School Library. Join us for a HPS budget update & discussion from our Superintendent Dr. Margaret Adams. The HPS School budget is at the forefront of all upcoming School Committee meetings. Essential positions and resources are in jeopardy. This year there will be discussion on the need for Operational Override to be voted on at the Spring Town Meeting. Show up & stay informed! RSVP via text or email to Missy Sadler @508-380-1536 / sadler.melissa@icloud.com.

Remember to visit https://www.fosterpto.com providing you one place to go for all things PTO.

Math Olympics is coming back after February Break

More information coming soon if you’re interested in getting involved please contact Caitlin Riley @ caitlin.o.riley@gmail.com

NEW Green Team Session Sign-Up Live:

Registration is now open for ALL families.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/mMNYqbgQMcdDBv2k9

Swag Store:

Back by popular demand The Foster Swag Store is open for the month of January! Place your orders now and check out the newest edition black camouflage Foster hoodie! https://hemlock-ink.printavo.com/merch/foster-elementary/

Yearbook Committee Needs Your Help:

Are you looking for a way to volunteer for the Foster community at a time & place that’s convenient for you? Join the yearbook committee! We are looking for help from parents in ALL grades. There are many ways to be involved. Please check out the sign up genius Yearbook Sign Up

& contact Denise Dockrey for more information at dsdock@gmail.com.

Scholastic Book Fair Save the Dates: March 13th – 17th

We are planning to bring back Family Night as well as the Used Book Store…Stay tuned for more info. If you’re looking to volunteer to help with this great event please reach out to Ally Forrest @ forrae01@yahoo.com

Boosterthon Glow Run Save The Dates: March 22nd – 31st

For our spring fundraiser the PTO is partnering with Boosterthon to transform Fosters gym into a glowing, neon racetrack with rope lights, disco balls, tents, flags, cones, and tunnels. During the week leading up to the run students will learn & focus on a different theme each day (Gratitude, Stewardship, Bravery, Perseverance & Wonder). Students who wish to participate can work to get pledges for how many laps they can run and receive awards/prizes for achieving milestones. At the end of the week students who want to participate will run up to 35 glowing laps to fun, high-energy music. Special accommodations will be made for any student that may require them. We are looking for volunteers. Please contact Meg Tomasello for more info: mgrier77@yahoo.com

Check out: Glow Run Video

We are bringing back the K-5 Foster Talent Show:

Save The Dates: Dress Rehearsal Fri. May 5th & Talent Show Sat. May 6th Location: @ Hingham High School Auditorium

Please email kellyhoppe@gmail.com if you would like to help be a part of the planning committee.

Upcoming Community Info & Events:

The Hingham Public Schools is convening a team of school staff, school and district leaders, students, and caregivers to serve as members of a screening committee for the position of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. The time commitment will be two to three evenings in late February for review of resumes and interviews of candidates. If you might be interested, please send an email of interest to Susan D'Amato, Director of Human Resources, sd'amato@hinghamschools.org. Include your contact information, some background information on yourself, and reasons for your interest in serving on the screening committee.

Please note if you are not able to join the screening committee or are not chosen, there will be opportunities for families and the community to meet the finalists.

LAST CALL For Spring Softball Clinics – Grades 2-8

Sign up for Spring Training Clinics to get ready for the 2023 Spring HGS Softball Season! Open to girls grades 2-8. These clinics focus on hitting, fielding, throwing, and getting ready for the spring season! $180 for 4 sessions in February and March at the Dome at Union Point Sports Complex @ 170 Memorial Grove Ave., South Weymouth. More info at www.hinghamgirlssoftball.com