Best of Bennet
May 27, 2022
From the Principal
Hi Bennet Academy Families!
I hope you are all doing well leading into the Memorial Day weekend! Students and staff are working hard to close out the 2021-2022 school year on a positive note!
Today we shared our Internet Safety Presentation with students. This presentation is a result of the survey filled out by students, staff and families. Thank you again for those that filled out the survey. I sent an email to families with the presentation, but have also linked it in this message as well.
As usual, thank you for your continued support and partnership!
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.
Does your child ride a bus? Do they need to go home with a friend?
A child may only ride the bus they are assigned to. If your child is not a bus rider they may not go home that way with a friend. Likewise, if your child is a bus rider, they may not ride a friend's bus, only their own. If your child is on the same bus as a friend and you need them to get off at a different stop there is a protocol. A written note should be sent in with your child and given to the office in the morning. At that point a staff member will call home to verify the plan and scan the note to the Transportation Department, who will then communicate with the bus company.
This is only if your child needs to get off at a different stop on their own bus. No bus changes will be made. This policy is for the safety and protection of your student. Thank you for your coopertion.
Attendance Line - 860-647-3583
Please take note, even if your child is in quarantine, it is important to call them in absent if they are to ill to complete assignments or participate in remote learning (if they qualify).
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CVS
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Musical Notes - Grades 5 & 6
We had two fantastic concerts earlier this month on May 4th and 5th. We had not had a concert since December of 2019 and both teachers and students were excited and elated to perform in front of friends and family. We had a fantastic turnout and cannot thank you enough for being so supportive of your students and our music department.
Our 6th grade general music students have been working on their note reading and solfege patterns this month. We have been using xylophones, boomwhackers, and online instruments to practice these patterns, as well as their singing voices. We have even had some volunteers to lead the class in singing the patterns! These singing and playing activities will help students with their final note reading benchmark that they will be taking at the end of this month.
Our 5th grade general music students are exploring different musical instruments and genres from around the world. These students are continuing to learn how to read rhythms and simple melodies. We have also explored different composers and listened to their music.
Fifth grade band students are hard at work learning eighth notes and reviewing our basic skills as they prepare for band in 6th grade. They have shown incredible growth as beginning instrumentalists throughout this year! Students are making progress each and every day!
Sixth grade band students are progressing through the book and many classes are almost finished with the book or have started the second book. We are also sight-reading new band music of movie music and popular songs. Students are excited to play in the Illing Band next year!
Fifth grade orchestra students are working hard reading a new rhythm every class and playing the D scale with the new rhythm. The students have shown incredible growth in their rhythm reading skills, as well as their note reading. Students have been reviewing and progressing through the book as they prepare for sixth grade orchestra next year.
Sixth grade orchestra students are advancing through the book and working on new musical concepts. They are learning about different time signatures and types of notes, such as the dotted half note. Students are excited to play in the Illing Middle School orchestra next year!
Our final playing classes for band and orchestra will be the week of May 30th. All school-owned instruments must be returned during the week of June 6th, even those that may have been rented from your elementary school. We will return them to the elementary school for you! Orchestra students with cellos and basses have received a message from Ms. Jordan and Ms. Daigle and can return those instruments at your earliest convenience. Please contact Ms. Jordan or Ms. Daigle to set up a time to return your cello or bass.
All students that participated in band and orchestra will be enrolled in their respective classes for the 2022-23 school year. This is a natural progression that students continue their instrument in future years. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have questions or concerns about this. You will be amazed at the progress that they make in subsequent years of playing! Students in 6th grade general music have signed up for chorus or music survey at Illing and those that chose chorus should receive a letter from their teacher indicating that choice. Please contact your child’s teacher with any questions you may have.
Please do not hesitate to contact the music department with any questions. Also, please visit our Bennet Music Department website to meet us and see our Musicians of the Month! The Bennet Music teachers each choose a student from one of their classes that is making a great effort and showing a positive attitude to be Musician of the Month. Thank you so much for supporting your child and the Bennet Music department throughout the year!
SOCIAL STUDIES UPDATE
5th grade social studies
Students recently finished studying about the French and Indian War. They read texts, participated in group discussions, and viewed videos. They also created and compared and contrasted maps from 1754 and 1763, which helped them understand the causes and effects of this conflict. This was our springboard to our unit on the American Revolution. Students will learn about the causes of the revolution, including the concept of “no taxation without representation,” the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Declaration of Independence. Students will use primary sources and other resources to understand perspective. They will make claims, based on evidence, on whether the patriots were activists or vandals. This will provide a foundation for 8th grade, where students will encounter this time period again.
6th grade social studies
Ms. Borcea and Ms. Tanner in Grade 5:
ELA - Students are loving the fantasy unit! They are working in book clubs to become sophisticated readers of fantasy texts. This means they are investigating the setting, keeping track of multiple problems, identifying character traits, thinking metaphorically, developing ideas about themes, and using those theme to connect to the “real world.”. Students worked in groups to create their own reading calendars and have been following them daily. They enjoy making text to text connections. Ask your child about their book club book!
Social Studies - We recently finished learning about the French and Indian War, which included studying maps to understand the causes and effects of this conflict. This helps us understand some of the causes of the American Revolution - Ms. Tanner’s favorite unit! Although students are reading texts and analyzing primary sources, they’re having fun singing silly songs (check out the most cringy! - No Taxation Without Representation) and participating in “candy tax” activities.
Math - We have just finished all of our fraction units! We have learned how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions. The students now have a comprehensive understanding of fractions. Now, we are moving onto solving and writing expressions, and we will end the year with graphing on a coordinate plane. ALL of the students have worked so hard this year and are showing amazing progress with their mathematical thinking!
Science - We are ending the year with our fourth unit covering the Earth and Sun. In this unit, we will learn about day and night, the rotation and revolution of the Earth, and why we have seasons. There are many investigations that will help the students gain a scientific understanding of the Earth and Sun. We will end the unit with students creating a final model to show their understanding of why we have more daylight in the summer than we do in the winter in Manchester, CT.
Ms. Reilly - Grade 6
In Humanities classes we are very busy with our last unit of learning for the year! On the geography front, we continue to learn about the culture, climate, and resources of countries in South America. Ask your child to explain what the Amazon Basin is. See if they can tell you how many languages are spoken in Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana. See if they can tell you how Simon Bolivar is a lot like George Washington.
In ELA we are exploring teen activism, famous teen activists, and writing a 3-chapter book using a technology app called Book Creator. As well, your child is continuing to practice writing the classic 5-paragraph essay and using a topic from teen activism to do so. These books will look magnificent and professional. The lessons are challenging so consistent effort and focus are important for success.
In addition, we have been working hard to finish assignments within a class period or two. Ms. Reilly teaches the lessons and then puts on the timer so students will push themselves to finish quickly. This will be helpful when students go to seventh grade because teachers will expect work to be completed in specific time spans.
Next, there's so much to do so please make sure your child is on time for school and attends school regularly for this last quarter. Please make every effort to send your child to school unless they are sick or quarantined.
Last, please be vigilant at home in reminding your child to charge his or her Chromebook, bring pencils to school, and leave the candy at home.
Mrs. Knopf - Grade 6
Ms. Milton and Ms. Kowaleski in Grade 5:
ELA - Students in both ELA classes wrapped up their informational writing units. One class chose a colonial era topic, while the other chose an animal to research and write about. We have started our Fantasy Book Unit. ELA 2 has been reading with 6th grade students all year and wrapped up Book Buddies. A shout out to our sixth graders that read with our kiddos all year. Thank you!!
Social Studies - Students have started their journey into understanding the events leading to the American Revolution. Students wrapped up the French and Indian War and have started discussion with how that had impacted the colonists. Lessons on the Sugar and Stamp Acts helped students understand the beginning of revolution in our country. Additionally, We have been examining images to understand historical perspective. We will end the year learning about the American Revolution.
Math - We have just finished all of our fraction units! We have learned how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions. The students have come so far with their understanding of fractions. Now, we are moving onto solving and writing expressions, and we will end the year with graphing on the coordinate plane. ALL of the students have worked so hard this year and are showing amazing progress with their mathematical thinking!
Science - We are ending the year with our fourth unit covering the Earth and Sun. In this unit, we will learn about day and night, the rotation and revolution of the Earth, and why we have seasons. There are many investigations that will help the students gain a scientific understanding of the Earth and Sun. We will end the unit with students creating a final model to show their understanding of why we have more daylight in the summer than we do in the winter in Manchester, CT.
Ms. Kelley & Ms. St. Laurent - Grade 6
Our friends in F202 and F203, who are getting ready to head to Illing in just a few months, have some suggestions for incoming 6th Graders:
- If you put in the time and effort you will have the best time next year.
- Always be confident in yourself when you're having a hard time you'll be your biggest supporter.
- When times get tough here at Bennet just listen to good music.
- If you put in the effort you will succeed.
- Just do it.
- Be ready to walk up and down stairs ALL DAY and don't wear crocs on gym days.
- Don't have a very heavy backpack/bookbag.
- Bring a snack and you don't have recess but you will have breaks.
- Bring a bottle of water and be prepared with a notebook, pencil case, folder.
- There are advanced classes like math. Have a great 6th grade.
- Don't be goofing around either or you're going to get in trouble alot!
Ms. Jodoin and Ms. Brahm - Grade 5
Our new class read aloud is Rain Reign. We started this in April, during Autism Awareness Month, to introduce a character that represents many children who have this disorder. It allows us to develop empathy for people who may have a different way of navigating the world. Not only that, we are developing our understanding of homophones and prime and composite numbers. Rose, our main character, derives much comfort from studying these two topics and uses them as coping mechanisms.
As our fifth grade year comes close to an end, we still have to remember that we have a lot of learning left to do! Behaviors are beginning to unravel a bit - please remind your child to be safe, to be respectful, and to be kind.
In reading, we are working to finish our fantasy chapter books. In math, ask your child what they are passionate about! Mrs. Taylor assisted us with creating a design on Canva that showcases something your child is interested in with a mathematical focus. As always, please continue to read independently each day and practice math facts.
Ms. Leahy - Grade 5
The students finished the 2 sentence starters:
The best part of fifth grade...
Making new friends. Alana J
Meeting new friends and new teachers. Michael S
Seeing old friends and meeting new friends. Josh S
Playing with friends. Landon C
My friends. Tommy C
Friends, Teachers, and the end of the day. Malaysia P
Making new friends and learning more stuff. Latoya W
I have 2 specials everyday but my most favorite part was computer ed. I also really liked the clubs and the concert. June
Playing games and getting free time with my friends. Also, getting all the origami paper. Landon D
Making friends, band, meeting my teachers, and playing with my friends. Janiyah T
Being here. Ben R
Math is fun. Shawnna S
Gym and Art. Manny G
Meeting new people. Silas R
Having a locker. Elijah
Going to Art and Music. Emani
Making new friends and Math. Anthony V
Being with my friends. Maya
Seeing my friends. Gio O
Gym. Jayden R
Making new friends. Bryce J
Is that you have less teachers because it's groups of 2 teachers and working together in class. Ella P
My friends, the drama, and the teachers. Kanai K
Riding the bus. Isaiah
New classes. Naomi
Outside gym. Zyier G
Gym and Art. Gianna T
Less restrictions. Jamai S
Is to get to sixth grade. Laurie W
What I'm looking forward to most about sixth grade...
Having my friends in my classes. Alana J
Leaving school. Michael S
One year closer to getting out. Josh S
To have fun. Landon C
New identity. Tommy C
The end of the day. Malaysia P
Ending it because when I go to Illing I get to walk to school. Latoya W
Field trips , computer ed., and the concert. June S
Have fun. Landon D
Meet new people and new teachers and learn new stuff. Janiyah T
The old wave is gone, take your party invitation. Ben R
IDK. Shawnna S
Being in my friend's class. Manny G
Being older. Silas R
Good teachers and being in class with my friends. Elijah
Going on field trips. Emani T
Is to meet different people. Anthony V
The one extra day of summer and field trips. Maya E
Having more teachers and meeting new people. Gio O
Riding my bike to school. Jayden R
New math and the other kinds of things we will learn in math. Bryce J
Field trips and we get to start school a day later than the 5th graders. Ella P
New friends, teachers, and reading. Kanai K
Lunchtime. Isaiah
Meeting new teachers. Naomi
Making new friends. Zyier G
Seeing my fifth grade teachers. Gianna T
We'll have more teachers on our team. Jamai S
Is to get better grades. Laurie
Mr. McDougal’s Math and Science Classes - Grade 6
It is hard to believe it is almost June! In Math we have been exploring geometry . We are calculating the area and volume of many different polygons.The students are excited about starting the Geocity project and demonstrate all that we learned.
In Science we are learning about ecosystems, and are developing an understanding of how organisms are connected in these ecosystems, the roles of organisms in these ecosystems, how energy is transferred, and how human activity affects the ecosystem we live in.
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Things to note on the calendar:
REMEMBER WE HAVE EARLY RELEASE EVERY WEDNESDAY THROUGH JUNE 1st ONLY. Students will dismiss at 1:15 on Wedndesdays.
Monday, May 30, is Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL!
Wednesday June 8 and 15 are FULL DAYS!!
June 6-10 -- SPIRIT WEEK!!!
Monday, June 20, is Juneteenth - NO SCHOOL!
Tues-Thurs, June 21-23 - DISMISSAL IS AT 11:45
Thursday, June 23, 2022 is the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!
Home Access Center is where you access your child's grades. Progress notes were posted last week. If you do not know your HAC information please email Mrs. Turner (b39hturn@mpspride.org). You can see your child's grades, attendance and progress notes as well as report cards, so take note of the different tabs.
Parents please help!
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We are Nut-Free this year!
Bring those bottles in!
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The Bennet Bear Den
SHOUT OUTS!
We are going to continue highlighting the positives this school year. Throughout the year please let us know who has made you smile, or been a wonderful role model for your child, went that extra mile, or was there when you needed a shoulder. This could be a student, a teacher, support staff, or even an administrator. Remember, we rise by lifting others!
Everyone is so busy this month, trying to get in all the things we need to learn! I want to ask you all to go out of your way this weekend to say something kind to at least 3 people. Comment on their new shirt, or the way they are doing their best, or even how snazzy their new haircut looks. It not only makes that person have a brighter day, but it brightens your own day when you make someone smile. Try it and see - you may find yourself with a new habit - spreading joy!!
We want to hear from parents and staff alike - email cberman@mpspride.org with your shout-out!!
Nurse's Corner
Parents please talk with your children about not texting or calling home from their cell phones when they feel ill and would like to go home. If your child is not feeling well the protocol is for them to get a pass to the nurse, who will then evaluate their status and determine if a call home is warranted, or if they need a little TLC, a snack, a rest, some ice, etc. and to go back to class. It is becoming an issue with students using their phones and parents arriving unexpectedly.
Bennet School Nurses
Penny Parent & Elisha Mathews
860-647-3582 (p)
860-647-6348 (f)
Attention: Sixth Grade Parents - Don't let your child miss the first days of 7th grade!!
Requirements for your student to start Grade 7 include:
-a copy of your child's most recent physical dated January 1, 2021 or later
-Tdap booster
-MPV/meningococcal vaccine
These documents can be faxed to Nurse Michaud at 860-647-6348. Please call 860-647-8189 with questions or email cmichaud@mpspride.org.
Christie Michaud BSN RN
Manchester Public Schools
District Nurse Substitute
Take a look at our Virtual Backpack!
PTSA
Jackie Wood- president
Brooke Barber- vice president
Howard Rovegno- treasurer
Deanna Sokola- secretary
Alison Watson- event/fundraiser chairperson
News from the Bennet Office:
Picking your student up early? Please call about 10 minutes ahead and we will have your student ready. Let us know when you arrive and we will meet you at the front 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. Remember we cannot change your child's bus information until you have provided your new proof of residency.
- New number? Please remember to update the registrar with any changes to your phone number or email so we can reach you! We send out newsletters twice a month and emails from the principal weekly and you do not want to miss anything!
- 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!
NOTES FROM SECURITY
If you pick up your child utilizing the School Street to Vine Street route please be aware that you may be blocking driveways of the residents on School Street. We have had several compaints about people not being able to get in or out of their driveways as cars are sitting in line, blocking the driveways and not yeilding for a resident to pull in or out. If you are blocking a driveway and see a car trying to get in or out, please yeild to them. It is very frustrating for our neighbors to have to fight to get in and out of their property every day. We appreciate your being aware of your location and helping spread goodwill!
Please be aware as you drive through our pick up/drop off area that students are everywhere!
Please do not stop on the CVS side of Wells Street to drop off or pick up your child. It is much too dangerous to have students crossing that narrow road and causes traffic issues on both sides of the road. Also, there is no parking in the CVS parking lot for drop-off or pick-up.
Please be sure to discuss pick up and drop off plans with your student to eliminate any confusion and keep your plan consistent. Thank you.
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Bennet Academy
Email: jchella@mpspride.org
Website: https://www.mpspride.org/Domain/9
Location: 1151 Main Street, Manchester, CT, USA
Phone: 860-647-3571