1 - POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS AT BEN HEM

Self-affirmations are acts that affirm one’s self-worth, often by having individuals reflect on core values, which may give individuals a broader view of the self. This in turn can allow individuals to move beyond specific threats to self-integrity or self-competence. Research suggests that affirmations can decrease stress, increase well-being, improve academic performance and make people more open to behavior change (Cohen and Sherman, 2014).

We will be adding positive affirmations to our morning announcements starting next week. Specifically, we will say the affirmation out loud and then ask our Bobcats to repeat it with us. Teachers may ask students to say the affirmations a few times. These affirmations may find their way into morning meetings and may be embedded throughout the day. We will also include them on our message boards as a reminder to students throughout their day. This low-stress practice may help students feel more hopeful and self-confident throughout their day.

Cohen G.L. Sherman D.K. (2014). The psychology of change: self-affirmation and social psychological intervention. Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 333– 71.

2 - NPS SMART WATCHES AND CELL PHONES POLICY at SCHOOL

We noticed that a lot of Bobcats have returned to school with electronic devices that communicate with family members beyond the school building. Natick Public Schools has the following policy regarding student's device use at school. Please be familiar with this policy. We will reach out to families directly if we notice that it is not being followed.

Cell phones and other personal electronic devices are a distraction to the learning environment in the Natick Public Schools.
As such, the following regulations will apply:

• All electronic devices and components must be turned off and not visible during the school day. Any contact between parent/guardian and child must occur through the office.

• Electronic devices necessary for an educational purpose may be used under the direction and with the approval of the supervising teacher/staff member.

• Violators of this policy will have these items confiscated and turned in to their administrator. Repeat violations will result in the device being held in the office for an extended period, or return of the device only to a parent/guardian.

• Refusal to comply with the requests of teachers and/or administrators is insubordination and subject to more severe disciplinary action.

• Phones may not be used as cameras, clocks, calculators, calendars or any other device that may violate previously stated rules. Texting during the school day is strictly prohibited.

• At the high school level all electronic devices including, but not limited to, cell phone, ipod, itouch, mp3 players etc. must be turned off and not visible in all academic wings (the A Wing, B Wing, S Wing, N Wing) and all classroom spaces (including gymnasiums and fields, auditorium, library, etc). Cell phones may be used responsibly in any non-academic area during non-class time (for example, the cafeteria, front office hallway, etc.)
• In addition, all electronic devices shall not be used in any bathrooms in the school regardless of the location.
• Any inappropriate use of an electronic device for example, taking unauthorized or improper pictures or offensive texting in any part of the school will result in detention, suspension and/or possible police involvement.

3 - INTENT TO ENROLL IN KINDERGARTEN

Do you know a child who will be five years of age by August 30, 2023? If so, they are eligible to attend kindergarten next year. Families are invited to complete this form to share their intent to enroll in public school for next year. This will make sure that we include you in all the onboarding activities that take place in the spring. To access the Google form you can type this into your browser: https://bit.ly/33KZWvQ

4 - DROP OFF LINE: 2ND AND 3RD GRADE PARENTS

Our morning drop off line depends on the parents in our community. In February, we are looking for the parents of 2nd and 3rd graders to help our students out of the cars and to the right place. Live drop-off starts at 8:05 and volunteers are asked to be there from 8:00 to 8:20. Please Sign Up!

5 - BOKS IS BACK - SPRING 2023

BOKS, a before school physical activity program, returns on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Running each Monday and Wednesday morning from 7:25 - 8:05 am, BOKS gives kids a chance to play, exercise and burn energy before settling into the classroom.

The spring BOKS program at Ben Hem will run through Wed., May 10; there is a $60 fee per student.

Dave Howell and Steph Kelly (both with 1st graders at Ben Hem) will lead the BOKS program. To register, complete the BOKS registration form attached and return, along with a check for $60, to the Ben Hem office. Any questions, feel free to contact Dave at dhowell@natickps.org

We hope to see your kids in BOKS this spring!

Check out the Ben Hem PTO Facebook page to see what is happening.

Did you know our PTO creates a school directory each year to share contact information with families that OPT-IN to the directory. Complete this form with information you want shared to be included in the 2022-2023 School Directory. This is voluntary and only information included will be published.

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5