The Compass Rose: 2/10
Principal's Message
To the East Elementary School community:
I recognize that many of you have been keeping up with the news in town related to the budget and the potential impact on our schools. For those who aren't yet aware, there is potential for significant impact here at East Elementary as well as the other school sites in town. We've been asked to plan for two scenarios that may play out this spring related to the significant budget shortfall affecting the upcoming fiscal year:
- a level service budget scenario in which we'd have the team and budget that is currently in place and which is only possible with voter approval of an override this April
- a balanced budget scenario in which reductions in school budgets would be necessary should an override be unsuccessful.
In the balanced budget scenario, we have outlined reductions to personnel and impacts to programming here at East that have the potential to significantly change the experience your student has at school. The following positions have been identified for reduction: MTSS coordinator (shared district-wide), Writing Specialist (shared district-wide), Paraprofessionals (4), Reading and Math Interventionists (8 district wide), K-5 Science Specialist (shared district-wide) Administrative Assistants (4 district wide), Specialists (Art, Music, PE, Spanish, Computer Science, Library) (6 district-wide), Literacy Specialists (2 district-wide)
Each of these reductions come with not only the potential loss of personnel, but also limitations to our ability to provide high-quality instruction, continuity across grades, intervention, and support for our students.
We plan to expand upon these potential impacts throughout the spring within this newsletter and other avenues. This link to the most recent presentation to School Committee contains more specific information regarding the planned reductions. Please feel free to reach out for questions or clarity.
- Mr. Hawes
AHA Kids Heart Challenge
East Elementary is participating in the Kids Heart Challenge! Students will be learning about Heart Healthy practices through Mr. Dodge in Physical Education classes, and students can complete their own achievements or secure donations by following the link here:
Green Team
The East School Green Team is excited to announce that we're kicking off our lunchtime recycling program the week after February break but we need some help! We are asking for parent volunteers to please come help during the lunches the week of February 27th - March 3rd. We'll be helping the students figure out which recycling/trash bin that everything goes in and making sure that things run smoothly. Please use the sign up link below to register for a volunteer slot!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F49A4AD2DA3FC1-lunchtime
PickUp Patrol
A reminder that as of February 1st, East Elementary will no longer be accessing the eastattendance@hinghamschools email address for absences, late arrivals, or early dismissals and instead are strongly encouraged to establish an account with PickUp Patrol and register all changes or absences there.
Our Administrative Assistants are happy to help you get registered, contact kmariani@hinghamschools.org or enelson@hinghamschools.org for help with all-things PickUp Patrol.
Additional information here: https://files.constantcontact.com/bd8d348b001/dd45a014-0e89-459f-8e1b-d8a2f132bd93.pdf
Kindergarten Registration
Parents! Please be aware that Kindergarten registration packets are available at the East Main Office or online! We have yet to see the volume of applications we anticipated, please be sure you've checked in regarding this process.
Resources and information can be found here: https://hinghamschools.org/programs/kindergarten/ and we are also available to help with whatever you may need, spread the word!
Save The Date! 📅☑️
School Committee: Public Comment on Budget
Mon, Feb 13, 2023, 07:00 PM
February Break begins (No School 2/20-2/24)
Mon, Feb 20, 2023, 09:00 AM
Contact Us:
Have questions or need assistance? Reach out to us!
Jonathan Hawes, Principal: jhawes@hinghamschools.org
Dr. Amanda Donovan, Assistant Principal: adonovan@hinghamschools.org
Karen Mariani, Administrative Assistant: kmariani@hinghamschools.org
Elisa Nelson, Administrative Assistant: enelson@hinghamschools.org
Tel: (781) 741-1570