Hawley Summer News
August 2018
From the Lounge Chair of Mr. Chris
Time for staff letter already, really???
Funny, it seems like the year just ended, oh...that's because it just did.
I hope that you are making the best of this short summer. Enjoy friends, family, pets, or simply yourself. Read, swim, tan, boat, visit colleges, travel, sleep late, or chill near the fire pit by the pool (apple juice in the glass, for reals ;0)
We are hard at work preparing for the new year, the key word being NEW (I am very excited about this upcoming year ;0) I am looking forward to seeing everyone and a "Return to Teaching."
Tick…Tick…Tick
Summer Video Message
I'm In !!!!! You ?????
Summer Greetings from Jenna
Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year, Hawley Friends! I hope you have made the most of our shorter summer and are as excited as I am for a new school year.
One of my favorite things about our profession is the “fresh start” that every new school year brings. Each fall, we are given the opportunity to begin again with energy, optimism, and innovation. I recently read a short, simple ASCD article called, “Three Ways to get a Fresh Start to the New School Year.”
Reflect on the past and set goals for yourself based on your desire to grow and improve in your role. Push your own learning by becoming a “learner of your own teaching.” Read professional books and articles, observe colleagues, and try new things in your classroom. Don’t be afraid to fail! As we tell our students, it is through failure and risk that we grow. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, establish balance. Throughout the school year, take the time to recharge your batteries and make room for all you love in your life. And remember that at Hawley, we are all here to support each other throughout the year.
Enjoy your last days of summer. I am so excited for the fresh start that this school year will bring!
Jenna
NEW Hawley Family Members
Stephanie Kim- Resource Teacher
Amy Speiser- Speech & Language
Erika Carlson- Library Media
Jill Marak- Music
Elisabeth Douglass- .8 Reading Teacher
Darren Pierre- Head Custodian
Custodial Crew
Some Role / Room Changes
- Marianne is our new school executive secretary
- Betsy Rickert is our 1st Behavior Intervention Para
- Sherry's office and the room next to the psychologist's office will be Behavior Intervention Work Rooms
- Brianne is moving into Emily's old room (quieter & cooler)
- Brianne's old room will be used by Amy & Sherry as a Math Lab & Enrichment
Leadership Team
How can we help you be even better?
Donna A & Tracy G: certified union representation
Dorothy Kelly: classified union representation
Well Now That's Really Good News.......
- Linda Biscoe's daughter, Jessica, is getting married in October.
- Sherry Earle has a new granddaughter, Caroline Rose.
- Tracy Fanelli's son, Kevin, got engaged and she has a new puppy, Henry.
- Kim Laiso, now Shapiro, and her husband Ed, honeymooned in Italy, Switzerland and France, and upon returning have recently moved into their new home right here in Newtown.
- Patti Lansing and her husband Dan celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.
- Chris Moretti's middle son, Brendan, starts his freshman year at UNH studying criminology.
- Michael Poeltl swam with dolphins in the Bahamas.
- Brianne Tatangelo also married and is now Brianne Vazzano.
- Dawn Tolomeo celebrated her 50th birthday with her husband in Aruba.
Food for Thought.....
Back to School and PD Information (8/22 - 8/24)
Here are some quick highlights with the complete schedule below.....
- Looking forward to launching the year together at Convocation (buildings are closed so ALL staff can attend): HAWLEY in Da House; Woop Woop!
- All Certified Staff reports to Newtown Youth Academy (NYA) Thursday morning for some fun: breakfast is optional but we are beginning the activities promptly at 8:00 AM
- Special Ed, Related Services and Special Area teachers may have alternative trainings provided by Department Chairs (they will inform you of those dates and times).
- Para-Educators work 1 day prior to the start of the year. Wednesday, 8/22 has been designated for that day (Convocation, Security Updates, Union Meeting, Provided Lunch, Legal Updates). You are also allotted 4 extra hours at school. 90 minutes of those will be attending a PD session on Thursday for ALL Staff on Student Behaviors, followed by work at your discretion (helping/meeting with teachers, reviewing IEPs, etc). The PTA Lunch is Friday and the Bar-B-Q is Thursday. Although not paid, my hope is that you schedule your time so you are around and able to join us for one or both as you are most welcomed.
Click HERE to view the complete schedule for:
- Convocation
- Faculty Meetings & PLC (there are some changes that will be addressed at the opening faculty meeting)
- Professional Development
- Student Conversations (click here for meeting schedule)
- PTA Lunch & Pot Luck Barbecue
- K Bus Run / Student Walk Through
- Non-Mandated Time
Just 1:18 of your time for a Smile
Class Placement
We have 9 screenings Monday and will then place these students. When PowerSchool completes rolling over, Marianne will let you know and then put in your mailbox (perhaps by Wednesday), the most current class lists and you will be notified of any additional changes that occur after that. Please mail a Welcome Letter to your students on or after August 15 (email Marianne, or leave in the office, a copy of your letter); see Marianne or Lisa for envelopes and stamps (we can provide you stamps but cannot reimburse for purchase).
The Early Bird Catches the Worm.......
Reminders
- Teachers, spend your $100 and get receipts to Marianne for reimbursement.
- Mail your Welcome Letters to students ON or AFTER August 15 (and provide a copy for the office)
- Sign up for the Pot Luck Bar-B-Q (individually or teams)- click HERE
Dates to Remember
Monday, August 27: 1st Day of School
Monday, September 3: NO SCHOOL (Labor Day)
Tuesday, September 4: K-2 Open House
Wednesday, September 5: Grades 3 & 4 Open House
Monday, September 10: NO SCHOOL (Rosh Hashanah)
Wednesday, September 12: PTA Ice Cream Social
Wednesday, September 19: NO SCHOOL (Yom Kippur)
- Follow us (and send pictures to me to post) @hawley_school
- Post Inspiring teaching (to the edges) at #hawleyt2e
- Post and look for shared professional learning at #hawleyplz
"Quote"
"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."
~Jon Kabat-Zinn
Funny Bone.....
Parting Words
I am excited for a little more time to enjoy Summer Fun. I am ecstatic for the upcoming school year. I am optimistic of good things happening at Hawley.
Miss you all and look forward to seeing you soon.
chris
Hawley School
Website: http://newtown.hawley.schooldesk.net/
Location: 29 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT, United States
Phone: 203.426.7666
Twitter: @hawley_school