King Social Workers Connections
April 2023!
School Social Workers
In This Newsletter:
- Access free Behavioral Health Services
- Continuing education opportunities
- Preschool screenings
- MassHealth insurance renewal information
- Planning for Summer Vacation
- Important Events this Month
- Resources and crisis support
Ms. Drennen
508.782.7233
Ms. Valentin
Free Behavioral Help for your Child
Behavioral Help Hotline
A free service for accessing behavioral health services if you or a loved one are in crisis, are seeking advice, or are looking for a provider. It is free and insurance is not required.
Flyers By Night aims to increase access to affordable educational opportunities for FPS families and all residents of Framingham. Conveniently located within Framingham High School, FBN offers continuing education and enrichment courses in the following areas: Arts, Language, Health & Wellness, Culinary, Finance, Trades.
Here you will find information about the courses offered during the first session, including price, start date, and room number. If you have any questions, please contact Kathleena Thompson, OST Coordinator, Framingham High School.
Aqui você verá todo o curso oferecido durante esta seção! Isso incluirá preço, data de início e número da sala. Se você tiver dúvidas sobre os cursos, entre em contato com Kathleena Thompson, Coordenadora OST
¡Aqui verás todos los cursos ofrecidos durante esta sección! Esto incluirá el precio, la fecha de inicio y el número de la classe. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre los cursos, comuníquese con Kathleena Thompson, la coordinadora de OST
Kathleena Thompson
Framingham High School @ A107B
Call/Text/Whatsapp: (508)- 309-0322
Zumba Class
April 25th 2023 @ 6 pm - 7 pm for $20 Drop-in
Zumba is a fitness program that moves between high- and low-intensity dance moves designed to get your heart rate up and boost cardio endurance. It is an amazing way to get healthy and have fun at the same time! Join us every Tuesday with Instructor Gabriella!!
Zumba es un programa de acondicionamiento físico que se mueve entre movimientos de baile de alta y baja intensidad diseñados para aumentar el ritmo cardíaco y aumentar la resistencia cardiovascular. ¡Es una manera increíble de estar saludable y divertirse al mismo tiempo! ¡Únase a nosotros todos los martes con la instructora Gabriella!
Zumba é um programa de condicionamento físico que se move entre movimentos de dança de alta e baixa intensidade, projetados para aumentar sua frequência cardíaca e aumentar a resistência cardiovascular. É uma maneira incrível de ficar saudável e se divertir ao mesmo tempo! Junte-se a nós todas as terças-feiras com a Instrutora Gabriella!!
Tuition Payment
Tuition Payment Payment is due in full at time of registration. Please call us for information on payment plans for select courses. Additional materials are included for all levels.
Forms of Payment
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Checks. Here is the link to make the payment
Scheduled Cancellation
Cancellation for All Classes: If Flyers by Night cancels a course, the full amount will be refunded.
Withdrawals
1. 7 Days before start date: Full tuition refund, minus $10 cancellation fee.
2. 6 Days or less before start date: A course credit voucher will be issued for 50% of course tuition. 3. Withdrawal or absence from course on the day that it meets: There is no refund or credit voucher. 4. No course credit vouchers or refunds will be issued after the start of class.
Withdrawal course credit vouchers are valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
School Policies:
Flyers by Night students, instructors and staff are required to adhere to safety protocols, policies, rules and regulations that are observed by Framingham Public Schools.
Spring 2023 Preschool Screening Program
Screenings will take place on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at the Blocks Preschool Program, Juniper Hill School, 29 Upper Joclyn Avenue, Framingham, MA 01701
To schedule a screening appointment for your child, please call the Special Education office at (508) 626-9123 by April 24, 2023.
April Vacation Tips for Engaging Your Kids
Stuck at home during spring break? Make the most of the vacation with these fun indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family.
Outdoor Spring Break Activities
Does your child love spending time outside? Take advantage of the warmer weather with these at-home spring break ideas. But we warned: Some of them may require your kid to get a little muddy!
- Plant an edible garden
- Learn to fly a kite
- Sleep underneath the stars by camping in the backyard
- Plan an outdoor scavenger hunt
- Have a picnic in the park
- Break out the bonfire pit and make s'mores
- Decorate the driveway with chalk
Indoor Spring Break Activities
If the weather is cold or rainy, simply bring the fun and games inside. These spring break activities will be loads of fun for everyone involved.
- Build a fort with blankets and pillows
- Test out a new recipe
- Host a fashion show to mix-and-match fun outfits
- Practice a new skill, whether it's making paper airplanes, juggling, or doing magic tricks
- Ponder these trivia questions about science, Disney, history, and more
- Plan an at-home spa day
- Have a photo shoot throughout the house
20 Fun Indoor Games and Activities for Kids
Crafty Spring Break Activities
If your kid loves arts and crafts, these spring break ideas will be perfect for them. Grab some supplies and get started!
- Make a collage with nature (twigs, leaves, flowers, etc.)
- Whip up some homemade slime
- Create paper bag puppets—then put on a puppet show for the whole family
- DIY bird feeders to hang in the yard
- Paint rocks to use as decorative paperweights
- Make a castle out of a cardboard box
- Create homemade cards for friends and relatives
- Get excited about learning with interactive STEM activities
- Design a time capsule about your family—then bury it in the backyard
Energetic Spring Break Activities
After months of sitting in class, your children are probably full of pent-up energy. Let it loose with these action-packed spring break activities to do at home.
- Set up an obstacle course (you can do this indoors or outdoors)
- Throw a dance party with your family's favorite tunes
- Learn classic yard games like Red Rover, Hopscotch, or Kick the Can
- Go bowling outdoors; you simply need some bottles and a ball
- Try out an online exercise video
- Host your own family Olympic games in the backyard
- Play "floor is lava"
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Planning for Summer Vacation
It seems strange to be thinking about summer plans now, but many places are already starting their registration process.
Summer Discover Camp at Keefe Technical School - "This is the original, much loved program experience for area youth in its 30th summer season. We attempt to be everything for all kids: building, cooking, creating, designing, traditional sports. Whatever it takes to send a child home happily exhausted each and every summer day, that’s the goal of Summer Discover at Keefe Tech."
Here is a list of some camps available in the area.
Danforth Art School Summer Arts Scholarship
The Danforth Art School has a scholarship available to children (Gr. K-8) and teens for our Summer Arts Program. This is a need-based scholarship that is awarded on a rolling basis until our funds run out. Summer Arts at the Danforth is a full-day week-long fine art program, with a thematic focus on Art in Nature for students' grades K-5 and a media-specific focus for students grades 6-12. Please note that spaces are filling up quickly in many grade levels, therefore for more information on our program and for updated availability, please visit our website https://danforth.framingham.edu/learn-create/children-summer-arts/
In March 2020, the federal government declared a public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, MassHealth put protections in place that prevented members’ MassHealth coverage ending during the COVID-19 emergency. Renewals will now need to occur for families to ensure families still qualify for their current benfit. These renewals will take place over 12 months. MassHealth is recommending you take these steps now and more information will be sent to you with renewal steps:
- Make sure MassHealth has your most up to date address, phone number, and email so you do not miss important information and notices from MassHealth. If we are not able to contact you, your coverage may change or you may lose your coverage during your renewal.
- Report any household changes. These include a new job, address, changes to your income, disability status, or pregnancy. Update your information and report changes using your MA Login Account at www.mahix.org/individual.
Autism Awareness Month
Neurodiversity Acceptance and Celebration Month
There is an ever-evolving story around Autism Acceptance Month which is widely recognized annually in April. In talking with different people and reading content online, there are varying thoughts and feelings surrounding this evolution which is attributed to certain terms and visual graphics. For example we've moved away from 'awareness' campaigns and towards promoting 'acceptance'. There are recommendations to move away from the puzzle piece and towards the rainbow infinity symbol.
As we look to gather content and resources, and create moments of togetherness to celebrate our neurodiverse community, please know that our goal is to be inclusive, supportive, and welcoming as we #CelebrateDifferences amongst our students, staff, families, and the broader community. We hope the forthcoming newsletter dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity encourages conversations and participation in school/districtwide celebration efforts to help encourage acceptance.
Resources
Accessing Clothing and School Supplies:
You can put in a referral for clothing. Contact Ms. Drennen or Ms. Valentin if you are in need of backpacks and other school supplies, winter clothing, shoes, undergarments, pants, shirts, etc.
Ms. Drennen (grades K, 2, 4): 508.782.7233, jbethoneydrennen@framingham.k12.ma.us
Ms. Valentin (grades 1, 3, 5): 508.782.726, jvalentin@framingham.k12.ma.us
Family Directory of Framingham Public School's helpful documents
Below are local resources for food in Framingham. Additional resources outside of Framingham are also at this link. As always, you can contact your social worker for assistance!
46 Park Street
Framingham
508-370-4921
Pantry hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Wednesday 5:00-7:00 PM Meal Service: Monday through Friday, 9:00-10:00 AM, 12:00-1:00 PM, 5:30-7:00 PM. Saturday and Sunday 12-1:00 PM
Emergency food pantry and meals program. Proof of address is required
Rose Kennedy Lane Community Room
1 John J. Brady Drive
Framingham
508-879-7562
Tuesday and Thursdays 11:30 AM-12 PM
Free lunch provided by Baypath Elder Services and Jewish Family Services served in the community room.
214 Concord Street
Framingham
508-848-2401
Every Saturday and the third Wednesday of the month from 9 AM-12 PM
Emergency food pantry. proof of address required.
Salvation Army/Framingham Food Pantry
350 Union Ave
Framingham
508- 875-3341
Monday-Friday 10 AM - 1 PM, by appointment
Emergency food pantry
15 Wheeler Ave
Framingham
508-875-5959
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Emergency food pantry. Open to Framingham residents.
10 Pearl Street
Framingham
508-239-6691
Wednesday, 3 -6 PM
360 Water St
Framingham
508-877-2152
Friday 4 -6 PM
Open to all. fresh meat, poultry and fish, plant-based proteins, canned goods, staples, fresh bread, bagels, milk, eggs, butter, gluten-free items, as well as toiletries, paper supplies, and cleaning products.
20 Beech St
Framingham
508-473-2842
Saturdays & Sundays from 3 PM - 4:30 PM
Open to all, enjoy a hot delicious meal, free clothing and a food pantry
District Calender Important Dates
Apr. 7 - No School: Good Friday
Apr. 17 - No School: Patriots' Day
Apr. 18 - 21: No School: Spring Recess
Apr. 27 - Early Release: E (PC), M (PD)
Apr. 5 - 13: Passover
Passover is a Jewish holiday that honors the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II. The start of this holiday is in accordance with the first full moon in the Hebrew calendar month, Nissan (or Nisan). For this reason, the date changes every year.
Every family has their own unique Passover customs - but it is common to have a special meal called a 'seder' where a plate of symbolic items helps in the retelling of the story. To honor the fact that Jewish people escaped Egypt and didn't have time to let their breads rise before going into the desert, leavened bread or bread products are prohibited during Passover. Matzo, flat square crackers, are a traditional replacement for the whole week of Passover. If you see Matzo in the grocery store and want to try a traditional Passover breakfast, here is a recipe for Fried Matzo Brei.
Apr. 6 - Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
We've seen varying dates for this special day, but in Framingham April 6th will be Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! Paraprofessionals are an integral part of our Education team and we are grateful for our dedicated and hard-working support staff members and their contributions to the student learning!
Apr. 7 - Good Friday
To most Christian denominations, particularly Catholics, Eastern Orthodox and Mainline Protestants, Good Friday is an important holiday. Falling two days before the observation of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday, Good Friday is the day of Holy Week when Jesus was said to be crucified. The actual date varies from year to year because it's based on the Julian calendar (not Gregorian), which is why Orthodox Christians usually celebrate Good Friday one week later.
“Good” is not typically a word used to describe Good Friday. In fact, some believe the “good” in Good Friday was actually from a translation to mean “holy”. On this day, many Christians reflect upon Christ’s sacrifice for their sins and are reminded of their faith during this time of observation and healing. There is no school in Framingham on this day and folx who observe may fast, participate in prayer, and mourn.
Apr. 14 - Day of Silence
The GLSEN Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies all around the country—and the world—take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools.
Started in the mid 90’s by two college students, the Day of Silence has expanded to reach hundreds of thousands of students each year. Every April, students go through the school day without speaking, ending the day with Breaking the Silence rallies and events to share their experiences during the protest and bring attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive.
Source: GLSEN Info
April 17 - 18: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day)
Yom Hashoah, which is a Hebrew term for “Holocaust Day,” is an annual holiday observed by Jewish people. Holocaust Remembrance Day is a day that has been set aside for remembering the victims of the Holocaust and for reminding each of us what can happen when bigotry and hatred are not confronted.
Antisemitism is prejudice against or hatred of Jewish people, and unfortunately, more and more antisemitic acts are taking place across the world. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recently released the 2022 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents which showed an astounding increase in antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools year-over-year. With the continued alarming rise in antisemitic incidents across the country, it is as important as ever to support and improve Holocaust Education, which helps bring more inclusivity, understanding, and allyship to our community.
Apr. 17 - Patriots Day
On April 19, 1775, the Battles of Lexington and Concord kicked off the colonists’ fight for independence from Great Britain. Just two months after Parliament declared Massachusetts to be in a state of rebellion, the brave residents of the colony took up arms and went to battle for independence—eventually leading to the creation of the United States of America.
To most Massachusetts residents—and long distance running enthusiasts—the third Monday in April is also “Marathon Monday.” Good luck to all of our community members running and to Team Framingham who raises funds to support incredible Framingham-based organizations!
Although Massachusetts officially observes Patriots Day on the 3rd Monday in April (April 17 in 2023), commemorative ceremonies and re-enactments take place at multiple locations throughout the month.: https://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/patriots-day-schedule.html
Apr. 21 - 22: Eid al-Fitr
After Ramadan, Eid-al-Fitr (the festival of breaking the fast) is a three-day celebration with feasts and gatherings of families. This is an extremely important and cheerful time of year for Muslims, and students may be absent for all or part of the three days. Children often receive a new outfit or a small amount of money as a gift from their family for the holiday. To wish someone a happy Eid, you can say, “Eid Saeed” or “Eid Mubarak.”
Apr. 22 - Earth Day
Earth Day was founded in 1970 as an opportunity to create awareness for environmental issues. The holiday is now a global celebration and movement where the conversations around climate change and sustainability are the loudest. While Earth Day is a great reminder, it is our shared responsibility each and every day to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation. By taking part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees, we’re making our world a happier, healthier place to live.
From Saturday, April 8th to Sunday, April 23rd, Keep Framingham Beautiful (KFB) invites the Framingham community to participate in the Great Framingham Cleanup 3.0!!! You can do clean ups on your own, organize a small group or join one of KFB's 3 group cleanups.
Apr. 24 - 28: Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week
Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, the last full week of April each year, is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. The week is marked by celebrations, as well as, encouraging appreciation and support for all the afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of our young people.
Apr. 26 - National Administrative Professionals Day
On April 26, we get to acknowledge National Administrative Professionals Day! This is an important opportunity to celebrate our hard-working Administrative Professionals who support our schools and the district as a whole. Whether they are handling administrative tasks and coordinating information to ensuring the operation of any one of our office environments, answering the phones, completing clerical work, speaking with community members and colleagues, performing data entry, or record maintenance - their work is integral to our operation.
Apr. 27 - Spring into the Arts: FHS Festival of Art, Poetry and Music
Please join us for a visit to the FHS Library for our second annual interdisciplinary arts event - Spring into the Arts: FHS Festival of Art, Poetry and Music.
On the evening of Thursday, April 27th the FHS Library will be set up as a museum featuring artwork created by this year's FHS visual arts students. Between between 6pm and 7:30pm, visitors can stroll through the museum. At 7:30pm, guests can move down the hall to H100 to watch (and hopefully serve as judges for) the Class of 2023 senior poetry slam. FHS A Capella will be the slam's opening act.
Local and Remote Resources for Victims and Survivors
Mental Health Awareness
Mental Health and Crisis Support
- Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) - Call 800-640-5432
- LGBTQ+ The Trevor Project: Call 866-488-7386 text "start" to 678-678
- Suicide Crisis Line: Call 988
- Domestic Violence - Voices Against Violence Hotline: Call 508.820.0834
- Safelink, Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline: 877-785-2020.
- National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org
- Framingham Police Department : (508) 872-1212
- For emergencies, dial 911.