HMS Connection

A Message from Mr. Smith

Greetings from HMS!

Wednesday was our annual One Book One School Day of Learning. Our 2022 OBOS selection was "Count Me In" by Varsha Bajaj. "Count Me In" is a compelling story about standing up for what is right, social change, and activism. This contemporary novel tells the story of an Indian-American seventh-grader who sees the effects of a racist incident in her life and realizes she can’t just passively stand by. By using her own gifts and talents, she works to help her community (and the reader) to understand our world is better when we embrace diversity and stand united. HMS has chosen #CountMeIn: Hingham Together as our school-wide theme for 22-23.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Hingham Education Foundation, all students were able to enjoy grade level presentations by the author, Varsha Bajaj. She talked to the students about her life growing up in Mumbai and moving to the United States, the power of reading, what makes a good story, and the inspiration for "Count Me In." Additionally, some students were able to join the author for a special luncheon. During our day of learning, many teachers taught lessons focused on the themes of the novel. It was a special opportunity for the entire HMS community to come together!

A Message from the Grade Six Counseling Staff

Sixth grade students and parents, please check your emails for a School Counseling Google Classroom invite from Ms. Sherman and Ms. Roy. We will post helpful resources and announcements. Make sure to join!

When Officer Ramsey is absent, he can't be replaced by just anyone! Thank you to Opry the Comfort Dog for filling in for him!

Our 6-8 grade science students are actively exploring various scientific phenomena in their OpenSciEd pilot units. OpenSciEd is an innovative, high-quality fully developed curriculum that is currently available for grades 6 - 8. The Open Sci Ed curriculum aligns with the Next Generation of Science Standards (NGSS) and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. This program was developed using research on how students learn and what motivates them to learn. Students are actively involved in science talks, the collection and analysis of scientific data, and designing solutions to real-life problems. Don't be surprised if you hear about things like "scientist circles" and "moving our science thinking forward". The goal of piloting OpenSciEd units is to slowly implement them and their practices into our middle school science classrooms at all grade levels. We believe that this will create a cohesive and spiraling curriculum that will ensure that students have a strong and solid foundation for their future scientific endeavors.

HMS Ski Club 22-23

The HMS Ski Club will be traveling to Pats Peak on the following days this coming ski season:

January 7, 2023, February 11, 2023, March 18, 2023

Student sign-ups for the ski club will begin with the November 11 issue of the HMS Connection!

Here are answers, in no particular order, to some Ski Club FAQ’s

• The HMS Ski Club is open to all students in grades 6-8. Sign-ups will be in mid-November.

• We have been going to Pats Peak for 20 years. We like Pats because it is a small/medium size mountain with good proximity to Hingham. We have a routine and we stick to it.

• We have great teacher chaperones that monitor the kids in the lodge and on the slopes. We set up our “base camp” in the Valley Lodge with a big red “H” (Hingham) flag. There is always an HMS chaperone there.

• Pats sends us our lift tickets in advance so we are completely organized before we even leave HMS.

• We use Yankee Line buses. They are bright yellow coach buses that you have likely seen on the highway. Yankee only employs competent, professional drivers and has a strict focus on safety. We have been using them for over 10 years and have had the same lead driver for the past 7. We communicate with Yankee, ad-nauseum, regarding traffic, weather and safety.

• We leave HMS at 5:45 AM and arrive back here at 5:30 PM.

• Before getting off the buses at Pats we review several time and safety reminders with the kids.

• Pats Peak has a highly trained ski patrol and a full medical area. Prior to each trip our school nurses review the list of students and send us with the medication and necessities that each child might need. They will often make arrangements with parents in advance.

• We stop skiing at 3:00 PM and leave Pats at 3:15.

• Check out the Pats Peak website at patspeak.com

• I’m sure we are forgetting something. Always feel free to contact us at school with any questions or have the kids see us between classes or at lunch!

Mr. Riordan, Mrs. Canney, and Mr. McCulloch

Activity Fee - Reminder

As a reminder, families are asked to pay an "Activity Fee" at HMS each year. These funds help to defray costs associated with after-school clubs and activities. You can complete this process by clicking here.

Any student who takes part in after school clubs and/or extra-curricular activities is expected to pay this fee.

You can also use the attached form, if you prefer to pay by check.

If you need assistance with this or any other school related fees, please do not hesitate to reach out to either a school administrator, a school counselor, or any faculty member you feel comfortable with.

Notes from our Nurses

Please be aware that we will be performing our annual school health screenings as mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health during the weeks of November 14th & November 21st. These screenings are not diagnostic services but are performed to identify students who may need further evaluation by a healthcare provider. If your student has any questionable findings, you will be notified and will be asked to follow up with your family’s healthcare provider.

These screenings by grade will include:

6th Grade students: Postural only

7th Grade students: BMI/height weight, vision, hearing, postural

8th Grade students: Postural only

* If you wish to opt your child out of any school screenings, we must have your request in writing by November 14th, 2022. You may email us @ hmsscreeningoptout@hinghamschools.org to opt your child out of a screening. Please be sure to include in your email: your child's name, grade, and which screenings you would like to excuse your child from.

For Postural screenings: Female students are asked to bring a swimsuit or camisole/halter top (thin strapped only) to school on the days of the screenings to allow for more accurate observation of the back.

Please call us with any questions @ 781-741-1550 and press 2 for the nurse's office.

Sincerely, Susanne Hallisey, RN, and Jamie von Freymann, RN

Grade Eight Class Fundraiser

The 8th Grade students have voted to sell a hooded sweatshirt as their choice for this year's fundraiser, so we've done some research and found a high quality hoodie and have a design in mind. The hoodie will be black with the split Red/White H on the back and the ship's wheel on the front.

This will be our big fundraiser for the year and we are hopeful that each student will participate. The money will be used to fund as many of the year end activities as we can in conjunction with the PTO.

An order form is attached.

*If purchasing a hoodie is currently an economic hardship for your family, please reach out to Mark McCulloch at mmcculloch@hinghamschools.org, or any other faulty member you feel comfortable communicating with, and your situation will be handled in complete confidence to ensure your child receives a sweatshirt.

PTO Updates

Please read below and see what’s happening in November. We have a parent presentation, a cultural enrichment performance for the students, a pie giveaway for teachers and staff, and an opportunity to raise money for HMS while you do your Thanksgiving shopping! As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback (dalykare@gmail.com).

School Council Election

The special election for School Council seat was uncontested. Scott McDaniels will join Laura Accettella and Katie Carolan as parent representatives.

Congratulations, Scott, and thank you so much for stepping up.

Parent Presentation

We are so excited we are able to have Joanna Dutra coming to speak to our parents and caregivers. If you have ever met Joanna or heard her speak, you already know how wonderful she is! If you haven’t, please don’t miss this free presentation. Joanna will be leading a lively discussion on ways we can communicate and connect better in our community. Our interpersonal skills took a big hit during the pandemic, she will be highlighting some methods for re-engaging with one other which will also help our kids. To register for this event, please fill out our Google Form.

Register here

Cultural Enrichment: Brazilian Beats

The Brazilian Beats, an ensemble of drummers and dancers, will be performing for our students on November 21. This event is being cosponsored by the Hingham Music Parents Association. We are so grateful to have their support!

SEPAC Liaison

Did you know we have an HMS PTO SEPAC liaison? If you have any comments or comments, please email Stephanie Gertz at stephjlg@aol.com.

PTO Secretary Needed

Want to be more involved at HMS? The PTO Board currently has an opening for Secretary. If interested, please email Karen Daly at dalykare@gmail.com.

Annual Thanksgiving Pie Giveaway

In this season of giving thanks, the PTO would like to extend our thanks to our dedicated and hard-working HMS staff with a Thanksgiving pie for each staff member. That is approximately 150 pies (!!!) and we need your help! While you are baking or purchasing your Thanksgiving pies, please consider baking or purchasing an extra pie to give to a deserving HMS teacher or staff member. Please use our sign-up link, choose your pie, then deliver it to Molly Richards’ or Caitlin Shea’s house from Friday, November 18th through Monday, November 21st.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0948A4AB28A0FD0-thanksgiving

Pies should be in disposable packaging, clearly labeled and should not need to be refrigerated. If you need to make other arrangements for drop off, please contact Molly Richards at mrichards0614@gmail.com. Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us! Thanks in advance!

Molly Richards (mrichards0614@gmail.com)

Caitlin Shea (caitlin.w.shea@gmail.com)

Fruit Center Fundraiser

The Thirteenth Annual School Fundraiser will take place the week of November 7-13. Twenty percent of your purchases will go to HMS. Whether you are doing your weekly shopping, stopping in for a few items or preparing for Thanksgiving, please present a voucher at checkout! Scan this code to download a voucher or print out vouchers in the attached pdf. Vouchers must be presented at check out. Thank you!

November 10 - Veterans Day Ceremony

November 11- Veterans Day (No School)

November 16 - PTO Parent Education Program with Joanna Dutra, 7:00 PM at HMS

November 21 - Brazilian Beats Cultural Enrichment

November 23 - Early Release Day; 10:30 Dismissal

November 24 through 27 - Thanksgiving Recess

Week-at-a-Glance and After School Opportunities

Please take a look at the attached Week-at-a-Glance document to get an idea of what we have to offer next week, as well as our comprehensive list of activities, when they usually occur, and how to obtain additional information about them.

We also want to remind students and families that we provide late buses for students staying after school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Please remember to pay your activity fee if your middle-schooler plans to take part in these programs.

We hope to see you after 2:00!!!

HMS On-line School Store

The HMS School Apparel store is open for all of your holiday shopping needs!!!

Please use the attached form to complete your orders

Merchandise will be delivered to Ms. Ciulla (room 200) for distribution.

Please contact Ms. Ciulla (cciulla@hinghamschools.org) or Ms. Yindra (cyindra@hinghamschools.org) with any questions or concerns.