HMMS Happenings!
December 7, 2022
Dear HMMS Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you all well and enjoying the busy month that is December. I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday as well. While November is always one of my favorite months, it is nice to settle into some 5-day weeks in December before the next school break.
Students and teachers have now officially transitioned into the second term of the school year, with term one grades closing on Monday and Unified Arts classes (Art, STEM, Computers) switching on Tuesday. Teachers will finish posting grades this week and report cards will be published in Aspen on Wednesday, December 14th.
Please see below for additional information and timely updates, including:
- Franklin Police Toys Drive - See the flyer below.
- Advisory Update: November's work on Gratitude
- School Update: Transitioning to Term 2
- Save the Date: Student Led Conferences March 8 & 9
- District Update: Substitute Teachers Wanted!
- Health Reminders from the Nurse's Office
As always, we have included Main Office contact information and "Important Dates to Remember" at the bottom of this newsletter.
Best of luck to our HMMS music teachers and musicians
who will be performing in the Winter Concert this evening!
Sincerely,
Ms. Motte
Principal
Advisory Update: Gratitude
November Advisory Gratitude Projects!
Grade 7 Project: Gratitude Board
Grade 8 Project: Gratitude Jar
Grade 6 Project: Gratitude Chain
School Update: Transitioning to Term 2
As we transition this week into Term 2 of the 2022-2023 school year, here is what students and families can expect:
- Report Cards: Teachers will finalize grades and report card comments this week and Term 1 report cards will be available in Aspen on Wednesday, December 14th by the end of the day.
- Aspen: Students and parents should make sure they have access to their Aspen accounts so that report cards can be accessed. Please reach out to Mrs. Simon (simonb@franklinps.net) for support with your accounts.
- Late Work, Term 2: As we transition to the next trimester, teachers will appropriately increase expectations. One area of focus for teachers will be minimizing late work. Students will engage in conversations and practice with executive functioning skills to help them manage their work load, identify priorities, and make good use of their class time. Teachers will adjust expectations and allowances for submitting late work in Terms 2 and 3.
- Self- Reflection and Goal Setting: These will be areas of focus for Term 2. We will use Advisory and class time to reflect and build upon the successes and struggles of Term 1. This work will be highlighted during Student-Led Conferences in March.
- Homework: Students should continue their learning outside of the school day by studying, reviewing concepts, completing skills practice, homework, projects, etc. The FPS Homework Policy outlines that students can expect to work independently, outside of school, on homework for 60 minutes per day. We encourage parents to communicate with teachers if their child is working for longer than this amount of time.
Save the Date: Student-Led Conferences March 8 & 9
If you have looked ahead on the 2022-2023 school calendar, you will have seen the return of spring conferences on March 8 and March 9. These will be Early Release Days for students, with dismissal at 10:45 am.
The structure for spring conferences will be different than our fall conferences. This year, our students will take the lead by developing a portfolio of work and be an active part of the conversation about their progress. This format will take place in all grades and for all content areas, including Unified Arts. Students will work in advisory, classes and Team Time throughout the coming months to develop their portfolio and reflect on their work. On March 8 and 9, students and parents will both attend a portion of one of the conference afternoons to review this work and engage in a conversation about their learning. More details will be shared in the coming months as we prepare for Student-Led Conferences!
Please save the date! Our goal is to have all students and families participate!
Conferences will take place from 11:15am-2:10pm on 3/8 and 3/9.
Reminder: After School Clubs & Late Bus
After School Club Fee
A reminder that students participating in after school clubs should submit their payment of $75 for the year. This is a one-time fee to join as many clubs as possible.
The club fee can be paid with this website (search: Franklin Public School-->Extracurricular --> HMMS Extracurricular).
Late Bus Information
The late bus is available for everyone. Students will let the bus drivers know where they live in order to be dropped off at or near their typical bus stop. There is a fee of $1 for any student who does not already pay to ride the bus. A pass can be purchased in the HMMS office each day.
Substitute Teachers Wanted!
The work of our substitute teachers is an essential function to the smooth operation of our programs and we value that contribution. Without the support and dedication of our substitute teachers and staff, our educational program would be greatly hampered. We place the care of our students in their hands daily. Substitute teaching can be an ideal way to supplement your income while setting your own schedule. Improve your classroom skills as you try out the different schools, grade levels and instructional practices.
Ideally a teaching license and experience working with children is always preferred, however we will consider those applicants with a post high school education, a willingness to learn, compassion, energy and of course, a love for working with children.
Please review the information linked HERE for an overview of our school system and the substitute teacher's role. Interested substitutes may apply by submitting a cover letter along with a resume to recruit@franklinps.net or stop by the HR Office to complete an application between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Mondays through Fridays!
Health Reminders from the HMMS Nurses
As per Franklin Public Schools policy, please remember and adhere to the following protocols:
Keep your child home from school if :
your child has a fever of 100 degrees or higher
your child is vomiting or has diarrhea
your child has a contagious illness such as flu, strep throat, chicken pox, COVID, etc. If unsure, please contact the school nurse for guidance.
your child's eye is pink, red, or itchy, and/or a crusty drainage from the eye is present.
your child has tested positive on a rapid antigen or PCR test for COVID and/or awaiting results of COVID testing (all positive COVID test results should be reported to school nurse for return to school guidance/masking protocol upon return).
Students may return to school when :
fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medicines.
24 hours after the start of antibiotic therapy for a bacterial infection.
24 hours without vomiting or diarrhea.
We are committed to maintaining the health and wellness of our students and staff. Thank you for your help, and as always, please contact the Health Office with any additional questions and or concerns that you may have.
Carrie Kalemkerides, LPN
Oak Street/Horace Mann Nurse
Phone (508) 541-6230 ext. 2639
Fax (508) 613-1506
Stephanie Leeber, MSN, RN.
Oak Street/Horace Mann Nurse
Phone (508) 541-7890 Ext. 2640
Fax (508) 613-1506
Important Dates to Remember...
December
- Tue Dec 6 - First Day of Term 2
- Wed Dec 7 - Early Release Day for Students, Dismissal at 10:45 am
- Wed Dec 7 - HMMS Winter Concert, 6pm
- Wed Dec 14 - Term 1 Report Cards Released in Aspen
- Dec 26-30 - No School, Winter Break
- Tue Jan 3: Welcome Back Students & Staff!
- Fri Jan 13: Early Release Day for Students, Dismissal at 10:45 am
- Mon Jan 16: No School (MLK Jr. Day)
About HMMS
508-541-6230 ext 2816
Mr. Healy's contact information
508-541-6230 ext 2846
Email: name@franklinps.net
Website: https://www.franklinps.net/horacemann
Location: 224 Oak Street, Franklin, MA, USA
Phone: 508-541-6230
Twitter: @HMMSLightning