Bennett News
March 31, 2024
Spotlight on Learning
Grade 3 Swept Up in MCAS March Madness
To get the students pumped up for the state assessments scheduled for this coming week, our Grade 3 teachers organized a series of fun and engaging learning activities that they called MCAS March Madness! Rotating between the classrooms, students worked in teams and took part in a various competitions designed to reinforce the skills and concepts they might see on the tests.
Shining a Light on Solar Energy in Kindergarten
In a recent science lesson, Kindergarten students were encouraged to think about their experiences with hot and cold weather, and learn about a real city where the sun never shines during winter. They experimented with different types of materials (opaque, transparent, and reflective) to figure out how to reflect light and bring warmth to the imaginary paper town of Chill City.
Engineering Design the Focus of STEM Lesson
On Friday, the students in Mrs. Nye's fourth grade class were challenged to think like engineers as they worked their way through a series of STEM activities focused on renewable energy sources. Tinkering with a variety of classroom and household materials, the students worked with peers to figure out the best way to design and build simple machines like water wheels and wind-powered cars.
More Sights and Scenes from BES
Additional Pics at End of Newsletter
School News and Reminders
Bennett to Celebrate World Autism Awareness Day
Tuesday is World Autism Awareness Day. Students and staff are encouraged to wear blue to promote kindness, inclusion, and understanding of neurodiversity.
Grade 3 MCAS Testing Scheduled for this Week
Students in Grades 3 & 4 will be taking part in MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) over the next few weeks. The schedule for testing appears below. While attendance should always be prioritized, it is especially important that students are in school on testing days.
- Grade 3 ELA Testing - Monday, 4/1 and Tuesday, 4/2
- Grade 4 Math Testing - Wednesday, 4/24 and Thursday, 4/25
- Grade 3 Math Testing - Wednesday, 5/1 and Thursday, 5/2
CORI Checks Available for Parent Volunteers
With the return of the spring weather, planning for end-of-the-year field trips and activities are underway. Parents who would like to participate as chaperones or volunteers must have an approved CORI (criminal Background Check) on file with the Taunton Public Schools. To complete the CORI process, please stop by the main office with an active, state-issued ID card or driver's license. Approved CORIs are good for three years. If you are unsure whether you have a current CORI on file with the district, please call the school and we will check for you.
Spring Picture Day Rescheduled to 4/30
The spring picture day that was scheduled for later this month has been changed to Tuesday, April 30. On that date, students who were absent during fall pictures or would like a retake of their original portrait, can have their personal picture taken. Additionally, the photographer will take class pictures that morning.
Order Your Bennett Yearbook
Health Office Updates
Parent Communication Tool Available
The communication app called Parent Square will be used to share regular school updates and reminders from classroom teachers. All parents are encouraged to sign up for Parent Square using the QR code pictured here. While registering, you will be asked to select a school/district. Please enter Edmund Hatch Bennett School. Once you are in the app, you will be able to enroll in the classes your children have be assigned to for the year.
PTO News and Updates
Family Skate Event Planned for April Break
Be a Part of the Bennett PTO
The Bennett PTO is a group of parents, teachers, and administrators working together to help supplement the educational offerings at BES by planning, coordinating, and running special events and fundraisers. The group meets monthly and is always looking for new members. If you would like to take a more active role in supporting the school community, please consider joining the PTO. The next PTO meeting is scheduled for 6 PM on Wednesday, April 3, in the Bennett Cafeteria.