Best of Bennet
February 12, 2021
From the Principal
February is a month for the celebration of Black History. At Bennet we are acknowledging the contributions of black people in our community, nation and the world. Staff and students are able to share their thoughts on how black people inspire them. I am reading these write-ups daily during our morning livestream for the whole school community to hear.
Winter is definitely in full swing! Snow much fun! Thank you all for your flexibility in navigating the impact of winter weather. We are thankful that we have the option of moving to remote learning in inclement weather and we appreciate your role at home in these situations.
Thanks for your continued partnership!
Joe Chella, Principal
Can my child go to school today?
Has your child or a family member been in close contact with a known positive Covid person?
Does your child or a family member have a persistent cough, or other respiratory symptoms, shortness of breath, lung congestion?
Has your child or a family member lost the ability to smell or taste?
Does your child or a family member have a fever over 100 F?
If you have answered YES to any of these questions for you or your child, your child should stay home and you should call the school absentee line.
If you answered YES to any of these questions for a member of your family, please contact the school nurse for advice prior to sending your child to school.
We are Nut-Free this year!
Remind your student please!
What's for lunch?
What is your child is learning in Science?
In 5th grade science students are learning about Earths’ Systems. We are investigating how the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere interact. Part of this unit is looking at the human impact on these systems. We have started the Great Plastic Project. In their journals students will record their daily use of plastics and help to raise awareness of how their use of plastic impacts the environment. Our goal is to come up with ideas to help protect the Earth's resources and environment.
In 6th grade science, we are continuing our study of global warming. Students recently focused on the fundamentals of global warming by studying the heat retention of carbon dioxide in some virtual experiments. We used this data as well as data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to find and analyze patterns between atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and the Earth’s average temperature in recent decades, as well as in the historic record. We even had a chance to discuss the relationship between carbon dioxide levels and temperatures on other planets. We are now learning about different effects of global warming through climate change through both class lessons, as well as a research project where students can choose from a list of topics. We will also explore global warming through the effects on the water cycle, weather patterns, and various climates on our planet.
WHAT'S NEW WITH TEAM ADAMS
Happy February and Black History Month! During our advisory block this month, students will have the opportunity to learn and celebrate the joyful experiences, contributions, achievements, and traditions of black people. One tradition our students learned about was stepping, a dance rooted in the traditional African Gumboot dance. Stepping is a rhythmic, energetic dance form that has been part of the traditions of sororities and fraternities of HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) as well as in our own Manchester community. Students came to learn that this style of dance and many more have been created in Black and African culture as a way to celebrate, honor, and bring joy to the Black community.
Writing - In our writing content area the students have begun the informational writing process. This means students are collecting information on a research topic (Sharks, Chocolate or Firefighters.) Students are learning how to take notes, paraphrase and include text evidence as well as citing sources. The goal of this unit is to craft an informational essay that includes main ideas and supporting details.
Reading - In reading, students are reading complex non-fiction texts. They are learning text features, such as headings, indexes, and captions so they become familiar with how non-fiction texts are structured. They are also learning how to determine the main idea of a single “chunk” of text and finding details to support that idea. This will help students do this difficult work as they research for their writing project.
Please remind your children to read at home for 30 minutes each day (and log their time on Biblionasium!). It is so important that they get practice daily to help them become a stronger reader.
Math - During the last few weeks, students used a variety of strategies to solve multi digit multiplication problems-- area model, partial product, and/or the standard algorithm. Now we are diving into division and gaining an understanding that multiplication and division are inverse operations. In other words, if you know how to multiply, you can check your answers with division!
How many minutes is your child spending on DreamBox? This is a program guaranteed to build math muscles provided students complete a minimum of one lesson a day! Please encourage your child to do so! Another surefire way to strengthen those muscles is by playing Kakooma. Students recently learned how to play this game which helps with basic fact mastery. Why not have your child show you how to play? Warning: It may be addictive!
Social Studies - Students in Grade 5 have started a new unit about the 13 colonies. Our young historians will be learning about the culture, economy, geography, and climate of all three regions. Currently, we are in New England. We have discussed how religion played an important role in the lives of the New England settlers. Students have analyzed images and discussed cause and effect to better understand this region. For example, ask your fifth grader why it was difficult to farm in New England or why did they turn to whaling to make their money? We will be moving to the middle colonies and then on to the southern colonies in March.
Science - See above in the Science department article!
ESCALANTE TEAM UPDATE
Hello Escalante Families!
We hope that this message finds you well. Unbelievably, we are halfway through our time together! This marking period, we are all wrapped up in our integrated Humanities curriculum that is being supported by our read aloud of the historical fiction book, Refugee, by Alan Gratz. This read aloud encompasses our reading, writing, and social studies classes. In math, we recently began working on ratios. The students will take a Fluency Assessment this month, as well. They have been instructed to log in daily to Dreambox to get individualized math support that will set them up for success on assessments as well as during class. You should see your 6th grade scientist researching different effects of global warming. They are currently working to complete part 2 of their research piece which is due on Wednesday, February 17.
While we have been together for half a school year, we would still like to take a moment to remind you of our online expectations:
- Students should log in on time. Our time together online is short, we need to maximize it as best we can. Students should treat our online classes the same as if they were in school by arriving on time.
- Cameras should be on during class. It encourages engagement and focus when the teacher and students can see one another.
- The ‘chat’ box should be used for questions to the teacher or as instructed by the teacher.
- On the days where students do not log in until 1:15, the expectation is that they are completing the independent work assigned by their teacher, so that they are prepared to fully participate in the afternoon classes.
We are fortunate to have our guidance counselor, Mrs. Feliciano, available to students daily, except for Wednesdays, from 10:45-12:00. Mrs. Feliciano meets with teachers weekly and is familiar with our lessons and the expectations. She is available and willing to help the students if they have questions about their assignments during their independent work time. This is a great resource if students choose to utilize it.
As usual, we are here if you have any questions or concerns. Your student’s success is our top priority. Please never hesitate to reach out. We’re all in this together!
Sincerely,
Team Escalante
PHYSICAL EDUCATION MONTHLY UPDATE!
Current Unit: Volleyball
Students will be working on the primary skills of volleyball which includes: Bumping, setting and serving. Activities help students work on hand and eye coordination, agility, strength and motor skills.
Did you know…. Our FAVORITE fruit and vegetables are...
Mr. Silver - Pineapple and Broccoli
Mr. Leitao - Banana and Brussel Sprouts
Ms. Palmisano - Pineapple and Asparagus
Mr. Hansen - Raspberries and Potatoes
Ms. Coles - Orange and Tomato
Lets Think: What is the average number of times a volleyball player will jump in one game? Tune in next month to find out the answer!
Last Months Let’s Think: Who invented the game of basketball and where was it first played? James Naismith invented basketball and it was first played in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Have a question? E-mail us at:
Coles: b25scole@mpspride.org
Hansen: khansen@mpspride.org
Silver: msilver@mpspride.org
Leitao: mleitao@mpspride.org
Palmisano: apalm@mpspride.org
Pineapples...
Next up in PE:
Pets are important!
Do you want your child's picture in the yearbook?
Bear Care Corner
Bear Care has become a popular option for many families. If your child is a Bear Care Cub but your circumstances have changed and you no longer need this service, please let us know. We have a waiting list of cubs hoping to join us once we have room.
If your child is a BC Cub currently, please remember to send them to Bear Care with a charged Chromebook and charger, earbuds, a reading book, and a nut-free snack!
Did your child earn Honors for Quarter 2?
Honor roll certificates were emailed home last week. If you did not receive one please check your junk folder. Congratulations to our Bennet scholars who have been working so hard this year!
Could you use a helping hand?
If you have fallen on hard times - you're not alone. Unfortunately, during this pandemic many people have also felt the economic consequences. These services have been put in place to assist people in need: CT/Government assistance: https://www.connect.ct.gov/access/jsp/access/Home.jsp - this is the website to apply for cash assistance, food stamps(SNAP) and medical. The first box will ask you questions and take about 15 minutes - to find out if you are eligible. The second one beneath it will take about 30-60 minutes to fill out for benefits. Click on it and it will take you to a page of information: You'll want to click the circle to the left on the page for start a new application - it looks like this:
Start a new application for any of the following:
Manchester Food Pantries: https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/ct-manchester
Mobile Foodshare is an outdoor pantry-on-wheels for people who need food assistance. The program visits community sites throughout the Greater Hartford area. Food choices vary from week to week, but usually include several types of fresh produce. To receive the Mobile Foodshare schedule on your cell phone text FOODSHARE to 85511.
Thanks to Miss Cavanna, Bennet Academy Social Worker (860-647-3571 x70543), for sharing these resources.
Do you want to lend a hand?
If you know other ways community members can help, please share your ideas with us for possible publication in a future newsletter. Email cberman@mpspride.org.
SHOUT OUTS!
We are trying to highlight positives this school year...and the following people have had a positive impact on us at Bennet!! Do you want to see someone shouted out next time? Email your suggestion to cberman@mpspride.org.
Ms.Godbout wants to shout out to sixth grader Carlos CN, who is an origami master! He has created too many origami ninja stars to count. At right, Carlos is pictured with one of his smallest ninja stars and one of his largest ninja stars. The largest one used 8 sheets of paper! In addition to his world class ninja making skills Carlos is a fantastic artist. He watches YouTube tutorials and then gets right to work. Way to go Carlos!
Miss Hall would like to shout out Mr. Rispoli for stepping up to support one of our Bennet families for Christmas. Without hesitation, he went above and beyond to see to it that the family got to celebrate the holiday. Thanks, Mr. Rispoli!!
Ms. Skoog wants to shout out to Special Education Teacher Tish Fortin for always keeping it real and making us laugh when we need to! Team Roosevelt is so lucky to work with her!
Parent Jennifer Pajares (her son is 6th grader Alvaro C) thanks our teachers very much once again for all the support and attention that teachers give to students. They are also an important key to student learning and she is very grateful!
Ms. Randazzo shouts out to Chanel C from Team Roosevelt (pictured below). Chanel loves to come to school and she is sad when we have a vacation day. She always puts 110% effort into her assignments and is friendly and kind to everyone.
Ms. Pietkevich wants to shout out to Amauri H on Team James. He is participating in the Flocabulary Rap-Writing Contest for Black History Month and has been researching Marcus Garvey, writing his lyrics, and creating a beat. We can't wait to hear the final product, Amauri! If your child is interested in writing a rap see details on this contest below.
Team Adams Shout-Outs:
Lissitte P who has shown exemplary participation in our hybrid learning model. She takes pride in her work completion and shows positive interactions with staff and peers.
Luke T who has consistently shown remarkable citizenship and great participation in our hybrid learning. He comes to class with a positive attitude and demonstrates autonomy when assigned a task.
Mateo who provides excellent discourse in online and in-class learning and is always available to help a classmate out. He goes above and beyond and takes pride in his work.
Sofia P who has excellent work ethic and perseveres when it gets tough. Sophia is an avid reader and comes to class prepared and with a positive attitude.
Maiya W for making her transition from hybrid to remote appear flawless!
Ameen M for completing 41 DreamBox lessons in the month of January!
Jack S for completing a total of 38 DreamBox lessons in January!
Abby M for always giving 100% in class and for laughing when the teachers tries to be funny.
Will Q-N for working so hard on his math and writing units these past few weeks.
Team Angelou would like to give a shout out to some of our students who are doing an incredible job completing Dream Box lessons during independent working time:
Jordan Hua, Shantel Boateng, Maame Ampadu, Prince Owusy, Manny Aboagye, Lucas Torres, Tristen Cranford and Reilyn Sheftel. We are so proud of these students!
Chanel C
Mrs. Taylor
Mrs. Tanner's daughter
Mr. Lemay's kiddos
Ready for Valentine's Day!
Cup stacking fun in PE
The Bennet Bear Den
NURSING NEWS!
REMINDER for 6th Grade Families
In order to start 7th grade your student needs to have a physical exam by your doctor, a walk-in clinic, or an urgent care center, as well as both the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines. Physicals for 7th grade may be dated anytime anytime after January 1, 2020, so if your child had one last winter or over the summer and you have not provided the nurse with a copy, please do so now. You can fax the paperwork to the nurses at 860-647-6348 or send the hard copy to the Nurse’s office via your child. Be prepared, doctor's offices often schedule physicals months in advance, especially during summer - You don’t want your child to miss the first days of 7th grade!
Bennet School Nurses
Penny & Elisha
860-647-3582 (p)
860-647-6348 (f)
Attendance Line
REMINDERS
*We try to go outside every day for mask breaks, PE class and whenever we can sneak in a short break. Please be sure your student is dressed appropriately - it is cold outside! If you are in need of help acquiring a warm jacket, gloves or a hat for your student please reach out to their guidance counselor. We often have donations we would love to share with our Bennet Cubs.
*Please be sure your student has a mask when they leave the house. It is also helpful if they carry an extra mask in their backpack just in case.
*It's almost time for progress notes. February 23rd makes mid-term for progress notes for Quarter 3. We will let you know when progress notes are posted in the Home Access Center, sometime end of the first week of March.
Take a look at our Virtual Backpack!
Do you want to make a real impact on our school? Join the PTSA!
Help your student get involved with PTSA!
Bennet Bears! Strong communities are comprised of strong individuals & we need your child!
As a member of the PTSA (Parent, Teacher & Student Association), students will represent their peers and classmates of Bennet Academy. We will work to ensure Bennet is a welcoming, respectful and inclusive community.
Together we will identify goals for our school community, discuss activities for all members to engage in, and develop plans for implementation. Think movie nights, spirit days and more! Your time, talents and skills can help build a stronger school community & WE NEED YOU!
Meetings will be held virtually on Thursday afternoons from 3-4pm. Use this PTSA FORM to join!
When did we start celebrating Black History Month and why?
Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently has been observed in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. It began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated in February in the United States and Canada, while in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom it is observed in October.
Black History Month was first proposed by black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State one year later, from January 2 to February 28, 1970.
Black History Month music contest
In honor of Black History Month, Flocabulary is inviting students to be researchers, lyricists, and rappers. This contest elevates student voice with culturally relevant resources and allows students to express themselves creatively through music.
We’d love to have students from Bennet enter this virtual contest!
The Prize? They select two talented students whose song lyrics will be featured in future Flocabulary lessons!
How the contest works:
- Review contest instructions and details here
- Students research and choose an under-recognized Black historical figure and write a rap about them
- An adult must submit the student’s work by February 28th at 11:59 ET
Find details here: https://www.flocabulary.com/BlackHistoryMonthContest/
News from the Bennet Office:
Would you like to talk directly to Principal Chella? He has parent office hours every Thursday from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm. If you would like to sign up for a Google Meet with Mr. Chella please contact his secretary Mrs. Hegenauer (laurenh@mpspride.org) to sign up for a time slot as soon as possible, but no later than 2:00 pm Thursdays. If there are no time slots available for the current week you will be scheduled for the following week.
Picking your student up early? Please call ahead and we will have your student ready. Let us know when you arrive and we will meet you at the door with your student to check your ID. Thanks for being patient with this early dismissal procedure as we limit visitors.
For all technology assistance (including Chromebooks, laptops and iPads), go to the IT Helpdesk or call / text 860-682-0607, Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
- Did you move? Please see the list of required documents. Contact Registrar Heidi Turner to update your information: b39hturn@mpspride.org or 860.647.8275.
- New number? Please remember to update the registrar with any changes to your phone number or email so we can reach you!
- New email? If you are reading this on our app and not in your email it may mean we have old information. Please contact Ms. Turner with your new email address so you don't miss out!
A note from the security team.
Please be aware of our school security guards directing traffic for arrival & dismissal times at the exit area of our bus Lane and Vine St. Parents dropping off and picking up should enter the property via Spruce to School Street and exit onto Wells Street. Thank you for your patience.
Is there something you would like to see in this newsletter?
Bennet Academy
Email: jchella@mpspride.org
Website: https://www.mpspride.org/Domain/9
Location: 1151 Main Street, Manchester, CT, USA
Phone: 860-647-3571