FWHMS Family Newsletter
Connecting Families to School - February 2020
Click Below to Listen to a Shortened Audio Version.
Message from BMR Student Services
Please contact the Student Services Department if you need any additional information at 508-883-4400 x142
HMS PTO News
We are just short of 3 weeks away from our biggest fundraiser of the year - The Dodgeball Duel! The Duel will take place on February 14th, during the school day. Students can raise money using this pledge form, or online by sharing this link! All funds raised must be handed into the office or Mrs. Tasker by February 7th.
Click here for all of the details!
100% of the proceeds go directly back to the school. This year we have funded honor roll breakfasts, supported Amazon's Day of Code visit, sponsored Basketball Club, Flag Football Club, Yoga Club, Lego Club, Coding Club, Trading Card Club, Book Club, Cursive and Caligraphy Club, and Ski Club! In the Spring we hope to run more 6th grade socials, a 7th Grade Glow Night, and 8th Grade Field Day!
Please join us at our next PTO meeting on February 10th from 6pm to 7pm in the FWHMS Library Conference Room.
Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fwhmspto/
Best,
The FWHMS PTO
Calendar of Events
- School Committee Budget Workshop - FWHMS Presentation
- Blackstone Town EMA Drill - No After school Activities
Friday, February 7th
- DC Payment #2 of $195 Due - All students planning to attend must pay a minimum deposit of $195
- 8 am - 6th Grade Honor Roll Breakfast
- 5 pm - School Council Meeting - Main Office Conference Room
- 6 pm - PTO Meeting - Lobby Conference Room
Thursday, February 13th
- No One Eats Alone at Lunch Day
- 8 am - 7th and 8th Grade Honor Roll Breakfast
Friday, February 14th
- Student Council CandyGrams
- 12 pm - Dodgeball Duel - PTO Fundraiser
- Winter Recess Begins
Friday, February 21st
- Winter Recess Ends
Attendance Matters
According to Attendance Works, showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and on the job.
- Visit https://getschooled.com/dashboard/tool/343-attendance-counts?type=tool to use the attendance calculator to see the effect of the number of days your child missed this year so far.
Click here to read the latest research on attendance - 5 Key Findings of Middle Grades Attendance and Grades
January Attendance Rate
6th grade - 93% - down 3%
7th grade - 94% - down 1%
8th grade - 93% - down 3%
Total Number of Tardies for January - 106 - up 12
Total Number of Early Dismissals for January - 116 - up 20
Out of our total 411 students, we had 782 students have at least one tardy, early dismissal, or absence for the month of January.
8th Grade - Washington DC Trip - May 23rd to May 25th
Cost
Price $585.00
Trip price includes:
Bus, Hotel, Meals, Museum Costs, custom T-shirt, professional panoramic group photo
Additional Costs
Students will need to bring an additional $30.00 on 5/23 (CASH-NO CHECKS 2- $10 bills and 2 - $5 bills) for lunch on the way down and dinner on the way home.
Payment Plan Schedule
**Make checks payable to: Hartnett Middle School
Payment #2 195.00 Due Date: 02/07
Payment #3 195.00 Due Date: 04/06
Any student planning to attend must pay a deposit of $195 by February 7th.
All students attending must be paid in full by April 6th.
Fundraiser #3
Coming in March
All profits will be applied to students' trip cost. Families will be personally emailed of the total profits made.
Capital Tours
Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
In an attempt to address the increasing number of requests by school representatives and parents to help with students that have allergies to certain foods and other dietary restrictions, Capital Tours, Inc. will provide to schools or parents the contact information for food service establishments so that alternative menu items can be prepared. Where food courts or buffet style restaurants are used parents may find choices that will allow for students to have a well balanced meal and avoid foods that might cause a problem.
However, neither Capital Tours, Inc. nor its representatives can guarantee or certify that foods are prepared without additives to which students will react negatively and, therefore, Capital Tours, Inc. will not assume liability for any reaction to foods prepared by restaurants used on tour. Clearly only the preparers of foods at the various restaurants can attest to the ingredients. Also, we must rely on the good judgement of teachers and affected students to choose their foods wisely at venues where choices are available.
Trip Insurance Information
Click here to download the packet.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Hotel Rooms will have no more than 4 students per room
Parent Meeting will be scheduled early spring to cover any additional questions, discuss finalized information for the trip, medical concerns and communication lines.
Please email Mrs. Curt-Hoard at tcurt@bmrsd.net with any questions.
ChooseLove Curriculum - Gratitude
At FWHMS, we are in the season of Gratitude. Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and the readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. As a community, we are encouraged these mindset in school and would love to have our families do the same. In order to spread gratitude into your home and with your families, try this simple technique. During a time when the family is all together, this could be around the dinner table, or driving in the car to sports or music practices, take a moment to share something you are grateful for towards your loved ones around you. By making this little routine a habit, you may notice increased positivity, closeness, and understanding of yourself as well as your family.
Be happy, be well, and express Gratitude!
Grade 6 - Submitted by Miya Gagne
Grade 7 - Submitted by Brady, Haley, Kellan, and Keira
In English, we have continued reading A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. We have been following how Scrooge changes throughout the story, and answering comprehension questions related to how he changes. We have also started literature circles. Literature circles are like a Socratic circle. Everyone in the group gets a different job, Summarizer, Vocab Enricher, Literary Luminary, Illustrator, and Discussion Director. We fill out a discussion sheet correlating to our jobs. We meet on the nearest Wednesday to discuss our jobs. - by Haley
In science, we have been learning about thermal energy and matter. We have been learning about how to science set up science ASEs as well. We have also been doing many demonstrations based on states of matter molecules. One that we did that was really cool was comprised of a metal ball and ring. When not heated up the ball goes through the ring perfectly. When the ball is heated it expands, and no longer is able to pass through the ring. This shows thermal expansion and contraction. - by Brady
In world history, we have been focusing on the Romans. We learned about the Roman Republic, the government the Romans used and even made a government similar to the Roman Republic. We also learned about the differences and similarities between the United States government and the Roman Republic. We took a test on the Roman Republic. Our next topic is the Roman Legion and their multiple battles with Carthage, the greatest rival to the Romans. There were multiple wars against Carthage, with each war lasting many years. This month in World History has been packed with learning. - by Kellan
Grade 8
In English, this month we have been reading the giver and completing many assignments relating to it. In math, we has been focusing on volume and Pythagorean and theorem. In extended algebra, we have been working on the slope and solving systems. Our teacher has provided many lessons to make sure all of her students understand what they are learning. In civics, this month we have completed a midterm portfolio and started working on political parties. Today our two paragraph essay was due on comparing and contrasting the Republican and Democratic parties. Finally, in science, we started studying chemical and physical changes. We are learning how to classify both of them and what they are.
Art News
Other grades have been highly creative as well. Eighth grade students have worked hard on perspective landscape drawings, and seventh grade students have created some wonderfully expressive self-portrait projects. There are many examples of excellent art work.
Hartnett Middle School will exhibit student work as we participate in the annual Art in the Valley event coming up this April. The event will run Friday, April 3rd from 6:00-8:00pm, and Saturday, April 4th from 10:00am to 12:00 noon.
Sixth Grade Superheroes
Seventh Grade Self-Portraits
Español News
This month begins a new quarter for 4 different Spanish classes. The 6th grade Exploratory class will begin with learning the classroom commands and basic pronunciation, whereas the GEM class will be learning where in the world Spanish is spoken. The 7th grade Exploratory class will begin with learning introductions and basic conversations. The 7th grade GEM class will be more immersed in the language, and will be learning the high frequency words in Spanish with a focus on comprehensible input.
The 8th grade class have created weather forecasts in Spanish for different Spanish speaking cities around the world. They are acting as meteorologists and are currently being recorded by our camera crew, I will share their completed videos with you very soon.
Spanish 1 students are learning to conjugate verbs so they can have more authentic conversations with one another. They learned to describe their school schedule, classes, and teachers. We played many review games and next they will learn how to say where places are located. They are hearing and speaking in the target language more every day! It is very exciting to see how much they understand and can say! They are starting to “get an ear” for the language, which is wonderful!
Don’t forget to check out my Google Site for important information, sign up for the REMIND site if you haven’t done so, and encourage your child to go onto our Google Classroom where lots of videos and practice games will be available for all!
Physical Educational News
While the sixth and seventh graders continue applying strategic concepts and building teamwork skills through play, the eighth graders are applying two prior years of practice and instruction to challenge themselves physically, socially and mentally. For their final assignment in PE, eighth graders submit a reflective research paper where each student shares how they have become more healthy over their time at HMS. Not only do they reflect upon their growth, but they then use outside sources to explain why that growth is so important for teenagers to experience using our school-wide A.S.E. writing protocol. Some of the papers are marvelous and really do showcase their ability to reflect upon and apply their growth as it relates to their overall health and wellness beyond the walls of our school. Below is an excerpt from one of the student submissions:
At the start of sixth grade, I was social but not to where I would put myself out there and talk with my peers that were outside my friend circle. I’ve learned over time that it’s okay to step outside your comfort zone and talk and become friends with new people. As one news article explains, “Those who enjoy a lifestyle in which they often interact with others benefit substantially. They can potentially reduce many health risks, including cardiovascular problems, blood pressure, and Alzheimer's disease. They also reduce their risk for mental health problems, such as depression.” (https://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/03/the-importance-of-social-interaction/asxydg4/) This shows the importance of social health and why it’s important to have good and maintained social experiences with others. If you do not receive a positive experience with social health, minor health issues may occur and even progress and get more severe over time. Another example from an article states, “Social contact helps us to cope with stress and major life changes like a divorce, redundancy and moving house. And knowing that we are valued by others is an important psychological factor in helping us to forget the negative aspects of our lives, and thinking more positively about our environment.” (https://www.explore-life.com/en/articles/the-importance-of-human-interaction-and-relationships) This explains that having a healthy social life will make you a happier and successful individual altogether. There will be less stress on you because you will have many friends and family members that will be there to help and support you through anything.
School Nurse News
Cold and flu season has arrived! As a result, I am seeing more and more students in the health office with communicable illnesses. Some of these are unavoidable, but there are several things you can do at home to help prevent illness and keep everyone feeling healthy. Here are some tips to remember:
WASH, WASH, WASH YOUR HANDS! This is still the best defense against
illness. Encourage everyone in your house to wash their hands, especially before
snacks and meals, using soap and warm water. To be most effective, hand washing
should be done vigorously for at least 20 seconds.
Get plenty of rest. School age children should get 9-11 hours of sleep each night.
Grown-ups should try to get 8 hours.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use an elbow or arm if no tissue is available.
Do not share drinks, food, or unwashed utensils. Drink lots of fluids and eat a balanced diet - especially breakfast! I'm seeing a lot of children with stomachaches and headaches due to hunger.
Unfortunately, even with the best care, a virus or bacterial infection can make us sick.
Please keep in mind the guidelines below when deciding if your child should come to
school. Any child with the following symptoms should stay home:
- a fever 100 degrees or higher. A child should not come back to school until the temperature is normal for 24 hours without medication.
- vomiting or diarrhea – may return if free of this for 24 hours
- a frequent cough
- any rash accompanied by a fever
- ear pain and/or eye drainage
- sore throat with a fever and/or rash
Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the
classroom. If you have a change in address or phone number, remember to contact the
school office. It is very important to be able to reach you in the event your child
becomes ill at school. Please call if you have any questions or would like to discuss
your child's illness.
Sue Wiegers BSN, RN, NCSN
Guidance News
HELP! I HAVE A TWEEN ……..
A MONTHLY COLUMN THAT ADDRESSES EITHER QUESTIONS SUBMITTED OR SIMPLY SHARES ARTICLES THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO STUDENT GUARDIANS. THIS COLUMN IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY FWHMS GUIDANCE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT A QUESTION PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL BMIGNANELLI@BMRSD.NET OR SRIELLY@BMRSD.NET.
I started seeing Valentine gifts and supplies in the stores on New Year’s Day. As we get closer to Valentines one might see on the internet “Don’t disappoint the ones you love! Order your Valentine’s flowers today!” or “Have you made your Valentine’s dinner reservations yet? Do it NOW to show you care?” Some people might be excited by all of this, but I prefer to think that most people feel like I do and believe that I don’t need a special day, nor do I need to spend a ton of money, to show someone I care. As a kid I know I celebrated Valentine’s Day and it was so stressful. People judging you based on the number of cards or carnations you got, another popularity contest. I am proud to say that my kids have grown up seeing that my husband and I do not celebrate this commercial holiday. My kids know that I believe in the power of actions over cards and gifts. Valentine’s should just be another day to show kindnesses, bring joy to those around us, and be a reminder that we should cherish those around us any and every day.
Here are some ways you can show your teen you care each and every day of the year.
1. Listen. Listen to them when they talk to you – really listen, don’t just nod along. Sometimes it’s just as important to hear what they aren’t saying as it is to hear the actual words.
2. Talk. Spend time talking with your teens. Tell them about your day, about what life was like when you were their ages, what you’re struggling with. (I know my kids appreciate this) ( It also can’t hurt to leave them a sweet note every once in awhile.)
3. Say yes. Sometimes it’s easy to say no without really thinking about the request. Give your teens some freedom, let them take (reasonable) risks, and give them a chance to make their own choices. Say no. They may be teens and they may be morphing into adults, but teens still need boundaries. Provide them, with love.
4. Respect their struggles. Sometimes those things our teens are struggling with seem so insignificant in comparison to our adult struggles, but it’s all a matter of perspective. Their struggles are very real and very important to them. Respect what they’re going through.
7. Spend one on one time with them, and give them limited space. Sometimes teens need time with you and sometimes they need quiet time alone to think, read, play music, whatever
8. Remember that they’re still kids. They may look like adults, be facing adult decisions, and, at least part of the time, act like adults, but they aren’t adults yet. Keep that in mind when they make foolish decisions, act immature, or just need your reassurance.
9. Give them responsibilities. We do our kids a disservice when we don’t give them responsibilities. However, kids really need to feel like they have something worthwhile to contribute to their family’s well-being.
10. Prepare them for adulthood. One way to show love for our teens is to prepare them for life outside of our homes. Teach them the skills they’ll need to manage their own homes, such as cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and balancing a checkbook.
11. Encourage their talents, take part in their hobbies and cheer them on.
12. Let them suffer the consequences. Sometimes kids make poor choices and it’s hard, as a parent, to watch them suffer the consequences. However, sometimes suffering those consequences is a very important part of learning and growing into an adult. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re a terrible parent if you don’t bail your kid out every time he makes a mistake.
13. Don’t give them everything. We want to make our kids happy, but giving them everything doesn’t make them happy. It only creates a sense of entitlement – something that is far too prevalent in today’s culture.
14. Get to know their friends. One of the most loving things you can do for your kids is getting to know their friends. As our kids get older, their friends often hold much more influence over them than we do. Make sure you know who they’re hanging out with.
15. Hug them. Teens still need physical affection, too. Just maybe not in front of their friends. Tell them. Our teens still need to hear the words, “I love you.” Nobody ever outgrows that.
Adapted from https://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/25-ways-to-show-your-teens-you-love-them/
Homework Website
Pay Online for School Lunch
You can view the account balance, see what was purchased, and schedule automatic payments if you wish.
Calendar of Events
ABC's of Student Success
Awwwww, Mom! Already? Sound familiar? On average children need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Sleep is important for many reasons. Lack of sleep can cause kids to be hypersensitive, impatient, or cranky. It is more difficult for kids to concentrate and learn when they are tired. Some doctors even believe that during sleep the brain "files away" what is learned during the day. Encouraging quiet activities - such as reading - just prior to bedtime offers a transition that helps children relax.
-EducationWorld.com
Math @ Home
Math Printables
If your child is struggling with math skills, you can help by visiting www.schoolexpress.com. You'll find a huge selection of worksheets by clicking on 16,000+ Free Worksheets on the visit our site drop down menu in the top right corner. Then click on mathematics and the topic of your choice.
-EducationWorld.com
Parent Pointers
- Talk positively about the importance of an education.
- Let your child see how much you enjoy and value learning
- It is okay if you don't have all the answers to your child's questions, but it is important to show that you know how to get the answers.
- Learning builds confidence and a child who is more confident is more open to new opportunities to learn.
School-wide Ongoing Fundraisers
BoxTops - You can find the tops on participating products. Cut out the top and have your child bring it to school. We earn 10 cents for each top collected. Visit www.boxtops4education.com for a listing of products.
Stop & Shop A Plus Program - Register your rewards card to help us earn $$. Log on to www.stopandshop.com/aplus to register online USE SCHOOL ID: 07080 or dial 1-877-275-2758 to register your card over the phone.
Amazon - Please click here to shop on Amazon.com. A small percentage of what you purchase will go to the Hartnett Middle School PTO to help support field trips, assemblies, special events, and after school programming. It is the same Amazon.com you may use, with a small percentage supporting middle school students.
FWHMS Communication and Happenings
Our website is the main hub of information. The following is key information you will find:
- Daily Intercom Announcements
- Monthly School Calendar
- Homework Page
- Monthly Family Newsletter Links
- After-school Program Information/Registration
- BMR Athletes Information/Registration Details
- Staff names and emails
OneCall will be used in the following ways:
Robocalls
For Emergency only - such as unplanned early dismissals or information on an emergency in the building. They will be sent after 3:30 pm and end before 8 pm.
Roboemails - On Tuesdays and Fridays only (as needed)
For standard communication - such as portal access to progress reports, report card distribution, the monthly newsletter release, registration information for sports/after-school clubs, field trip information, and other information as needed. The emails may be by whole school or by grade level depending on the communication needs.
Social Media - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat
We use all our social media to share special happenings after they have happened so that families can see what we are doing. You can find us on all platforms at @fwhms2003
About FWHMS
Email: tcurt@bmrsd.net
Website: https://www.bmrsd.net/o/fwhms
Location: 35 Federal St, Blackstone, MA, United States
Phone: 508-876-0190
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolofwoonsocket
Twitter: @fwhms2003