HMS UPDATE
January Newsletter
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
This week (give or take some snow days) marks the midpoint of the school year. This benchmark in the school calendar inspires us to look back on what has been accomplished while also look forward, with enthusiasm, at what is still to come.
Highlights of what is to come include; 5th Grade TREP$, two theatrical performance trips, and a handful of PTO-sponsored assemblies and events including the "world famous" Spaghetti Dinner. And that only covers February through April!
Enjoy this month's newsletter that includes updates on on-going programs, PTO news, pictures from highlighted events including receiving a grant from the Sparta Education Foundation for additional flexible seating options in several classrooms.
Finally, congratulations to Mrs. Bernardo and Mrs. Gaughan, Teacher of the Year and Educational Services Professional of the Year respectively. We look forward to formally recognizing their achievements at the February Board meeting.
Proudly,
Doug Layman
Principal, HMS
973.957.1HMS
UPCOMING EVENTS
January
31. Wear Purple for Citizenship
February
14. In-Service, Early Dismissal 1:05 (Revised Calendar)
20. PTO Mtg, 2pm
21. 4th Grade 80's Night
26. 5th Grade TREP$ begins (sign up info coming soon)
May
11-15- NJSLA (formerly PARCC) testing
18-19- NJSLA 5th Grade Science testing
HMS Pajama Drive
With this drive we wanted to create a ripple with a small act of kindness. Thank you for your support in achieving that.
5th Grade LEAD Update
Mrs. Feldmann
Mr. Parlapiano
Mrs. Sawicki
Mrs. McMahon
Thank you to the Sparta Police Department and Sparta Township's Municipal Alliance for funding this program.
4th Grade Bully Smart Update
Once again, thank you to Sparta Township's Municipal Alliance for funding the program.
FROM THE HMS PTO
Happy New Year! We’d like to start off the new year by thanking all our volunteers for their hard work that made our events so far this year so successful.
Fall Book Fair- Thank you to Lama Appesh, Deb Masterson and Michelle Smith. Also to Mrs. Bernardo for sharing her space with us!
Halloween Extravaganza- Thank you to Dorothy Riggio for chairing the event as well as Melanie Zywicki and the numerous parent volunteers who assisted the evening of the event. A special thank you to Marc Pedalino for keeping the kids dancing all night!
Halloween Hoopla- Thank you to Sara Duphiney for chairing the event and all the 4th grade class parents for running the games in each classroom.
Halloween Class Parties- Thank you to all our class parents and volunteers who donated their time and creativity to make Halloween extra special for our kids.
Fall Catalog Sale- Thank you to Nicole Ventresca, Melanie Zywicki and Erin Premo for running a successful sale.
Display My Art- Thank you to Enza DiNicola for chairing this fundraiser.
Box Tops for Education- Thank you to Lauren Conti for sending in 1600 Box Tops!
American Education Teacher Week Luncheon- Thank you to Nicole Ventresca, Melanie Zywicki, Erin Premo and everyone who donated drinks and dessert.
Holiday Shop- Thank you to Jen Papageneras, Tobi Messare and all the volunteers who made this so much fun for the kids!
Holiday Class Parties- Thank you to all our class parents and volunteers.
We would also like to congratulate Mrs. Bernardo for receiving the NJ Governor’s Educator of the Year award for HMS. We would also like to congratulate Mrs. Gaughan for receiving the NJ Governor’s Educational Support Professional of the Year award for HMS. Thank you both so much for all you do!
Upcoming Events:
PTO Meeting- Thursday January 23rd 2 pm
Resources related to items discussed at meeting:
Math Course Matrix (Grades 5-9)
Family Life Videos- Lessons to begin in late March
PTO Meeting- Thursday February 20th 2 pm- Guest Speakers- Pass It Along and Mrs. Kelly- Family Life curriculum.
4th Grade 80’s Night- Friday February 21st
Thank you for your continued support!
The HMS PTO
SPD Presents on Vaping
Doodle For Google
Use your imagination to create a Google Doodle based on what kindness means to you.
Join the HMS Lunchroom Crew!
HMS in the News
Sparta Township Celebrates 175 Years!
And other parent/education articles:
My Most Favorite, Recommended, Can't Go Wrong Website for Parents
HMS PHOTO ALBUM
EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR
STEPHANIE BERNARDO AND SUSAN GAUGHAN
5th Grade Spelling Bee Finalists
INTER-GRADE CUP STACKING
HMS ELV8 Ski and Snowboard
EXPLORING GASES in 5th Grade Science
Ozobots
Flexible seating courtesy of the SEF
Using VersaTiles in Math
The Viewsonic Board
3-D Printing Explorations
4th Grade Who Was? Bee
Google Maps and Geoguessr In Media
SPARTA COMMUNITY FLYERS
PREVIOUS BLACKBOARD EMAILS
SUGGESTION BOX
Where to find these on the HMS website
Helen Morgan School
Email: doug.layman@sparta.org
Website: www.sparta.org
Location: Sparta, NJ
Phone: 973.729.5770
Twitter: @bulldogblasts