The Hopkins School Hawk Squawk
Principal's Update - 3/26/23
Updates from the Hopkins' Office
Dear Hopkins’ Families,
I believe that we can officially declare that spring fever has arrived! Once we "spring forward," it seems like everything moves at breakneck speed in a school - and Hopkins is no exception. This coming Thursday, March 30th, we enjoy a very special Hopkins' tradition - Community Reading Day. Principal's Cabinet members for Perseverance will welcome important guests and leaders from around Hopkinton: volunteers, School Committee, police, fire, Town Hall and more are invited to join us as we share a whole-school community read. I look forward to sharing highlights of this special day in our next Hawk Squawk. On that day, we will also celebrate all the heroes in our lives with a special Principal's Cabinet for Perseverance Spirit Day: Hero/Career Day. I can't wait to see how our students (and staff) interpret this theme! Please also check out the upcoming dates section and take special note of your child's MCAS dates, as they are arriving next week for fifth graders. Check out the SEL resource section below for more information on preparing for these standardized assessments.
Spring fever actually sees its roots in an actual physical malady of the early 1800's, an illness that occurred in the spring and involved fatigue, malaise, and bone pain among chief complaints. However, nowadays, spring fever is considered an auto-antonym (a term with multiple and opposed meanings) and many associate it with an increase in energy, as well as a feeling of restlessness, with the end of winter and arrival of spring. It is certainly a time of year noted for a number of mood, physical, or behavioral changes in humans. And, no place is that more evident than in a school- especially one filled with students entering puberty!
Given that our fifth graders are just wrapping up their "Growth and Development" unit in health, it seemed a great time to remind the community of the immense changes that occur during this period of development for our children. Certainly, the physical signs are everywhere at Hopkins- appetites are growing for many of our students almost as fast as their heights. And, by the time the heat arrives in May, we are grateful for the health lessons emphasizing the use of deodorant! In a building of 640 4th and 5th graders, these physical changes are quite apparent to all of us and especially each spring. Rarely in their lifetime will they wrestle with the immense challenges that entering early adolescence in today's world can burden them with: academic and social pressures of school, sports, and extracurricular life, physical and psychological changes to themselves AND the demands of a wired world filled with social media and digital content designed to "hook" them. It is essential that we nurture our children with empathy, positive modeling, compassion and love through this journey!
While many focus on the physical changes of puberty, the psychological/social changes are just as striking. Chief among these changes: a growing emergence of abstract thinking and ability to absorb the perspectives/viewpoints of others. This occurs at the same time they start to establish a system of values for oneself, spurned on by an increased ability for introspection, development of personal and sexual identity, increasing autonomy and desire for more personal independence, greater importance of peer relationships, and the emergence of coping strategies to overcome problems and crises. Thinking about all these changes that occur for students, you can begin to understand why a focus on social/emotional learning in schools is so critical - we cannot possibly ignore all of these changes and the impact of them on our leaners.
As one of our health and wellness teachers, Mrs. Kathy Lewinsky, likes to frequently say, each person is a little different, so everyone starts and goes through puberty on his or her body’s own perfect schedule. With the average age of puberty beginning between 8-13 in girls and 10-15 in boys, this means that the developmental differences we note at Hopkins are immense. And, as I frequently share with families, the great variability of development is frequently the cause of social conflicts, teasing, and certainly, bullying behaviors in upper elementary/middle school grades. As I shared at our Curriculum Night back in the fall, students who are still focused on dinosaurs, fairies, Roblox and unicorns learning aside others who are thinking about "crushes," spending endless hours on TikTok and planning their next social meet ups presents with unique challenges. Those of us witnessing the daily social interactions of these students know that this wide-ranging developmental continuum escalates anxiety and social strife, especially when coupled with the mood swings and insecurities that accompany this age. Thus, the critical work for us as adults, is to help students understand differences between each other while focusing on kindness and respect for all - regardless of interests, identity or developmental level.
There are no easy fixes or solutions to these challenges. I am grateful that we use a standards-based report card, which emphasizes personal development skills and focuses on growing independence for skills and learning. As I shared when our first report card came out, recognize that growth of all kinds comes on a continuum - and that it is rarely a straight trajectory. Empathize with your child for the challenges that they face - and encourage them to grow in their independence to face these obstacles. Make sure that they eat healthy, sleep regularly and get to school on time. Please, continue to have frequent conversations with your child (cars are a great place to limit device use - captive audiences!), monitor their digital life carefully and most importantly, honor where they are developmentally. The journey through puberty and adolescence is one often filled with uncertainty and self-doubt, so be the rock for your child: celebrate their success, comfort them through the rocky spots and be the cheerleader and advocate that they deserve.
A couple of additional reminders:
- Scholastic Book Fair is this week! Check out info from our HPTO volunteers below.
- Below, in our school calendar, I've continued to list our MCAS days for this year, which are coming up in just over a week. PLEASE - double check these dates and ensure that your child will be in school for these days. Please check out the MCAS section below.
- Also, please put our 5th Grade Talent Show on your calendar - it serves as an important fundraiser for our Peer to Peer program at Hopkins, which fosters friendship and understanding between students with disabilities and typical peers. It also gives a special opportunity for all our 5th grade performers, who honed skills in fourth grade during our lunchtime's "Hopkins Got Talent," to perform for a larger audience! I wonder what this year's show will bring us! The volunteers running the 5th Grade Talent Show are looking for additional adult help! Please click here to access the Sign-Up Genius for volunteering. Advanced tickets will be going on sale shortly, so stay tuned for info. All students attending the show must be accompanied by an adult.
- Sales are also coming soon for our 2022-2023 Hopkins' Memory Book - a great way to recall the special memories from your child's time at Hopkins School. Many of the photos and layout designs are created by Hopkins' Student Design Team and Photographers!
- As you know, each month at Hopkins, we have a different service project sponsored by Principal's Cabinet. This month, we are still collecting needed funds for the relief efforts going on in Turkey after the recent earthquakes. Please consider sending coins/small bill donations to school to support our efforts.
Warmly,
Vanessa Bilello
Principal, Hopkins School
SPRING SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR - THIS WEEK!
Hello Hopkins Families!
Here’s what you need to know about the Spring Book Fair, which will take place THIS WEEK - during students’ library periods (Monday, March 27 to Friday March 31.)
We accept cash, check and eWallet (a digital payment platform through Scholastic). Through eWallet, starting now, you can add funds to your students’ accounts or make a donation to your teachers’ accounts so they can add to their classroom libraries.
If your child cannot make it to the Fair, no worries! You can still shop our school’s Online Book Fair until April 9. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and to browse the online store:
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/edwardhopkinsschool
You can also browse the Spring Book Fair flyer here: https://bookfairsfiles.scholastic.com/homepages/flyer_custom/flyer_custom.html#p=1
The countdown to more Bookjoy is on! Catch you at the Fair!... and thanks again for supporting our schools!
- The Hopkins’ Book Fair Team
*Modified Library Schedule for Week of March 27
Monday: Saunders, Pires, Rizzardi, Coleman, Kaufman, Fumarola, Rasmussen-Siegel
Tuesday: Davidshofer, Dorion, Gibbons, Wallner, Corliss
Wednesday: Calnan, Tremblay, McHugh, Walkowicz, Wilkie, Feldman
Thursday: Clark, Tortorella, Sullivan, Davan, Esdale
Friday: Anselmo, Bernstein, Jordan, Coughlin, White
Important Hopkins School Dates
Please contact us if you have any questions on events listed below!
March Principal's Cabinet Service Project - Donation Drive for Turkish Earthquake Relief
Week of March 27th - Spring Scholastic Book Fair
Thursday, March 30th - Principal's Cabinet for Perseverance Spirit Day: HERO & CAREER DAY!!!
Thursday, March 30th - Hopkins' Community Reading Day
April 3rd & 5th- Grade 5 ELA MCAS
Friday, April 7th - NO SCHOOL
April 10th & 12th - Grade 4 ELA MCAS
Friday, April 14th - "I AM" Day & WHOLE SCHOOL MEETING
April 17th - 21st - NO SCHOOL - APRIL BREAK
- Wednesday, April 26th - Grade 5 Talent Show Dress Rehearsal - If you have any talent show questions, please reach out to hopkins5thgradetalentshow@gmail.com. Click here to volunteer!
Friday, April 28th @ 6PM @ HMS Auditorium - Grade 5 Talent Show. Click here to volunteer!
Spring 2023 MCAS Schedule- Hopkins School:
Please avoid scheduling appointments on these days!
ELA:
Monday 4/3 - Grade 5 ELA Session 1
Wednesday 4/5 - Grade 5 ELA Session 2
Monday 4/10- Grade 4 ELA Session 1
Wednesday 4/12 - Grade 4 ELA Session 2
MATH:
Monday 5/8 - Grade 5 Math Session 1
Wednesday 5/10 - Grade 5 Math Session 2
Monday 5/15 - Grade 4 Math Session 1
Tuesday 5/16 - Grade 4 Math Session 2
SCI/TECH/ENGINEERING:
Wednesday 5/17 - Grade 5 STE Session 1
Thursday 5/18 - Grade 5 STE Session 2
Email: hoffice@hopkinton.k12.ma.us
Website: https://hopkinselementary.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/
Location: 104 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton, MA, United States
Phone: 508-497-9824
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsElementarySchool
Twitter: @HopkinsSchool
SEL Resources: School/Family Connections
Preparing for MCAS
As a final reminder, Hopkins starts MCAS next week, as students across Massachusetts begin standardized assessment season. Please look closely at the dates above, so students are present and on-time for testing days. It is an important time for our students and teachers, so I’ll mention a few reminders:
Sessions are untimed for all students. Students have as long as they need to complete the test. Traditionally, these sessions can run long for some students. Tests must be completed on the day they begin (and by the end of the school day), per MCAS protocols.
To ensure students have as much time as needed, we do begin promptly in the morning. If your child arrives to school after our tardy bell at 8:55, he/she will need to take the test on a make-up day.
If you need to dismiss your child on a test day, we recommend a dismissal time much later in the afternoon to avoid dismissing your child while testing is in progress. Again, tests must be completed on the day they begin.
Students are not allowed to have electronic devices of their own during testing. This includes phones, "Smart watches" like Apple Watches, e-readers, etc. Please have students leave these at home or know that they will be asked for them to be put in lockers or on teacher desks while students are taking MCAS.
Students are asked to bring HEALTHY snacks and a water bottle to school for these days.
MCAS is aligned to our Massachusetts learning standards and measures critical thinking skills students need for success in the 21st century. The English Language Arts assessment includes both Reading Comprehension and Writing components. Math includes Multiple Choice, Short Answer and Open Response question types. 5th graders will also take the Science/Engineering/Technology MCAS. Families interested in learning more about the format and test design of MCAS in greater detail, can visit DESE's MCAS Resource Center on their website.
The MCAS are "CBT format," or computer-based testing. Our students utilize Chromebooks on a daily basis as part of their instructional programming- using them across curricular areas and for a wide range of purposes. As MCAS has approached, students have been learning specific tools and formats to prepare for "technology enhanced" questions. I can assure you that adults have much more anxiety about CBT than students! The digital world is their world and we have watched them adapt to experiences immersed in it much quicker than we do!
Parents and educators are all over the map on the purpose and value of standardized testing and I won’t engage in that debate here. I find that our children often take on the attitude we model for them. Focus your conversations at home about MCAS on your child and his/her behaviors, and not on the actual tests themselves. Encourage your child to work hard and do the best they can. Remind your child that you believe in him/her and his/her abilities. I think we can all agree that we want our kids to feel positive and confident in their abilities, and give their best efforts on whatever tasks and obstacles are in front of them. Standardized testing is just one more way that we can build perseverance and resiliency in our children.
As a parent, myself, I am well aware that standardized testing can provoke anxiety and stress in some students, while for some it is ‘no big deal.’ I do think the key to helping your child at home is to keep things as routine as you can. Treat these testing days as typical days of school. The most important role families can play is ensuring that students are well-rested and fueled with healthy energy for these days at Hopkins, just like any other school day!
Resources for Families - CyberSafety & Digital Citizenship
If you didn't get to read the important blog from Mrs. Bilello regarding technology use by Hopkins Students from December 2022, please click here. We know that it is not reasonable to limit ALL technology, so one of the best quick "watch" videos I've found is, "How Kids Can Connect Safely Online" It is a 10 min. TED Talk from counselor Michelle Porcelli, who "uses her vast experience as a school counselor to provide alternative solutions to the traditional practice of simply taking a child's phone away from them. Most of the ideas she proposes are not just good for the teens in your life, but may be just as beneficial for adults."
We know that 9-11 year olds struggle with decision making and impulse control. If we are putting the power of technology into their hands, we have a responsibility- as the adults in their lives, to ensure that they are doing so appropriately and with limits! As I have said before, when we take toddlers to a playground we make sure that they are safe and an appropriate age before letting them play on a new piece of equipment. We must treat devices in the same way since the dangers of the "cyberworld" are definitely more than a slide or swing set!
There are some outstanding guides and resources available online through a variety of sources. One that we find especially useful is Common Sense Media. They have created a Family Tip Sheet on Privacy and Digital Footprints as well as one on Digital Life. Another excellent resource for families is called Smartsocial. Cyberwise is another excellent resource as families seek to make decisions that work for their family. Katie Greer is another excellent blogger and speaker on the topic who spoke at Hopkins several years ago. The website for the movie, Screenagers: Growing up in the Digital Age, also includes some excellent resources. An additional resource that may prove helpful regarding cyber and mobile safety is Pacer.org, a resource that our Wellness department utilizes with students, but also has a parent section.
Additional videos/links on this topic for families to explore:
Cyber-bullying Tips (video) - Helpful hints as you evaluate your child's online interactions/relationships (texting/online chatting)
- The Smart Phone Generation (TED Talk) "Christy Kane, PHD, explores the pervasive effect smart phones have on the brains of teenagers (and younger).
- Teens, Cell Phones and Social Media (video) - "Are you feeling the pressure to give your child a cell phone? Many parents often wonder what is a good age to give their child a cell phone. This article talks about a couple of risks to consider before giving your child a phone."
- How to Protect Students Online (article) - "The internet can be a dangerous neighborhood for everyone, but tweens and teens are especially vulnerable. From cyber predators to social media posts that can come back to haunt them later in life, online hazards can have serious and even tragic consequences."
- FBI's Safe Online Surfing (SOS) Program - "This free, educational program for children that teaches cyber safety and helps them become better digital citizens in a fun and engaging way. Created for students in third through eighth grades, covers age-appropriate topics like cyberbullying, passwords, malware, social media, and more."
Resources for Families - Gratitude
- Best Gratitude Activities for Kids from Mindfulmazing
- How to Practice Gratitude
- Wide Open School: CommonSense.org Resources on Gratitude
- Seven Ways to Foster Gratitude in Kids
- Teaching Gratitude to our Kids
- Raising Grateful Children
- Thankful with Kid President
- Louie Schwartzberg TED Talk: Nature, Beauty, Gratitude
Additional Social-Emotional Resources for Families
Hopkins' Highlights
Hopkins' 2022 "Homeroom Battle"
F.A.Q.
Arrival/Dismissal Routines at Hopkins School
What are school drop-off/pick up procedures?
Busses:
If your child will be taking the school bus, you can access bus route information on the school district website. Hopkins will be sharing busses this year with Marathon. We encourage a 10-15 minute window at the beginning of the year, as route times are approximations. Be respectful of the time, as those not prepared will delay the route for all. For the dismissal route, again, please allow a 10-15 minute window of time. Route times are approximate, not exact. If your child loses their bus pass, please contact Transportation to order a new one (cost is $10). Drivers will accommodate students while the await a new card.
Front of School Drop Off/Pick Up: Students being dropped off at the building can arrive starting at 8:35 AM, when supervision will begin in the front of school, for walkers/bikers and parent drop-offs (see map below). This is considered a “live drop-off,” meaning drivers must remain in their cars during drop-off time. Have your child seated in the back on the passenger side of the car and please say your goodbyes quickly, as others are waiting to drop off their children. This side will be closest to the curb when you pull up in front of the school, and will allow for the safest drop-off. The tardy bell is now at 8:55 AM. Students do go up to classrooms by 8:45 to unpack at lockers and get organized for the day. Families are encouraged to drop off by 8:45, as it allows students plenty of time to settle in each morning.
School dismisses promptly at 3:15 PM - parent pick up follows the same route as morning drop-off. It is necessary to stay in your vehicle when in the dismissal line- having your child's name printed in the dashboard is helpful and showing ID is required. This also applies to all after-school enrichment programs, unless the instructor has arranged with families to meet at another location outside our building. This is not applicable for the YMCA Afterschool Care, which has their own dismissal protocols.
Because we have so many buses picking up and dropping off at Hopkins all at once, we will continue using the ‘access road’ to queue waiting buses. That access road exits with a right turn next to the entrance into the front driveway/parking of Hopkins. If you are in the line of cars dropping off or picking up students, please do not block the access road so buses can exit.
Dismissal/Transportation Changes for Students:
It is critical to your child and our staff at Hopkins that we know your child’s dismissal routines, or, if there is a change to transportation at the end of the day. Any dismissal changes also need to comply with our District’s Transportation policies. To make changes to a dismissal, please use the form on the district website.
It is also important for your child to know their dismissal plans each day, especially if they have different routines on different days of the week. Children are sometimes confused or forget about the days of the week. Kids can also be on “auto-pilot” at the end of each day and not think about where they are supposed to go. If your child has different plans on different days, please review with your child their schedule and routine.
Other FAQ
What are school office hours?
Our school office hours are 8:00-4:00. There is no supervision prior to 8:35 AM. At 4:00 PM, the office closes and families will not be able to gain access to Hopkins.
How do I dismiss my child early from Hopkins - or different than their normal daily plan?
Families changing dismissal must complete the Hopkins' Dismissal Form. It can be found on our school webpage, as well.
What do I if my child is going to be absent?
Fill out the Absence Form or, contact our absence line at (508) 435-0312.
What about lunch?
FREE MEALS FOR ALL STUDENTS: Free meals are available to all students once again this year, due to MA state funding. No documentation/application is needed to receive these benefits. Only complete, reimbursable meals are eligible (1 meal, with milk, per lunch period). Snacks, single milks, water, seltzers, double meals, etc. are NOT FREE and will be charged accordingly. Students are required to pick their option (hot, vegetarian, cold) at 9AM each morning and no changes are allowed to their orders during lunch.
Access elementary school lunch menus here. Additional lunch is available for $3.00 ($.75 for milk). Online payments can be made through the HPS website, or with a check. Students are also welcome to bring their own lunch. As a reminder, Hopkins students do have lunch on Early Release Days, but not on Early Dismissal Days. Please check the school calendar on the website for details.
What about lockers?
Hopkins School students will be using lockers for storage of their coats, backpacks and lunches only. Hopkins does not permit students to lock their lockers. As a reminder, Hopkins School is not responsible for lost or stolen valuables. Students are asked to keep such items at home.
Other Key Info?
Be sure that you and your family review our HPS Elementary School Handbook prior to the start of the school year- all families are required to sign off that it has been reviewed each year.
How can I get involved?
Families are encouraged to learn more about volunteer opportunities with the HPTO (Parent-Teacher Organization), SEPAC & ELPAC (Special Education/English Learner Parent Advisory Councils), as well as HEF (Hopkinton Education Foundation). These are all great ways to become part of our community at Hopkins- and are extremely important supporters of our schools in Hopkinton! You can find links to these organizations at the bottom of this newsletter or from our website. Many of these volunteer-run organizations will be at our Curriculum Nights for families to learn more.
Hopkinton Parent-Teacher Organization
The Hopkinton Parent-Teacher Association (HPTO) provides students at our elementary schools with a variety of enrichment programs during the school year to enhance and support classroom instruction. THE HPTO organizes parents/guardians to volunteer at Hopkins - whether you are available weekly or for special events. The HPTO counts on your membership to support activities in the schools that are enjoyed by all. For more information, please visit the HPTO website.
Volunteering
As a reminder, any volunteers do need to have an up-to-date CORI on file in the office. Check with the office for details. Volunteer opportunities are frequently coordinated through our HPTO.
Security Reminders
Drop-off Window:
In an effort to minimize disruptions, drop off hours for forgotten lunches, instruments, and other items occur between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at Hopkins School. Please do not bring forgotten homework to school. To drop-off items, you will be buzzed into our main entrance exterior door, and a table will be located in the vestibule. Please leave the clearly-labeled items on the table. We no longer allow visitors into the main section of the building to drop-off forgotten items. Our staff will call students down to the Main Office to pick up these items at approximately 11:00.
School Doors:
Just a reminder that we ask for everyone’s support to prevent ‘tailgating.’ While holding the door open for others is a polite thing to do, it can be a security risk in our schools. Please do not hold the door open for others; we kindly ask that all visitors pass through our buzz-in system at the main entrance to the school.
Quick Links
Hopkinton Family Support Organizations
Communication
Our school website has static information, but it is also updated with current news, photos and bulletins. Every other week, you can expect a school-wide update from the Principal’s Office, the Hawk Squawk. This is distributed to families via email and can also be found on the school’s webpage. You can also follow us on Twitter: @hopkinsschool, Instagram (hopkins_elementary), and Facebook (HopkinsElementarySchool). Ms. Babson sends out the Hopkins Herald newsletter every other month. This includes articles written by staff and students at Hopkins, as well as many pictures from our hallways.
In addition to the above school-wide methods, please communicate openly with your child’s teacher(s). Each teacher has an email address and voice mailbox. Many also utilize a website and/or Twitter to share news. You can find their contact information on our school website or you can call (508)-497-9824 to reach teachers’ voicemail.