KP Connection
January 12, 2018
Need to Know Dates
Monday - 1/15 - Dr. Martin Luther King Day - school/office closed
The 22nd annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life will be held on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, at West Hartford Town Hall. (see below for more info)
Tuesday - 1/16 - Town-Wide Spelling Bee - Town Hall Auditorium - 7pm
Wednesday - 1/17 - Select Ensemble Concert - 7pm
Friday - 1/19 - KP Cares Family Skate Night @ Veterans Memorial Ice Rink - 7pm
Wednesday - 1/24 - End of Quarter 2
Wednesday - 1/24 - SEPTO Meeting - 7pm - KP Library
Tuesday - 1/30 - Report Cards (sent home with students)
Lead Learner Highlights
Happy New Year! The KP Community has jumped back into learning. We are nearing the end of our school concerts with our Select Ensembles concert next Wednesday. Please join me in thanking Mr. Pia, Mrs. Cardona, Mr. Ganci, and Mrs. Whitman-Logan for their work with our amazing young musicians.
This Monday is an opportunity to honor the legacy of social justice left by Dr. King. Please see below for more information. Please look below for upcoming opportunities for family opportunities (bowling and skating), resources to support resilient children around anxiety, and for a chance to nominate an outstanding math or science teacher.
School News
Town-Wide Spelling Bee
KP Geography Bee
Chess Club News
On Sunday January 6 and 7, 2018, the following King Philip students/players competed in the New York City Scholastic Chess Championships:
Ethan S, 7
Samuel L, 7
Lucas K, 6
The event was attended by 1,500+ players from NYC and surrounding area. It is one of the largest and possibly the oldest scholastic tournament running, in its 52nd year.
Although KP was unable to field a team, not having enough players willing to travel, Ethan placed fifth in the Junior High Under 1300 section. This is also Ethan's second placement at NYC, the first was two years ago when he drew for first in the Elementary Under 700. Amazing performance!
Lucas K also played well in the same section, scoring three wins in five rounds.
Samuel L scored 2.5 out of 6 in the Junior High Championship/Open Section, playing only higher rated opponents.
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science (including computer science) teaching. Anyone--principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public--may nominate exceptional mathematics or science teachers who are currently teaching grades K-6for the 2017-2018 award year. Nominations will close on April 1, 2018. Teachers may also apply directly at www.paemst.org.
Please think about nominating someone or applying yourself!
Have a great day,
ATOMIC
Student Opportunities
Parent Information
Presentation from Monday's Nights PTO Meeting about Anxiety
Rethinking School Start Time Committee
Last year, the West Hartford Board of Education directed West Hartford Public Schools to establish a research committee to investigate the challenges and benefits of adjusting school start times. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and other health organizations support later school start times because of the positive role adequate sleep has on adolescent mental and physical health. The Board’s decision to research this issue is in response to these recommendations.
In the fall of 2017, the Rethinking School Start Time (RSST) Committee, a group of volunteer parents, students, teachers and administrators, began a one-year study of the issue. The committee is examining the impact a change will have on the educational program and is providing the West Hartford Board of Education updates on its work throughout this school year.
One important aspect of the committee’s work is to gather information from stakeholders regarding possible changes to the current school start and end times. To that end, the committee will issue a survey for parents, teachers, and secondary school students at the end of February. Remaining open through the end of March 2018, the survey will provide an opportunity to collect important information that will be presented to the Board of Education at the May 2018 meeting.
The survey is one way for stakeholders to communicate their questions, comments and concerns. If you prefer to use email, please direct any comments to RSST@whps.org Please be aware that every Board of Education meeting includes the opportunity for public comments. You are always welcome to attend and address the Board of Education members in person.
Keep Talking: Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents -- great 30 minute conversation for parents.
West Hartford Special Education PTO News
West Hartford Special Education PTO
January 2018 Events
Wednesday, January 24 (snow date 1/31) 7 to 8:30pm
Transition Meeting: for students entering a new school
Meet with Pupil Service and leaders from each school as well as experienced parents to ease the transition for you and your student into a new school.
NEW LOCATION: King Philip Middle School Media Center, 100 King Philip Drive, West Hartford
Ongoing
Membership Drive & Book Club
Your 2017-2018 membership dues of $15 earn you a great deal this year: a paperback copy of Ross Greene's Raising Human Beings. The book will be discussed at our April meeting, as West Hartford Schools personnel share their training in Greene's Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model. Please visit www.whsepto.org/membership.html to join or to renew your membership.
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/West-Hartford-SEPTO - Follow us on Instagram at @whsepto
Community Events
"Public Act 16-189
We believe that it is vital for all students in West Hartford Public Schools to be able to efficiently and effectively use digital tools that empower them in all phases of the learning process, including research, problem solving, content creation, communication, and collaboration. We also believe that we must be committed at all times to protecting students' privacy and providing them with a powerful and safe educational experience. To that end, the West Hartford Public Schools follow the legal requirements of Public Act 16-189 to promote the safety and security of all students and staff.
In compliance with Connecticut State Law, we update online programs used within the district that house student data. The programs may be used district-wide, in a very small number of classrooms, or with individual students. The list will be updated each time the district enters into a new contract where student data is housed. For more information on the specifics of Public Act 16-189 and updates of vendor agreements, visit www.whps.org/pa189."