1 - A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT!

Many of you may have seen the news last spring that reported on the trees that were destroyed on our campus. These trees were the gift of the previous 4th grade class, with one tree dedicated in memory of Cate O'Brien, a dedicated Ben Hem 4th grade educator who died in 2019. Iron Tree Services called after viewing the segment and asked if they could help. We built a plan and their team will be here on October 24th plant new trees on our campus. We are very fortunate to live in a community that truly does take care of each other.

2 - BEN HEM SPIRIT DAY PARADE IS BACK ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 31

We are happy to keep our Spirit Day Parade alive. This event is optional to all students at Ben Hem. If you plan to participate in the parade, please be sure to check review these guidelines so that we can ensure a fun and inclusive parade. If you have any questions about what is acceptable, please reach out to me before October 31.

The parade will begin at 2:00 pm. Caregivers and family members are invited to line the fire lane from the recess hard top to the East Evergreen Road side of the building. All students that are participating will exit the recess doors and reenter the building on the East Evergreen Road side of the building.

If students do not want to participate they may join each other in the library for a game block facilitated by Mrs. Langan. Or, sometimes students will walk in the parade and not wear a costume. These options are available for any students. Please let your classroom teacher know if your student will participate in either of these options.

3 - WHAT IS SEL? CHECK OUT THIS SLIDE DECK THAT PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW

We talked with our School Counselors, Mrs. Scannell and Ms. Shaw last night at our PTO meeting. The topic was SEL learning at Ben Hem and what it looks like in practice. This slide deck can help parents understand what SEL means and the five standards that we target to support our learners. This work connects with our Profile of a Natick Graduate.

4 - BEN HEM SCHOOL COUNCIL

The recent Ben Hem Bulletin from PTO shared that we are searching for new School Council members to join our team. The school council meets one Tuesday a month form 5:30 - 6:30 pm virtually. We review school improvement plans, operating budgets and the overall mission of the school. Please reach out to our PTO if you are interested in joining the council. All statements of interest are due by Tuesday, October 11, 2022.

5 - NO SCHOOL: MONDAY, OCTOBER 10 INDIGENOUS PEOPLE DAY

Just a reminder that there is no school next Monday. We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, October 11th.

Check out the Ben Hem PTO Facebook page to see what is happening.

Did you know our PTO creates a school directory each year to share contact information with families that OPT-IN to the directory. Complete this form with information you want shared to be included in the 2022-2023 School Directory. This is voluntary and only information included will be published.

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5