HMS UPDATE
October Newsletter
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
In 2011, 41% of US households with children 8 and under had a "mobile device" in the home. In 2017, that number is 95%. The same study reported that in 2011, children ages 0 to 8 spent 4% of their "screen time" on a mobile device. In 2017, it is 35%. How our children spend their digital lives is constantly changing, and increasingly they are heading towards individual, mobile devices.
As parents of young children, this causes us to pause, and wonder how much is too much, what apps are safe, which ones aren't, how is technology influencing how my child interacts with others and how it affects how they perceive themselves.
I use this newsletter to share what is great and important about HMS. I use it to share positive stories, important updates, and lots and lots of pictures. I also like to use it to share resources that may help all of us respond more effectively to many challenges of parenthood. I am sure that managing our children's digital experiences is a challenge we all have in common. The statistics quoted above come from a Common Sense Media study, Media Use by Kids Age Zero to Eight 2017(free log in may be required). Common Sense Media is an incredibly helpful website that provides parents with resources, reviews, guides, warnings, and research for all forms of media including Netflix (or similar), movies/TV, books, websites, apps and ideas for creating positive family experiences (i.e. #devicefreedinner).
At a recent district presentation on cybersafety, the speaker reminded parents of the importance of having regular conversations with their children about expectations and rules for using technology. In addition, he recommended that parents do what they can to stay informed and aware of the apps that their children are using and the websites they are visiting. Other recommendations included keeping the computer and phone out of the bedroom, and buying your child a cheap alarm clock (takes away the 'phone as alarm' excuse).
Our children are considered "digital natives" and we, as parents, will always have to play catch-up. I hear from parents all the time, how it is so hard to keep up and keep track. We all know the dangers that the digital life presents to our children, and by sharing resources and having frequent conversations with our children/students we can reduce or remove these dangers.
Check out this Common Sense Media video that, I think, accurately captures the life of a family raised with new technologies.
May you all have a Wonder-full autumn and enjoy the newsletter,
Mr. Layman
Principal
mrlayman.blogspot.com
UPCOMING EVENTS AT HMS
11.1 Picture Re-takes
11.3 PTO Meeting (10am)
11.6,7,8 and 13- Early Dismissal Days for K-5
11.9-10- Schools Closed
11.15- HMS Open House (details below)
11.20- 4th Grade Wonder Trip
11.21- 5th Grade Wonder Trip
Bienvenido, Sra. Brex
1. What are the major goals of the Helen Morgan Spanish program?
The major goals are not only to introduce students to another language but also to inspire them to learn about different cultures around the world.
2. What or who inspired you to become a World Language teacher?
My high school Spanish teacher was the one who first inspired me, teaching me a new appreciation for the language and my heritage. It was then one of my college Spanish professors and later adviser who encouraged me do what I loved and pursue a career in education.
3. If you could take your classes on a field trip, anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I could take my classes anywhere in the world I would take them to Machu Picchu in Peru. I think to be able to see the marvel built by the ancient Inca civilization first hand would be an unforgettable experience.
4. Favorite thing about HMS thus far?
My favorite thing about HMS has been the level of enthusiasm from the students in learning a new language and of course the amazing staff! They have all been so kind and helpful!
HMS World Language Club
Michael Lauricella, district supervisor for Social Studies/World Language/ELL, who led the effort to bring this program back to HMS, has been very pleased with the program's first few weeks . Mr. Lauricella said, " it is great to see the excitement of students running down the hallways at the end of the school day to come learn another language with our SHS students!"
The second session (Russian and Spanish) will start in early 2018. However, you can still sign up for Session 1, which features German and French. Sign up here.
4th Grade Math Homework Help
Supplies to Houston
Why Trimesters?
-a longer period of time for teachers to accurately assess students' mastery of the grade-level standards.
-provides teachers with increased flexibility in pacing instruction and adjusting to student strengths and weaknesses.
-more time at the beginning of the year for students to acclimate to a new building or new grade before the first report card.
-more time for teachers to get to know individual learning styles of students, provide necessary instructional supports and measure the effectiveness of these supports prior to reporting final student progress.
Trimester Dates:
End of Trimester 1: December 7th
End of Trimester 2: March 14th
End of Trimester 3: June 22nd
Shifting to the Standards-Based Report Card
Why the shift?
A standards-based report card allows parents and students to understand more clearly what is expected at each grade level. With this understanding, parents will have specific information about their's child progress as measured against the grade level content standards and be more equipped to support their child's learning.
How will progress be reported?
The traditional standards-based report card features a 1 through 4 progress indicator using the following key:
4: Exceeding the Standard
3: Meeting the Standard
2: Approaching the Standard
1: Minimal Progress Towards the Standard
How will teachers determine a student's proficiency level for specific skills?
To measure a child's level of understanding and mastery of specific skills and standards, specific benchmark criteria and rubrics are used to assess student performance. The criteria used to base these decisions could come from a variety of sources, including typical assessments, projects, assignments and classroom discussions and activities that provide evidence of student learning.
More details about the new HMS report card (for 4th grade) coming in December. For a brief overview of a typical standards-based report card, I found this video below from another school district to be succinct and helpful.
HMS Open House
Schedule:
5th Grade: 10:45 to 11:45
4th Grade: 12:40 to 1:40
HMS will send out an RSVP as we get closer to 11/15. It is highly recommended that if you have not had your license scanned at HMS (not another Sparta school) that you do so prior to 11/15. In addition, anybody without a license will not be permitted to enter a classroom. Again, all visitors must have their driver's license scanned or they will be denied entry.
HMS Ski Program 2.0
Next month, we will send home an informational flyer about this program and instructions for how to register. However, we can share some details:
-Possibly two separate six-week sessions (Jan-Feb, Feb-March).
-1st session will be on Thursdays, and will start January 4th
-NWAC has snowboards!
WONDER
Wonder is all around us. We are excited to share with our school community that in November our entire school will be going to the Sparta Theater to see a screening of the upcoming film, Wonder. Through this experience, and many other Wonder-related projects that are or will be taking place at HMS over the next couple months, we aim to reinforce, foster, and acknowledge the themes of kindness, empathy, courage, and friendship.
If you, your child, and/or family are interested in reading the book prior to our movie trip, we have attached to this e-mail a link to a form from Sparta Books to order Wonder and Wonder-related items.
Additional information, including permission slips, about our trip to see Wonder will be coming soon.
Link to order Wonder and Wonder-related items, order forms due tomorrow, Friday 10/27:
HMS Thanks...
From the Center for Prevention and Counseling
This month they are reminding us to be cautious when opening and eating candy from strangers. See their flyer by clicking here.
HMS PHOTO ALBUM
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT (5th Grade)
Rita's Night
REcess soccer
THey've got a blue(ish) ticket...
a flag raising lesson
go clarinets!
welcome to hms
pink day
harry potter explorations
simon sez assembly
sterling mines trip
gaga explorations
sphero explorations
philanthropy friday with mrs. caputo
google hangout with mr. ciaburri and paprika
peter lerangis
New books for the HMS library collection
SPARTA COMMUNITY FLYERS
PREVIOUS GENESIS E-Mails
HMS REMIND TEXT MESSAGES
Helen Morgan School
Email: doug.layman@sparta.org
Website: www.sparta.org
Location: Sparta, NJ
Phone: 973.729.5770
Twitter: @bulldogblasts