FWHMS Family Newsletter
Connecting Families to School - May 2019
Change in School Calendar - Message from Superintendent's Office
That means that our students will in fact to get out on Friday, June 14th as initially planned. That Friday, June 14th will be a full day for students. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with your child's principal or with my office.
We are hopeful that these changes will better accommodate your family's needs.
MCAS News
Mathematics All Grades
May 7th - Session 1
May 8th - Session 2
Science/Technology/Engineering Grade 8 Only
May 14th - Session 1
May 15th - Session 2
Please Note: All students will need their school-issued Chromebooks each testing day. The Chromebooks will need to be fully charged. If your child is participating in BOYD, a device will be provided for them during the testing.
Calendar of Events - Any New Events Will Be Added to School Calendar on Website
- 8:05 am - 7th/8th Honor Roll Breakfast
Monday, May 6th
- Teacher Appreciation Week Begins
- 6 pm - PTO Meeting - Lobby Conference Room
Tuesday, May 7th
- MCAS Math Session 1 - All Grades
Wednesday, May 8th
- MCAS Math Session 2 - All Grades
Friday, May 10th
- NJHS Application Due
- 6 pm to 9:30 pm - 7th Grade Rockin' Lock In
Monday, May 13th
- Kindness Matters Week Begins
Tuesday, May 14th
- Progress Reports in Parent Portal
- MCAS STE Session 1 - Grade 8 only
Wednesday, May 15th
- MCAS STE Session 1 - Grade 8 only
Friday, May 17th
- NJHS Appectance Letters Given Out
- 6 pm to 8 pm - All School Last Dance
Monday, May 20th
- 6 pm - School Council Meeting - Main Office Conference Room
Tuesday, May 21st
- Spanish 1 Final Exam
- 5:30 pm to 7 pm - Spring Open House for incoming 9th grade families
- 7:00 pm - Music Awards Night - BMRHS Auditorium
Thursday, May 23rd
- DC Trip Paperwork Due
Friday, May 24th
- Half Day for Students only
Monday, May 27th
- Memorial Day - No School
Tuesday, May 28th
- 11 am to dismissal - 8th Grade Visits BMRHS
Wednesday, May 29th
- 6:30 pm - Chorus Spring Show - HMS Cafeteria
Thursday, May 30th
- 9 am - NJHS Induction Ceremony
Friday, May 31st
- 8:15 am - 6th Grade Family Memory Wax Museum
Tuesday, June 4th
- Gr 7 Pre-Algebra Benchmark Assessment
- 8 Gold Math Benchmark Assessment
Wednesday, June 5th
- 7th Grade Field Trip
- Civics Portfolio Due - Mrs. Finnegan students
Thursday, June 6th
- 5th Grade Step Up Day
- 8 Purple Math Benchmark Assessments
- 8 Gold Student Expo
- 6 pm to 7 pm - Incoming 6th Grade Family Night
Friday, June 7th
- 7:30 am to 8 am - DC Trip Luggage Drop Off
- 8 Purple Math Benchmark Assessments continued
- 8 Gold Student Expo continued
- 7 Purple Math Benchmark Assessments
- 7 Gold Hatchet Day
- Harmony Day
Sunday, June 9th
- 5:30 am - Students arrive for DC Trip
- 6 am - DC Trip Buses Leave
Monday, June 10th
- 6 pm - PTO Meeting - Lobby Conference Room
Tuesday, June 11th
- 7th Grade Field Day
- DC Trip Students Return
Wednesday, June 12th
- 8 am - Hartnett Awards
Thursday, June 13th
- 6th Grade Field Day
- PBIS Talent Show
- 6 pm to 9 pm - Farewell Dance
Friday, June 14th
- Full Day for Students
- 8th Grade Field Day
- 6th Grade Picnic Lunch
April Attendance Rate
6th grade - 95.6%
7th grade - 95.5%
8th grade - 94.7%
Total Number of Tardies for April - 186
Total Number of Early Dismissals for April - 115
Attendance Rate for School Year - 95.5%
Total Number of Tardies for School Year - 1,254
Total Number of Early Dismissals for School Year - 868
HMS PTO News
The PTO is sponsoring a 7th Grade Glow Rockin' Lock In on Friday May 10th from 6pm-9:30pm. We are asking for a $25.00 donation to the PTO which includes pizza, glow items, games, dancing, and our infamous Lip Sync Battle! To attend, click here to complete the form and return it, with your donation to the Media Center by May 8th. Or, you can purchase tickets online at: https://fwhms.ptboard.com/home
We need parent volunteers to make this event a success! Please sign up to volunteer at: http://bit.ly/7glow
The HMS PTO is happy to offer Hartnett Middle School gear through Josten’s School Store. The store will be open all year. Click here for the link.
Yearbook
There are still a limited amount of yearbook available to purchase. Yearbook are $40.00 and can be purchased online here.
Donate a book to our library in honor of your 8th grader
Grade 6 Purple and Gold Teams
Fourth quarter brings a new reading adventure to sixth graders. Students will be reading Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan. What makes this novel so interesting is that the setting is in India and students have already learned about India and Indian culture in Social Studies class. They will be able to quickly make connections between their background knowledge of India with the novel. Koly is thirteen years old and she is the protagonist in the story who faces many challenges. As students read this novel, they will be utilizing the Notice and Note Signposts for Fiction (a close reading strategy). Be sure to ask your child to update you on Koly’s struggles in Homeless Bird.
Math MCAS is on May 7-8. Please remind your child to get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. Homework assignments may be lighter this week due to the testing. Also, please remind your child to have their chromebook fully charged for these 2 days.
Wax Museum- Family Memory Project
It’s hard to believe how quickly the school year is passing by. Students completed the interview portion of the ELA-Family Memory project and brought the interview answers to school on April 25. They will soon begin to write their narrative. On May 31, a “Family Memory Wax Museum” will be held to showcase the students’ work. We welcome all families, especially the relatives who were interviewed to join us! More information, including the exact date and time, will be shared in May.
As the nice weather approaches, so do seasonal allergies. Donations of tissues and hand sanitizer is always welcomed and appreciated. Please check to see if your child has a supply of pencils in their book bag as it maybe time to replenish them.
Grade 7 Gold Team and Grade 7/8 Purple Team
ELA MCAS went off without a hitch! We are looking forward to seeing and sharing students’ results in the fall. Don’t forget math MCAS will be held on May 7th and 8th and, just like the ELA MCAS, it will be taken on the computer. There are still some things we do recommend for students to do at home to maximize their scores. We encourage the following: Get a good night's sleep the night prior to each test date. A well-rested mind and body are more likely to function at full capacity! Eat a balanced breakfast (with protein) the morning of each test. Students must also bring a book to read to each test session in case time remains after they have finished. Also, student report cards were issued on Wednesday, April 10, so please be on the lookout so that you can review your child’s report card with them if you have not done so already.
Also, be on the lookout for field trip forms for our end-of-the-year field trip to Hanover Ins Park at Fitton Field to watch the Worcester Bravehearts play the Pittsfield Suns during their Education Day. Forma and payment need to be returned to homeroom teachers or Mrs. Hannon by Friday, May 17. The field trip will be held on Wednesday, June 5, and we are in need of parent chaperones. If you are interested in chaperoning, please email Mrs. Hannon, hhannon@bmrsd.net, and you will need to complete a CORI form no later than Friday, May 17. This will be a great event for students, staff, and chaperones!
As always, be sure to check the Homework Page on the school website and/or teacher's Google Classrooms to keep up with daily work, even if your child is absent.
Team 7/8 Purple
The 2019 ELA MCAS completed on chromebooks went smoothly. All students came to school with their chromebooks fully charged and ready to go! Looking forward to Math MCAS on Tuesday, May 7th and Wednesday, May 8th! A reminder of what families can do to help their children be prepared for MCAS - get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast preferably with protein and charge the chromebooks. Eighth grade will also be taking the Science, Technology and Engineer MCAS test on Tuesday, May 14th and Wednesday, May 15th. Results from MCAS testing are usually mailed to parents in the fall.
There are plenty of end of year events planned for both the 7th and 8th grade. In 7th grade, the PTO is sponsoring the annual lock-in on May 10th from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and a field trip to the Worcester Braveheart’s Baseball Game scheduled for Wednesday, June 5th.
Washington D.C. Trip News for 8th Grade:
Students were given a packet this week that needs to be completed and returned to the school as soon as possible. This packet contains important information that is needed in order for your child to participate in the trip. Below are some important reminders that were shared at the parent meeting in March:
Headphones are allowed on the bus only! Headphones, food and water bottles are not permitted in the museums.
Backpacks are searched at the museums
No speakers are allowed.
Mrs. Finnegan will supply students with a special phone number in which students may reach her at anytime during the trip if there is a problem.
No FLIP FLOPS - Comfortable shoes (sneakers) only!
No jeans allowed for the dinner at The Waterford.
Students will need $30 to cover lunch on the bus ride down and back.
Students can bring their own snacks to keep for themselves, especially for nighttime.
Donations of water and peanut-free snacks are needed.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the Washington D.C. trip, you can contact Mrs. Dansereau at ldansereau@bmrsd.net or Mrs. Finnegan at kfinnegan@bmrsd.net.
As we near the end of the school year, students tend to start their summer break a little early. You can ensure your child is keeping up with schoolwork by continuing to monitor:
the homework page to see their nightly homework, upcoming tests and quizzes and at this time of year, there are many projects due.
the portal regularly to see if they have missing work or failed tests or quizzes that they could make corrections to or re-do.
If your child does get behind, make arrangements for them to stay after school for extra help or to catch up on missing work.
Grade 8 Gold Team
Student have completed their analysis of how a free press is important to healthy democracy. They are now working on examining a variety of Supreme Court cases and understanding the role the Supreme Court has in our everyday lives.
All of the material we have learned about this year will culminate with their trip to Washington DC in June. Everyone is looking forward to making those connections between real life and learning. We will end the year with an exploratory unit on our local Massachusetts government and the way in which our cities and towns conduct the day to day business of governing.
Math
After the MCAS is completed the first week of May, all math classes will be covering topics that will give them a head start to next year. Algebra classes will be diving into Quadratic equations - primarily how to solve and graph them. Extended Algebra classes will be working with inequalities - how to solve and graph them. We will also be working on an interdisciplinary project with ELA classes. The last benchmark test of the year will be given June 6th and 7th.
Español Happenings
¿Qué pasa en la clase de español?
6th graders
So far this quarter your students have learned the correct pronunciation of the Spanish alphabet, hopefully they can sing it to you! The students also learned many classroom phrases and commands, so they know what to do when I ask them to do something in Spanish. After the alphabet, we will learn color words. Your students should be able to teach you all of the Spanish colors very soon! Don’t forget to check out my Google Site for important information and videos as well as encourage your student to go onto our Google Classroom where lots of videos and practice games are available for him/her!
7th graders
So far this quarter your students have learned how to have basic conversations in Spanish, they can introduce themselves and others, as well as tell you what they like. They are learning how to understand the spoken language and answer questions in Spanish. We reviewed the Spanish alphabet briefly and correct pronunciations, and in the near future they will be creating skits in small groups to demonstrate their language skills. Don’t forget to check out my Google Site for important information, and encourage your student to go onto our Google Classroom where lots of videos and practice games are available for him/her!
8th graders
This quarter, your students have learned how to introduce themselves and others, indicate what they (and others) like and dislike, as well as describe themselves and others with adjectives. The students are hearing more Spanish everyday, and will be working in groups to perform skits to demonstrate their knowledge and language skills. Don’t forget to check out my Google Site for important information, encourage your student to go onto our Google Classroom where lots of videos and practice games are available for him/her!
Spanish 1 students
So far this quarter, your students have learned about the food in Latin American culture. Students worked in groups to write and act in restaurant skits using the vocabulary from the chapter. There were some VERY creative scenes! We are now learning about the importance of family in the Hispanic culture. The students have already created a small family tree, but very soon they will be creating their own family tree describing the relationships of the people to themselves and each other. Additionally, the students can conjugate all regular verbs, ask and answer questions in Spanish, as well as recognize others’ errors. They are starting to “get an ear” for the language, which is wonderful! We will learn comparatives and superlatives then move onto “La Ropa” (clothing) next month. Don’t forget to check out my Google Site for important information, sign up for the REMIND site if you haven’t done so, and encourage your student to go onto our Google Classroom where lots of videos and practice games are available for him/her!
Science/Tech Happenings
The Science Technology students are studying the safe use of the internet, and internet etiquette, through information provided by the Federal Trade Commission and an online game, Carnegie Cyber Academy. They will then study basic parts of the computer, and begin some basic programming using the MIT supplied program, "Scratch".
Wellness Happenings
Grade 6
Sixth graders are completing their learning of SMART goals and have each set a goal. Be sure to ask your child about his/her goal.Students will also learn effective action plans to use their time well in the upcoming time management lessons. School Resource officer Dave Laudon will be co- teaching tobacco and e- cigarette lessons later in May.
Grade 7
Seventh grade students are concluding an eating disorder unit and will be learning about the importance of sleep and common problems as well as strategies for getting enough sleep. Students will examine the issue of middle and high schools starting the school day later and participate in a Socratic Circle.
Grade 8
Eighth grade students will be starting a substance abuse unit on alcohol and opioid addiction. School Resource Officer Dave Laudon will be co- teaching the lessons. In an effort to combat the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse, the FBI and DEA have released "Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict," a documentary aimed at educating students and young adults about the dangers of addiction. Officer Dave and I will be showing and discussing this video in class as part of a Project Here Substance Abuse lesson. I have included the link to the video.
If you do not wish your child to watch this video, please email me in the next week at mblanchard@bmrsd.net .
https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/newss-chasing-the-dragon-the-life-of-an-opiate-addict/view
Music Department News
Chorus Spring Show
Wednesday, May 29 in the HMS Cafeteria at 6:30pm
Please join us for a fun filled evening of entertainment by the HMS Chorus. The chorus members will be singing their favorite songs and might even surprise you with some dancing too! Doors open at 6:00 and the show is free to the public. Please feel free to bring all your friends and family. We promise you'll love it!
National Junior Honor Society News
At the end of the third quarter, 7th graders will be invited to apply to become a member of NJHS for the 2019-2020 school year. Students with an average of 90 or above in the four core classes for all three quarters of 7th grade will receive a letter of invitation.
NJHS eligibility letters go out 4/29
NJHS applications due 5/10
NJHS acceptance letters go by 5/17
NJHS induction ceremony 5/30 at 9 a.m.
Health Office News
Postural Screenings
I will be conducting postural screening exams to detect spinal problems in children of grades 6, 7 and 8 during the month of May. This screening is mandatory under Massachusetts State Law; Chapter 71; Section 57. The purpose of the screening is to find early signs of possible spinal problems. It is not a diagnostic service, but a program to identify young people who should have further medical evaluation. If your child has any unusual findings, you will be notified and asked to take your child to your family physician or pediatrician for further evaluation. The majority of the students exhibit no findings.
The procedure for screening is a simple one in which the physical education instructor (for boys) or school nurse (for girls) looks at the child’s back as he/she stands upright and bends forward. Boys will be asked to remove their shirts and girls will be asked to pull their shirt up around the neck line in order to visualize the spine. To respect the privacy of each individual student this exam is not done in front of other students.
If you wish to have your child exempt from postural screening you must submit a written request to me by May 3, along with a copy of a recent physical done by your child’s physician indicating that postural screening was done during the exam.
7th Grade BMI Screening
All 7th grade students will have their height and weight measured at the same time they have their postural screening. A Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a measure that is used to show a person’s “weight for height for age.” It is calculated using an individual’s height and weight. Just like a blood pressure reading or an eye screening test, a BMI can be a useful tool in identifying possible health risks, but it does not provide a diagnosis.
Massachusetts schools have taken heights and weights of students each year since the 1950’s. According to the state’s new BMI screening regulations (which were approved in 2013), schools must now collect the heights and weights of students in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10. BMI data collected for all children in these grades will be gathered and reported to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a combined number. No individual student BMI results will be shared.
During the screening your child’s privacy will be respected at all times. The results of your child’s height, weight, and BMI measurements are strictly confidential – the results will be kept in your child’s school health record and will not be shared with anyone without your written permission. If you would like to receive the results of your child’s BMI, please let me know.
Parents and/or legal guardians can request in writing, prior to May 6, to the school nurse that their child not participate in the screening. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about the BMI screening. Additional information about children’s wellness and fitness is available upon request or you may access the state’s resources at www.mass.gov/massinmotion/.
Prevention in the Family: An Online Q&A for Teen Health Promotion (vaping, alcohol and drugs).
Please see invitation at this link.
Vaping Information Flyers
Tips for talking with your kids about vaping
2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey
Please feel free to contact me for more information or any questions you might have.
Sue Wiegers BSN, RN, NCSN
School Nurse
508-876-0193, option 3
Guidance News
HELP! I HAVE A TWEEN ……..
A MONTHLY COLUMN THAT ADDRESSES EITHER QUESTIONS SUBMITTED OR SIMPLY SHARES ARTICLES THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO STUDENT GUARDIANS. THIS COLUMN IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY FWHMS GUIDANCE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT A QUESTION PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL BMIGNANELLI@BMRSD.NET OR SRIELLY@BMRSD.NET.
Teaching Kindness To Kids
As parents and teachers, one of our greatest hopes is that our kids will be kind and good people. When they have a choice to help others, we hope they will. We never want them to be cruel, intolerant, or prejudiced.
But let's face it. It's not always easy to be kind, even for us. Even grown-ups don't want to share our toys sometimes. Helping others can seem hard when we feel like we don't have the help we need ourselves.
The good news is that kindness can be learned; just like any other behavior, it can be trained through repetition. The most dominant way children learn new behaviors is by copying those around them. Which means we adults have a powerful opportunity, and responsibility, to teach by example.
Thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and change, we all have the aptitude to learn new behaviors, including becoming kinder. Kids' brains are particularly moldable, as they've had less time to solidify lifelong habits. So if you want to encourage more kindness in your kids, and in the world, here are some fun things you can do:
1. Send kind thoughts
Kindness can sometimes be as simple as a wish for the well-being of others. In mindfulness class,
2. Share stories of kindness
Read books and stories with kindness themes. There are many great stories to choose from! Stories are a powerful and highly influential way for kids to learn without direct teaching.
3. Smile more often
In a study conducted in Sweden, when people looked at others who were smiling, their muscles twitched into smiles involuntarily. Play a smiling game with your kids to show them how smiling truly is contagious. The simple act of smiling can spread the warmth of kindness far and wide, as others smile in return and continue to pass the smile on.
4. Play the compliment game
It feels good to receive a compliment. In fact, researchers at the National Institute for Physiological Sciences in Japan found that the same area in the brain, the striatum, is activated when a person receives a compliment as when they are given money
5. Practice random acts of kindness
Random acts of kindness can be anything that will make someone's day a little brighter. They don't even have to know who did it
6. Volunteer for good
Whether you take small or big actions, help other people or help animals, there is always a way to lend a helping hand. Involving kids in volunteer work teaches them that it feels good to be helpful. You might collect garbage from the park, visit a local retirement home, or clean out your closets to make a donation to those in need. Perhaps your kids will be inspired to fund-raise for a good cause. There is no limit to what your kindness can do.
Being kind to others feels good. It helps take our attention off of our own troubles, and also creates a feeling of interconnectedness. Together, we can make the world a better place.
*Adapted from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-27967/7-fun-ways-to-teach-kindness-to-kids.html
Eighth Grade Farewell Dance News - Date Changed to June 13th
Thursday, June 13,2019 (*Note Date Change)
from 6-9:00pm
in the FWH Middle School Cafetorium
Tickets:
Cost is $30 and will go on sale from May 20th to May 31st. Students can purchase them from Mrs. Mignanelli.
Farewell Video
Pictures are due by Friday, May 17th and are limited to 3 pictures per student. Pictures can be email or given to Mrs. Maurice or Mrs. Mignanelli.
If you have questions regarding any of the above items please contact Mrs. Mignanelli or Mrs. Maurice (bmignanelli@bmrsd.net or jmaurice@bmrsd.net or call 508-876-0190)
Washington DC Trip Information - Luggage Drop Off Friday, June 7th
Luggage Drop Off
Friday, June 7th 7:30 am to 8 am
Departure Date/Time:
Sunday, June 9th
5:30 am - Students will need to arrive at the school
6 am - Depart from the middle school
Return Date/Time:
Tuesday, June 11th
1 to 2 pm - Depart Washington DC
Time to Be Determined - Arrive at the middle school - As the bus gets closer to the school, students will text/call home to give an accurate arrival time
Additional Costs
**Students will need to bring an additional $30.00 on 6/7/19 (CASH-NO CHECKS) for dinner on the way down and dinner on the way home.
Please email Mrs. Finnegan: kfinnegan@bmrsd.net with any questions.
Homework Website
Pay Online for School Lunch
You can view the account balance, see what was purchased, and schedule automatic payments if you wish.
Are you energetic and friendly? Do you like to work with children in a TEAM environment? If so, the School Nutrition Department is looking for YOU! We are looking to expand our list of available cafeteria subs. The position is for two to four hour shifts on an on-call, as needed basis at all schools in the district. Application for employment may be made by appointment at the School Nutrition Office located at Hartnett Middle School – 35 Federal St. Please bring your driver’s license. For more information, please call Lora Rayos, Administrative Assistant to School Nutrition @ 508-876-0193 opt. #4.
Parent Pointers
- Monitor daily reading by establishing a 20-minute routine with on-level books
- Create a comfortable reading environment
- Incorporate fast and fun reads like comics, magazines, and newspaper articles
- Read and ride by bringing an audiobook for a flight, car or bus ride
- Read and chat about books that your child is reading
School-wide Ongoing Fundraisers
BoxTops - You can find the tops on participating products. Cut out the top and have your child bring it to school. We earn 10 cents for each top collected. Visit www.boxtops4education.com for a listing of products.
Stop & Shop A Plus Program - Register your rewards card to help us earn $$. Log on to www.stopandshop.com/aplus to register online USE SCHOOL ID: 07080 or dial 1-877-275-2758 to register your card over the phone.
Amazon - Please click here to shop on Amazon.com. A small percentage of what you purchase will go to the Hartnett Middle School PTO to help support field trips, assemblies, special events, and after school programming. It is the same Amazon.com you may use, with a small percentage supporting middle school students.
FWHMS Communication and Happenings
Our website is the main hub of information. The following is key information you will find:
- Daily Intercom Announcements
- Monthly School Calendar
- Homework Page
- Monthly Family Newsletter Links
- After-school Program Information/Registration
- BMR Athletes Information/Registration Details
- Staff names and emails
OneCall will be used in the following ways:
Robocalls
For Emergency only - such as unplanned early dismissals or information on an emergency in the building. They will be sent after 3:30 pm and end before 8 pm.
Roboemails - On Tuesdays and Fridays only (as needed)
For standard communication - such as portal access to progress reports, report card distribution, the monthly newsletter release, registration information for sports/after-school clubs, field trip information, and other information as needed. The emails may be by whole school or by grade level depending on the communication needs.
Social Media - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
We use all our social media to share special happenings after they have happened so that families can see what we are doing. You can find us on all platforms at @fwhms2003
About FWHMS
Email: tcurt@bmrsd.net
Website: http://www.bmrsd.net/frederick_home.aspx
Location: 35 Federal St, Blackstone, MA, United States
Phone: 508-876-0190
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolofwoonsocket
Twitter: @fwhms2003