KP Connection
April 6, 2018
Need to Know Dates
April 9th through April 13th - Spring Vacation - no school
Monday, 4/16 - PTO Mtg - 7pm
Tuesday, 4/17 - End of Quarter 3
Friday, 4/20 - Report Cards Distributed
Lead Learner Highlights
Please read below for information on student and staff kudos, our musical, student placement for next year, and summer camp opportunities.
Enjoy Spring Break!
2018-2019 Student Placement Input
Dear 6th and 7th Grade King Philip Families,
As we embrace spring and its announcement of summer, it signals our time to start the scheduling process for next year. As we begin these steps, we want to make sure that you are informed about our process.
At King Philip, student placement has always been a collaborative effort between our teachers, school counselors, clinical staff, and administration. We consider a multitude of factors as we balance our teams to create the most supportive environment for each student's growth and success. We would be remiss if we did not provide you with an opportunity to give us any information you feel is important to your child's continued success. If you choose to share such information, please use the form here, the fillable form below, or a letter submitted by May 18, 2018, to the main office (in a sealed envelope) or you can email your request to your child’s counselor or me at Joy_Wright@whps.org . Please know that we cannot honor requests for specific teams or teachers.
As a caring community of adults, we pride ourselves on knowing our students and work collaboratively to keep our students' best interests in mind in all that we do, and scheduling is no different. Our process will continue to be completed by caring and effective professionals who are thoughtful, deliberate, and systematic. Please know that there is no requirement to complete the form or write a letter; in fact, many families do not. Although the school is responsible for the final placements, as your partner, we believe it is important to seek your input.
As a reminder, team placement letters along with team information will be available in mid-August. Once letters are mailed home, these placements are final unless there is an administrative error. Thank you for your continued support.
Your Partner in Education,
Joy K. Wright
Congratulations to our Scholastic Art Award Winner
Having received the Gold Key Award at the state level for his wire self-portrait, 8th grader, Luke D of went on to win the Silver Medal at the national level. How AWESOME!
To visit the award site, click here.
Congratulations to Artemis
Congratulations to our Library Media Specialist Denise DeMello
for receiving the Connecticut Association of School Librarians' Rheta A. Clark Award!!!
The award is given in recognition of "extensive service and outstanding contributions in the library media field." Additional information can be found at the link below. Denise will be honored at the Connecticut Association of School Librarians' "Spring Fling" on April 26th.
This is a recognition well deserved!!!
Information regarding the award: https://casl.wildapricot.org/Clark-Award
K.P Spring Musical 2018
School House Rock Live Jr.
Wednesday April 25 - Saturday April 28,
Don't miss it! Stay tuned for ticket sales!
Attention All Middle School Families
Save the Date!
Thursday, May 10, 2018
At King Philip Middle School
6:00-8:10pm. (Registration 6pm).
Join the KP Health and Physical Education Department for a fun and informative evening. This opportunity will allow King Philip families to be active, learn, and spend time together.
Come to explore:
1) Yoga/Mindfulness Practice
2) Sport of Pickleball
3) What students and caregivers should know about current trends and concerns about vaping.
In order to help us plan, please complete the RSVP form below by Friday, May 4th.
We've gathered over 200lbs of Film Plastics! Keep recycling! Last day to send in your film plastics in April 16th.
Parent Information
www.WHSEPTO.org Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/West-Hartford-SEPTO - Follow us on Instagram at @whsepto
West Hartford Special Education PTO
NEW DATES!
2018 Events
Saturday, May 19 @ 7-9:30pm
“Silent” Spring Fling Dance
Join us at The Underground on Saturday, May 19th from 7 to 9:30 for an all inclusive dance party experience designed specifically for individuals with sensory sensitivities. The DJ will spin a live set of dance favorites through wireless Bluetooth headphones allowing attendees to control their own volume levels.
All students (typical and non-typical) 10 years of age and older are invited to attend.
Tickets are $5 each for students. Tickets available online now at http://bit.ly/silentspringfling
Parents are strongly encouraged to attend for free and a parent lounge is provided for families to relax and connect with other members of their community during the event.
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/West-Hartford-SEPTO - Follow us on Instagram at @whsepto
Community Events
Still Looking for Summer Camp Options?
CAMP KO - DISCOUNT for New Registrants
As community partners with Camp KO, they are offering any student attending the 3 middle schools and Charter Oak, a discount on any week of Camp KO. Parents can enter the code: KOFAM to receive $50 off of any camp week. Our website is campko.com. Please note that this is for new registrants ONLY.
Rethinking School Start Time Committee
Rethinking School Start Time Committee
UPDATE
New Dates: Stakeholder Surveys/Family Information Night
The Rethinking School Start Time (RSST) Committee which consists of a group of volunteer parents, students, teachers and administrators, is studying the issue of changing school start times. At the request of the Board of Education, the committee is examining the impact a change will have on all aspects of the educational program.
One important aspect of the committee’s work is to gather information from stakeholders. To that end, the committee will issue a survey for parents, teachers, and secondary school students. Originally, the committee planned to administer the surveys in February and March. The committee has secured the services of the Hanover Research Group to support the creation of a survey personalized to West Hartford’s needs. Hanover will administer the survey and work with the RSST Committee to analyze the results. The new survey window is May 1-May 15. A Family Information Night will held at 7:00 p.m. on May 3 in the auditorium at Town Hall, 50 South Main Street.
The survey and family information night are two ways for stakeholders to communicate their questions, comments and concerns about this important issue. If you prefer to use email, please direct any comments to RSST@whps.org . You are always welcome to attend a Board of Education meeting and address the Board of Education members in person during the public comment portion of the meeting.
"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."