The Hopkins School Hawk Squawk
Principal's Update - 12/4/22
Updates from the Hopkins' Office
Dear Hopkins' Community,
I usually hold off on my annual "tech update" communication until after New Years. However, Mr. Cotter, our teachers, Mrs. McCorvey and Mrs. Chevalier (our adjustment counselors) and I felt I needed to reach out now, given our concern about escalating technology use among our students- both in and outside of school. When I first started at Hopkins ten years ago, the use of cell phones was limited to a small group of fifth graders- and usually in the spring. Now, we are inundated by "smart" and connected devices - and the distraction to our students is significant.
First, as a reminder, students are not to be using any technology during the school day, except under the supervision of teachers/staff of Hopkins. For this reason, students are required to keep all cell phones/smart devices (including smart watches) out of the classroom. We recognize (and love!) how many of our fourth and fifth graders are increasing independence by walking/biking home - and know that these devices help families feel connected. We get it - and are happy for students to keep devices IN THEIR LOCKERS. If your child is wearing a smart watch, please set it to "silent" during school hours. If a student becomes distracted by a wearable or is using a device during the school day, staff will hold onto it until dismissal.
We are also hearing weekly about situations where students are receiving texts (via smart watches or phones) during the school day - including from parents/guardians. This has become a major distraction to our classrooms and also a safety concern. We have had students text home to ask a parent to pick them up - without anyone at school knowing. I'm sure you can appreciate that we are much better able to support students if we are aware that they are not feeling well or are coming to school anxious or worried. A quick email to the classroom teacher/nurse/office/counselor will make us all aware there is something we should be looking out for. Please, help our teachers (and students) - refrain from texting your children during the school day!
Additionally, it has come to our attention that in recent weeks, there has been increasing activity among some Hopkins' students involving group "chats," TikTok communications, and FaceTime calls over a variety of devices: phones, iPads, iPods, gaming systems, etc. While the students are expected to keep these devices away and off during school time, we know that activity that occurs outside of school frequently ends up impacting relationships and behaviors within school - and has the potential to greatly impact student mental health.
Our understanding from interviews with students and conversations with families is that some of these "groups" are now several dozen students large - and that activity is occurring at all hours of the night. Students report that they may go off to a sport's practice and return to several hundred texts to review! We are aware that frequently these larger chats - live or over text, result in "roasting," or unkind/mean language. We know that these have the propensity to quickly escalate into cyberbullying and harassment situations. Students report that it can be "very stressful," "hard to get out of," and that this kind of 'hypertexting' has the ability to take over a student's time so much that they can't concentrate on much else.
While we do try and reach out directly to families involved, if a situation carries over into the school day, the sheer number of students participating in these behaviors is daunting for us and concerning in its impact upon our population. Conversations have confirmed that much of this student behavior is occurring unchecked by adults. Students share feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to do in these situations. Our request is simple: please, talk with your children about this subject and closely monitor their online behavior (if you are permitting them to have access). Discuss ways that they can "exit" a conversation/text group that gets uncomfortable. Encourage them to speak to you if this happens, so you can help them. And finally, make sure that they know that you will put limits on their usage - and check what they are posting and saying to keep them safe.
We know that 9-11 year olds struggle with decision making and impulse control. If we are putting the power of technology into their hands, we have a responsibility- as the adults in their lives, to ensure that they are doing so appropriately and with limits! As I have said before, when we take toddlers to a playground we make sure that they are safe and an appropriate age before letting them play on a new piece of equipment. We must treat devices in the same way since the dangers of the "cyberworld" are definitely more than a slide or swing set!
There are some outstanding guides and resources available online through a variety of sources. One that we find especially useful is Common Sense Media. They have created a Family Tip Sheet on Privacy and Digital Footprints as well as one on Digital Life. Another excellent resource for families is called Smartsocial. Cyberwise is another excellent resource as families seek to make decisions that work for their family. Katie Greer is another excellent blogger and speaker on the topic who spoke at Hopkins several years ago. The website for the movie, Screenagers: Growing up in the Digital Age, also includes some excellent resources. An additional resource that may prove helpful regarding cyber and mobile safety is Pacer.org, a resource that our Wellness department utilizes with students, but also has a parent section.
Please, continue to partner with us to support our students' social-emotional growth. As we know too well, the cyber world can be even more challenging (and addicting) than the physical world. Pre- and early- adolescents are incredibly vulnerable to technology's platform and struggle to navigate it appropriately. If you have any questions or concerns on this topic, feel free to reach out to your child's teachers, Mr. Cotter, Mrs. Chevalier, Mrs. McCorvey or myself. As we always say, "It takes a village to raise a child!"
Warmly,
Vanessa Bilello
Principal, Hopkins School
Important Hopkins School Dates
Please contact us if you have any questions on events listed below!
- Friday, December 2nd - Extracurricular Early Bird Registration (HPTO Members Only)
Monday, December 5th - Monday, Friday, January 6th - Principal's Cabinet Service Project: WINTER COAT DRIVE for Coats for Kids & Families
Friday, December 9th - Regular Registration for HPTO Extracurricular Classes (Winter session) - last day to register is December 16th
Friday, December 23rd - Principal's Cabinet for Responsibility SPIRIT DAY (Holiday Day - wear clothing from your favorite holiday!)
Friday, December 23rd - WHOLE SCHOOL MEETING
Saturday, December 24th - Monday, January 2nd - WINTER VACATION (NO SCHOOL)
Tuesday, January 3rd - Classes resume
Week of January 2nd - HPTO Extracurriculars Begin
Friday, January 13th - Early Release
Monday, January 16th - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, January 25th - 7PM (HHS Athletic Center) - Hopkins' Winter Concert (Chorus, Band, and Orchestra)
January 30th- February 2nd - 4th Grade Enrichment (Science w/ Discovery Museum)
Friday, February 3rd - Hopkinton Elementary Schools - FIRST TERM REPORT CARDS
February 8th - February 10th - 5th Grade Enrichment (Math w/ Origamido)
Week of February 13th - Hopkins' Random Acts of Kindness Spirit Week
Spring 2023 MCAS Schedule- Hopkins School:
Please avoid scheduling appointments on these days!
ELA:
Monday 4/3 - Grade 5 ELA Session 1
Wednesday 4/5 - Grade 5 ELA Session 2
Monday 4/10- Grade 4 ELA Session 1
Wednesday 4/12 - Grade 4 ELA Session 2
MATH:
Monday 5/8 - Grade 5 Math Session 1
Wednesday 5/10 - Grade 5 Math Session 2
Monday 5/15 - Grade 4 Math Session 1
Tuesday 5/16 - Grade 4 Math Session 2
SCI/TECH/ENGINEERING:
Wednesday 5/17 - Grade 5 STE Session 1
Thursday 5/18 - Grade 5 STE Session 2
Email: hoffice@hopkinton.k12.ma.us
Website: https://hopkinselementary.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/
Location: 104 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton, MA, United States
Phone: 508-497-9824
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsElementarySchool
Twitter: @HopkinsSchool
More Donations for Project Just Because!!!
Hopkins' Whole School Meeting Honoring U.S. Veterans
SEL Resources: School/Family Connections
Additional Resources on CyberSafety for Families
Resources for Families - Gratitude
- Best Gratitude Activities for Kids from Mindfulmazing
- How to Practice Gratitude
- Wide Open School: CommonSense.org Resources on Gratitude
- Seven Ways to Foster Gratitude in Kids
- Teaching Gratitude to our Kids
- Raising Grateful Children
- Thankful with Kid President
- Louie Schwartzberg TED Talk: Nature, Beauty, Gratitude
Additional Social-Emotional Resources for Families
Hopkins' 2022 "Homeroom Battle"
F.A.Q.
Arrival/Dismissal Routines at Hopkins School
What are school drop-off/pick up procedures?
Busses:
If your child will be taking the school bus, you can access bus route information on the school district website. Hopkins will be sharing busses this year with Marathon. We encourage a 10-15 minute window at the beginning of the year, as route times are approximations. Be respectful of the time, as those not prepared will delay the route for all. For the dismissal route, again, please allow a 10-15 minute window of time. Route times are approximate, not exact. If your child loses their bus pass, please contact Transportation to order a new one (cost is $10). Drivers will accommodate students while the await a new card.
Front of School Drop Off/Pick Up: Students being dropped off at the building can arrive starting at 8:35 AM, when supervision will begin in the front of school, for walkers/bikers and parent drop-offs (see map below). This is considered a “live drop-off,” meaning drivers must remain in their cars during drop-off time. Have your child seated in the back on the passenger side of the car and please say your goodbyes quickly, as others are waiting to drop off their children. This side will be closest to the curb when you pull up in front of the school, and will allow for the safest drop-off. The tardy bell is now at 8:55 AM. Students do go up to classrooms by 8:45 to unpack at lockers and get organized for the day. Families are encouraged to drop off by 8:45, as it allows students plenty of time to settle in each morning.
School dismisses promptly at 3:15 PM - parent pick up follows the same route as morning drop-off. It is necessary to stay in your vehicle when in the dismissal line- having your child's name printed in the dashboard is helpful and showing ID is required. This also applies to all after-school enrichment programs, unless the instructor has arranged with families to meet at another location outside our building. This is not applicable for the YMCA Afterschool Care, which has their own dismissal protocols.
Because we have so many buses picking up and dropping off at Hopkins all at once, we will continue using the ‘access road’ to queue waiting buses. That access road exits with a right turn next to the entrance into the front driveway/parking of Hopkins. If you are in the line of cars dropping off or picking up students, please do not block the access road so buses can exit.
Dismissal/Transportation Changes for Students:
It is critical to your child and our staff at Hopkins that we know your child’s dismissal routines, or, if there is a change to transportation at the end of the day. Any dismissal changes also need to comply with our District’s Transportation policies. To make changes to a dismissal, please use the form on the district website.
It is also important for your child to know their dismissal plans each day, especially if they have different routines on different days of the week. Children are sometimes confused or forget about the days of the week. Kids can also be on “auto-pilot” at the end of each day and not think about where they are supposed to go. If your child has different plans on different days, please review with your child their schedule and routine.
Other FAQ
What are school office hours?
Our school office hours are 8:00-4:00. There is no supervision prior to 8:35 AM. At 4:00 PM, the office closes and families will not be able to gain access to Hopkins.
How do I dismiss my child early from Hopkins - or different than their normal daily plan?
Families changing dismissal must complete the Hopkins' Dismissal Form. It can be found on our school webpage, as well.
What do I if my child is going to be absent?
Fill out the Absence Form or, contact our absence line at (508) 435-0312.
What about lunch?
FREE MEALS FOR ALL STUDENTS: Free meals are available to all students once again this year, due to MA state funding. No documentation/application is needed to receive these benefits. Only complete, reimbursable meals are eligible (1 meal, with milk, per lunch period). Snacks, single milks, water, seltzers, double meals, etc. are NOT FREE and will be charged accordingly. Students are required to pick their option (hot, vegetarian, cold) at 9AM each morning and no changes are allowed to their orders during lunch.
Access elementary school lunch menus here. Additional lunch is available for $3.00 ($.75 for milk). Online payments can be made through the HPS website, or with a check. Students are also welcome to bring their own lunch. As a reminder, Hopkins students do have lunch on Early Release Days, but not on Early Dismissal Days. Please check the school calendar on the website for details.
What about lockers?
Hopkins School students will be using lockers for storage of their coats, backpacks and lunches only. Hopkins does not permit students to lock their lockers. As a reminder, Hopkins School is not responsible for lost or stolen valuables. Students are asked to keep such items at home.
Other Key Info?
Be sure that you and your family review our HPS Elementary School Handbook prior to the start of the school year- all families are required to sign off that it has been reviewed each year.
How can I get involved?
Families are encouraged to learn more about volunteer opportunities with the HPTO (Parent-Teacher Organization), SEPAC & ELPAC (Special Education/English Learner Parent Advisory Councils), as well as HEF (Hopkinton Education Foundation). These are all great ways to become part of our community at Hopkins- and are extremely important supporters of our schools in Hopkinton! You can find links to these organizations at the bottom of this newsletter or from our website. Many of these volunteer-run organizations will be at our Curriculum Nights for families to learn more.
Hopkinton Parent-Teacher Organization
The Hopkinton Parent-Teacher Association (HPTO) provides students at our elementary schools with a variety of enrichment programs during the school year to enhance and support classroom instruction. THE HPTO organizes parents/guardians to volunteer at Hopkins - whether you are available weekly or for special events. The HPTO counts on your membership to support activities in the schools that are enjoyed by all. For more information, please visit the HPTO website.
Volunteering
As a reminder, any volunteers do need to have an up-to-date CORI on file in the office. Check with the office for details. Volunteer opportunities are frequently coordinated through our HPTO.
Security Reminders
Drop-off Window:
In an effort to minimize disruptions, drop off hours for forgotten lunches, instruments, and other items occur between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at Hopkins School. Please do not bring forgotten homework to school. To drop-off items, you will be buzzed into our main entrance exterior door, and a table will be located in the vestibule. Please leave the clearly-labeled items on the table. We no longer allow visitors into the main section of the building to drop-off forgotten items. Our staff will call students down to the Main Office to pick up these items at approximately 11:00.
School Doors:
Just a reminder that we ask for everyone’s support to prevent ‘tailgating.’ While holding the door open for others is a polite thing to do, it can be a security risk in our schools. Please do not hold the door open for others; we kindly ask that all visitors pass through our buzz-in system at the main entrance to the school.
Quick Links
Hopkinton Family Support Organizations
Communication
Our school website has static information, but it is also updated with current news, photos and bulletins. Every other week, you can expect a school-wide update from the Principal’s Office, the Hawk Squawk. This is distributed to families via email and can also be found on the school’s webpage. You can also follow us on Twitter: @hopkinsschool, Instagram (hopkins_elementary), and Facebook (HopkinsElementarySchool). Ms. Babson sends out the Hopkins Herald newsletter every other month. This includes articles written by staff and students at Hopkins, as well as many pictures from our hallways.
In addition to the above school-wide methods, please communicate openly with your child’s teacher(s). Each teacher has an email address and voice mailbox. Many also utilize a website and/or Twitter to share news. You can find their contact information on our school website or you can call (508)-497-9824 to reach teachers’ voicemail.