1- **UPDATE** NPS PARENT ORIENTATION NIGHT- THURSDAY MARCH 30TH, @7:00PM

Virtual Live Stream on YouTube with Elementary School Principals

Parents of incoming Kindergarten students are invited to meet with the Elementary School Principals to learn more about the Kindergarten onboarding process, overall curriculum goals, and how Natick Public Schools works to support its youngest learners. Principals will discuss the orientation process (parent orientation, student assessment, and student orientation) and the modifications in place to support safety at school. Also discussed will be programming and services and the calendar of important events. This evening will help you prepare for your child’s transition into kindergarten. Building-based meetings will be hosted in May to review building-specific procedures. Links will be shared via email closer to these dates.

2 - BEN HEM MORNING ARRIVAL PROCEDURES.

Please be sure you know and follow our morning arrival procedure. The mid year is always a great time to reflect and remind. Thanks in advance your support.

3- FEBRUARY BREAK, NO SCHOOL FEBRUARY 20-24TH

Enjoy the time together! Check out this article and this resource for local activities!

4 -GROWTH MINDSET!

A growth mindset means that you thrive on challenge. You don’t see failure as a way to describe yourself or your mistakes, but as a springboard for growth and developing your abilities. Your intelligence and talents are all susceptible to growth. This mindset means that you believe in your ability to strengthen your skills through hard work, perseverance, and help from others. When children have a positive attitude and growth mindset about learning, they are more likely to persevere when work becomes challenging and have an “I can” attitude rather than an “I can’t.” In the classroom we often talk about the Power of Yet: I can’t do it, yet. I don’t understand it, yet. This reminds children that although they may not be able to do something right now, they will be able to do it with effort, practice, and persistence. A growth mindset and positive school disposition does not just happen though; it needs to be fostered consistently over time in school and at home.

5 - IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: KIDS HEART CHALLENGE IS BACK

It’s time for the Kids Heart Challenge! This is our voluntary community service for the American Heart association in conjunction with our Jump Rope Unit and Healthy Heart Month (February). Did you know that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of all Americans, 80% of it may be preventable through lifestyle changes? For 40 years they have been teaching children the importance of heart-healthy habits – a foundation for the rest of his/her life. This service-learning program will also share with your child the inspirational stories of children who have been touched by this disease while they raise funds to help kids like them and save and improve all lives.

We, as a Wellness staff, look to encourage activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and Jumping Rope is not only an activity that improves dexterity and coordination but most importantly increases cardiovascular endurance (the strengthening of the heart and lungs).

Here’s how it works:

• Your child has received his/her fundraising envelope. Start by setting up a personal fundraising page—easy directions are on the envelope.

• Ask family and friends if they’d like to donate. Some companies are willing to match donations as well!

• Encourage your child to get ready to jump and have fun during this unit!

There are many educational and fun activities for students and families that can be located on the website. There is even a parent section with tips on keeping your children healthy at home! Ben-Hem Kids Heart Challenge. Our school can earn money for PE equipment and your child earns fun “thank you gifts” that encourage him/her to keep up the good work for heart health. And that’s something to jump up and down about!

Jump Rope Unit Date: January 31 - February 27

Event Date: February 28 - March 6 (during scheduled classes)

Envelopes Due: February 28 - March 6

Thanks for your support. Any questions, please ask.

Jason J MacDonald, Physical Education teacher

Jack Moriarty, Physical Education teacher

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