1 - THANK YOU VETERANS

Each year our Human Resources department and Office of Veterans Affairs work together to coordinate Veterans to come to each school and read in our Kindergarten classes. This past Monday we welcomed local Veterans in to read aloud and talk with our students. It is a great way to make real life connections between the holidays we learn about and why they are important. To all our families that have served, thank you.

2 - EARLY RELEASE DAY FOR PARENT CONFERENCES - WEDNESDAY, NOV 16

November 16th is the next early release day to host parent conferences. Ms. Kelly will be greeting parents in the hall for those that attend in person. Please sign in and take a visitor sticker.

3 - DID YOU KNOW IT IS KINDNESS WEEK?

Our Bobcats have been charged with the task of being Kindness detectives. Throughout the week they have been encouraged to find examples of people taking care of each other at Ben Hem.

4 - THANKSGIVING BREAK IS COMING

Natick Public Schools has a half day on Wednesday, November 23 and is closed through Monday, November 28. Thursday and Friday are closed to celebrate the Thanksgiving holidays and Monday is a professional development day for faculty and staff. There is not school for student on Monday, November 28th.

5 - NOVEMBER IS STRESS AWARENESS MONTH

This article from the Mayo Clinic provides us with some ideas to effectively address stress in children at school and at home. On a daily basis, Ben Hem implements many of these techniques with the support of Everyday Speech (our new social-emotional learning curriculum) and supplemental material and activities developed by teachers.

Mindfulness is an efficient way to teach your child how to manage stress. Mindfulness is often associated with meditation but there are many different ways to practice mindfulness. Developing self-care habits will help our students well into their adulthood. Here are a few resources/activities that you can do/use at home with your child/children.

Interested in more information about stress in children? Please follow this link

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