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The Monthly Beacon
May 2024
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A Message from the Superintendent 💬
Dear Hingham School Community,
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, providing us an opportunity to break the stigma around mental health in our community by talking openly, compassionately, and kindly to each other. No one should ever struggle alone.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, one in five adults in the United States experience mental illness, and only half of them receive treatment. In addition, 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24.
Every year, Hingham middle and high school students in grades 7, 9, and 11 participate in an anonymous survey to gather data on mental health, substance abuse, and other topics related to overall health. Here are some results highlighting our students' mental health needs from the spring of 2023:
Approximately 48% of freshmen and 49% of juniors worry about minor things like homework, adjusting to change, and talking to a teacher.
Twenty percent of freshmen and 15% of juniors avoid places or doing things they like because they feel anxious.
Some students report feeling sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in the past 12 months, ranging from 12% in grade 7, 15% in grade 9, and 17% in grade 11.
While the CDC recommends 8-10 hours of sleep for children aged 13-18 years old, 60% of freshmen and 76% of juniors get less than 8 hours of sleep.
This list of strategies from NAMI might help you and your family start a dialogue at home about mental health. Validate your child’s feelings, worries, and concerns. Model sharing your own emotions and challenges positively. Engage in the conversation about our mental health often as a family. This is not a one-time conversation. Check in regularly by asking open-ended questions. For younger children, talk about the emotions of characters in books and movies.
Below, we share resources for our school community to support those who might be struggling with mental health needs and also to join in the conversation with others to reduce the stigma associated.
Remember that the everyday small kindnesses we extend to each other, such as a warm greeting or smile to a stranger, friend, or family member, can greatly impact individuals. Compassion and empathy are also great boosters for our own mental health.
Best, Margaret Adams, Ed.D.
QPR Training
May 2, 2024, 6:00-7:30 PM
Hingham Public Library, Whiton Room
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying "Yes" to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.
For more information: https://www.qprinstitute.com/about-qpr
Talk Saves Lives
June 6, 2024, 6:00-7:30 PM
Hingham Public Library, Whiton Room
Talk Saves Lives is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) standardized, 45–60-minute education program that provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their communities to save lives. Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe.
For more information: https://afsp.org/our-work/education/talk-
saves-lives-introduction-suicide-prevention/
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line at 833-773-2445. They are here to support you 24/7.
You can also find support at Community Behavioral Health Centers near you.
For more information, please visit: masshelpline.com/faq/
HPS Social Emotional Wellness Resources
Care Solace - Mental Health Coordination Service
- Care Solace can connect you directly to their support, you can call them at 888-515-0595, or search anonymously at www.caresolace.com/hinghamschools.
- Their Care Companion team is available 24/7/365 and can support you in any language.
After engaging with Care Solace, you'll proceed through these steps:
- Brief Screening - Once you connect with Care Solace they will ask you a few quick questions so we can better understand what you're looking for.
- Get Matched - Your dedicated Care Companion will work to find a provider matched to your needs and keep you updated.
- Book Appointment - Your Care Companion will reach out to you to book an appointment with your provider of choice.
- Check-In - After your appointment, your Care Companion will follow up to ensure you’re happy with your provider.
Important Dates 🗓️
🎭 May 3 & 4 - Hingham High School Spring Play, Much Ado About Nothing - 7:00 pm, HMS Auditorium
🎵 May 9 - HHS Chamber Players/Chamber Winds Concert - 7:00 pm, HMS Auditorium
🎵 May 14 - HHS Band & Orchestra Spring Concert/Awards - 7:00 pm, HHS Auditorium
🎵 May 15 - HMS Chorus Concert - 7:00 pm, HMS Auditorium
🌎 May 15 - Global Citizenship Program's Global Symposium - 6:00 pm, HHS Cafeteria
🎵 May 16 - HHS Chorus Concert - 7:00pm, Episcopal Parish of St. John, Hingham
🎵 May 21 - HMS Orchestra Concert- 7:00 pm, HMS Auditorium
🗓️ May 21 - Seniors Last Day
🗓️ May 22 - Seniors Picnic
🗓️ May 22 - Senior Athletic Awards
🎵 May 23 - HMS Band Concert- 7:00 pm, HMS Auditorium
⏰ May 24 - Early Release - MIDDLE SCHOOL ONLY
🇺🇸 May 27 - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL, HPS Offices Closed
💃 May 30 - Senior Prom
🎓 June 1 - Hingham High School Graduation
✨ April School Highlights! ✨
East Elementary
East Elementary 5th grade students performed "4 Tales of the American Revolution", highlighting important moments of the revolution including Faneuil Hall Town Meeting, Continental vs British Army, the Declaration of Independence, and the Boston Tea Party.
Foster Elementary
Foster Elementary successfully held its Walk-to-School event last week, marking a wonderful celebration of Earth Day. Huge thanks to all who took part, including the Foster PTO, volunteers, and the Hingham Police Department for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all involved.
Plymouth River Elementary
South Elementary School
On Friday, April 12, South School had a wonderful Island Day (despite the cold, pouring rain outside). Students and staff dressed up in vacation mode, and we were treated to an assembly with the wonderful Caribbean Storyteller, Derek Burrows. We are so grateful to our PTO Cultural Enrichment Team for sponsoring this visit! It was a wonderful way to start off Spring Break!
Hingham Middle School (HMS)
Hingham High School
Hingham High School seniors recently participated in their annual April community service tradition of lending helping hands all over Hingham. This event not only highlights seniors' commitment to giving back, but embodies the spirit of HHS graduates. Pictured here are students who returned to their elementary school to work alongside current students.
Openings for PreK and Spanish Immersion PreK
Kids in Action (KIA) PreK has a few spots open for the 2024-2025 School Year.
Current Openings:
Traditional PreK (Located at Foster)
Spanish Immersion PreK (Located at Foster)
Schedule:
Monday-Friday
8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Questions?
Email Jackie Sansone, Program Director, at jsansone@hinghamschools.org
Enroll Today! 👇
HHS Drama Presents Disco Inspired “Much Ado About Nothing”🕺
Experience Shakespeare with a disco twist at Hingham High School Drama's production of "Much Ado About Nothing"! Audiences are invited to join the actors for disco dancing following each performance!
Catch a sneak peek of the show on the Hingham Anchor website.
Dates: Friday, May 3rd, and Saturday, May 4th
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Hingham Middle School, 1103 Main St., Hingham, MA
Ticket Information: Tickets are available for purchase in advance online at hinghamschools.org/hhs-drama-tickets or at the door on performance nights.
June Gustafson Wins Massachusetts Council for Social Studies Teaching Award
Congratulations to June Gustafson, Hingham Middle School Grade 6 Social Studies teacher, who was recently chosen by her peers and the Massachusetts Council for Social Studies for her outstanding work in the classroom!
From MCSS:
"The Massachusetts Council for Social Studies is proud to announce that June Gustafson has been selected to receive the 2024 William Spratt Award for Excellence in Teaching Middle School Social Studies. The letters and supporting materials submitted by her colleagues on June’s behalf describe a truly accomplished and inspiring educator. Amidst a remarkably strong field of candidates, June’s talents and contributions to her students and school stood out."
HPS Holds Annual K-12 Art Show 🎨
Hingham Public Schools hosted its annual K-12 Art Show last Thursday at Hingham High School. Featuring over 800 student artworks and interactive pottery wheel demonstrations, the event showcased the collaborative efforts of nine art teachers and community volunteers. Attendees witnessed student skill progression and were encouraged to build connections within Hingham's creative community. Congratulations to all the talented artists! To read more and see additional photos, please visit the Hingham Anchor website.
Hingham High School's Unity Project Celebrates "Adelia Week"
The HHS Unity Project organized the inaugural "Adelia Week" fundraiser at Hingham High School from April 29th to May 3rd. The event aimed to support Adelia, a South Elementary 2nd grader battling a rare brain cancer, by raising funds for her treatment and providing emotional support.
The fundraiser included selling Adelia merchandise, a bake sale, and various activities throughout the week to rally support from HHS students and faculty. The donations will also aid research efforts at the new Brain Tumor Center, offering hope for Adelia and others fighting similar battles.
To read more, please visit our student run newspaper, the Harborlight.
You can also visit the Adelia the Wondergirl Facebook page to learn more.
Hingham Student Qualifies for NHD Competition in Washington, D.C.
Junior Matt Cummings from Hingham High School clinched second place in the Individual Website category at Massachusetts History Day, earning him a spot in the national competition in Washington, D.C. Other HHS winners include Lily Dong and Sergio Munoz Albors. Special thanks to 11th Grade History Teacher Christina O’Connor and 10th Grade History Teacher Molly Baggott for helping to make this achievement possible! Congratulations to all participants!
Breathe Out Students Present: “How NOT to Keep a Secret”
Hingham High’s Breathe Out Club continues its impactful work promoting mental health awareness among students. In April, the club's upperclassmen presented "How NOT to Keep a Secret" to freshman Phys-Ed classes. This hour-long presentation delves into adolescent depression, anxiety, and suicide, offering stress management techniques and encouraging students to recognize warning signs in friends.
Led by adjustment counselors Kevin Lalli and Jessica Hoguet, Breathe Out empowers students to be mental health wellness ambassadors, challenging stigmas and promoting well-being year-round. Supported by South Shore Hospital’s evidence-based program, the club’s approach emphasizes prevention and support.
Stay tuned for 'Get Out with Breathe Out Day' in May, focusing on the connection between outdoor activities, exercise, and self-care. Students can look forward to sports, creative activities, and relaxation outdoors.
Save the date: Table Talk Math
Save the date! On Wednesday, May 8th, John Stevens, author of Table Talk Math, will join HPS parents and caregivers for a virtual author talk to discuss strategies for bringing math into everyday conversations at the dinner table and beyond. Please register at the attached link. This event is sponsored by Title I funds.
Foster School Project Update 🚧
New Building and Site Improvements
New Building and Site Improvements
- Steel
- All stairwells are installed and usable. All structural steel work is complete.
- Concrete:
- All concrete in the building is complete. Site concrete for sidewalks will begin in late July
- MEPs (Mechanical, Electric, Plumbing)
- All MEP rough is complete in B area.
- In wall wiring and rough HVAC & plumbing work is ongoing in A area on levels 2 & 3.
- Main electrical equipment was delivered and is being installed.
- Mechanical room HVAC equipment will be delivered and installed in May.
- Interior Work
- Interior framing is complete in all areas.
- Drywall is being installed on all floors of B area.
- Painting is planned to start in early May.
- Ceiling grid will begin installation in early May.
- Sitework / Geothermal:
- The sitework contractor has remobilized and is working on site utilities and roadways.
- Roofing
- All roof work is complete.
- Exterior Envelope
- Air Vapor Barrier, AVB, install is nearly complete.
- Permanent windows are delivered for B area. Windows for A area are scheduled to be delivered and installed by the end of May.
- Exterior masonry veneer is ongoing on all elevations of B area.
Harbor Media Features This Month 🎥
- East Explorers Tour of East Elementary School
- National Honor Society Ceremony 2024
- Foster Elementary School Talent Show 2024
- East Elementary School Annual 5th Grade Play 2024
- Living Wall at East Elementary School | Get Schooled 2.0
- Erica Pollard: Director of World Languages | In Conversation with Hingham Public Schools
- Foster Lego/Robotics Club | Get Schooled
- Interview with Principal Rick Swanson and Coach Pace | Hingham High School TV and Production Class
Community News
Calling all Foster Alumni, Help Us Pave The Way!
The Foster PTO is currently offering bricks for sale, which will be utilized in the construction of a hardscape at the new Foster School. This hardscape will commemorate the individuals who have been a part of William L. Foster Elementary School throughout its 73-year history. The patio will serve as a tribute to our Foster Community, past, present, and future.
For more information, please visit: https://www.fundraisingbrick.com/online-orders/fosteres/.