Each year brings changes tour school. Mr. Gatto has already shared that he will be moving into a new position next year. That creates an opening for our Assistant Principal position at Ben Hem. We are going through the hiring process now and are excited to meet the candidates and hire someone for that position before the school year ends. Ms. Mitchell has also resigned her position at Ben Hem. She has accepted a position teaching Kindergarten in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. This cuts her commute time in half and helps balance the demands of small children and work. We will miss them both and wish them success and happiness in their new endeavors.

• CONGRATULATIONS ON ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SPECIAL OLYMPICS! We hosted this annual event this past Wednesday at Ben Hem. Athletes, partners, students, parents, and staff all came together to celebrate each other and show our support for each other. Our students rise to the Special Olympics motto every time: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave at the attempt”

• CLASSROOM TEACHING ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE 24-25 SCHOOL YEAR: We are happy to share the teaching assignments for next year:
• Kindergarten: Ms. Kruszewska, Ms. Kaufman, Ms. Muller, Ms. Kaufman and TBD
• Grade One: Ms. Sullivan, Ms. Huse, Ms. Krakauer, Ms. Nemeskal and Ms. DiLorenzo
• Grade Two: Ms. Dewing, Ms. Munger, Ms. Killorin, Ms. Letovsky
• Grade Three: Ms. Borrego, Ms. LaPlante, Ms. Snodgrass, Ms. Goldwait, Mr. Silverberg, Ms. McShane
• Grade Four: Ms. Dahlheimer, Mr. Slater, Ms. Corcoran, Ms. Kern, and Ms. Briones

• FAMILY FUN NIGHT IS TONIGHT! FRIDAY, MAY 31: Family Fun Night will be held on May 31 from 5:30-7:30pm. In order to put on an event of this size, we will need A LOT of volunteers!! Below is a list of the booths that we would like to have at Family Fun Night, however, we can only offer the activity if we have enough volunteers!

• THE GREAT BEN HEM BOOK SWAP: Starting today, each student is invited to bring a gently used book (or pile of books) from home to the library. During library class, we swap and find a good book or two to take home and keep. All students take home a book even if they don't bring one to swap.

• INSTRUMENT SHOWCASE for RISING 3RD AND 4TH GRADERS: The Natick Public Schools is excited to be offering orchestra to 3rd and 4th grade students and band to 4th grade students for the 2024-2025 school year! Please find attached a flyer for our annual Instrumental Showcase which will take place on Tuesday, June 11 from 5 - 7pm in the Natick High School Cafeteria. During this time students will have the opportunity to see, hear, touch and play the instruments that will be offered for both orchestra and band. Learn more at: https://www.natickps.org/departments/arts/Instrumental_music_program

• MIDDLE SCHOOL TRANSITION INFORMATION: Step Up Day has been scheduled for TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2024. Our students will walk to Wilson Middle School with their teachers and support staff to tour the building, meet their new team members, and have their questions answered! Additionally, please take a moment to review the 4th to 5th grade transition timeline of events here!

• DATES TO REMEMBER:
• 6/3. 4th Grade Field Day
• 6/4. 2nd Grade Field Day, 3rd Grade Field Trip - Natick Historical Society, 4th Grade Step Up
• 6/5. 4th Grade Fun Day
• 6/14 Last Day of School - Early Release at 12:05 pm

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 1990
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5