Hemenway Happenings
Welcome to the 2022-23 School Year, August 29, 2023
05/13/2024
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers and mother figures!
I hope this message finds you feeling appreciated and cherished on this special day.
I wanted to share some highlights from our week at Hemenway Elementary. Our fourth-grade students successfully completed their math MCAS testing, and this week, our fifth-grade students will be tackling their science MCAS.
We also had the pleasure of hosting David Williams, a meteorologist from Channel 5, who engaged our third graders in a fascinating discussion about weather. Additionally, our fifth-grade Ambassadors had the heartwarming opportunity to read to our first graders, fostering beautiful connections between students.
In other news, our second-grade students proudly observed the growth process from seed to plant, demonstrating their understanding of nature's wonders.
As a school community, we remain committed to filling our teachers' academic and social-emotional toolboxes, fostering a culture of feedback and a growth mindset.
We also want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our families for their outpouring of appreciation for our staff, whether through emails, flowers, luncheons or other gestures during Teachers Appreciation Week. Your support means the world to us, and we are truly grateful.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Together, we will continue to foster a culture of excellence and achievement at Hemenway Elementary.
With warm regards,
Marguerite & Kelly
Dr. Marguerite Lackard, Principal mlackard@framingham.k12.ma.us
Mrs. Kelly Napierski, Assistant Principal knapierski@framingham.k12.ma.us
MCAS Testing
The MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) tests are right around the corner! All students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in grades 3, 4, and 5 will take MCAS tests in English Language Arts and Math; Grade 5 students will also take Science and Technology tests. Our testing schedule is below.
Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping students give their best performance on this important test. As you know, teachers and students at Hemenway School have been busy working hard all year preparing, learning, and reinforcing the content and skills necessary for students to demonstrate their learning on these tests. Even though this assessment is a snapshot--one single perspective--it is important that students feel confident and as prepared as possible. There are many ways in which you can help your child put his/her best foot forward on the day of the test. The following guidelines can help set our students up for success:
The night before the test:
Make sure your child goes to bed on time so he or she is well-rested.
Keep your routine as normal as possible. Upsetting natural routines may make children feel anxious or unsure of him/herself.
Be positive and confident knowing your child will do his/her best.
Plan ahead to avoid conflicts on the morning of the test.
The morning of the test:
Please have students leave all cell phones and electronic watches/devices at home. Electronic devices are not allowed during testing time.
Get up a few minutes early to avoid rushing and make sure your child arrives to school on time.
Have your child eat a nutritious breakfast (or encourage them to eat when they get to Dunning).
Have your child dress in comfortable clothes.
Be positive and communicate that this is your child’s chance to show what he/she knows. The most important thing is they try their very best!
It is important for all students to be IN ATTENDANCE and ON TIME
Thank you for your continued support!
Dismissing a Student Early
A written request from a parent is necessary for ANY dismissal changes. Requests should be emailed to the classroom teacher and jmellovial@framingham.k12.ma.us or brought into the school office before the start of the school day. (Please, do not send it to Cheryl; she is retired from the office manager position) No requests will be taken after 2:30 p.m unless it is an emergency. Usually no student will be dismissed based on a telephone request.
Student Clothing
***Please place a small label on your child's belongings - Name & homeroom. This will help with returning clothing items that are misplaced
Early Student Pick-Up
If you need to pick up your child early from school, kindly send a note with your child. This ensures that both the classroom teacher and office staff are aware, allowing them sufficient time to ensure a safe and smooth pick-up process. Arriving just minutes before the bell can lead to chaos and miscommunication. Your cooperation in following an orderly procedure is greatly appreciated.
Communications Process
- Reporting absences - Call office staff 508-626-9149. Call between 4:00 pm and 8:30am if your child is to be absent OR tardy.
- Picking-up your child early from school - note sent to the classroom teacher & call Office Staff. If your child goes to the afterschool program, notify the director of the Hemenway program also
- Immunizations - School Nurse 508-782-6302 or mhenri77@framingham.k12.ma.us
- Transportation - Sign-up for a bus. Visit the transportation website to access information regarding transportation.
- Special Education information - Kathryn Thomas, kproulx@framingham.k12.ma.us
- Issues occurring in the classroom - should be shared with the classroom teacher
- After school programing - Contact Demi Akins (508-745-0785; dakins@framingham.k12.ma.us)
- Social Emotional Issues needing to be addressed - our social worker or guidance counselor -clangan@framingham.k12.ma.us or kriley@framingham.k12.ma.us
- Basic Needs (Coats or shoes) - shared with our social worker, psychologist or guidance counselor - clangan@framingham.k12.ma.us or kriley@framingham.k12.ma.us
- Family Concerns that may impacting the student in school - contact our Guidance Counselor
- Food Services Update -kwilcox@framingham.k12.ma.us
- Academic concerns - the classroom teacher
REMINDER:
REQUEST A BUS FOR NEXT YEAR
Information on how to register will be emailed to you on APRIL 24th.
Please be sure to register ASAP to request a spot on the bus for your child(ren).
Registration
Through your child’s ASPEN account
For more information
www.framingham.k12.ma.us/transportation
508-626-9179
School Hours 9:15am - 3:30 pm
Students are welcome to begin arriving at school at 9:00 am, when teachers will be present to greet them.
Early Release Days
- Students are dismissed at 1:05pm.
- Lunch IS served.
- If your child rides the bus, you can expect them to arrive at their stop approximately two and a half hours earlier than normal.
- Early Release Thursdays: 9/19/23, 10/5/23, 10/12.23, 10/26/23, 11/7/23, 3/14/24, 3/28/24, 4/4/24, 4/25/24, 5/9/24, 5/16/24
Great Articles For Parents
June 2024
How to Help Kids Deal With Embarrassment
Why Kids Lie and What Parents Can Do About It
May 2024
Self-Advocacy for Kids with Learning Disabilities
How to Work Well With Your Child’s Teacher
How can I support my child or teen if they’re being bullied?
April 2024
How can I help my child build positive, healthy friendships?
How can I help my child do well in school?
How do I help my child cope with stress?
March 2024
Kids Who Need a Little Help to Make Friends
Attendance and Reporting Your Child Absent:
Absence line: 508-626-9149
Call between 4:00 P. M. and 8:30 A.M. if your child is to be absent OR tardy.
Late students must report directly to the office upon arrival.
Dismissing a Student Early
A written request from a parent is necessary for ANY dismissal changes. Requests should be emailed to the classroom teacher and jmellovial@framingham.k12.ma.us or brought into the school office before the start of the school day. No requests will be taken after 2:30 pm unless it is an emergency. No student will be dismissed based on a telephone request.
