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The Monthly Beacon
April 2024
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A Message from the Superintendent ๐ฌ
Dear Hingham Public Schools Community,
Many of us have been impacted by mental health needs either as individuals or have seen family members or loved ones struggle. It is important that as a community we continue to discuss that mental health conditions are not anyoneโs fault or something to be ashamed of. Although it may feel like it sometimes, you are not alone. Many resources are available to turn to for support and information.
In order to support our students and families who are in need of mental health support, we continue to share state and local resources with our community. I would like to highlight one specific state resource to assist in meeting the increased mental health needs across the state.
The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) connects individuals and families to the full range of mental health and substance use treatment services offered in Massachusetts, including outpatient, urgent, and immediate crisis care. Call for real-time support, initial clinical assessment, and connection to the right evaluation and treatment.
There are two ways members of the community can access services:
Members of the community can access the helpline by Calling or texting 833-773-2445. During the call, a trained clinician or peer coach will connect you directly to the right services for you. See https://www.masshelpline.com/
Walk into a Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) and access immediate mental health crisis support. No insurance is needed. Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) offer immediate mental health crisis care in communities across Massachusetts. Open 24/7/365 for walk-ins and mobile visits. Our closest CBHC is Aspire Health Alliance, which can be accessed at https://www.aspirehealthalliance.org.
Learn more at mass.gov/BHroadmap.
As always, our school counselors are also available to support our families and students. See link to a list of school counselors by school. They can be reached by calling the school or via email.
Best,
Margaret Adams, Ed.D.
Important Dates ๐๏ธ
๐
Apr. 9 - National Honor Society Induction - 7:00 pm, HHS Auditorium
๐๏ธ Apr. 15 - 19 - April Vacation - NO SCHOOL
๐๏ธ Apr. 15 - Patriots' Day - All HPS Offices Closed
๐๏ธ Apr. 22 - Classes resume
๐๏ธ Apr. 24 - Town Meeting - 7:00 pm, Hingham High School
๐จ Apr. 25 - K-12 Art Showcase - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, HHS Cafeteria
๐๏ธ Apr. 27 - Town Election - 8:00 am - 8:00 pm - Hingham High School
- Precincts 1-4 - Hingham High School, 17 Union Street
- Precincts 5-7 - Hingham Middle School, 1103 Main Street
- Precinct 7A - Willard Square, Linden Ponds, 201 Linden Ponds Way
๐ญ May 3 & 4 - Hingham High School Spring Play, Much Ado About Nothing - 7:00 pm, HMS Auditorium
โจ March School Highlights! โจ
East Elementary
Grade 5 students of Ms. Curatola's class, along with their paraprofessional Mr. Rulli, have brought to life an incredible living plant wall. This project stems from their urban gardening and hydroponics module. Special thanks to our custodial team, students, parents, and Mark Rulli for their invaluable volunteer hours in making this project a reality!
Foster Elementary
Foster's Math Olympics for the 2023-2024 School Year has concluded, featuring a ten-week program aimed at enhancing problem-solving skills for K-5 students. With over 300 participants, the focus remains on participation and perseverance. Eleven students were recognized for their dedication, having participated in every Olympics event since kindergarten.
Plymouth River Elementary
South Elementary
In March, South Elementary School hosted a range of exciting events: a kindergarten "Wedding of Q and U", a Japanese story teller for grade 1, a poetry workshop by Liam the Poet for grade 2, an author visit from April Prince Jones for grades 3 and 5, a presentation by the MA Audubon Society for grade 4, Irish Step and Fiddle demonstration for all grades, and a visit from Queen Elizabeth II (portrayed by Sheryl Faye) for all grades. These enriching experiences truly enhanced our month at South School as we "Marched" on!
Hingham Middle School (HMS)
Hingham High School (HHS)
HHS Athletics proudly announces the launch of its inaugural boys' varsity volleyball team, marking a significant milestone for the school's athletic program. After careful planning and dedication from coaches, administrators, and supporters, this exciting opportunity has come to fruition. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this achievement possible! We can't wait to cheer on our boys' volleyball players as they begin this exciting journey!
Fine Arts Recap ๐ถ
All-Town concerts bring together students from grades 5-12, showcasing the benefits of sticking with an instrument long term. They offer a stage for students to recognize their growth and the significance of music in their lives. Held around course selection time, these events underscore the importance of courses fostering community, creativity, and enjoyment. Despite facing challenges like frustration and fatigue, these concerts vividly display students' progress and passion for music.
All-Town Band Concert ๐ท
If you didn't catch it, this year's All-Town Band Concert theme threw it back to the 80s, featuring hits like "Africa" and "Take on Me". From leg warmers to neon, it was a blast! Keep up the fantastic work, performers โ we look forward to seeing you again next year!
Special thanks to Grade 7-12 Band Director Brian Cincotta and Grade 5-6 Band Director Lindsay Crook for leading this incredible event for our students!
All-Town Orchestra Concert ๐ป
All-Town Orchestra brings together musicians from grades 5-12. This year's theme included pop hits and movie scores like "Pirates of the Caribbean" and classics like "Ode to Joy". Fantastic work students.
Big thanks to Grade 7-12 Orchestra Director Phaedre Sassano and Grade 5-6 Orchestra Director Barbara Gorczyca for organizing and leading this event!
Hingham Middle School Presents: Mary Poppins Jr. โ
Immense gratitude to Drama Director Maureen Fish for leading hundreds of middle school students to near flawless performances!
Congratulations to Ethan Warhaftig and Nicholas Roche! ๐ผ
Congratulations to Ethan Warhaftig and Nicholas Roche on their amazing performance at Symphony Hall with the All-State Chorus!
Hingham Middle School Student Wins First Place in Will McDonough Writing Contest
Emma Joyce, a 6th-grade student at Hingham Middle School (HMS), has been awarded first place in the 6th-grade category of the prestigious Will McDonough Writing Contest. Her compelling essay โCourage to Soarโ outshined over 800 submissions across New England.
Emma and fellow contest winners were honored during a special ceremony preceding a Celtics game at TD Garden.
Presented by The Sports Museum with the support of the Boston Globe, the Will McDonough Writing Contest pays homage to the renowned Boston Globe sportswriter. Emmaโs winning essay will be proudly displayed in the Sports Museum until next yearโs contest.
The Will McDonough Writing Contest is an annual event celebrating exceptional young writers and their insights into the world of sports.
HHS Excels at Massachusetts Association of Mathematics Olympiad Contest
Congratulations to Ryan Chang for being named a finalist in the Massachusetts Association of Mathematics Olympiad Contest, marking the first time in 15 years for an HHS student.
Additionally, seven other HHS students were named semi-finalists from the October competition:
- Tori Dell (sophomore) - 2nd place
- Gabe Synnott (senior) - 3rd place
- Ethan Warhaftig (sophomore) and Matteo Cobin (junior) - 4th place tie
- Parker Bradl (junior) - 5th place
- Tala Sanford (junior) and Aidan Blanch (senior) - 6th place tie
Congratulations to HHS Robotics team, The Hammerheads, on a Great Season!
At the recent competition held at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), The Hammerheads showcased their ingenuity and innovation, earning them the prestigious "Creativity" Award. This recognition underscores the team's ability to design unique features for their robot, enhancing its performance and contributing significantly to the competition's objectives.
In addition to their success at WPI, The Hammerheads also secured the "Gracious Professionalism" Award at a recent event hosted by Bridgewater State University. This accolade highlights the team's exceptional teamwork and commitment to fostering respect and collaboration.
A big thank you to coaches Paula Flanagan and Jim Flanagan for their continued support and leadership, guiding The Hammerheads to success since 2014.
Happy 3rd Birthday to Opry the Comfort Dog! ๐พ
In celebration of Opry's birthday, her comfort dog friends paid a visit to Hingham High School. Thanks to all of our two and four legged friends for visiting!
๐ธ Pictured are:
๐ @oprydoghpd - Hingham PD
๐ @k9peddocks_hullpd - Hull PD
๐ @laineyhpd - Hanover PD
๐ @ziva_hansonpd - Hanson PD
๐ @k9teddy_norwellpd - Norwell PD
Opry the Comfort Dog, under the care of Officer Tom Ford from the HHS School Resource Office, regularly visits all HPS schools. Opry's visits aim to uplift spirits and promote open conversations among students with Officer Ford and other HPS staff.
FY 2025 Budget Links
Stay informed about the FY25 budget process as well as the School Committee's ongoing contract negotiations with the Hingham Education Association (HEA).
DESE Comprehensive Review: Parent Focus Group Invitation
This year, Hingham Public Schools has been selected by DESE to participate in a required comprehensive district review. For a full description of DESEโs comprehensive district review process, please see the attached overview letter.
As part of the review process, DESE representatives will be on site during the week of April 22-26th to conduct focus groups and classroom observations. DESE representatives will conduct a virtual parent/caregiver focus group on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 6:30-7:30 pm to gather perspectives on communication with families, opportunities for family involvement and leadership, opportunities for students within the district, and more.
If you are interested in joining, please register ahead of time at the attached link.
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.
Your Mental Health Matters ๐
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 youโre happy with your provider.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow
Good School Attendance Means...
Elementary Students:
Read well by the end of third grade
Middle Schoolers:
Pass important courses
High Schoolers:
Stay on track for graduation
College Students:
Earn their degrees
Workers:
Succeed in their jobs
New Elementary School Project Update ๐ง
New Building and Site Improvements
- Steel
- Metal stairs at stair #2 and #3 are complete. Stair #1 will be complete in early April.
- Concrete:
- All concrete slab work is complete. Only mechanical equipment pads and stair pans remain.
- MEPs (Mechanical, Electric, Plumbing)
- Overhead plumbing and HVAC rough is complete in B area. Overhead work is ongoing in A area.
- In wall wiring and rough work is ongoing in B area and is complete on B L2 and B L3.
- Interior Work
- Interior framing is complete in all areas.
- Interior masonry is ongoing at the stair #1.
- Sitework / Geothermal:
- The sitework contractor is beginning to remobilize and work will begin again in April.
- Roofing
- All roof work is complete.
- Mechanical rooftop equipment was delivered and set in mid-March. All rooftop equipment has been delivered.
- Skylights are covered temporarily. Skylights are scheduled to be delivered in early Spring.
- Exterior Envelope.
- All exterior framing is complete.
- Air Vapor Barrier, AVB, install is complete in B area, and is nearly complete on all elevations of A area.
- Temp windows are installed in all areas.
- Windows were be delivered for B area in late March. Install will continue through the end of April.
- Exterior masonry veneer is ongoing on the east and south elevation of B area.
Harbor Media Features This Month ๐ฅ
Community News
Hingham Sports Partnership (HSP)
Hingham Sports Partnership (HSP), a local nonprofit, is developing "The DOCK at Hingham High School," a 2,500 sq. ft. health, fitness, and wellness center. The DOCK aims to promote exercise and well-being for students of all ages, genders, and abilities, replacing an existing storage facility by the track.
It will also enhance the high school's electives focused on physical and mental health, including yoga. The project is funded solely through philanthropy, with $1.2 million of the $1.5 million goal raised and seeking an additional $300,000 by June.
HSP aims to complete The DOCK project with collaboration from the Town, School Committee, and HHS leadership, targeting early 2025 for student use. For more information, visit https://www.hinghamsports.com/.
Hingham Historical Society
"The Suburban Swing Vote in National Electionsโ, the sixth in a seven part lecture series Suburbia: The American Dream? will be held Sunday, April 7th at 3:00pm in the 3rd floor Gillis Reading Room of the Hingham Heritage Museum, as well as, via Zoom.