Good afternoon,

We are excited to invite you to our annual Open House! Open House is a parent event to provide you the opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, explore the classrooms, and learn more about the exciting year ahead. Open House will take place on Wednesday September 11th at 6:30. We will begin in the gym with a brief presentation from myself and Mrs. Asklar.

We hope to see you there! I look forward to seeing families attending tonight's Welcome Back to School Yard Goats game provided by our EHMS PTO!

Best,

Christina & Emily

Fri. Sept 6th - EHMS Back-to-School Yard Goats Baseball Game - EHMS PTO Event 7:00pm

Mon. Sept 9th - Board of Education Meeting, Town Hall, 6:30pm

Wed. Sept 11th - EHMS Open House for Parents/Guardians, 6:30pm

Mon. Sept 16th - Sept 20th - Start with Hello Week!

Tues. Sept 17th - EHMS PTO meeting at 5:30 in EHMS Library

Fri. Sept 20th - Pantherfest at 3:00 - more information to be shared

This week, several ELA classes made their way to the Library Media Center (LMC) to select their first books of the year! With a fictional reading unit set to begin in late September for all grade levels, students had the opportunity to pick out any fiction book for their independent reading. Remember, all EHMS students are expected to read for at least 30 minutes each night as part of their homework.

We have begun our FLEX period this week. This is a "FLEXible" time of day where students can get assistance, receive services, participate in band and chorus or participate in an enrichment activity. Today during FLEX also begun our Unified Sports. Students have the opportunity to sign up for enrichment activities in areas like Art, P.E. and Technology Education.

We are excited to show everyone our updated gym floor! Thank you to our Facilities Director and our Custodial staff who oversaw the work being done this summer. It looks great!

This week all Math class have launched their units of study. Seventh graders are exploring concepts of scaled copies, focusing on how shapes can be resized proportionally. They are learning to identify scale copies and determine whether a shape is an accurate scaled version of another by examining the relationships between corresponding sides and angles. Soon, they will advance to learning about scale factors, which will help them understand the precise ratios used to create these scaled copies.

We are working to finalize our club advisors and the days that clubs will meet. Communication will be shared either in Parentsquare or our Panther Posts to provide families with details on clubs and the process for students to sign up. We encourage all our students to try an activity out and would love for everyone to be part of something here at East Hampton Middle School.

More to come!

Each year the East Hampton Public Schools administers the i-Ready Diagnostic in Reading and Math in the fall, winter, and spring to monitor student growth and performance. The i-Ready Diagnostic is an adaptive assessment that adjusts its questions to suit your child’s needs. Each item a student receives is based on their answer to the previous question. For example, a series of correct answers will result in slightly harder questions, while a series of incorrect answers will yield slightly easier ones. The purpose of this is not to give your child a score or grade but to determine how to best support their learning. These results are reviewed as one data point amongst other assessments, observations, and data regarding student performance. The assessment is integrated into your child’s day as part of their academic learning and is paced to ensure that they work on the assessment in small chunks of time. The implementation of this assessment is completed in accordance with Connecticut State Department of Education guidelines. The math i-Ready assessment will begin on Monday, September 9th in all homeroom classrooms. We will have testing for students in the morning followed by a FLEX period. Students then will follow their classes as a typical day. The i-Ready Diagnostic will provide results that help our team identify your child’s strengths and determine the next steps for instruction. The reading diagnostic will begin the week of September 16th.

Math and Literacy Intervention Services

The East Hampton Public Schools uses assessment data to measure student growth and skill development in both math and literacy. Through these universal assessments, the reading and math department identifies students who may need additional tiers of support to demonstrate grade-level skill attainment. Once our fall assessments are completed, we will review student needs to determine changes to services or groupings of students. The reading and math departments communicate directly with families regarding any additional services.

What can I do to help?

To help prepare your child for the i-Ready Diagnostic, encourage them to:

• Get a good night’s sleep and eat a full breakfast the day of the assessment.

• Try their best on each question and try not to rush.

• Try not to worry about questions they do not know—remind them that it is expected they will only get about half of the questions correct.

• Be respectful of other students who take longer to finish

• Students should come to school with their wired earbuds and a fully charged Chromebook.

Sept 9 - Sept 13 (subject to change)

Boys and Girls soccer teams report to the commons at dismissal for practices every day.

Cross Country will report directly to the locker rooms, change and head out to the fields every day.

MONDAY, SEPT 9

Cross Country practice 2:35 until 4 pm. Head right out to fields at dismissal.

Girls Soccer report to the commons at dismissal.

Practice 2:35 until 4:30 pm

Boys Soccer report to the commons at dismissal.

Practice 2:35 until 4:30 pm

TUESDAY, SEPT 10

Cross Country practice 2:35 until 4 pm. Head right out to fields at dismissal.

Note: uniforms to be passed out

Girls Soccer report to the commons at dismissal.

Practice 2:35 until 4:30 pm

Boys Soccer report to the commons at dismissal.

Practice 2:35 until 4:30 pm

WEDNESDAY, SEPT 11

Cross Country practice 2:35 until 4 pm. Head right out to fields at dismissal.

Girls Soccer report to the commons at dismissal.

Practice 2:35 until 4:30 pm

Boys Soccer report to the commons at dismissal.

Practice 2:35 until 4:30 pm

THURSDAY, SEPT 12

Griswold MS (Rocky Hill) at East Hampton MS (girls run first)

Girls Soccer report to the commons at dismissal.

Practice 2:35 until 4:30 pm

Note: uniforms to be passed out

Boys Soccer report to the commons at dismissal.

Practice 2:35 until 4:30 pm

Note: uniforms to be passed out

FRIDAY, SEPT 13

Cross Country practice 2:35 until 4 pm. Head right out to fields at dismissal.

Girls Soccer report to the commons at dismissal.

Practice 2:35 until 4:30 pm

Boys Soccer report to the commons at dismissal.

Practice 2:35 until 4:30 pm

We wish our Hawks Football and Cheer athletes a great game on Sunday September 8th at EHMS vs. Stafford. The games will run at 9am and 11am. The season kicks off with their annual Pep Rally today!

We hope you will join us in the below district fundraiser. Our EarlyAct members will be selling bags during lunch waves and a table will be available at next week's Open House. More information will come regarding sales at lunch waves. Community members can donate and create a luminaria for $5 or make a donation of any amount at.

I just wanted to take a moment to extend a warm welcome to our new and returning students

and parents at East Hampton Middle School. I am excited for what looks to be the start of

another great school year! As the school nurse, my primary role is to ensure the health and

well-being of every student. I am here to address medical concerns, manage chronic conditions,

provide first aid, and promote a healthy, and happy, school environment.

I know as well as anyone how overwhelming the information coming home can be, especially if

you have children in multiple schools in town. I myself have a high schooler, middle schooler,

one at Center School and one at Memorial. Although this is a lengthy message, it is important to

read through so that I can provide the safest possible care for your child. I have highlighted

important topics below.

Communication:

I am very pro-communication! Please call, email or send me a Parentsquare regarding any

health concerns or questions you may have. Many times email/Parentsquare is best as I am

most likely helping students in my office during the school day. You can also call after hours and

leave a voicemail with further information.

Please make sure your emergency contact information is up to date!!

Call/Parentsquare home:

You will get a call or Parentsquare home for the following reasons:

● The student needs to be picked up from school

● Follow-up is required or recommended (ie doctor visit, continued observation at home,

etc)

● Any significant injury to the head or marks to the face

● Further communication is needed regarding the student Health Office visit

Please note the above criteria are determined by a Registered Nurse assessment.

If you would like to be called for any other reason please communicate that to the Health

Office specifically and your child’s chart will be updated

Injuries:

Please let the Health Office know if your child has an injury, as it is beneficial in planning any

accommodations your child may need, including extra passing time in the hallway, a PE

excusal, help from a buddy, etc.

A student who needs to be excused from PE due to physical injury or has any other restrictions

(ie related to concussion) MUST have a doctor’s note.

To return to PE/sports or regular classroom activities without restrictions the Health

Office REQUIRES a doctor’s note to clear the student

Medications:

Every medication brought into the school must be brought in by a parent or guardian in its

original packaging. Every medication requires a “Medication Authorization” form to be signed by

the doctor AND parent/guardian. Please place the medication and order into a ziploc bag with

your student’s name on it.

Controlled medications:

Controlled medication will need to be counted and signed off with the RN and parent, so please

allow for an extra few minutes at drop-off.

Cough drops:

Middle school students MAY carry their own cough drops but CANNOT share with any other

students.

Self-Carry:

Students may self carry/self administer EPI pens and inhalers! If your child self carries you must

submit a “Medication Authorization” form signed by the doctor AND parent/guardian UNDER the

“self carry” portion of the form.

Illness and Attendance:

If your child is feeling unwell please keep them home and notify the main office. If sent home

from the Health Office your child may return to school after 24 hours of being symptom-free!

If your child is sent home for vomiting they MAY return to school the next day as long as they did

not have another episode of vomiting at home, they are able to keep food and fluids down and

they do not have a fever.

Mandatory Screenings:

During the school year I will be conducting postural screenings for anyone who does not have

one documented on a recent physical exam from the doctor. You will be notified of the screening

ahead of time and can choose to opt out. Just send an email/Parentsquare to let me know.

Health Records:

All students in grade 6 must have an updated health assessment, including all required

immunizations, submitted to the school prior to entering 7th grade.

If your child has any specific medical needs, such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic

conditions, please notify the Health Office as soon as possible. Together we can ensure that your child has a safe, healthy and successful school year!

Thank you for your cooperation and support!

Melanie King RN, BSN

School Nurse

East Hampton Middle School

860-365-4060 Ext 5

mking@easthamptonpct.org

Per the East Hampton Board of Education’s Attendance Policy and Connecticut statute, parents and guardians may only approve the first 9 absences of the school year with a parent note. Absences 10 and above can only be excused with further documentation and under specific circumstances.

In addition, if a student has four unexcused absences in one month or 10 unexcused absences in a year they are classified as truant. If a child misses 18 or more days in a school year – excused or unexcused absences – the student is classified as chronically absent.

A phone call is appreciated, but only an email to our attendance inbox or written note can officially excuse absence 1 through 9. Below is our attendance email:

Note: Between the school name and the word Attendance is a underscore ( _ )

EHMS_Attendance@easthamptonct.org

If a student has four unexcused absences in one month or 10 unexcused absences in a year they are classified as truant. If a child misses 18 or more days in a school year – excused or unexcused absences – the student is classified as chronically absent.

The East Hampton Board of Education and the school community as a whole promote a secure and productive school climate, conducive to teaching and learning that is free from threat, harassment, any type of bullying behavior, and teen dating violence. Therefore it shall be the policy of the Board that bullying and/or teen dating violence committed against a student by another student is prohibited. The Board believes that a school environment in which students feel safe, supported, engaged and helpfully challenged is optimal for learning and healthy development. The Board seeks an environment in which students and adults feel socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically safe; an environment that is free of harassment, intimidation, teen dating violence and bullying. Our website provides links to various policies and reporting forms including our Safe School Climate Plan. Hard copies are also available in our main office. If at any point you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to building administration for further assistance.

School Meals are a great value to our students! Prepayment is expected for all cafeteria purchases. Families eligible for free and reduced meals may qualify by completing an application online on Easthampton.familyportal.cloud or by paper application here: Application for Free and Reduced School Meals(also available in the school’s Main Office). Families with children enrolled in HUSKY or Temporary Family Assistance programs will have their status transmitted directly by the State of Connecticut to the District.

To deposit funds on your child’s account, please visit Easthampton.familyportal.cloud . Our Cafeterias also accept checks made payable to “East Hampton Cafeteria Fund”.

In September, students can enjoy fresh apples from Beckett Farms of South Glastonbury and carrots from Cold Spring Farm of Colchester. Keep an eye out for upcoming celebrations! If you have questions, please contact Director of Nutrition Services, Kate Caselli at kcaselli@easthamptonct.org or 860.316.7324.

Happy New Year! Did you resolve to be more on top of your and your child’s health this year? Here’s an easy solution: Sign your child up for School-Based Health Care. Your child’s school works with Community Health Center, Inc.’s School-Based Health Care program to provide health services to your child during the school day. This means they won’t miss as much class and you don’t need to miss work to support their health care needs. Learn more about the services offered at your child’s school and enroll today at SBHC1.com!

Board of Education Statement on School Safety: The East Hampton Board of Education is committed to a safe and secure learning environment that honors and celebrates the diversity of our students, our community, and our nation. The Board of Education in partnership with the school community will not tolerate any threat of violence in the schools or any hate speech that targets any race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Each student is held to the highest standards of responsible decision making within a culture that is expected to foster compassion, caring, and empathy.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement of the East Hampton Public Schools: The school community of East Hampton is committed to the mission of honoring and celebrating the diversity of our students, our community, and our nation. We strive to guide our students to conscious, deliberate, individual and collective actions that cultivate the respect of all races, religions, and social backgrounds. Our school community endeavors to produce graduates who are equipped with a greater understanding of the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nondiscrimination Statement of the East Hampton Public Schools: The East Hampton Board of Education, in compliance with federal and state law, affirms its policy of equal educational opportunity for all students and equal employment opportunity for all persons. It is the policy of the District to promote nondiscrimination and an environment free of harassment regardless of an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, ancestry, disability (including but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability, or learning disability), genetic information, marital status, or age or because of the race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, or age of any persons with whom the individual associates. The District shall provide to all students without discrimination, course offerings, counseling, assistance, employment, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The District shall provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The District shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with federal and state statutes and regulations.

Email: camaral@easthamptonct.org
Website: https://www.easthamptonps.org/o/ehms
Location: 19 Childs Road, East Hampton, CT, USA
Phone: (860) 365 4060