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Hemenway Happenings
Welcome to the 2022-23 School Year, August 29, 2023
![Hemenway Happenings Welcome to the 2022-23 School Year, August 29, 2023](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/3c39/thumb-0b8a4cb8e342795dc631fc5dd320cb39.png)
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A Message from the Principal
04/07/2024
Dear Hemenway Families,
Hemenway's Variety Show
The show was nothing short of PHENOMENAL! From start to finish, you could see the hard work with planning and coordinating such an event. It was a success! I was truly impressed by the level of talent displayed by our students in song, dance, acting, and music. It was a joy to witness how their creativity shone brightly on stage.
What struck me the most was seeing my students in a different light. The Variety Show provided a platform for them to showcase their individual talents and strengths, and I couldn't be prouder of each and every one of them.
For me, the takeaway from this incredible event reaffirmed what I have always believed: the importance of parents as co-partners in the holistic growth and development of our children. It was a testament to the power of collaboration between parents, teachers, and students in creating a nurturing and enriching environment for our children to thrive.
Solar Eclipse
There is certainly a lot of excitement with the solar eclipse taking place tomorrow, April 8th. The eclipse will begin at 2:16 p.m., with the peak at 3:29 p.m. during our dismissal time. The eclipse provides an excellent opportunity for classrooms to engage in learning, conversation, and exploration. All educators have had solar eclipse resources and a link to watch the eclipse live with NASA shared with them.
Following district guidelines and to ensure safety for all of our students and staff members, we will not be organizing opportunities to view the solar eclipse. Looking at the sun, even during a total eclipse can cause damage to your eyes. As our students and staff members do not have NASA approved safety glasses, we have shared various ways that the eclipse can be viewed safely as outlined in the Solar Eclipse Smore that was sent out to all district staff members and families:
Solar Eclipse Resources. (See below) The safety and well being of our students and staff members during this exciting event is our priority.
When students leave school during the afternoon dismissal, we will be encouraging students to not look directly at the sun by saying, "While our eyes are meant to take in sunlight, direct viewing of the sun during this time can hurt our eyes. That's why it is very important not to look directly at the sun when you leave school today."
Thank you for your partnership.
With warm regards,
Marguerite & Kelly
Dr. Marguerite Lackard, Principal mlackard@framingham.k12.ma.us
Mrs. Kelly Napierski, Assistant Principal knapierski@framingham.k12.ma.us
Important Information
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
Core Values Caregiver Survey
At Hemenway Elementary School, we have Core Values that guide us in what we do and the choices we make at school. Currently, our Core Values are:
Hemenway Tigers respect themselves
Hemenway Tigers respect each other
Hemenway Tigers respect their school
Hemenway Tigers persevere
Because these Core Values were chosen many years ago, we are in the process of choosing new Core Values that better reflect Hemenway’s current community. We would like your input as we decide upon new Core Values!
The following Core Values were most popular among Hemenway staff members:
- Kindness: To be thoughtful, caring, and to include others
- Responsibility: To take ownership of your learning and behavior
- Belonging: A sense of fitting in and knowing that you belong in the group
- Effort: How much work you put into something
- Empathy: Feeling or understanding what someone else is feeling
- Community: All of us living, working, and playing together in our school
- Ownership: Being accountable and taking pride in my learning, behavior, actions, decisions, words, and their impact.
Please take a moment to complete this survey with the Core Values that are most important to you and your child’s experience at Hemenway. (see survey below)
FOR 5th GRADE PARENTS
Walsh 5th Grade Parent Info Session
Walsh 5th Grade Parent Info Session
Incoming 6-grader Parent Information Session
Parent -Teacher Conference
Spring conferences are quickly approaching.
Teachers will be reaching out to you to schedule a conference in the coming weeks. A list of our conference dates are listed below:
*April 25th
*May 16th
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!
Dates for MCAS
Upcoming Dates:
April: MCAS - Grade 3 ELA #1
April 2: MCAS - Grade 3 ELA #2;
April 3: MCAS - Grade 5 ELA #1; PTO Meeting
April 4: Early Release; (Parent Conference)
April 5: Variety Show
April 9: Grade 4 ELA #1
April 10: Grade 4 ELA #2
April 11: 5th grade SEL presentation (9:45 -10:15 a.m)
April 15: No School- Patriot's Day
April 16 - 19 No School - Spring Break
April 25: Early Release (Parent Conference); FPS Autism Acceptance Day
General Information
Important
Please be aware that children cannot be dropped off before 8:50 a.m. unless they are enrolled in the Morning Explorers program. Before 8:50 a.m., there are no staff available to supervise your child/children.
Lost & Found
We have a large number of sweaters, shirts, water bottles at the LOST & Found. Please, come by in the afternoon of this week to pick-up any clothing, etc. We are sending the clothings that remain to Savers on Friday
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 2:30pm unless it is an emergency. Usually no student will be dismissed based on a telephone request.
Lost & Found
We have a number of coats, hats, and other clothing in the our Lost and Found area. If your child is missing any of these items, please stop by the school between 3:30 -4:00 p.m to pick them up.
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.
Bus Transportation
If your child takes the bus to and from school, that is the only bus the student can take. It is not the policy of transportation for students to take different buses based on whatever the situation may be. Please, know this policy is in place for safety reasons.
PTO Update
Our PTO is now on IG! Please follow @hemenwayschoolpto for calendar updates and fun event recaps.
Communications Process
- Reporting absences - Call office staff 508-626-9149. Call between 4:00pm 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
School Hours 9:15am - 3:30pm
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
Half Days
Students are dismissed at 12:30pm.
Lunch IS NOT served.
If your child rides the bus, you can expect them to arrive at their stop three hours earlier than normal.
Half Day: Last day of school.
Attentance Matters
Hemenway School Hours and Phone Numbers
Doors Open: 9:00am
Breakfast: 9:00am - 9:15am
School Begins: 9:15am
School Dismissal: 3:30pm
Office: 508-626-9150
Fax: 508-788-9276
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 2:30pm unless it is an emergency. No student will be dismissed based on a telephone request.
Great Articles For Parents
April 2024
How can I help my child build positive, healthy friendships?
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How do I help my child cope with stress?
March 2024
Kids Who Need a Little Help to Make Friends
Teaching Kids How to Deal With Conflict
Raising Confident, Independent Children
February 2024
PTO Information
729 Water Street
Framingham, MA 01701
Phone: 508-626-9150
Fax: 508-877-2262