Parent Bulletin 16                               

Sunday, June 1, 2008

1. As you know, a week ago Wednesday (May 21),  we were directed to follow lock down procedures by our state police as  a result of the criminal activity reported in Haddam.  We received a call just as the first afternoon dismissal bell rang.  Students and staff immediately responded. Within seconds, students had returned to their classrooms and the building was locked down.  Fortunately, within minutes, we were directed to continue with our dismissal procedures.  In that brief period of time, we were able to account for all of our students and keep them safe.  Quick student and staff response was a direct result of safety drills that were practiced throughout the school year. 

2. Superintendent Mala's letter sent home with students last Friday stated that  all building doors will be locked from this point forward.  Fortunately, our entry way has a buzzer and video system already in place,  we ask that you buzz our front desk and identify yourself for entry between the hours of 8:00 and 2:30. 

3. All parents will receive a postcard this week with a request to go on line and complete the HKMS parent survey.  The data we collect will be critical as we evaluate how we did this year and how we can improve for next year.  You don't have to wait for the postcard to get started; you can complete the survey right now.  Log onto:  http://www.rsd17.org/surveys/msparent/parent.asp.  Your responses cannot be traced back to you so the survey is completely anonymous.  Students have completed a similar survey at school.  We will be analyzing and publishing the data at the end of the school year.

4. We are very excited to report that many of our students and staff participated in our community's RELAY FOR LIFE held Friday evening into Saturday morning at HKHS track.  I was so impressed by the numbers of students and staff who worked to raise money for the American Cancer Society in a myriad of ways including selling refreshments at our spring sporting events, paying to wear hats in school, and holding a movie night this past month.  Great job everyone!

5. Tomorrow evening, the HKMS Eighh Grade Scholar Leaders will be attending a banquet in their honor at the Aqua Turf in Southington.  This annual event is sponsored by a variety of organizations, most notably, the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS).  The students honored are chosen by their teachers based on their records of scholarship, leadership and service to their community.  I am proud to announce the names of our students for this year:  Mr. Thomas Day, son of Ms. Theresa Kidd and Mr. James Day of Haddam and Miss Megan Tischbein, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter and Dawn Tischbein of Killingworth.  Congratulations to our students and their families. 

6. This is a very busy time of the year at our school. These events include:

o      June 3 (Tuesday) at 7:30 PM.  BOE Recognition Evening.  Join us in the MS auditorium to recognize retiring staff, Top 10 Seniors and our Teachers and Staff Members of the Year. 

o     June 6 (Friday) at 7:00 PM. HKMS Talent Show

o       June 9 (Monday) at 7:00 PM Spring Sports Awards.  Invitation letters will be mailed home. 

o       June 10 (Tuesday) at 7:00 PM  Rock Band Concert to benefit the MS Beautification program. 

o       June 11 (Wednesday):  Grade 8 Field Trip to Cave Hill

o       June 13 (Friday):  Grade 7 Field Trip to Castle Craig

o       June 13 (Friday):  at 6:30 PM Grade 8 Class Night and Reception

o       June 16 (Monday):  at 10:00 AM Dare Graduation for Grade 6

o       June 17 (Tuesday):  Grade 7 and 8 Award Assemblies (Early Dismissal).  Invitation letters will be mailed home. 

o       June 18 (Wednesday): Last day of School (Early Dismissal)

7.      Thanks to the students who marched last Monday in the Haddam Memorial Day Parade under the direction of Nancy Tozzo.  It was a beautiful day and our band students did us proud. 

8.      We are also pleased to announce and congratulate the winners of this year's Memorial Day Essay and Poem Contest.   Eighth grader, Alexandra Raccio, was chosen by the panel of judges for her essay on "What Memorial Day Means to Me" and Andi Cherry, grade 7,  won in the poetry division. Thanks to our judges:  Tom Grasso, Rick Annino, Jim Annino, Ron Annino, Beth Hartke, Maxwell Meyer, Richard Cabral. 

9.      A reminder that registration sheets with course selections are due for the 2008-2009 school year. If you have any questions, you may contact your child's guidance counselor.

10.  Parents of eighth grade students:  This Friday, June 6, your child will be bringing home the details and the tickets for this year's Class Night

11.  Reminder!  Friday, June 13th is the 8th grade graduation ceremony and dance.  It has been a long standing tradition at HKMS that the 7th grade families sponsor this evening.  The PTO organizers are in need of the following food items:  boxes of crackers, cubed cheese, vegetable platters with dip, fruit platters with dip, nut-free dessert items (brownies, cookies, cupcakes, squares).  If you are able to donate any of the above, please e-mail Laura Roman at landdroman@aol.com (Please note "8th grade night" in the subject line).  Details concerning drop off will be provided later.  Reminders will be sent out in June.  Thanks for all of your anticipated help!

12. Area middle school students are invited to a Metamorphosis @ Your Library this summer by participating in Brainerd Library's new middle school summer reading program. The program begins June 23 and ends on August 5. Kids in grades five through eight can join Metamorphosis One Hundred and earn points by reading as well as taking part in special events throughout the six week program. After earning one hundred points, students will receive a Metamorphosis T-shirt and their names will be entered in a drawing for an IPod or an MP3 player. The more times your name goes into the drawing, the better your chances of winning. The drawing will be held on Tuesday, August 5.

Come to the "The Caterpillar Hunter" show on June 23 at 6:30 PM in the middle school auditorium or stop by the library on June 24^th to collect your materials to begin Metamorphosis One Hundred. This program also commemorates the one hundredth anniversary of Brainerd Memorial Library and is sponsored by the Friends of Brainerd Library.

Sincerely,

Mim Wagner

Principal, HKMS