[HMS News] Parent Flash 11-14-08

[William Carozza]

PARENT FLASH  11/14/08

This is just a reminder that our school collects Box Tops from General  
Mills food items. Each one is worth 10 cents and goes back the  
schools. Just clip the rectangle that says "Box Tops for Education"  
and send them in to school with your child.

              Thank you!

  “Facetime”

Sometimes email and phone calls just don’t suffice and parents simply  
need to spend time with the teacher, counselor, other faculty member,  
or the Principal. We just finished our round of parent conferences  
(although there are a few left) and while it’s a tiring activity for  
our teachers, we all know how crucial this communication is.

We have a couple of upcoming opportunities for “facetime.” I hope  
you’ll join me for Coffee with Carozza next Wednesday, November 19, 8  
AM in the HMS Library. As always, it is an informal time to talk with  
me as well as your fellow neighbors and enjoy some coffee presented by  
PTA.

In addition, Michael Bessette and I will host our first Parent  
Advisory Council of the year next Tuesday, November 18, from 5-6 PM at  
Maple Street School. Our primary topics will be a discussion of parent  
conferences and next year’s school calendar.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Bill Carozza

*****

Reminder: if you’re at the school on the weekends, please do not put  
any trash in our large recycle bin out back. Thanks.

*****

PICTURE RETAKE DAY

THURSDAY, NOV. 20

*****

WHAT’S HAPPENING

IN P.E.

Throughout the remaining weeks of November and beginning part of  
December, kindergarten and first graders will be involved in an  
introductory games unit. The focus of each lesson will be geared  
toward invaluable skills such as sportsmanship, problem solving, and  
teamwork. After learning about the rules, expectations, and routines  
of their physical education class, it is the perfect time to introduce  
some basic games. Offering each student the opportunity to interact  
with their classmates in game situations provides your son or daughter  
with a chance to develop not only lifelong physical skills but social  
skills as well.

Second and third graders will be starting their next unit which  
involves another lifetime sport: volleyball. Although many elementary  
physical education teachers may not introduce this sport to their  
students, I feel as if it is a great way for young children,  
teenagers, and even adults to be physically active. Realizing that  
volleyball is a fairly complicated game requiring a high level of  
skill proficiency, I will ensure success by modifying the ball that is  
used at first. Each student will gain confidence by first using  
balloons, then moving to a heavier beach ball, and ultimately to a  
large trainer volleyball. Similar to the previous basketball unit,  
activities will be greatly modified for enjoyment, success, and skill  
acquisition.

  *****

DESTINATION IMAGINATION

Are your kids the kind who could take a cardboard box, some paint, and  
some glue, and make a jungle? Do they like to take things apart just  
to see how they work?  Do your kids constantly ask “What would happen  
if we…?”

Would you like your kids to develop their skills in….CREATIVITY,  
TEAMWORK, PROBLEM SOLVING, and PLANNING?  Then DI is the program for  
them!  DI helps kids develop the skills they’ll need to thrive in a  
world with ever-increasing problems to solve and challenges to meet.

Kids who do DI solve their own problems; they learn that THEY can do  
it for THEMSELVES.  That’s right, the kids do all the work!

This is a program for ages 1st grade – 12th; we form teams based on  
age range, interest, and the availability of an adult to manage the  
team.  Teams can be as small as 3, or as big as 7 members!

You can check out more about Destination ImagiNation at:  www.nh-di.org.

If you have done DI before and want to do it again, OR if you want to  
try DI because you think it’s the program for your child, LET US KNOW!

And hey, if you’re at all willing to manage a team (we’ll even  
train you and support your efforts!), that would be even better!  
Contact Carrie Thompson at carrie at nh-di.org.  Or call 746-5251.

*****

Reaching for the Stars is Harold Martin School’s afterschool  
Enrichment Program.

If you can help, have ideas for classes or questions, please contact  
the Enrichment Coordinator for HMS, Nora Forziati at 746-4239 or hmsenrich at hopkintonschools.org 
.

*****

COMMUNITY NEWS

Events listed under Community News do not necessarily indicate  
endorsement from Harold Martin School or the Hopkinton School District  
but are provided as a community service.



Events at the Town Library

Poetry reading.:  Local poet and Pulitzer Prize Winner Maxine Kumin  
will be holding a reading of her work.  A selection of Ms. Kumin’s  
books will be available for sale and signing, Sunday November 16 3-4:30.

Shakespeare Discussion Series:  “Brush up your Shakespeare” with  
Mike Timm (former Chair of the Hopkinton High School English  
Department) in a 3-part program focused on “Much Ado About  
Nothing,” November 18 (7:30-8:30).

The Friends of the Hopkinton Town Library is sponsoring a town-wide  
essay contest. The deadline for entries is 23 November 2008.  Don't be  
left out of this future historic document!

*****

Mrs. Wuellenweber will be collecting hygiene products to be donated to  
the Concord Multiculturural Project. Your donation can be sent in to  
Mrs. Wuellenweber anytime between now and Thanksgiving. Thanks for  
your kind support!



*****
The WIZARD of OZ



Hopkinton Middle High School Auditorium
Friday, November 14th, 15th and 16th.
All tickets $7.00

Tickets will be sold at the door.

*****

FROM THE REC DEPT.

Holiday Lights Contest

It is time to start thinking how you are going to decorate your home  
for the holidays.  You may be the lucky winner of the 2nd annual  
Holiday Lights Contest.  The top three winners will be chosen by the  
Recreation Committee on the evening of December 10th.   Show some  
community holiday spirit and out-decorate your neighbor!  Homes must  
be entered by December 8th by 5pm. For Hopkinton/Contoocook Residents  
only.  Call 746-2915 to enter your home!

February Break Ski Trip

Join Hopkinton Recreation for a Ski and Ride Trip to Stowe, Vermont.   
The overnight trip will be February 23-24th and is for families and  
students.  The cost is $230 per person which includes: roundtrip  
transportation, 2 days of skiing, one dinner and breakfast and one  
night of lodging.  Registration packets and additional information can  
be found on-line at www.hopkinton-nh.gov (click recreation).  Call  
746-2915 with any questions.

Community Scrapbook Sessions

November 14th from 6:30pm-10pm at the Grange Hall on Cedar St..  Cost  
is free. Bring your pictures and scrapbook if you have one. Other  
materials and tools will be provided.  Call 746-2915 for more  
information. More sessions on the way!!!



_ _

Bill Carozza  | Principal
____________________________
Harold Martin School
271 Main St.
Hopkinton, NH 03229
p. 603 .746 .3473
w. www.hopkintonschools.org/hms/principal