Dates to Remember
March 14 Teacher Workshop Day No School
April 13, 5:30-7:00 Cutler Open House
News from The Front Office - Dismissal & Student Absences
Please be mindful that dismissal can be an extremely busy time in the Cutler parking lot. Our mission is to make sure that your children are loaded into their cars safely. Sometimes this can take a little time. At the moment we have ONE moving pick-up line, alongside the playground, in operation. Cutler staff members load four cars, and then, once filled, release them to load the next four cars. We would be most grateful if you would plan your pick up in good time so that we can avoid parents and caregivers parking on Asbury Street and walking over to collect their children, as well as cars pulling out and around stationary cars that we are still loading.
We would like to remind you that, should your child be absent for any reason, it would be most helpful if you would email the following three people: our nurse, Lynne Nardella, at l.nardella@hwschools.net, Janie Bellenis, School Secretary, at j.bellenis@hwschools.net, and your child's classroom teacher. Using this system will let everyone know at the same time and ensure that everyone is fully informed.
News about MCAS Scheduling
MCAS season is approaching! Here are the dates by grade level:
Grade 3 ELA - April 7th & 8th
Grade 3 Math - May 12th & 13th
Grade 4 ELA - April 4th & 5th
Grade 4 Math - May 16th & 17th
Grade 5 ELA - March 31 & April 1
Grade 5 Math - May 9th & 10th
Grade 5 Science - May 19th & 20th
News about Kindergarten Parent Information Night & Registration
The elementary principals would like to invite all eligible incoming kindergarten families to the 2022/23 Kindergarten Parent Information Session on Thursday, March 10th at 6:30 p.m. at Winthrop School. The Kindergarten Parent Information Session will include a general overview of the kindergarten registration and screening process, how you can prepare for kindergarten, and take a look at a typical day of a kindergartener. Registration will be March 14-19, 2022 at the Central Office. Click here to view more detailed information.
News from The Superintendent
It is important to note that masks will still be required in the HWRSD for the time being. The School Committee discussed the next steps in their last meeting and signaled their intention to vote on responses and data related to unmasking at their next meeting, March 3rd, 2022. It is possible that some individuals will feel compelled to send their children to school without masks as a form of protest, but it creates unnecessary issues in our schools. Our teachers, administrators, and support staff have worked hard throughout the pandemic to stay committed to teaching and learning. We want them to be able to continue to do the great work they have been doing without distraction. We appreciate everyone's support.
The Annual Town Elections of Hamilton and Wenham will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 7:00 am t0 8:00 pm respectively, in the towns of Hamilton and Wenham.
News about Social and Emotional Support in our School
We have received a number of inquiries about what social-emotional support is available for our students. With the help of our student support staff, we have outlined information below:
Social/Emotional Learning Curriculum (SEL) continues to be investigated for use in all three elementary schools. School counselors continue to update their current curriculum, Respect and Responsibility, which is used by counselors in the classrooms. Additional curricula used in the classroom by counselors includes, The Social Thinking Curriculum: used in grades K- 2, and the Compassion Project. Bounce Back is a trauma-focused curriculum used in group lessons.
This year, through the ESSR grant, a school counselor was added at the elementary level. This counselor is assigned to Winthrop School but can be utilized across the elementary schools if needed.
An ongoing discussion of student needs and services happens weekly with counselors and principals. Elementary counselors also meet weekly with the middle school social worker and Director of School Counseling.
News about Food Assistance:
With the price of heating skyrocketing, many people may be struggling to put food on the table this winter. Acord Food Pantry can offer more than just weekly food distribution to local families. If you or someone you know), are struggling this winter, Acord can provide confidential emergency assistance to anyone in need without requiring personal information. This food assistance includes fresh dairy products, eggs, meat, fish, fresh produce, and shelf-stable items such as pasta, rice, cereal, and more.
Please contact acord.director@gmail.com to find out how they can help.
https://zoom.us/j/6350605204?pwd=T3hYU3NNYUdtWVpRRTh0QWJ2V3VRZz09
Meeting ID: 635 060 5204
Passcode: CCCTeam
