Mary Hogan Family Newsletter
November 10, 2023
Dear Mary Hogan Families,
Our Learner Profile attribute this month is "thinker" and I have seen so many thinkers at Mary Hogan this past week. Fourth and Fifth Graders were thinkers this week after they heard from their peers in Student Council Speeches. They, then, thought about who would best represent them and the school. First graders were thinking about long and short vowel sounds - and how to hear them in words. Students in band were thinking about a new piece of music and how it would sound when they played it together. I also saw staff thinking on Wednesday during the early release time - from meeting students' social emotional needs to launching math lessons with logic puzzles.
As we think about the community, we have a number of events that we can come together and celebrate. We continue to be so grateful to all of you for all you for Mary Hogan. One special shout out this week: We are super thankful to the Dishaw family who built us a new bookshelf for the Transitional Fiction section of the library. With more space, the books can face forward in baskets and students can see the chapter book choices more easily! We appreciate this gift to our library!
Be well,
Jen
In the newsletter this week:
- Upcoming Events
- News from Mary Hogan - Lots of great things happened this week!
- Family Resources
Students in 3rd-5th grade had a chance to experience a modern dance performance at the Town Hall Theater developed by Christal Brown. The students saw the dancers do two parts of the larger performance (to be premiered this weekend at Middlebury College). They were thinkers, asking dancers questions - about the dance and how they became dancers. Some were risk takers and got on stage with the dancers to dance for their peers. It was beautiful and everyone I have talked with loved it!
The 4th Grade has been studying how we organize ourselves and the benefits and challenges of a democracy. As part of this inquiry, they had a chance this week to learn more from Addison County Senator, Ruth Hardy. She came in to talk with students about her job in the Vermont legislature as well as questions they had about her work, laws, and their own interests. So many students are thinking about the environment, climate change, and pollution. Senator Hardy challenged the students to think about how they could also make an impact on these areas - in small and large ways.
Comfy Cozy Day this week was a huge success. Spirit Days happen once a month and are chosen by a particular grade. This month's theme was chosen by 4th grade and they nailed it. On the day of the first measurable snow, we all got to be cozy in our fleece and joggers. Despite some wearing pajamas or blankets, the students were able to focus and celebrate the fun of being a Hawk!
