Hanover Street School Newsletter

Relaxing in the Sun on a Friday Afternoon During Recess

As spring approaches, I've been thinking a lot about the benefits for children growing up in a place with such easy access to the outdoors. Then last week I saw an article in the NYTimes, linked here, on the benefits of playing in the dirt. Even though I'm not sure that I'll be throwing a mud pie party with my adult friends anytime soon, I appreciate that the article backs up the work we are doing to make the most of our school yard spaces and gardens.

Please see the PTO information below and fill in the survey about possible school yard improvements. In addition, the school received a gardening grant that will help us renovate our raised flower and vegetable beds. Many thanks to our staff member and garden coordinator, Maggie MacArthur, who applied for this grant and to the PTO for continuing to move our schoolyard projects forward.

Leah Wheelan, Principal

Our Cheerful Bright New Lobby

HSS is doing the official Walk and Bike to School on May 8th from Colburn Park. We will gather between 7:00-7:20 (walkers, bikes, scooters). Bikes go first and walkers join soon after with LPD support.

May 8th Schedule

7:00 - 7:20 Gather at Colburn Park (HSS students, families, LPD, City of Lebanon, etc.)

7:20 - 7:30 Gather at Wolf Rd (HSS students and staff volunteers)

7:30 Bikes leave Colburn Park and then walkers leave (with HSS staff volunteers and families)

7:35-7:40 We pick up a group of walkers at the Eldridge St. bus stop

7:50 Bikes arrive at HSS and take a photo at the bike rack

8:00 Walkers arrive and take a photo

8:00 Celebration in the gym

A few of our older students have phones/watches that allow them to send texts. Please do not set an expectation that your student will exchange texts with you during school hours. Below is the policy on electronic devices from the school handbook. Thank you for helping us enforce this.

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Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic handheld games/devices are not to be used at school unless they are part of an approved activity. Student cell phones/iPods, etc. must stay in backpacks at all times. If phones are taken out during the school day, then they will be confiscated and taken to the principal’s office.

3rd grade will be taking the state mandated test called SAS on May 1st and May 2nd. 4th grade will be taking the test on May 7th and 8th. The students completed the writing portion of the test a few months ago so we only have math and reading left.

The City of Lebanon Planning & Development Department has initiated a study to be completed in 2024 to plan for the future development of the Route 120 corridor between I-89 Exit 18 and the Hanover Town line. This area of Lebanon is seen as an emerging third village center in Lebanon. The purpose is to identify areas that are appropriate for development and what type of development, areas appropriate for preservation, and the public and private infrastructure that will be needed to accommodate future growth. We want your feedback! Take the Route 120 Corridor Study Survey Thank you for helping us shape the future of Lebanon.

Please click here for the latest edition of the LMS Express from Principal Tom Harkins. We thought that this might be of interest to 4th grade families in particular.

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10th and we plan to roll out the red carpet (literally) for our amazing teachers and staff! We will kick it off with a VIP breakfast on Monday. Please consider bringing in a homemade or store bought breakfast treat for the staff at drop off. Thank you notes for the students to fill out will go home this week so that we can shower staff with Fan Mail on Tuesday. The PTO has the rest of the week covered with swag bags, pizza lunch and a special treat for the best supporting cast!

Thank you to everyone that came out to our Family Contra Dance this month. It was great to see all the families on the dance floor having a great time. We are grateful to Erin Smith (and the band) for coordinating and bringing this special event to HSS.

Our PTO has partnered up with the Mt. Leb PTO to bring an awesome opportunity for all 4th graders. We will be hosting a free activities night at the CCBA on Saturday, May 4th. This event is for 4th grade ONLY and is a great way for students from both schools to meet, hang out, shoot some hoops, craft, swim or play foosball together before heading to Lebanon Middle School next fall. Forms went home with students last week.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 2nd at 6:30 in the HSS Library. We will be assembling Kindergarten Screening Goody Bags at the meeting as well as firming up the rest of the year's events. These meetings are open to everyone.

A Note from the Schoolyard Committee:

As we plan to make changes and improvements, the Schoolyard Committee would love your feedback about the playground and outdoor spaces at Hanover Street School. Please take this short survey to let us know your thoughts about the plans we have.

May 3 - Kindergarten to Billings Farm

May 6 - Bus evacuation drill practice

May 8 - Walk and Bike to School Day

May 8th, 9th, 10th, and 17th - Various 3rd grade classes to the Hood

May 10th - Intensive Needs Program to VINS

May 10th - 2nd Grade Western Night at 5:15

May 24th - 4th grade Watershed

May 24th - 3rd Grade Squam Lake

May 27th - Memorial Day (No school)

May 29th - 4th grade field trip

May 30th - Concert at 6 pm

May 31st - Field Day

June 4th - Parade of high school graduates at 2:15

June 7th - Sing America at 4:30

June 10th - Kindergarten Celebration 4:30

June 12th - Last day of School for HSS

4th Graders Learning About Mythology

2nd Grade Research Project