Good afternoon Panther Families,

We strongly believe that middle school is an important time in a student’s educational career where they develop the skills and confidence that will help them navigate the world around them. It is vital that we provide our students with the experiences to foster those skills through positive social interactions that allow students to inquire, problem-solve, and take initiative. Our students are juggling navigating social interactions both in person and online.

We are grateful our students were able to have the opportunity to hear from Scott Driscoll who held grade level assemblies throughout Tuesday morning. Our EHMS PTO graciously funded the presentation Scott provided on this topic for parents, which provided tips and suggestions for families as they navigate parenting in an ever-increasingly connected world. We hope that who attended found the presentation meaningful and came away with conversation points to begin with your children at home. Unfortunately, the presentation was not able to be recorded but we have included some information for you within this edition of the Panther Post.

With your partnership, we hope to best guide students in positive decision-making both while here at EHMS and in their lives beyond our school walls.

Best,

Christina & Emily

• December 2nd - Random Acts of Kindness Friday!
• December 6th - 8th Grade Parent Evening High School 6:30pm
• December 9th - PJ for Kids Day!
• December 12th - Board of Education Meeting: EH Town Hall; Council Chambers
• December 13th - Town Meeting of Middle School Roof Replacement: Town Hall 6pm
• December 14th - EHMS PTO Meeting: LMC
• December 23rd - Early Dismissal for staff and students
• December 26th - January 3rd - Winter Recess

Each month Team Leaders will share an update on current happenings throughout the team. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your child's Team Leader. Contact information is within each newsletter.

Below is access to team's November newsletters. Don't forget to check out Team Amethyst's newsletter. This is our specials and P.E. team. Team Leaders will be sending out their December newsletters through Parentsquare.

Enjoy!

It is hard to believe that we are already talking about your child's transition to East Hampton High School, however, please save the following date - Tuesday, December 6th at 6:30pm, all current 8th grade families are invited to East Hampton High School for an Incoming 9th Grade Curriculum Night. Mr. Verner and the rest of EHHS is eager to welcome you!

Eighth science classes have been learning about force and motion. Over the last week they've applied their new understanding as they designed, constructed, and tested containers to protect eggs during a collision. Today they tested and evaluated their designs using the EHMS trebuchet. Mrs. Amaral and Mrs. Asklar created their own containers to join in!

We are so proud of all the students who were celebrated this week for exemplifying our PBIS pillars. Below are the students from this week!

Mrs. Gieras’s students continue to read their novels, analyzing characters and themes. Students are required to “stop and jot” as they read, noting their thoughts, important details, and commenting on parts of the novel that are worth discussing with their reading partner. Students will use their stop and jots plus their class notes to compose a literary essay.

Middle group spent the day before Thanksgiving doing what many people do on that day - cooking! We prepared by looking up recipes, voting on what to make, making shopping lists, and going to our local grocery store to shop. We learned about kitchen safety, following a recipe step-by-step, measuring, and working together as a team. After baking and cleaning up we were able to deliver some pies around the school. Each and every student in middle group worked hard, had fun, and (most importantly) got to take a delicious homemade pie home to their families to enjoy on Thanksgiving!

Act fast! The last day to bring in money for the ABC Women's Center’s holiday drive is this Monday, December 5th. Collections from the drive will allow the EarlyAct Club to purchase holiday gifts for a couple of families in need. Cash or checks (made payable to EHMS) are being accepted. In support and in the spirit of the drive, students and faculty are invited to wear their holiday attire on Monday, December 5th. In addition, the homeroom that raises the most money will win a breakfast courtesy of the EarlyAct Club!

Thank you in advance for helping us to make this holiday season extra special for those in need!

Scott Driscoll came to visit EHMS this week. Scott Driscoll spent most of his 29-year career in law enforcement as a youth officer with a local Connecticut police department, building a rapport with youth in the community and in the school system. Scott founded Internet Safety Concepts in 2007 with the goal of educating people with a clear message: if we don’t consider safety while we are online and using other technology, we can put ourselves and others in danger.

On Tuesday, Scott Driscoll held grade-level presentations to heighten students’ awareness of what could happen if they are not thinking about safety or potential consequences. Scott discussed with students the potential long-lasting impact of words or photos that are sent through social networking sites and the importance is coming to a trusted adult, like a parent, for support and guidance. Wednesday evening, Scott was able to also present to families and offered, based from his experience, tips and suggestions to best help families support students as they face choices each day online.

For those who were not able to attend our parent/guardian presentation, below is linked Scott's website Internet Safety Concepts. Within his "For Families" section, Scott gives tips for various applications like Instagram or Snapchat. Also linked below our family contracts developed by Scott in order for families and children to commit to safe use of technology.

After the assembly, advisories were held for students to discuss being an upstander and speaking up if they see something of concern. We continued to discuss topics like bullying, which can occur in person or online, and the impact to students effected. Often students and their peers are the eyes and ears of a school community and may observe communications but not always understand or know what to do with that information. With our anonymous reporting system in place and staff available to talk with, we want to ensure students are aware of their options on how to report something if they need to. Students reviewed these resources and were shown were to find the anonymous tip line if they need it.

Linked to the right is our Anonymous Tip line

Panther Chefs this week were busy in the kitchen making appetizers!

Some of the members from our Panther Ambassadors Club attended a youth leadership training session with club members from EHHS in which they learned more about the Sandy Hook Promise’s Programs, Start With Hello and Say Something. Our students were able to share about the activities the EHMS participated in September and October of this school year. They also heard about other activities that other schools are doing so that they can bring them to EHMS. They also received resources and as well as activities from other schools who have a SAVE Promise Club. SAVE stands for Students Against Violence Everywhere and our missing at EHMS is to promote tolerance and acceptance of all students and staff when working together in a community of peace by encouraging, engaging, educating and empowering all of us to be the best version of ourselves.

The Student Council Committee is hosting a holiday ornament crafting activity. Come and craft a few holiday ornaments and listen to holiday music on December 12th immediately after school until 4pm in the art room. The cost to participate is $5 or more. Any proceeds will be used to host a fun experience or assembly at school. Tickets to the event are being sold in the Commons during Flex time.

We're so excited to be ramping up the Ski and Snowboarding Club! If you are interested in joining the Ski and Snowboarding Club please join the Ski and Snowboarding Club Group on Parent Square. All information will be posted on the group page. Thank you!

We will be running things just as we did last year.

• Family members Grades 2 and older will be able to join at the club rates!
• There will be no bus to and from the school; students and their families will be responsible for providing their own transportation. The school will leave it to parent/guardian discretion as to how their child and equipment (which cannot be stored at the school) get to and from the mountain each week.
• Arrive at the mountain at 3:15 PM, depart from the mountain at 7:30 PM

The dates we have booked are:

Thursday, 1/19

Thursday, 1/26

Thursday, 2/16

Thursday, 2/23

Pricing per person for the 4 passes varies depending on which package you choose:

Lift Ticket $140

Lift and Lesson $192

Lift and Rental Equipment $212

Lift, Lesson and Rental Equipment $252

While there are no refunds for missed days, Mount Southington will let you trade your lift ticket in for a different day later this season or the following one.

Registration/Sign-up instructions coming soon, so stay tuned!

Just a reminder that we continue to run Homework Club. Students can join at any point. Facilitated by a staff member, students who are interested can stay after school until 4:00 to have a quiet, structured space to work on school work. There will be times that we collaborate with the high school and students from Interact come to help assist students. The next Homework Club session is Tuesday November 29th and the club will run every other Tuesday after that. If you are interested in your child participating, please complete the following google form. If there are any questions, please contact our main office.

Check out our online shop for tons of logo options and garment styles

NEW PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN ADDED!

1. Puffer vests - adult sizes
2. Flannel pajama pants - adult and youth sizes
3. Letterman jackets - adult and youth sizes
4. Winter scarves
5. Sonic lightweight 1/4 zips - Men's and Women's cuts and youth sizes
6. Cowl neck workout hoodies - Men's and Women's cuts

If you have any questions, please contact the PTO at ptoehms@gmail.com

Thank you for your support and happy shopping!

Check out our online shop for tons of logo options and garment styles

Store link: https://1stplace.sale/17567

The East Hampton Public Schools is proud to introduce School Based Health Centers in each of our schools. Soon, enrolled students will be able to receive behavioral health services during the school day. The School-Based Health Care (SBHC) staff are licensed health care providers, who are able to deliver behavioral health services to students during the school day. They work in conjunction with the student’s primary care providers to support their social, emotional, and behavioral health care needs. SBHC is proud to serve over 17,000 students throughout Connecticut. If you are interested in School-Based Health Care for your child, please visit SBCH2.com for enrollment information and forms.

Next Friday, December 9th, EH Public Schools will be supporting the CCMC Cancer Center by participating in a statewide PJ day! This fundraiser asks schools, businesses, and community service groups to make small financial donations and to show their support of CT children fighting cancer and future childhood cancer research by wearing their PJs for the day and by donating on Friday or using the link attached. Students can bring donations in to their homeroom teachers on Friday the 9th.

A reminder that effective December 1, 2022 all meals will be fully paid, unless your children qualify for free or reduced school meals. We greatly thank you for your patience this past week with any issues in trying to add funds into your child's account. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jen Bove at jbove@easthamptonct.org or Christina Amaral at camaral@easthamptonct.org.

Frequently asked questions for your reference:

How do we pay for our school meals?

Students will pay for their breakfast and lunch using their Meal Magic lunch account. If you have not yet set up a Meal Magic account, or you need to add funds to your students’ accounts, please go to our website at https://www.easthamptonps.org/page/nutritional-services-and-school-lunch, click on Meal Magic Family Payment Portal and follow the instructions.

How do we qualify for free or reduced price meals?

If you think that you may qualify for free or reduced price meals, please go to our website at https://www.easthamptonps.org/page/nutritional-services-and-school-lunch to fill out a free and reduced lunch application. Please note that the income level required for eligibility for SNAP (formerly food stamps) was raised as of October 1st, so some families who previously did not qualify for SNAP may now qualify. Any students who receive SNAP benefits are automatically eligible for free school meals, so please visit our website and click on the + sign beside Applying for Free and Reduced Meals to learn more about applying for SNAP.

How much will meals cost on December 1?

School Breakfast = $2.25 at all schools.

Memorial Lunch = $3.50

Center Lunch = $3.50

Middle School Lunch = $3.75

High School Lunch = $4.00 ($4.50 for full Salad Bar)

Every school lunch includes lean protein, a whole grain, a selection of both fruits and

vegetables, and a low fat milk

Effectively immediately, the following email addresses can be used by parents to report and document their approval of an absence:

Memorial_Attendance@easthamptonct.org

Center_Attendance@easthamptonct.org

EHMS_Attendance@easthamptonct.org

EHHS_Attendance@easthamptonct.org

If you have successfully emailed the school, you will receive an autoreply that notifies you that the absence communication has been received and recorded. This process is effective for your child for the first 9 absences. After your student has more than 9 absences, additional documentation or communication is required to excuse the absence. However, please continue to use the email designated for your child's school to continue to notify the school that your child will be absent. You may call your child’s school at any time to report an absence, as well.

Message from Nurse Hafele:

Now that Winter is upon us and the germs are starting to get a little too comfortable, let’s review the below guidelines.

Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:

• Very stuffy or runny nose and/or cough
• Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
• Mild headache and/or stomachache
• Fatigue

Definitely keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms:

• Fever (greater than 100 degrees. May return to school after 24 hours of no fever WITHOUT fever reducing medications)
• Vomiting (Even once. Must wait 24 hours after last vomit episode to return to school)
• Diarrhea (Must wait 24 hours after last episode to return to school)
• Chills
• General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness, and/or muscle aches
• Frequent congested, wet, or croupy cough
• Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose

To help prevent the flu and other colds, please remind your child(ren) about good hygiene habits:

• Wash hands frequently
• Do not touch eyes, nose, or mouth
• Cover mouth and nose when sneezing/coughing and then wash hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Helpful resources:
Please contact your child’s pediatrician first. If unable to be seen, here is a list of
local walk in/urgent care locations if unable to be seen by pediatrician:
CVS Minute Clinic, East Hampton 866-389-2727
ProHealth Extended Hours, Glastonbury 657-5940
Middlesex Health Urgent Care, Middletown 860-358-4170
Colchester Urgent Care 860-531-9749

If at any point you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at khafele@easthamptonct.org or call the school office at 860-365-4060.

Thank you!

Mrs. Hafele

EAST HAMPTON MS ATHLETICS SCHEDULE DEC 5 - DEC 9 (subject to change)

MONDAY, DEC 5

East Hampton boys basketball at RHAM MS, 2:20 dismissal, 2:30 bus, 3:30 pm game.

RHAM girls basketball at East Hampton, 3:30 pm.

Cheer not attending

TUESDAY, DEC 6

Boys basketball 2:35 until 4:30 pm

Girls basketball mandatory study hall with April A in room 35 from 2:35 until 4:15 pm.

Girls basketball 4:30 until 6 pm

Cheer practice 2:35 until 4:30 pm in commons

WEDNESDAY, DEC 7

Boys basketball 2:35 until 4:30 pm

Girls basketball optional study hall with April A in room 35 from 2:35 until 4:15 pm.

Girls basketball 4:30 until 6 pm (arrive at 4:15 pm)

No Cheer practice!

THURSDAY, DEC 8

East Hampton girls basketball at Cromwell MS, 2:20 dismissal, 2:30 bus, 3:30 pm.

Cromwell boys basketball at East Hampton, 3:30 pm

Note: Both games are varsity only!

Note: JV girls (in uniforms) and managers will travel with the team to Cromwell. JV boys (in uniforms) will attend the Boys varsity home game.

Cheer attending game!

FRIDAY, DEC 9

Boys basketball 2:35 until 4:30 pm

Girls basketball optional study hall with April A in room 35 from 2:35 until 4:15 pm.

Girls basketball 4:30 until 6 pm (arrive at 4:15 pm)

Cheer practice 2:35 until 4:30 pm in commons

If your child is having any Chromebook or technology issues please click on the link below to do some troubleshooting: EHMS TroubleShooting Tips

If the troubleshooting doesn't work click on the link below to submit an IT work ticket:

Chromebook Trouble Ticket

Please encourage your child to take pride and care in their device. Below is a video to review the proper care of Chromebooks with your child.

The East Hampton Board of Education and the school community as a whole promote a secure and productive school climate, conducive to teaching and learning that is free from threat, harassment, any type of bullying behavior, and teen dating violence. Therefore it shall be the policy of the Board that bullying and/or teen dating violence committed against a student by another student is prohibited. The Board believes that a school environment in which students feel safe, supported, engaged and helpfully challenged is optimal for learning and healthy development. The Board seeks an environment in which students and adults feel socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically safe; an environment that is free of harassment, intimidation, teen dating violence and bullying. Our website provides links to various policies and reporting forms including our Safe School Climate Plan. Hard copies are also available in our main office. If at any point you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to building administration for further assistance.

Board of Education Statement on School Safety:

The East Hampton Board of Education is committed to a safe and secure learning environment that honors and celebrates the diversity of our students, our community, and our nation. The Board of Education in partnership with the school community will not tolerate any threat of violence in the schools or any hate speech that targets any race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Each student is held to the highest standards of responsible decision making within a culture that is expected to foster compassion, caring, and empathy.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement of the East Hampton Public Schools:

The school community of East Hampton is committed to the mission of honoring and celebrating the diversity of our students, our community, and our nation. We strive to guide our students to conscious, deliberate, individual and collective actions that cultivate the respect of all races, religions, and social backgrounds. Our school community endeavors to produce graduates who are equipped with a greater understanding of the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nondiscrimination Statement of the East Hampton Public Schools:

The East Hampton Board of Education, in compliance with federal and state law, affirms its policy of equal educational opportunity for all students and equal employment opportunity for all persons. It is the policy of the District to promote nondiscrimination and an environment free of harassment regardless of an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, ancestry, disability (including but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability, or learning disability), genetic information, marital status, or age or because of the race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, or age of any persons with whom the individual associates. The District shall provide to all students without discrimination, course offerings, counseling, assistance, employment, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The District shall provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The District shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with federal and state statutes and regulations.

Email: camaral@easthamptonct.org
Website: https://www.easthamptonps.org/o/ehms
Location: 19 Childs Road, East Hampton, CT, USA
Phone: (860) 365 4060