To begin, I offer this heartfelt thanks to the many who helped organize and actualize our amazing Science Fair. I venture to say that the science fair nurtures the next generation of thinkers/tinker/makers/inventors/doctors/physicists/etcetera AND creates a space where kids simply have fun, do messy things, and feel seen. Feeling seen is being known, and when you are known that cozy, safe sense of belonging takes root.
So, again, thank you, thank you, thank you to the Science Fair organizers, judges, faculty members, and families who created the conditions for our children to do amazing things. It really, really matters.
-----
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day this Wed 3/20
Please contribute to a "Thank You" gift card for Kevin Smith, our Hayes School crossing guard. Venmo your contribution to @Heath-PTO and add "Crossing Guard Appreciation" in the comment by the end of the day on Sunday 3/17. You are also encouraged to give Kevin your own notes or other expressions of appreciation on that day (and everyday). https://heathpto.org/calendar/event/31552851
-----
Cultural Observances
Happy St. Patrick's Day weekend, a time of great celebration in our fair city and an important cultural touchstone for those of Irish decent and connection. Please celebrate safely and joyfully!
Ramadan observances continue. Ramadan Kareem! A few reminders:
- During the month of Ramadan, PSB Food Services will be providing Iftar packages to students observing Ramadan. Students may pick up their bags during the lunch period from the cafeteria serving line. Meals will be available all throughout the entire period beginning on Monday March 11 through April 9th.
- If your child is fasting during Ramadan we know that the energy during the day can be precious. Observing students may sit in the office, if they like, during periods of exertion, like recess and PE.
-----
Student Work Showcase
Third graders have been learning about the Music of India. We have done the Dandiya dance, a social stick dance from the Gujarat region of the country. This dance can also be found in Pakistan. We have sung and played recorder to "Dhobi Aaya," a Hindi counting song. (The numbers 1-10 are very similar to numbers in Hindustani and Urdu!) We most recently had a special visit from Mr. Patel who taught us about the sitar!
MCAS testing for students in Grades 3-8 will be taking place very soon. Please see the MCAS dates here. If you have any questions, please reach out to kirtan_patel@psbma.org
Monday, March 18th: Rainbow Club!, 11:20-11:50am
Wednesday, March 20th: Grades 6-8 GSA, 10:50-11:20am
Wednesday, March 20th: Model UN, 11:20am-12:05pm
Thursday, March 21st: School Council Meeting, 8:15-9:45am
Thursday, March 21st: Young Scholars, 2:30-3:30pm
Friday, March 22nd: METCO Connections Art Workshop, 1:40-3:00pm
Monday, March 25th: Rainbow Club!, 11:20-11:50am
Tuesday, March 26th: AAPI Affinity Group, 10:50-11:20am
Wednesday, March 27th: Grades 6-8 GSA, 10:50-11:20am
Wednesday, March 27th: Model UN, 11:20am-12:05pm
Thursday, March 28th: Young Scholars, 2:30-3:30pm
Friday, March 29th: School Closed: Day of Low Attendance (Good Friday)
Monday, April 1st: Rainbow Club!, 11:20-11:50am
Wednesday, April 3rd: METCO Connections Breakfast/Game, 7:30-8:00am
Wednesday, April 3rd: Grades 6-8 GSA, 10:50-11:20am
Wednesday, April 3rd: Model UN, 11:20am-12:05pm
Wednesday, April 3rd: K-8 Early Dismissal @ 12:40pm
Thursday, April 4th: Zones of Regulation Presentation (for parents/caregivers), 8:15-9:00am
Thursday, April 4th: Young Scholars, 2:30-3:30pm
Friday, April 5th: PEP - Advocacy Book, 8:05-8:30am
Friday, April 5th: PTO Community Meeting (in person), 8:15-9:00am
Friday, April 5th: Term 3 Closes for Grades 6-8 Report Cards
Friday, April 5th: International Night, 5:30-8:30pm
Our PTO's Website is here: https://www.heathpto.org/ We hope you will check it out for upcoming events, ways to support out school, and much more!
____________________
International Night Nation Guides Needed
International Night is a few weeks away. We are still looking for Nation Guides. We would love to include YOU!! https://heathpto.org/calendar/event/42170438
Mayfair Planning Committee Volunteers Needed
Mayfair will be on Saturday, May 11. The planning committee still needs a few gracious people to help lead or be on a committee for Food, Games, Coordinating Volunteers, or Communications/Marketing. Email Tiff Rinne (tiffanyrinne@gmail.com) if you can help. https://heathpto.org/calendar/event/50739936
Hayes Family Skate Night 2024 Recap
We had another fun and successful Hayes Skate Night on the evening of Saturday, March 9, 2024. There were over 100 of us at the Warrior Ice Arena (and a bunch of siblings too). Thanks to those that came out to support this community/family event. https://heathpto.org/story/405802
Save the Date: Zones of Regulation Parent/Caregiver Coffee
Understanding The Zones of Regulation and adding Zones to your parenting toolbox
Has your child learned about the Zones of Regulation at school? Does your child talk about colors and feelings and you aren't entirely sure what they mean?
If you are curious to learn more about The Zones of Regulation and how you can support your child through this model, please join Ms. Ovadia (“Ms. O.”), K-2 School Counselor, and Ms. Watkins, K-8 School Psychologist, for a special presentation. During the presentation Ms. O. and Ms. Watkins will explain what the Zones of Regulation is and will offer practical strategies on how to easily incorporate concepts from the Zones of Regulation into your everyday parenting style.
WHEN: Thursday April 4th 8:15-9:00 a.m. in the Hayes School library.
During this presentation you will receive information about the Zones and tips on how to talk to your child(ren) using Zones language. You will also receive a list of resources and a flier with practical tips. If you cannot attend and are interested in receiving information from the presentation, please email Alissa Ovadia (alissa_ovadia@psbma.org) or Jen Watkins (jennifer_watkins@psbma.org
Important Notice: Grade 8 Civics MCAS Field Test
Grade 8 students, in addition to MCAS tests in English language arts, mathematics, and science, will also participate in an MCAS grade 8 civics field test.
In order to administer a new grade 8 civics test in the future, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must try out new test questions before the test becomes operational and scores can provided to parents, schools, and districts. Our students' participation is important and allows the state to build a valid and reliable test. It is important that all selected students – in this case, our 8th graders – participate in the field test to ensure a representative sample of students from across the state.
If you have questions about this MCAS civics field test, please contact your child’s guidance counselor, David Chaet at david_chaet@psbma.org
No concrete details to share yet, but we are making plans for a school renaming celebration on June 3rd (which is also Roland Hayes' birthday). Watch this space for updates!
---------
In lieu of a permanent school name facade change of the front of the school (we are waiting for grant funding to do the physical facelift in the gym on on the front), we will hoist a banner with our new school name. Look for that change next week (see mock up of the banner below).
Spirit Wear will also be available soon. The mock-ups of available items look great!
Digital rebranding, so far:
- Our website
- The Parent Portal has our new school name and the district website
- At the State level, we are now recognized as Roland Hayes School!
---------
This beautiful greyscale portrait of Roland Hayes was created by one of our parents, Jon Zurawski. Thank you, Jon, for such a thoughtful rendering.
