Ben-Hem Bobcats

Dear Ben-Hem Families,

What a fun and festive week we've had at Ben-Hem! We kicked off our Friday with some spooky tunes and a little dancing as students made their way into school, setting the stage for a fun-filled day. Today's Spirit Parade was a great way to wrap up the week, with students and staff showing off their creativity, school spirit, and plenty of smiles.

I also want to extend a huge thank you to our incredible PTO and the many volunteers who made last Sunday's Monster Mash such a success! The event was incredibly well attended and brought so many families together for an afternoon of fun and connection. These opportunities to come together strengthen our school community, and I am so grateful for the thoughtful planning, hard work, and countless hours that went into making this event possible.

A few of reminders as we head into November:

• Don't forget to turn your clocks back this weekend and enjoy that extra hour of sleep!
• Wednesday, November 4, is an early release day for parent-teacher conferences. Make sure you've signed up for a conference!
• During morning arrival, please remain in your vehicle and have your children ready to exit the vehicle with their backpacks in hand. This will allow the carline to move more efficiently. Thank you!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Jordan

Thank you to all the families who joined us virtually for our Elementary Curriculum Night last week! It was wonderful to see so many parents and caregivers log on to learn about the curriculum and the work happening in our classrooms. This was our first Curriculum Night, and thanks to you, it was a huge success.

If you weren't able to attend, we've got you covered. You can view the presentation slides here: Elementary Curriculum Night slides. A video recording of the evening will be available soon.

We were also pleased to offer live interpretation in Spanish and Portuguese. Recordings of the Spanish and Portuguese sessions will be shared shortly as well.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's learning. We look forward to seeing you at future events!

Dear Natick Public Schools Families,

As we begin a new school year, we are pleased to introduce the Natick Public Schools Code of Conduct. This document reflects our district's shared commitment to creating safe, inclusive, respectful, and engaging learning environments where every student can thrive.

The Code of Conduct is much more than a set of rules. It provides a common framework for how we build positive school communities, teach behavioral expectations, respond consistently to student behavior, and partner with families to support students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral growth. Grounded in our Strategic Plan, the Code of Conduct emphasizes prevention, instruction, accountability, restoration, and support, recognizing that student behavior presents opportunities for learning while maintaining safe and supportive schools for each student.

As you review the Code of Conduct, you will notice an emphasis on teaching expected behaviors, building positive relationships, responding fairly and consistently, and helping students learn from their mistakes. The Code reflects our belief that every student deserves a safe, supportive, and predictable learning environment where expectations are clear and every interaction is an opportunity to promote growth, responsibility, and belonging. While accountability remains an important part of maintaining safe schools, our approach emphasizes helping students develop the skills they need to make positive choices, repair harm when appropriate, and contribute positively to their school community.

Families are essential partners in this work. We encourage you to review the Code of Conduct with your child and discuss the importance of respect, responsibility, kindness, and making positive choices both in and out of school. By working together, we can create learning environments where every student feels safe, supported, connected, and challenged to reach their full potential.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to a successful school year and to working together to ensure that every student experiences a welcoming, respectful, and engaging school community.

Sincerely,

Natick Public Schools

There have been confirmed cases of head lice in several Ben- Hem classrooms. We understand that discovering head lice can be frustrating and concerning for families. Although head lice can be bothersome, they do not pose a significant health risk and are not a reflection of personal hygiene or cleanliness.

We encourage families to review the NPS Head Lice Policy for helpful information about identification, treatment, and prevention. Our school nurses are committed to following evidence-based recommendations that promote student well-being while avoiding unnecessary worry or stigma.

How families can help:

• Check your child’s hair and scalp regularly for head lice.

• Remind your child to refrain from sharing hair accessories, brushes, clothing, etc.

• If live lice are found, begin an age-appropriate treatment recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and follow the product instructions. Contact your pediatrician with any questions.

• Notify close contacts, as appropriate, so they can check their own children and take action if needed.

Please keep in mind that head lice may be present for several weeks before they are discovered. Early identification and appropriate treatment can help address the issue and reduce the likelihood of further spread.

Thank you for partnering with us to support the health and well-being of all Natick Public Schools students. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your school nurse for guidance and support.

November 4th: Early Release Day (Parent/Teacher Conferences)

November 18th: Early Release Day (Parent/Teacher Conferences)

November 19th: PTO Meeting 7-8PM Ben-Hem Library

November 25th: Early Release Day, Start of Thanksgiving Break

November 30th: No School - Professional Development Day

We want to highlight an important resource available to students and families through our partnership with Cartwheel. This service provides timely support for students experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.

A few key points:

• Students can typically meet with a licensed therapist within a few days

• Appointments are virtual and designed to fit your schedule, including afternoons, evenings, and weekends

• Services are available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Portuguese

• MassHealth is fully covered, and most private insurance plans are accepted

Getting started is quick and straightforward—families can learn more and complete a brief interest form here. No referral is needed, and families can reach out whether concerns are emerging or ongoing.

Supporting students’ mental health is a shared priority. We want to ensure families have clear, practical pathways to access care when it’s needed.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5