Marathon Memo

Tuesday, November 3

Professional Development Day

No School

Friday, November 6

Marathon School Council via Google Meet 8:00 am

Agenda with Google Meet link

Friday, November 6

K -1 Early Release, lunch served

Dismissal 1:00 pm

K - 1 Parent Conferences

(Preschool playground is closed during regular preschool hours.)

Tuesday, November 10

Picture Retakes

Information Below

Wednesday, November 11

Veterans Day

No School

Friday, November 13

K -1 Early Release, lunch served

Dismissal 1:00 pm

K - 1 Parent Conferences

(Preschool playground is closed during regular preschool hours.)

Friday, November 20

K -1 Early Release, lunch served

Dismissal 1:00 pm

K - 1 Parent Conferences

(Preschool playground is closed during regular preschool hours.)

Wednesday, November 25

Early Dismissal 12:20 PM

No Lunch Served

November 26 - November 27

Thanksgiving Recess

No school

We are excited to have begun Year Two of the Hillers Mentoring Program! Developed through collaboration among Marathon and Hopkinton High School administrators and adjustment counselors, the program launched last year with tremendous interest and participation.

The program pairs Hopkinton High School sophomores and juniors with kindergarten and first-grade classrooms at Marathon Elementary, as well as a few preschool classes. Student co-mentors visit their assigned classrooms monthly during a high school flex period, building connections through shared activities and meaningful interactions.

The Hillers Mentoring Program strengthens connections across grade levels and fosters positive school and community relationships. We look forward to another year of meaningful mentoring experiences and building an even stronger Hiller community!

Picture Retake day is Tuesday, November 10th for new students and staff members, transfer students, or for anyone who may have missed the initial picture day. Additionally, we welcome anyone who was unhappy with their original picture and would like to give it another try. Retake photos automatically replace original photos in school services. If a student chooses to retake their photo, please have them return the original picture package to the photographer on picture day. We will replace it at no additional cost.

If this is the first time being photographed, just have the student/staff go to the camera, and we’ll create a proof for them that will be sent to the school (and/or to their family email if we have that information). These proofs will be delivered approximately 4 weeks after picture day. An order code will be on the proof along with ordering instructions.

To help us organize retake day, please complete this survey if your child will have their picture taken: Picture Retakes: November 10

We recently enjoyed a visit from Johnny the K, who brought character education to life through music and humor. He shared meaningful messages about kindness and “being a kid of character.” His songs encourage positive behavior, self-esteem, respect for cultural diversity, and care for our environment.

Ask your child about Johnny the K’s performance! He has a lot of hats! Which was their favorite? Which was the funniest? Where did he get them? Why, at the hat store, of course!

A big thank-you to our HPTO for bringing this wonderfully entertaining and meaningful performance to Marathon!

Mr. Norton and Mrs. Ryder

We've had a great start to the school year in Physical Education! Our kindergarten and first-grade students have been working hard, having fun, and developing important movement skills. Our focus has been on building confidence, practicing safe movement, and developing the fundamental skills that will help students become successful movers!

Spatial Awareness & Safety

We began the year focusing on moving safely throughout the gym. Students learned about self-space, shared space, and traveling space, while practicing how to move with control and awareness of others. We also emphasized following directions, listening skills, and responding quickly to our "3, 2, 1, Freeze!" signal. These important concepts help create a safe and positive learning environment for everyone!

Overhand Throwing

Students have been learning the proper technique for throwing a ball overhand. To help remember the steps, we use the cues:

"T, J, Step, Throw!"

Students practice positioning their bodies, bringing their throwing arm back, stepping with their opposite foot, and following through toward their target. We've incorporated a variety of fun activities to help students develop accuracy, coordination, and confidence.

Underhand Throwing

We've also introduced the underhand throw, emphasizing a smooth swinging motion and stepping toward a target. Our students have been practicing the cues:

"Tick, Tock, Step, Rock!"

These simple steps help students develop rhythm, coordination, and proper throwing mechanics. Through games and target activities, students are learning how to control the direction and force of their throws.

Building Confidence Through Movement

Beyond the physical skills, we continue to emphasize effort, teamwork, sportsmanship, and having a positive attitude. Students are encouraged to try their best, support their classmates, and understand that practice and perseverance lead to improvement.

PE Reminder

Please remember to have your child wear sneakers on PE days. Proper footwear is essential for safe participation in all of our activities.

We are excited to continue building on these skills throughout the school year. Thank you for your continued support!

Keep Moving and Have Fun!

Hello Families,

During library classes, Kindergarten and First Grade students will participate in Common Sense Education’s Digital Citizenship curriculum. Digital Citizenship is the responsible use of technology to learn, create, and participate. The lessons include:

Kindergarten:

Media Balance is Important

Saying Goodbye to Technology

My Online Neighborhood

First Grade:

Pause & Think Online

How Does Technology Make you Feel

Internet Traffic Light

You may reinforce these important lessons with your students at home by reviewing the videos linked above and asking students what they learned.

If you have any questions, please let us know!

Sincerely,

Ms. Karb & Mrs. Mello

Library Teachers

mkarb@hopkinton.k12.ma.us

SMello@hopkinton.k12.ma.us

Mrs. Moran

Dear Parents,

October was a busy time in Marathon School!! Scarves, buttons, drums, rhythm sticks and egg shakers were fun for all the children. We also sang many songs and enjoyed some fun, singing and clapping games.

All the children love the song: ‘Blowing in the Wind’. As they sing along with the video, your children use brightly colored scarves in many different ways. Grade One musicians are also delighted as they sing another song about blowing winds! They are learning about the whaling industry in our past history, and are learning several verses of the ballad, ‘Blow, Ye Winds’, which tells the story of the whalers who went out to sea - often for many months!

Some of our many movement activities include ‘Bluebird’, Through My Window’, ‘Going to Kentucky’, and the ‘Pumpkin Dance’ - which is a favorite! Grade One students were intrigued by the clever book, Miss Mary Mack, and how they loved engaging with a partner clapping activity, while singing the song. Kindergarten musicians enjoyed our different versions of ‘There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly’ (Ghost/Dragon) and at the end of each verse they used the egg shakers while they sang the recurring words and rhythm.

First Grade musicians all had a chance to play several different drums as they chanted a rhythm, before moving around the circle to the next drum. Another rhythmic activity kept the Grade One students engaged as they played rhythm sticks and hand drums along with a video using combinations of quarter notes and eighth notes (the pear, representing the quarter note and the apple representing eighth notes. They are becoming experts at rhythms. Kindergarten students are also learning about rhythm in music as we sing BINGO - a favorite!

They learned that the B-I-N-G-O rhythm, clapped at the end of the song is ta-ta - ti-ti - ta.

(ta represents the quarter note and ti-ti represents the eighth notes.)

The Kindergarten students recently completed the musical story of Peter and the Wolf, written and composed by the famous Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953). This composition was his way of teaching children about the instruments of the orchestra, along with his delightful story. Musicians in Grade One enjoyed the story of Mary and her little lamb. We sang the song and learned about this true story which took place in Massachusetts! Our book was illustrated by the well-known artist, Will Moses (a relation of the famous artist, ‘Grandma Moses’).

We sang some FUN October songs, like ‘Tricks or Treats’, the ‘Month of October Song’, ‘Stirring Your Brew’ as well as a favorite: ‘The Marathon School Song!’ We look forward to continuing our musical adventures with more songs, singing games, instruments, and seasonal activities!

Musically Yours,

Mrs. Moran

Marathon students have been exploring good hand-washing techniques in Health. Students learned that to wash their hands correctly, they need to rub their hands together with soap for 20 seconds. Students are being encouraged to keep their hands away from their mouths, nose, and eyes. It is also important to keep open cuts covered and cough and sneeze into a tissue or one’s elbow.

Marathon students are currently, or soon will be, exploring practices and behaviors that support good dental health, such as brushing their teeth twice a day for 2 minutes, flossing, and using mouthwash. Students will learn the purpose of teeth, how to care for them, and will be able to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy foods for their teeth. Mrs. Lewinsky, Ms. Lyons, and Mrs. Ryder are very proud of all the Marathon students who are remembering to practice good hand-washing and are developing healthy dental hygiene habits. Keep up the good work!

Fun Ways to Encourage Kids to Brush | MouthHealthy - Oral Health Information from the ADA

Students in grades K–12 are invited to help reimagine the outside of the high school concession stand. It’s a fun opportunity for students across the district to share their creativity and Hiller pride!

Submissions are due November 24. Details and the submission form are available at hptoonline.com/hillerhut.

The Hopkinton Parent Teacher Organization (HPTO) will host the Harlem Wizards basketball team on Wednesday, November 18th, in the Hopkinton High School athletic center. In addition to performing tricks, the Wizards will play a game against the staff from the Hopkinton schools. You don't want to miss this fun event that the whole family will enjoy. Doors open at 6 pm, and the game starts at 7 pm.

This event always sells out, so get your tickets before it's too late! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hptoonline.com.

Aadya and Rishvi, Hopkinton students, are collecting leftover Halloween candy to send to our troops, specifically to the National Guard in New Hampshire. Last year, with generous support from the community, in past years, they've collected over 700 pounds of candy!

A collection bin will be at Marathon to collect leftover Halloween candy on Monday, November 1st - Friday, November 6th.

Contact us at: moffice@hopkinton.k12.ma.us

Lauren Dubeau, Principal

Jennifer Taylor, Assistant Principal

Shannon Overdahl, Preschool Director

Rosemary Tabakin, Administrative Assistant

Victoria L'Esperance, Administrative Assistant