January 6, 2012
Happy New Year. I hope that you all had a restful break over the holidays. It felt good to get back to work. Students arrived back ready to work. The climate of the school feels cozy. Students have “hunkered down” and are attending to their work.
I ask parents to remind students to dress appropriately. We actually held recess indoors for two days this week because the low temperature, combined with the wind chills were too extreme. Yet on both of these days a few students arrived to school in shorts and tee shirts, with no coats, hats, or mittens.
The second quarter marking period ends January 13 and report cards will be distributed January 20. This is a good time to review PowerSchool with your 6, 7, or 8th grade children. Work missing from mid term (Dec 6) to the present can be submitted for credit.
The School Board meets Monday at 5:00 PM in the HES library. The most important agenda item this month is the budget. After a lengthy discussion, I expect the budget to be approved by the Board on Monday. Of course the community needs to vote to approve it on Town Meeting Day.
Speaking of the budget, Mr. Cox and I will be holding a parents coffee on Monday February 6 from 7:30 – 8:15. We will have copies of the approved budget available and will answer questions that parents may have. I am sure several Board members will be present to provide information.
Our next student-led assembly is Thursday January 19 at 12:30 PM. These events have grown to be an important school tradition. Any student can apply to perform a song, skit, dance, or demonstration to the school community. More and more parents have been attending, which I encourage. There is always a variety of presentations. I remain in awe of the comfort level of our students as they step on the stage and perform for their peers.
The recreation department began its winter ski and board program at Whaleback this week. I am amazed there was enough snow to run the program, but the feedback from the students was that “It was awesome.” Hartland is so lucky to have such a variety of recreation programs. Many thanks go to Ray Sapp and John Leonard for their efforts.
Four- day weeks just fly by. Have a great weekend. As always, give your kids a hug for me.
Judy Callens
