November 19, 2021
Hello HW Community,
Whew, what a day today. I’m not sure if I am more tired from watching all of the Buker students and staff run laps for their Fun Run this morning or from hauling more ice skates than I have ever seen in one place to help the Cutler parents set up their annual Ski, Skate, and Board Consignment Event that takes place tomorrow (9 AM – 2 PM) and Sunday, (11 AM – 1 PM) at the Cutler Elementary School. These events represent two of the many examples of the support our schools receive from their respective Friends Groups. We truly appreciate how hard our parents work to support our students and staff. Close communities make great strides!
FY23 Budget
During the last two weeks, we have been working on the budget for FY23, next year. Last night, we presented the initial, not final, budget recommendation. You can see the presentation here. Please know that this is not the final budget, but the basis for a number of conversations that will occur within the district and with local boards including the finance boards and select boards of each community. The budget process will continue through January with a final budget vote to take place on February 10, 2022.
Superintendent’s Goals Approved
Last night the school committee approved my goals for this school year. My goals are aligned with our district goals. The goals I selected are used as a basis for school committee members to use for my evaluation throughout this year. Halfway through the year and at the end of the year, I will submit evidence to the school committee for their review and use to develop my evaluation ratings.
Mask Removal in Schools
As you may already know, the State has denied the request to drop the State mask mandate at the HS. The concern was related to the HS and MS being connected and the library as a shared space. We will continue to monitor vaccination rates and, when we reach the threshold for both buildings, we will reapply.
Did you know?
Last night DECA members Eliza Bassom, Sophie Bassom, Mathilde Gordon, and advisor Laura Wheeler presented to the school committee to help the members to learn more about the club. Check out their presentation here. It was great to learn that the HWRHS DECA Club has 175 members at the HS. The students described DECA as a student organization that helps to develop transferable skills for college and career. Throughout the year there are several levels of competition including, the district competition on December 16th, States on March 10th -12th, and ICDC (Nationals) on April 22-28 in Atlanta GA.
Pool Testing
This week I was able to follow along as one of our medical professionals performed pool testing at the MS. I was fascinated at the level of organization it takes to coordinate each pool with the participants. It was great to see how little disruption there was because everyone expected it and students and staff knew exactly what to do when they were next to be tested.
Portrait of the Graduate – Meeting #2
On Wednesday, November 17th our Portrait of the Graduate group met for meeting number 2 with the presenter, Jessica Harding. This meeting began with a review of data related to the landscape shifts and ways society has changed. Then we transitioned into discussions about hopes, dreams, and aspirations for our students. We collected them using a poll app and rated each of them on a scale of 1-5. The next segment had individuals, using a list, identify their top 7 competency descriptors that they considered high leverage and critical. Then, each group worked together to build consensus on the top 7 competency descriptors of the group. The final question asked of the group was, “What images come to mind when you think about the hopes, aspirations, and dreams of the Hamilton-Wenham Graduate?”
Kindergarten Bus Stops:
Please remember that all Kindergarten parents and caregivers need to meet the bus at the curb before they will allow your student to get off the bus. Waiting for parents is causing significant delays in the routes (especially on Wednesdays, this directly impacts the MS/HS routes causing significant delays). If you are meeting your student at a neighborhood stop, please be sure the driver is aware that you are greeting your student.
Adopt-a-Senior this Holiday Season:
This holiday season MRMS is looking to serve a population often overlooked over the holidays: our seniors (ages 60+). MRMS and Acord Food Pantry are once again partnering to create special holiday gift bags of little luxuries for fifty local seniors in need. Check out this link on how you can help. Remember to shop local.
Welcoming Mollie Watson to the HWRSD:
Mollie joined the faculty at Buker School this fall as a Kindergarten Teacher. Prior to Buker School, she worked at the Centerville Elementary School in Beverly as a First Grade Teacher. Mollie loves to read, the beach, and listen to country music. She is looking forward to a fun-filled year of kindergarten, and her goal is to get to know everyone in the Hamilton-Wenham community. Favorite Quote: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
Mollie Watson
Free Community Skate
The HWRHS Boys Hockey Team is holding a free community skate (no sticks or pucks) on Saturday, November 27th at the Johnson Rink @ Pingree School from 6-7 pm. Bring your children, your out-of-town guests, or dust off your skates and take a few laps around the rink. Helmets are required. All are welcome!
2021 Stuff-A-Cruiser Toy Drive Event
Please spread the word and join the Hamilton Police Department in supporting Shriner’s Hospital for children & local families in need, click here for the details.
Heeeelp!
We still have a number of positions to fill. Specifically, cafeteria workers, substitutes, and classroom aides. If you know of anyone looking for a job please share our employment website. Thank you!
Reminder: Next week is a short week with Wednesday being an early release day for all students.
Check out our latest HWRSD Nurse’s Health Update.
5 School Street 