February 1, 2019
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It’s hard to believe that it’s February 1st! We are noticing that the days are getting longer as we anticipate the sights, sounds, and activities of spring that lie ahead.
Please let us know if you have any questions about the following updates.
Attendance: We review our students’ attendance on a quarterly basis. We take time to
look at student data as it relates to attendance, including tardies and early dismissals. The average number of days absent for Yarmouth students in a full school year is between 5 and 6 (about a 3% absence rate for the year). Research clearly shows that regular school attendance has a significant effect on a student progress and success as a learner. Instruction is built upon prior knowledge, so each day that a student misses school, she/he is missing pieces of instruction that are needed to support future learning. We will reach out to you to share information about your child’s attendance if we have concerns about days missed. We will do everything we can to support your child to attend school regularly, and we plan together with you on her/his behalf.
January’s Rotary Recipients: Congratulations to Aubrey Favreau and Erika Fong, January’s recipients of the HMS/Rotary Recognition award! This recognition is based on growth mindset and the effort/grit/perseverance demonstrated by HMS students. Please visit HMS NEWS for the full story, coming soon!
Updates from our PTO:
-Kindness & Community – The PTO and your school will be launching an exciting project to promote kindness, service, and community with Raise Craze to support our schools. Here’s a quick, 2-minute video that shows a little about Raise Craze: https://vimeo.com/103130774. Look for the wave of kindness beginning March 1 when all students from Rowe, YES, and HMS, are invited to join us for a family night to kick off this project! We will have crafting, activity stations, and other pop-in fun for all families. Save the date! Specific details coming soon.
-Hannaford Gift Cards – Next load date is Wed, Feb. 6 at noon.
-New Parent HMS Coffee (Date Change) – February 12, 9AM This is a coffee for any and all HMS parents who would like to get together, enjoy coffee, tea, and delicious treats. Bring your children's favorite summer camp / project ideas -- there is a loose theme of talking about summer programs in the area. Location: Brewer Marina Customer Lounge, 31 Main St, South Freeport, next to the Harriseeket Lunch and Lobster at the end of Main St. in South Freeport. Brewer Marina Customer Lounge is on the right as you come down the hill. Parking is right on Main St by the dock. RSVP is helpful just so we have enough goodies from Maples for everyone. Please RSVP to marjie.longshore@gmail.com. phone: (207)844-4780. If you do not RSVP, feel free to come by anyway and see old friends and make new!
-PTO Meeting – Please join us Thursday, Feb. 28, at 4 pm in the YES library.
-Thank you for supporting a growing list of events and enrichments! Please contact Heather or Christy for any reason at christinehayashida@hotmail.com or info@yarmouthpto.org.
Music Booster News: The 9th Annual Yarmouth's Got Talent - A K-12 Student Competition. All talent welcome to audition – music, dance, arts, magic, comedy, or any creative endeavor that will win over the audience!
-Entry Forms:
Entry form for individual performers or group leaders: http://bit.ly/ygtentry-leader
Entry form for additional group members: http://bit.ly/ygtentry-group
Entry forms must be submitted by Thursday, March 21 for students at HMS
-HMS Auditions: Monday, March 25, at 3PM
-Show Date: Friday, March 29 (Rain date, Saturday, March 30)
-Prizes: Cash prizes based on audience vote. A first and second prize will be awarded for each age group. View official rules and links to the entry forms at YarmouthsGotTalent.org
Lost and Found: Our tables are overflowing! Please stop by to see if you can reunite your child with any of her/his belongings. These items will be donated during the February break.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
-Music Booster Meeting - February 4 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, HMS Music Room
-Sports Information Night: Swim & Indoor Track - February 5 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Swim (Room 102) and Indoor Track (Room 106)
-February Break - February 18 to February 22 - NO SCHOOL
Thanks very much,
Joan Adler and Tom McDowell
HMS Administrative Team