February 15, 2019
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We hope that you are shoveled out and ready for a wonderful February break, whether that includes enjoying winter activities in Maine, or heading for warmer climates to soak up some sun!
February’s Rotary Recipients: Congratulations to Eden Young and Mark Harlow, February’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!
Healthy Air: Thanks to Ryan Gleason, Principal of YES, for sharing this important information -We are continuing our focus on keeping the air quality around our schools as healthy as possible. Our drop off/pick up line is designated a "clear air zone". If you are parked in the lot, waiting in your car, or going inside to sign your child out of school, please turn off the ignition. Idling cars emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulates from the tailpipe. The gases not only contribute to climate change and air pollution but can also be harmful to the lungs of children, especially those with asthma. Some schools’ serious idling problems spawned the national Turn It Off campaign. This campaign advocates turning off your engine if you will be waiting longer than 10 seconds. Check out the website Turn It Off to learn more about the effects of idling and how we can all do our part to make a difference. We appreciate your consideration of this initiative and your partnership keeping the air quality healthy for our students!
Update from our PTO: We are excited to reach out about a two-week Wave of Kindness PTO program! This program reflects our schools’ core values and provides a way to raise student enrichment funds, while spreading kindness in the community. Most importantly, everyone can participate regardless of their ability to donate.
From March 1-15, you can help us reach our goal of 10,000 acts of kindness and fundraising $18,000 worth of school enrichment. We know winter break is upon us, but we want to share the following now, so you can save the dates:
-March 1, 5:30-6:30pm at HMS – Kick off event for the entire family. All ages are welcome to participate in kindness activities, including decorating placemats and making flowers for organizations servicing senior citizens or individuals facing food insecurity; writing thank you letters to first responders; creating dog and cat toys for shelter animals; painting kindness rocks to give to someone who could use a lift; and other acts of kindness fun. This event is for the entire family.
-March 9, 11am-2pm at Yarmouth History Center – All ages are welcome to participate in activities that are the same as above. This event is also for the entire family.
Please visit www.waveofkindness.com for more information. A basic information sheet is also attached. Please reach out to us with any questions or if you are interested in helping out on our Wave of Kindness team. We look forward to working with our families, as students help their school community while carrying out acts of kindness for their wider community. Sincerely, Amie Moore and Ashley Smith PTO Wave of Kindness Co-Chairs amiemoore@gmail.com; ashley@signsmith.com or 207.450.7667
Yarmouth’s Got Talent: Entry Forms: -Entry forms for individual performers or group leaders: http://bit.ly/ygtentry-leader -Entry forms 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)
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:
-February Break - February 18 to February 22 - NO SCHOOL
-8th Grade Parent Night - February 26 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, at the YPAC at YHS
-PTO Meeting - February 28 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the YES library
-Music Booster Meeting - March 4 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the HMS Band Room
Best wishes for a wonderful, rejuvenating week!
Thanks very much,
Joan Adler and Tom McDowell
HMS Administrative Team