Dear South School Community,

We hope you are surviving all of this snow!!! Our playground looks like a stop at the North Pole!!! Can you believe we have officially passed the halfway point in the school year? It is so wonderful to see how much all of the children have grown and changed over the past few months. Their reading, writing, and math skills have soared, and they are all displaying such wonderful behavioral skills. It is so great to experience the smiles and happy hellos as we walk down the hallway each and every day!!! Now if we could just get them in for a five day week, things would be even better!!!

Preschool (@East) Openings: If you are interested in the HPS preschool lottery, contact ecostanza@hinghamschools.com.

Books for Brockton Preschool and Adult Learning Center: We are once again collecting books for this learning center. A paper flyer came home with the details and a bin has been set up in the lobby. We thank you in advance for your generosity. It never ceases to amaze us how kind and generous our village can be!!!

Cyber Safety and Bullying Presentation March 26: Dr. Englander, a well-known presenter on cyber safety and bullying, will give a presentation at the Middle School thanks to our PTO Cultural Committee, The Hingham Education Foundation, and Kristyn Burm, our adjustment counselor. She is very informative and really understands that daily lives can be busy and challenging!!! She gives great parenting advice.

HPS Budget Meetings: We are currently in the budget process for 2015-2016. We know that many of you are very interested in this process. You may want to attend meetings at the Town Hall regarding the budget. Times (usually 7:00 or 7:30) and exact room locations/nights may vary, so please check the HPS website for more information. On Thursday, Feb. 5, the entire budget will be presented to the Board of Selectmen and the Advisory Board. You may find that meeting very interesting and comprehensive.

MCAS: The month of March and MCAS will be here before we know it. MCAS is given to third and fourth graders in the areas of math and ELA. Fifth graders are tested in math, ELA and science. The summary sheet about MCAS itself was attached to a recent parent email. If you did not receive it, feel free to request one. You will find the dates of the individual tests in the "Dates" section of this newsletter article.

Chinese New Year Celebration: In celebration of Chinese New Year, (Sunday, Feb. 10) fourth grade students will do the traditional Dragon Dance in the halls during the week of Feb. 9!

Important Note About Electronic Devices: We know that electronic devices are amazing tools when used properly. They can, however, cause major problems during the school day. Please have your children leave their recreational electronic devices at home. There are so many wonderful activities, not to mention friends to play with, at school. Also, these devices are very valuable and could possibly get lost. We do understand that some children read books on these devices (that use is fine!) or need a cell phone for after school communication. Cell phones should be off and in backpacks during the school day. Thank you for your help with this!

Did you know...

...that parents of fifth graders were sent a letter via backpacks introducing Mrs. Leeann Turnak as a long term substitute for Mrs. Emily Toney who will be having a baby in March?

...there is a Full Day Kindergarten question and answer document as well as a Power Point that was presented to the Advisory Committee on the HPS website on the Superintendent's page under Administration?

...that we are fortunate to have a Safety Officer for the elementary schools to share? His name is Officer John and he is always around in our buildings as during the school, as he is part of the school staff. He often sits in on meetings with children, teaches classes about safety, and has even been known to serve lunch in the cafeteria...

... that on Wednesday, Feb. 11, Mrs. Burm and Mrs. Kerr (our counselors) will present at the PTO meeting at 7 p.m.. They will discuss many of the programs that we use for Social Development here at SES. It is a way to learn about the common language that we use with all the children.

...that on Monday, Dec. 8, we started the new term and new chances at winning Nooks. We know the boys and girls are going to keep it up and even beat term one's 50,000 minute total in term two! The coupons have been pouring in!!!A new form was sent home in the backpacks and is also posted on the web site.

Outerwear Recommendations: When the weather is cold, thank you for sending your children to school properly dressed and ready to go out to recess. We go out on any day that is above 25 degrees. Please also note that children always need snow pants and boots to play on the snow. This prevents them from having to sit in class in wet clothes and socks when they come back in.

Weather Cancellation Note: In the event that school needs to be cancelled due to weather, please tune in to television channels: 4, 5, 7, 25, or 56 or radio stations: 1030 AM, 680AM, 90.9 FM. You may also sign up for text alerts from channels 4, 5, 7, and 25. Please do not call the police or fire stations to ask about cancellations as they can be very busy during storms. Thank you!

Lost and Found: Please encourage your children to check the big Lost and Found basket in the cafeteria hallway if they are missing items.  

No Idling/Dismissal Procedures:

Please do not idle your car while waiting in the Special Dismissal/Liberty Pole Car Loop lines before the children come out. Also, please do not get out of your car if possible as this will allow us to move the line along quickly. The lines should only be one car-wide, especially in the front driveway in case someone needs to get through. Please also be prepared to have a sign with your last name so we can move the line along more quickly.

Important Dates:

Wednesday, Feb. 11: Mrs. Burm and Mrs. Kerr will present at the PTO meeting at 7:00 p.m. They will discuss many of the programs that we use for Social Development here at SES (reprise from Jan. 14).

Thursday, Feb. 12: Harriet Tubman Presentation for students (Thank you, PTO Cultural Committee!!!)

Tuesday, Mar. 10: South School Scoop Night at Nona's

Thursday, April 30: Hobby Night 6:30-7:30 p.m. (note date change!!!). This will occur as part of our annual "Celebrate South Evening!"

MCAS Dates: