HMS Update

#5: October 10, 2024

Dear HMS parents, guardians, and caregivers, In recognition of the upcoming Indigenous Peoples' Day, our 6th graders were excited to share their new learning about the Wabanaki, exploring themes of identity, community, and belonging. Thank you to those who were able to join the showcase event. We hope the information in this newsletter provides helpful updates for you, and we continue to appreciate your partnership. Our next update will be shared on October 25, 2024. Please reach out with any questions or concerns. With Gratitude, Mandy Lewis and Tom McDowell HMS Administrative Team
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Braid
Ted Talk
Trees

Attendance Nugget

As the holiday season approaches and families may be making plans, we wanted to draw attention to the importance of school attendance.  The graphic below shares a snapshot of a student’s attendance over the course of the year and the impact of even one or two days absent a month.  Thank you for helping your student establish a pattern of regular attendance.

attendance
PTO

PTO Update

  • The Yarmouth PTO is ready for a great school year, and we're looking for volunteers at all levels! Please visit our quick volunteer survey and indicate any areas of interest. We can't wait to have you join us!

  • If you're new to Yarmouth or are just looking for an update on what's new for families around town, please check out our online welcome packet-- an amazing, comprehensive, live document compiled by our Welcome Committee with info about local and state events, attractions, resources, and much more!

  • Please save the date for our next PTO meeting on Thursday, October 17th at 7 pm in the YES library. All are welcome, and we'd love to have you join the conversation!

HMS Student Handbook: Helpful Information about the Pre-Adolescent Brain

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Students at HMS are in an exciting time of brain development!  Pictures of the pre-adolescent brain in action show that their brains work differently than adults when they make decisions or solve problems. Their actions are guided more by the emotional and reactive amygdala and less by the thoughtful, logical frontal cortex. The frontal cortex is still growing, and HMS staff are here to help the whole child develop: emotionally, socially, and academically.  For more information about adolescent brain development, view this short video from Dan Siegel.

Poster

AJ Juliani - October 29

Best-selling author will speak to families and staff regarding

"Learning in an Era of Distraction and Artificial Intelligence"

Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Location: Yarmouth Elementary School (Cafeteria) 

Time: 6:00 - 7:30 PM

  • Understanding the effects of digital distractions and AI on student focus and learning outcomes.

  • Strategies for helping children balance technology use while maintaining attention in school and at home.

  • Ways AI tools can support, rather than hinder, learning, including safe and productive use of educational technology.

  • How to foster critical thinking and self-regulation skills in an age of constant digital engagement.

This event is open to parents/guardians/staff and members of the Yarmouth community. Special thanks to the Yarmouth Education Foundation for their generous support and collaboration to help make this event possible. 

Dates to Date:

Friday, October 11: Inservice day; no school for students

Monday, October 14: Indigenous Peoples' Day; no school for students

Thursday, October 17: PTO Meeting, 7pm YES Library

Tuesday, October 29: Family School Alliance presents AJ Juliani 6-7:30pm

November 11: No school - Veterans Day

November 15: School Picture Retake Day