HUNKING’S 1ST ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL CELEBRATION: Hunking’s 1st annual Multicultural Night is happening Wednesday, March 8th from 6:00-7:30 at Hunking!
We’re still looking for families to help bring this event to life! If you’re interested in sharing your culture, please sign up here: https://hunking-s-multicultural-night.cheddarup.com.
If you’d prefer to attend as a tourist instead of sharing, then please register here: my.cheddarup.com/c/multicultural-night-registration.
So far, the countries represented are: Brazil, Dominican Republic, Greece, Guatemala, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Morocco, Palestine, Russia, and Scotland!
Help us bring our community together and celebrate the diversity and what makes Hunking so great!!
MULTICULTURAL SPIRIT WEEK: Hunking Bobcats are full of culture, charisma and creativity! We want to kick off Multicultural Night with a week long celebration! Students and teachers are invited to participate in showing off your cultural creativity in a Multicultural Spirit Week, March 6th-10th. Daily themes include colors, sports, and flags!
On Wednesday, March 8th from 6-7:30pm we invite you and your families to build connections, try new foods, learn about others and appreciate diversity!!
Themes for the week
Monday– Dress Like a Tourist, learn about a new place
Tuesday-Wear Your True Colors, wear the colors of your country’s flag
Wednesday– Let’s Celebrate! Multicultural Night-wear cultural clothing
Thursday-Sports Day, represent a country’s most popular sport
Friday– Unity Day! Finish off this week as a united group and wear our school colors.
**Please remember to adhere to the dress code. Can’t wait to celebrate good times!
ADRENALINE COOKIE FUNDRAISER: We are in the midst of our 1st cookie fundraiser with Adrenaline Fundraising. This fundraiser will run until Monday, February 6th and it is very easy to participate! By selling boxes of cookies you will not only earn money for our school, but you will earn great prizes for yourself. If you sell between 10-19 boxes, you will receive a custom long sleeve shirt with our school logo on it. If you sell between 20-24 boxes you will earn a $50 amazon gift card, and for anyone who sells 25 or more boxes you will earn both a $25 amazon gift card AND a custom backpack with our school logo on it.
You DO NOT want to miss out on this fundraiser. The cookies are delicious, the prizes are amazing, and it is easy to do!
See the attached flyers and more information below in our PTO section to sign up and KEEP selling!! We have a school goal to sell 5,000 boxes!!
Hunking School Cookie Fundraiser Instructions 2023 (1) (2)
Hunking Cookie Fundraiser Prizes Updated (1)
__ AF Fundraiser Cookie Ingredients
MORNING DROP OFF REMINDER: To all families that drop their students off in the morning, please remember to drop your students off at the proper end of the building. All K-4 students should be dropped on the lower school side of the building. All 5-8 students should be dropped off on the upper school side of the building. Please be aware that there should be NO DROP OFFS AT THE FRONT OF THE BUILDING BETWEEN 8:00AM-8:30AM. This is for safety reasons. We appreciate everyone’s support and cooperation with this procedure. Thank you!
HUNKING THEME OF THE MONTH: Hunking has been embracing a theme of the month which is focused on in and around our School building throughout each month. Hunking staff will promote and nominate students each month who they feel have personified the monthly theme on a consistent basis. Based on those nominations, one boy and one girl in each grade will be recognized as a “Hunking Hero” and receive a t-shirt.
This month’s theme is Commitment which is the quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc. It is an agreement or pledge to do something….in this case it is a new year and it is our hope that all students can show commitment to school. We are looking for students who are committed to showing what it means to be a Hunking Bobcat. We are looking for students who commit to following school rules & expectations, students who commit to getting their school work done, and students who take pride in Hunking. Staff will be on the lookout for all of the students who personify commitment throughout the month of January.
Future themes will include:
February – Kindness and Respect:
March – Patience:
April – Peace:
May –Honesty:
June – Pride:
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS:
MAKE IT HAVERHILL ELL CLASSES: In-Person English Classes Schedule
VACATION ACADEMIES:
For the 3rd year, along with our partners at the YMCA, YMCA and the BGC, Haverhill Public Schools will be offering February and April Vacation Academies. Academies are open to all students in grades K-8. If you are interested in registering your student for either one or both of these academies, please contact the YMCA, YWCA or the BGC directly at the numbers provided below.
Boys & Girls Club – 55 Emerson Street – Jessi Feiner – 978-374-6171
YMCA – 81 Winter Street and Pentucket Lake School – Cathay Wolf – 978-374-0506
YWCA – 107 Winter Street – Amy Desimone – 978-374-6121
Please see the attached flyer here:
February 2023 Vacation Academy.docx
Spanish – February 2023 Vacation Academy.docx
Portuguese_February 2023 Vacation Academy.docx
Arabic February 2023 Vacation Academy.docx
PTO NEWS:
- Our Adrenaline Cookie Fundraiser is officially underway (instructions, prizes and ingredient lists attached)! By selling boxes of cookies you will not only earn money for Hunking, but students will also earn great prizes!!
- The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Thurs, Feb 9th at 6:00 p.m. in the school library. The meeting will last about an hour and we will have babysitters available.
- Don’t forget to register for the lower-school “Someone Special” Dance on Saturday, February 11th in the Hunking cafeteria: my.cheddarup.com/c/2023-someone-special-dance
- Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd Grade will be from 1:00-2:30pm
- And 3rd Grade and 4th Grade will be from 3:00-4:30pm.
This is for Hunking students and the someone special in their lives. Students must be accompanied by an adult. Please register in advance to help us get an accurate headcount. Pizza and concessions will be available for purchase.
If you’re interested in volunteering to help or would like to donate some items, please use the Signup Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4EA5A823A5FD0-someone
NEWS FROM GUIDANCE:
We are introducing a new avenue for you to access all information regarding applications and the transition to high school. We recommend you utilize this resource as often as possible, as we will consistently update this site throughout the week. We at Hunking believe that working together to support student success is paramount.
https://sites.google.com/haverhill-ps.org/roadmaptohighschool/hunking-home-hnk
EDUCATIONAL HAPPENINGS:
Hunking’s ST Math Puzzle Clubs!
ST Math “We Love Jiji” Challenge!
Beginning this week, grade 1 is starting a Jiji Heart Challenge! If students solve at least 40 puzzles per week, they will be able to put a personalized heart up on the Jiji bulletin board! Let’s go grade 1!
ST Math 40 puzzle Heart Challenge
Mrs Fielding is holding a challenge for her two classes- for every 40 puzzles solved in ST math you will receive a Heart. The top 3 students with the most hearts on Feb 17 will win a prize! Let’s solve those puzzles for HEARTS!
i-Ready
Hello families,
It’s hard to believe that we’re already preparing for the second i-Ready® Diagnostic. The second Diagnostic is an important benchmark for understanding your student’s growth, which is why it’s so important they try their best. These results allow us to better support them in achieving their goals for the year. Math will test January 23rd – February 1st.
The most important thing we can do is prepare students and motivate them to put forth their best effort.
Here are a few things you can do to help support your student:
-
- Make sure they get a good night’s rest before taking the Diagnostic!
- Talk to your student about why the second Diagnostic is important. You can say things like:
- The second Diagnostic helps you find out how much progress you’ve made since the beginning of the year.
- It allows your teacher and I to celebrate your accomplishments!
- Try your best, and do not rush—but don’t spend too much time on a question either.
- Remember, questions on the Diagnostic change based on your answers to earlier questions. You will see some questions you don’t know. That is okay! Just try your best.
- Let them know you’re excited to celebrate their progress.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your student’s learning. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at tcorcoran@haverhill-ps.org.
Tiffany Corcoran
Hunking Math Coach
NEWS FROM OUR NURSES:
The Health office will be starting mandatory Postural screening for 5th through 8th grade in February. At this time we will be starting screenings the week of February 6th. The screening will be held during gym class. The purpose of the screening is to detect possible curvature of the spine in children. The school nurse will check your child’s back by observing it while your child is standing and bending forward. To assure a view of the spine, we will request that students expose their backs during screening. It is recommended that boys wear a shirt that can be easily removed. Girls should wear a bathing suit top or sport bra or a halter top under a shirt or sweater. If you would like to opt your child out of the screening, the health office will require written notification. If your child has an issue with Scoliosis or posture, please provide information from the doctor so we may update your child’s health record. Please see the link below for information letters in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pv8cVDw9k4z1ys5C70hiWZdFQiYeG8-o4fN9iAeStsI/edit?usp=sharing
LOST AND FOUND: Our lost and found for any clothing items is located in the locker room area in the main hallway of the school. Any lost lunch boxes or water bottles can be found on the shelves in our cafeteria. We encourage you to have your students check frequently, as all unclaimed clothing at the end of each month is then donated by the school.
ATHLETIC NEWS:
Boys Basketball: Boys Semifinal Playoff Game at Haverhill High School on Monday (1/30) at 6:30pm. Students will not be charged but adults have to pay $3 at the door.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online at this link:
https://gofan.co/app/events/873548?schoolId=MA14589
**This is for adult tickets only. All students are admitted free.
Girls Basketball: The girls made it to the semi-finals that will be played at Haverhill High School next week! Hunking Girls play Sacred Hearts Girls on Monday 1/30 at HHS. We have the second game. The first game starts at 4:30 and our game will be played after that game is finished. Transportation must be provided to and from HHS by parents/guardians. Please have the girls at HHS by 4:45pm. Also, they will be charging for admission to the games. Adults will be charged $3 and the students will be free.
**Please note that no one will be allowed into the Haverhill High School gymnasium until 4:15pm as the high school teams will be practicing.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online at this link:
https://gofan.co/app/events/873548?schoolId=MA14589
**This is for adult tickets only. All students are admitted free.
Cheerleading: Practice will be held Monday through Thursday from 3-5. We are getting ready for the middle school showcase that is being held on February 9th at 6pm at HHS.
Volleyball Tryouts:Grades 6-8
Girls first round tryout will be February 13th from 3:00-4:30, there will be a first round of cuts after that try out. Students will be told if they are to come back for a 2nd tryout on February 14th from 3:00-4:30.
Boys tryouts will be February 15th from 3:00-4:30. At this time there is only one day of tryouts for the boys, if there is a need for a 2nd try out one will be scheduled.
CLUB NEWS:
ACADEMIC BOWL: We have our final practices this coming week prior to our first competition on February 2nd against JG Whittier. We need as many 7th and 8th grade team members to join the 5th and 6th team this upcoming Monday in Mr. I’s room (206). In addition, we will have grade 5-8 team practice Wednesday in Mr. I’s room so we can go through a practice meet with the buzzers. If you can not make either practice, please reach out to Mr. I or Mrs. Seed as soon as possible so we can finalize the roster for Thursday’s meet.
LEAD Program (Formerly VIP): The next meetings are: Feb 2 and 16.
GRIT: The next cycle of GRIT will be starting on February 6th. Any interested students should see Ms. Curry or Mr. Schaefer for more information about this program. We are planning on focusing on 7th graders for this cycle.
GSA: The next meeting of the GSA will be held Friday, February 3rd in room 300 from 3:00 to 4:00.
CHORUS: Junior (grades 3 and 4) and Senior (grades 5-8) Bobcat Singers are welcoming new members! Rehearsals are Tuesdays (Junior) and Thursdays (Senior) from 2:45-3:45. Please see Mrs. Rico for a permission slip if you are interested in joining!
ART CLUB: We will meet Monday (1/30) from 3-4pm.
DRAMA CLUB: The Broadway Bobcats will be holding an information session, for the 8th grade class play and the end of the year musical, on January 30th from 2:45 to 3:45.
Auditions for the 8th grade class play will be held on February 6th from 2:45 to 5:00, this is only open for students in the 8th grade. The performance will be in March.
Auditions for the End of the year musical, Xanadu Jr. will be held only on February 13 and 14 from 2:45-5:00, this is only open to students in Grades 5- 8. Students should prepare 2 songs from the 1980’s. The performance will be in May.
GUITAR ENSEMBLE: We are meeting Thursday (2/1) from 8-8:30 a.m. in Mrs. Fairbrother’s room and are still welcoming new members (grades 5-8)
YEARBOOK: The Yearbook Committee will meet every Monday at 2:45 in Room 213.
Additionally, the Yearbook Committee needs your help gathering photos! Any and all throwbacks, candids, group shots or selfies of the graduating 8th grade class will be considered. There are two ways to upload:
- Students can use this Google drive folder – Instructions
- Anyone without an HPS email account can use this link to TreeRing
- Note: This method requires creating a username/password
- SCHOOL PASSCODE: 101663874693208
Lastly, if you would like to pre-order your yearbook, click this link to create an account and purchase a yearbook. Here’s an informational flyer with all the same information.
ODDS & ENDS:
-All students in grades 5-8 have been issued school IDs. It is required that they bring and wear their ID badges each day.
-Please make sure that your student(s) are coming to school daily with a fully charged chromebook.
-Please make sure that you are sending your student(s) with a water bottle. We have a limited supply of cups and we do not have access to water fountains, only water bottle filling stations.
SCHOOL POLICIES:
UPPER SCHOOL DROP OFF: Parents and Guardians, please be aware that the safety and security of our students is the number one priority. We kindly ask that all parents/guardians who drop students off in the morning on the upper school side of the building, please follow the proper traffic pattern to ensure everyone’s safety. Please do not cut across the parking lot. We ask that you drive slow while on school grounds, and we appreciate your patience as we are aware that many people have places to be after dropping off. Again, we appreciate you prioritizing the safety of our students. Thank you!
CAR PICK UP & DROP OFF: Safety and Security of our students, staff, and families is our number one priority, so we would like to ask that those families who utilize car pick up and drop off be cognizant of our security guards directing traffic. Security would like to emphasize the use of turn signals when picking-up or dropping-off your student. If you are not turning, please flash your headlights so that they are aware that you are continuing straight. We want to make sure everyone remains safe. We greatly appreciate your attention and support with this matter.
Lower school pick up: If you are walking to pick up your K student please wait near the kindergarten doors and if you are walking to pick up your grade 1-4 student please wait at the lower school walker pick up door. DO NOT come to the lower school playground to pick up your child. The students in the playground area are waiting for car pick up only.
Student Dress Code: I have attached the dress code policy that can be found on page 23 of the HPS student handbook for all families to review:
“The responsibility for the dress and appearance of the students will rest with individual students and parents.
They have the right to determine how the student will dress providing that attire is not destructive to school property, complies with requirements for health and safety, and does not cause disorder or disruption. The administration is authorized to take action in instances where individual dress does not meet the stated requirements.
This does not mean that student, faculty, or parent groups may not recommend appropriate dress for school or special occasions. It means that students will not be prevented from attending school or a school function, or otherwise be discriminated against, so long as their dress and appearance meet the requirements set forth above.
Students are not permitted to dress in any manner that is distracting to teaching or learning, to other students or disrupting the educational process or environment of the school. Clothing that is considered to be distracting includes but may not be limited to the following:
- Extremely short skirts or shorts rising more than 7″ above the knee.
- Shirts or blouses bearing midriffs.
- See-through clothing.
- Halters or tank tops with less than 1″ straps, tube-tops, or blouses with excessively low cut tops.
- Low rider pants and pants that do not cover underwear.
- Clothing or jewelry that advertises or promotes products or activities that are illegal.
- Clothing containing inappropriate or suggestive language or pictures.
- Clothing that identifies students as members of a gang or an imitation of gang paraphernalia will not be permitted. This includes but is not limited to bandanas, pins, insignias, colors, jewelry, emblems, wave caps, etc.
- Studded accessories such as belt buckles, bracelets, chains, etc. are not permitted.
- Any other dress that distracts, disrupts, intimidates or provokes can be deemed inappropriate by the Principal or Assistant Principal.
The Principal and Assistant Principal have the final decision in making the determination that there has been a violation of the dress code policy. In the event that the Principal is unavailable, the Assistant Principal has the full authority to make the final determination on whether a student’s clothing is in violation of the dress code policy.”
CELL PHONE POLICY:
-Cell phones are not allowed to be used throughout the school day. The expectation is that the phone is turned off and put away.
-If students are found to be using their cell phone for any purpose the following policy will be followed:
-1st offense: Cell phone will be confiscated and submitted to the main office where the student can get the phone back at the end of the day with a warning.
-2nd offense: Cell phones will be confiscated and submitted to the main office where a parent/guardian will need to pick up the phone.
-3rd offense: Cell phone will be confiscated and submitted to the main office where a parent/guardian will need to pick up the phone and the student will be issued an office detention.
-4th offense: Cell phone will be confiscated and submitted to the main office where a parent/guardian will need to pick up the phone and a meeting will need to take place in order to establish a contract where phone can either be dropped off at arrival time and picked up at dismissal, or the phone is not allowed in school.
-Students will not be allowed to have cell phones in the bathroom. Students will need to leave their phones face down on their desk when leaving for the bathroom.
-We recognize the importance for students to have cell phones, but we respectfully ask for your support in reinforcing the cell phone rules. If there is ever a reason for a student to call home, I am happy to allow them to utilize my office phone. Also, if you have to get in touch with your student, we would ask that you please contact the main office during school hours.