LOST AND FOUND: The lost and found, including water bottles and lunch boxes, will be in the hallway by the main entrance during conferences. If your child is missing something please check here. All clothing left the Friday before the February break will be donated.

2ND ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL NIGHT: It is that time of year again, where we are excited to announce our 2nd Annual Multicultural Night! If you are interested in participating and sharing your culture with the Hunking community, please click the link below to sign up/register:

https://hunking-multicultural-night-2024.cheddarup.com/

Hunking’s 2nd annual multicultural night is meant to celebrate our diverse community! This fun night will be family-facilitated—the idea is for students & families to volunteer to share pieces of their culture with others. Please join us on Thursday, March 14th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. 

This could include but is not limited to:

• Presenting your country’s flag
• Sharing your favorite cuisine
• Music and/or dance
• Art
• Fashion
• Games
• Stories
• Traditions
• Anything else that showcases your heritage and culture

Black History Month Fact: Claudette Colvin was the first Black woman known to refuse to give up her seat on a bus. While Rosa Parks is often given credit for being the first Black woman to refuse to give up her seat on a bus, Claudette Colvin was actually arrested nine months earlier for refusing to give up her seat for white passengers. On March 2, 1955, Claudette Colvin, a 15 year old high school student boarded a bus in downtown Montgomery. She and three other Black students were told to give up their seats for a white woman. Claudette refused and was arrested.

PROGRESS REPORTS: Progress reports will be issued/available on Tuesday, February 13th. Grades K-4 will receive printed copies of progress reports and grades 5-8 will be available online through the Student/Parent portal. 

Parent/Teacher conferences will follow on Thursday, February 15th. 

–Conferences for grades 5-8 will take place from 4:00-5:30pm

-Conferences for grades K-4 will take place from 5:00-6:30pm

-Conferences for specialists will take place from 4:30-6:00pm

Grade level teams have communicated with families for how to sign up for a conference. 

MCAS: We are quickly closing in on that time of year again. Please click the link below to view the calendar with our MCAS schedule, to see and be prepared for when your student(s) will be taking MCAS: MCAS Calendar 2024

HUNKING THEME OF THE MONTH: We are embracing the theme of FRIENDSHIP throughout the month of February. Being a good friend. A friend is someone who is always happy to help when you run into a problem. A friend is someone who brings out the best in you and has respect for you. A real friend is someone who cheers you up when you feel bad. A friend is someone who makes a positive difference in someone’s life. A friend is someone you can depend on and will never leave you out. A friend is someone that is always there for you.Staff will be on the look out this month for students who are personifying this theme. 

Congratulations to all of the winners from January for the theme of Accountability. (T-shirt winners are in bold)

FEBRUARY BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENUS 

(if the links don’t work, please check out: https://www.haverhill-ps.org/food-services/, and type in “Hunking” for the school location) 

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS: 

HPS WELLNESS CAREGIVER SERIES:

Before & After School YMCA Program: We are  looking for empty paper towels rolls for a project for next week, if you have any and would like to bring them in that would be great! We also ask if your child isn’t attending our program that you please call and/or text the site phone, the number is (978)-766-6231.

Thank you,

Hailey Price

FEBRUARY VACATION ACADEMY:

February 2024 Vacation Academy

February 2024 Vacation Academy – Portuguese

February 2024 Vacation Academy – Spanish (1)

February 2024 Vacation Academy – Haitian Creole

February 2024 Vacation Academy – Arabic

WASHINGTON, DC GRADE 8:

• NOTE!! In 3 days the…

• February 12, 2024: Sign-ups for trip close. No exceptions. After this date no one will be able to register.  All registered students must have a signed District Permission Slip AND Student Participation Contract signed and returned to their homeroom teacher by 2/12. The 2nd payment of $225 was due Feb. 9th.

• Update: 111 students are registered! Once you have registered, your student will be added. However, just registering with no payment does not hold your spot. 

• Fundraising deductions- Student accounts are being updated as fundraising efforts and funds have been sent to Capital Tours. Check your account frequently over the next few weeks. Those paid in full will receive a refund in April. Last chance to reduce your payments is the Adrenaline Cookies-coming soon! Any family receiving financial assistance is encouraged to participate in fundraising.

• Rooming: Students were provided with a google form in their google classroom homerooms to list 3 other students for their room preference. Accommodations will be made as best as we can for students to room with their preferred choices. All groups will be reviewed by trip coordinator and/or admin and preferences will be taken into account, but can not be guaranteed.

Dates/Info to remember:

• May 22, 2024: Parent/Guardian meeting @ 6pm, Hunking. Please attend specifically for those students who will have medication distributed on the trip. Nurses will be available. Medication and doctors orders (that match the district permission form) are to be brought to this meeting.

• Chaperones- Please have your cori completed in the main office and fingerprints done. 

Questions????- Megan.arivella@haverhill-ps.org 

PTO NEWS: 

• The Online Auction has some great items! Check them out at https://hunkingschoolpto.betterworld.org/auctions/2024-hunking-school-auction-2 and get your bids in before February 16th at 9:00 p.m.! 
• The next PTO meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday February 13th at 6:30pm in the Hunking conference room! We’re looking for more lower school parents to get involved, so grab a friend and bring your ideas!

NEWS FROM GUIDANCE:

Grades 5 and 6: Sarah Petrick  sarah.petrick@haverhill-ps.org     

Grades 7 and 8: Terri Carney   terri.carney@haverhill-ps.org 

NEED A WORK PERMIT? 

https://www.haverhill-ps.org/work-permit-information/

Haverhill High School

https://hhs.haverhill-ps.org/

HHS Programs:

Classical Academy: DEADLINE EXTENDED!!! Still accepting applications!! 

Apply now if interested!!!

https://hhs.haverhill-ps.org/classical-academy-3/ 

Apply: CA One-Pager (updated fall 2020)

Career Technical Education (CTE): DEADLINE FEB 16th (Please allow time to process the application! Submit application as soon as possible!!)

https://cte.haverhill-ps.org/ 

Apply: https://haverhill.go2cte.com/

Early College Information:  https://hhs.haverhill-ps.org/early-college/

Students can begin taking Early College Classes in 10th grade! 

Whittier Tech Next Steps:  Application window is closed!! Interviews at the end of February.

https://whittiertech.org/

Information on Private Schools-Most deadlines have passed. Please check the school’s admissions department to see if they are still accepting applications. 

Private School Info 23/24

EDUCATIONAL HAPPENINGS: 

Kindergarten: Students had so much fun celebrating our 100th day of school last Friday! You should have received Valentine’s Day information but reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions. In math we have been comparing length, weight, capacity and quantities. In Social Studies, we are learning all about our world and where we live. 

2nd Grade: Grade 2 is so excited to take part in a nationwide Valentine’s Exchange!  We have  been sending and receiving letters from all over the United States including facts about their town/city. These are just a few examples of some of the valentines we have received this week. We can’t wait to get the mail every day!!! Be sure to check out our growing Valentine’s exchange map during parent/teacher conferences. It has been amazing learning about towns in different parts of the United States.

5th grade: Congratulations to our 5th graders who were recognized for personifying the theme of Accountability throughout the month of January!

7th grade: We look forward to meeting with many of you for next week’s conferences on Thursday February 15th from 4:00-5:30. Many of the assigned slots filled up fast so if you were not able to get an appointment we are happy to have a phone conference or send an email update with your child’s progress. Please reach out with any questions. 

7th Grade Conference Sign up 

7th grade Science: Students are investigating the impact carbon dioxide has on marine life.   This week they gathered data and evidence during our Acidification of the Ocean lab.  Students tested pH, made observations and predictions while simulating what it’s like for shelled animals in an acidic ocean.

8th Grade: Congratulations to our January Student’s of the Month, Callie Mueller and Alyvia Cummings for receiving awards for their dedication to Haverhill Cheerleading.

Our Care Closet continues to be a resource for many.  Some items we could use are chapsticks, travel size shampoos and conditioners, mini deodorants, and small lotions.  In the classrooms we are in need of Lysol wipes and tissues.  We appreciate your generosity. 

Math Benchmark is Feb 14th and 15th.  Please make sure Chromebooks are charged.  Fun Friday Feb 16th and will include a staff/student basketball game!

We hope to see many of you at PTC, Thursday Feb 15th from 4-5:30.  See here for Conference Sign up. 

Reading Team: Students in Mrs. Herbaugh and Mrs. Gorski’s reading class enjoyed taking part in World Read Aloud Day on February 7th.  Kids from across the world listened to authors reading their newly published books in an interactive livestream.  We even had one of our questions answered on the air by the author himself!

NEWS FROM OUR NURSES:   The Health office will be starting state mandatory postural screenings for 5th through 8th grade after the return from February break. If you would like to opt your child out of the screening, it must be done in writing. More information will be sent home in the coming weeks.

It is the cold and flu season.  We also have had a rise in stomach bug cases this week as well as several cases of Covid and Flu.  If your child is out for an illness please reach out to the nurses at 978-420-1913.  Your child must be fever free and/or vomit free for 24 hours without medication to return to school. Good hygiene such as washing hands and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing is a great way to prevent illness. 

If your child was given a vision or hearing referral, please make sure it is sent back to the health office after seeing an eye or hearing specialist. Stay healthy. 

ATHLETIC NEWS: 

Girls Volleyball:  We had a huge girls Volleyball tryout this past week. Over 80 girls tryout. Thank you for all the girls who came to tryouts. This year was very difficult picking the team. That being said, volleyball practice/3rd tryout for girls who were invited back will be held on Wednesday Feb 14th from 3:15-4:45pm.

Boys Volleyball:  Grade 6-8 boys tryouts will be Feb 12th & 13th from 3:30-5:00. Volleyball practice will be held on Thursday Feb 15th from 3:15-4:45pm

EARLY SPRING TRACK SIGN UP

We know the snow has just begun, but we cannot wait for Spring! My fellow coaches and I are already excited for our upcoming 2024 track season! I am hoping to get a good idea as to how many kiddos are interested in joining us this year, so I wanted to create this form to make sign-ups easier. SPRING TRACK SIGN UP 

(*This sign up link has also been added to our school website*)

Prior to the beginning of the season I will follow up with students/parents that have filled this form out to confirm if they are still interested. We will still have a “sign up” available in-person as we have in the past; however this form can expedite that process. 

Last, but certainly not least, if your athlete took part in a school sport during this year (2023-2024) you do not need to fill out another health participation packet.Only the first and last page is needed. If not, the entire packet needs to be filled, current physical submitted, signed and returned before participation is permitted.

Our main office retains hard copies for students to take home, but I have also included the link below if you’d prefer to print out and return ahead of time. 

 HPS (Middle School) Sport Permission Packet  

When our season officially commences I will provide practice dates, schedules, meet information and all things track via our Remind class link (see below).

Track Family Remind Link

As always thank you for your continued support and please reach out should you have any questions! 

-Coach Law 

CLUB NEWS: 

Academic Bowl: Practices will be held Mondays from 2:45 – 3:30. Seniors meet in Mrs. Bizeur’s room and Juniors meet in Mr. Ivancic’s room. The schedule for competitions can be found here. 

GSA (Gender-Sexuality Alliance): The GSA calendar can be found here. 

LEGO Club: The LEGO club calendar can be found here. 

NJHS: The NJHS calendar can be found here. Feb. 12-14th student will sell Valentine’s treats during all lunches for $1!  Feb. 15th we will host our first BAKE SALE during PTC.  If you would like to volunteer to bake, buy, donate please contact nicole.kelly@haverhill-ps.org.

Bobcat Buddies had another successful gathering playing games.

Student Council: Please check Google Classroom for our meeting schedule and volunteering opportunities.

Guitar Ensemble:  We will meet  Thursday morning at 8 in Mrs. Fairbrothers room. See you then! 

Drama Club:  Next week’s rehearsal schedule is Tuesday and Thursday from 2:45 to 4:45.  Students need to inform Mr. K or Mrs. Fairbrother if they are going to be absent from rehearsal or if they are leaving rehearsal early.  Pre-sale for tickets is now happening, please see a cast member for more information or order tickets here.

GRIT:  GRIT continues to challenge its participants with group and team activities that focus on communication, leadership and perseverance! We will further pursue this objective by attending a field trip next week (Thur. Feb 15)  to the USA NINJA Challenge course in N Andover.

Mentor/Mentee: The mentor program has gained a new mentor, Adam Massaro of grade 7, as seen in the picture below with his new mentee who was dressed for 100th day! Mentor and mentees have been exploring some new games together this week!

YEARBOOK: The Hunking Yearbook Team needs your help! Do you have photos you would like to contribute to the yearbook? Please see attached flyer for instructions

ODDS & ENDS: 

-All students have been issued school IDs. It is required that they bring and wear their ID badges each day. These badges are also used for breakfast and lunches as well as to “swipe” on & off the bus. 

-Please make sure that your student(s) are coming to school daily with a fully charged chromebook. 

HPS has chosen School Device Coverage (SDC) to insure the Chromebooks that students have been issued. The cost of coverage for the year is $20 and includes accidental damage, loss, fire, and theft. As of right now, families have the option to sign up during the month of September (we will let you know if it extends). After sign up closes, only new students will be given a special code to sign up at registration. Our website explains SDC and has instructions on how to signing up online:

https://www.haverhill-ps.org/technology/device-insurance/

Qustodio: a FREE student safety, digital wellbeing platform that helps parents/guardians control their child’s access to the internet on their school issued devices. Qustodio is FREE for HPS Students/Families. More information and how to sign up for Qustodio can be found on our website at:

https://www.haverhill-ps.org/technology/athome/student-safety-and-digital-wellbeing-platform/

-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: Please click on the link below to review Hunking policies including cell phone, dress code, and pick up & drop off procedures: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OOOIPyskLX9WyYSuAWqfyQCB0ZJZ8JFsTTgB_sNW8d4/edit?usp=sharing