Bobcat Bulletin 3/22/24

THERE IS NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, MARCH 29TH IN OBSERVANCE OF GOOD FRIDAY

 

Report Cards: Report Cards in grades K-8 will be issued on Monday, March 25th. 

 

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

 

RAISE MONEY TO HELP OUR SCHOOL: Back by popular demand, the PTO is launching a cookie sale with Adrenaline Fundraising! Orders must be in by April 10th and cookie dough will be available for pick-up (at Hunking) shortly after we return from April Vacation. 

Please support the school by participating if you can! Students earn gift card prizes by participating! 

  • Scan QR Code below and download RAISE365 App or go to www.raise-365. 
  • Click ‘Sign Up,’ enter details, click register. (If you already have an account, Log In, click ‘New UI,’ click ‘Menu’ in top left, click ‘+Join New Fundraiser.’
  • Enter the Hunking Fundraising Code: 87034198.
  • Select your grade, click ‘Join Fundraiser.’
  • Share with local family and friends to try and sell more!

*Payments are 100% online! The cookies will be delivered to the Hunking School on April 23rd. We will send out delivery day details when the fundraiser ends. You pick up your cookie orders on this day and deliver them to your local supporters.


Happy baking!

Hunking Cookie Fundraiser Prizes 2024

 

HUNKING THEME OF THE MONTH: We are embracing the theme of GRIT throughout the month of March. Grit simply means courage and resolve; and strength of character. To further explain, Grit is passion and perseverance for long term and meaningful goals. It is the ability to persist in something you feel passionate about and persevere when you face obstacles. This kind of passion is not about intense emotions or infatuation. It’s about having direction and commitment. Staff will be on the lookout this month for students who personify this theme of Grit. 

 

MARCH BREAKFAST & LUNCH MENUS

(If the links are not working, please go to https://www.fdmealplanner.com/ , and type in “Hunking” for the school location)

 

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS: 

 

MESSAGE FROM THE HAVERHILL RECREATION DEPARTMENT: The City of Haverhill is in the process of updating its Open Space and Recreation Plan.  This occurs about every 7 years.  Approval of this Plan by the MA Division of Conservation Services makes us eligible to pursue funding through several grant programs for playground and ballfield improvements, as well as land acquisition.  However, the Plan is also a vehicle for identifying areas of needed programming improvements, accessibility improvements, and even ordinance changes.  One of the most important components of the planning process is public outreach. We’d like to hear from not just the parents, but also staff and the students themselves.  The public outreach effort is one of the most important parts of the City updating its Open Space & Rec Plan.  Many people think of this planning effort as focusing on water supplies, playgrounds, and ballfields.  But it is much more involved.  Hearing about programming is equally important to this process.  The following survey is a great opportunity for the younger generation to get involved and advocate for themselves, the environment, and the community. 

https://forms.gle/txr8TFv5RR617r3Y9

20240311_surveyQR Code

 

WASHINGTON, DC GRADE 8:

    • Rooming: Student Rooming Form -list up to 3 other students for room preference. Based on numbers and choices, students may only get one suggested friend. All groups will be reviewed by trip coordinator and/or admin and preferences will be taken into account, but can not be guaranteed. Registered students: deadline to fill this out- today! (3/22/24) 
    • Student Contract & District Permission slips have been due. Students will not be allowed to attend the trip if these forms have not been filled out. Parents/guardians whose students have not turned them in have been emailed as a reminder.
    • What to wear? Look here!
  • Next payment is due: April 12th- $264 or the balance of what is owed. Don’t forget if you participate in the Spring cookie PTO fundraiser, individual funds for what the student sells comes off the balance. Last chance to take money off your account by fundraising!

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 (please use this form) are to be brought to this meeting.

 

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

 

PTO NEWS: 

 

  • Adrenaline Cookies are back! You have until April 10th to get your orders in (cookies will be available for pick-up on April 23rd)!
    1. Go to: https://www.raise-365.com/ (an app is also available!)
    2. Click ‘Sign Up’, enter details, check box, click ‘Register’ (if you already have an account: Log in, click ‘New Ul’, click menu in top left, click +Join New Fundraiser.)
    3. Enter the Fundraiser Code: 87034198

  • Don’t miss the Hunking Spring Spirit Wear Sale! Save 25% off the entire site including Nike Dri-Fit tees! Shop at https://1stplace.sale/40727.

  • The next PTO meeting is scheduled for April 10th at 6:30pm in the Hunking conference room! If you can’t make it in person, we will offer a link to join remotely (link to follow)! We’re looking for more lower school parents to get involved, so grab a friend and bring your ideas!

  • The Hunking Community is strong and we’re asking you come together to help a family in need. Avery is a first grader who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. Please consider making a donation to help her family get through this difficult time: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-avery-callagys-fight-against-leukemia.

 

 

 

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/

 

Career Technical Education (CTE): CTE will send decisions to the email address used for the application on or about March 29th. Be sure to check spam email!!!

 

Whittier: Whittier will send decisions to the email address used on your application on or about April 1st. Any questions about Whittier, their admissions process, or decisions should be directed to the Whittier Admissions office. 978-373-4101

 

 

EDUCATIONAL HAPPENINGS: 

 

ST Math March Mathness!  Congratulations to our homerooms moving on to round 3!  The competition is heating up!

 

 

Grade 3: The third grade team and winners from the auction had a great afternoon on Tuesday visiting the Haverhill Fire Department. We enjoyed a tour of the firetruck!  Afterwards we ate some pizza back at school before heading home for the day! Thanks to firefighter Mike and students for such a great afternoon!

 

7th Grade Social Studies: Students have been working hard on their Spring DBQ essay. DBQ stands for Document Based Question. The students analyze several sources and incorporate quotes as evidence to support their claims. All middle school social studies students complete two DBQ essays each year. 

 

7th Grade ELA: 7th-grade students completed their assigned book in their books clubs. Students have now started unit 4 and are currently creating an infographic to prove a specific skill is the most difficult thing to do in sports. 

 

Grade 8: Math classes have begun to identify functions when analyzing inputs and outputs. Many students are saying it makes sense and that is due to the hard work they have put in up to this point! ELA students are filming their commercials demonstrating pathos, ethos, or logos. The 8th grade participated in a “Cyber Crimes” assembly on Thursday. It covered some heavy topics and students were extremely engaged throughout.  Looking for a way to support your child’s classroom?? Teachers are always looking to replenish cleaning supplies (Lysol wipes, etc) and personal care items (travel size deodorant, boxes of tissues, etc.).

 

Students from National Junior Honor Society working with Lower School students through “Bobcat Buddies” program.

 

 

 

NEWS FROM OUR NURSES:   There has been an uptick in conjunctivitis at the school in the past couple of weeks. Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so please remind your child  to wash their hands well and often with warm water and soap. They also should not share eye drops, tissues, eye makeup, washcloths, towels, or pillowcases if they are diagnosed with conjunctivitis  (pink eye), he/she must be treated for 24 hours before returning to school. Please call the health office at 978-420-1913 if your child will be absent.

Mandatory Postural/Scoliosis screenings will continue during the week of March 25th during gym class. The Purpose of the screening is to detect possible curvature of the spine in children. If the condition is detected early and appropriately treated, progressive spinal deformity may be prevented. 

To assure a good view of the spine, we will request the 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. Please make sure to have your child come dressed as recommended above on the day they are scheduled for gym.

If your child is currently under active treatment for a spinal problem, or if you have any objection to having your child participate in the screening program, please inform the school nurse in writing. A report from your healthcare provider is requested. 

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. 

 

 

HEALTH & WELLNESS NEWS:

Students in Grade 7 and 8: Become a member of the District Wellness Committee as a student representative- 4 meetings a year, typically the first Wednesday of the month (Oct/Jan/March/May) 1 hour, 4-5pm in person or virtual option. Looking for student members for the last meeting on May 1st and next year’s committee (Great to put on a resume or application!) If interested and can commit, please email: megan.arivella@haverhill-ps.org

In addition, a member of the Mayor’s HOPE Task Force is looking for student representatives- one meeting a month, usually the last Wednesday of each month. 4-5pm in person or virtual option. Email Charlie Manzi, Director of HOPE Program of NFI. Looking for members for the next meeting on March 27th (Citizen’s Center, 2nd floor). Interested? email: charliemanzi@nafi.com

 

ATHLETIC NEWS: 

 

Volleyball:  There has been a schedule change next week due to Academic Bowl playoffs. Next Tuesday’s game is canceled and moved to April 1. There is no practice for either team on Tuesday the 26th. Next Wednesday the 27th we’d like to invite you in the morning for 7:30am. If you can’t make it it’s ok, but we’re trying to get a practice in before the game that day. Thursday the 28th is still boys practice. Nothing on Friday due to the holiday. Make sure you mark April 1 as a game day. We have 3 games in a row that week. 

 

EARLY SPRING TRACK SIGN UP

My fellow coaches and I are 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: The schedule for competitions can be found here

Semi-Finals!! Tuesday @ Hunking – Juniors start @ 430 and Seniors around 5:30.

 

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

 

Student Council:  Student Council has a quick meeting Monday March 25th from 2:45-3:15 pm in room 301 to prepare for our field trip on Tuesday March 26th to visit Mayor Barrett and Superintendent Marotta.  Also all permission slips must be turned in order to attend.

Please, enjoy our “Hunking is from…” collaborative poem at this link.  Thank you to all families that submitted lines! 

 

Guitar Ensemble:  We are continuing to meet on Thursday mornings and are getting ready to strut our stuff at the May concert!

 

Drama Club:   Rehearsals are going well, less than a month away!!!. 

The dates for Mean Girls Jr. are April 26 @ 7pm / April 27 @ 12pm / April 28 @ 1pm.  Tickets are available online and will also be available at the door.  

We also have Broadway Bobcat gear available for sale here

 

Chorus: Rehearsals are still going strong every Tuesday and Friday morning at 7:45am! We are now working on music for our upcoming performance in May and the Fisher Cats game! Any questions, please see Ms. Avalos.

 

YEARBOOK: ATTENTION ALL ARTISTS! The Yearbook Cover Contest is now open! Submissions will be accepted until April 12th. If you would like to submit a cover, please bring a letter-sized, colored drawing to Room 213 or email a detailed picture to Mr. Thornton (matthew.thornton@haverhill-ps.org)

 

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