Our Philosophy
February 1, 2012
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Greetings from the Barnstable Horace Mann Charter School! Time is flying by, and I am sure the month of February will be no different. With vacation just three weeks away and only sixteen instructional days this month, let’s commit to making the most of each and every day!
Now, more than ever, it is important to recognize that the development of healthy routines for your son or daughter may lead to success in school. As your child moves along in his or her education, developing and practicing good study habits will pay dividends in the future! I encourage you to work with your child daily and emphasize the importance of trying his or her best. Below are ten practical tips:
- Set up a regular study time in a quiet, comfortable place where your child will not have
distractions.
- Encourage daily study and reading. Even if there is no homework assigned, reading and reviewing lessons will begin to develop effective study skills.
- Make sure your child keeps track of assignments and has materials needed to complete his or her work.
- Allow for study breaks every twenty minutes or so and offer nutritious snacks.
- Help your child break large tasks into several smaller ones in order to study more effectively.
- Have your son or daughter set goals before each assignment and organize priorities.
- Teach your child the value of being organized and keeping homework together.
- Use study aids such as quizzes, flash cards, and reading out loud to each other.
- Let your child know it is okay to ask teachers for help.
- Consider having your child study with a partner if it helps both of them do better.
Remember – Praise your child for school work done to the best of his or her ability!
Communication and Information:
I hope over the course of this year, you have found that BHMCS staff and administration have been responsive to you. Everyone here at BHMCS encourages family-to-school communication via agenda books, telephone calls, and emails. If you ever have a question or concern and do not get a response, please contact the main office and we will assist you.
Our website, www.bhmcs.org, contains material on school programs, fourth and fifth grade curricula, BHMCS resources, and more. If you haven’t accessed it directly, I encourage you to do so, as there is a wealth of information available with the click of a button. Finally, our automated telephone system is designed to ensure that information is shared efficiently to all. I welcome your comments and feedback in regard to the ease of gathering information and our efforts to partner with you.
Tsunami Relief Effort:
As you may know from your son or daughter, BHMCS is providing a means by which students may contribute in the effort to help the people of Japan who were impacted by the 2011 tsunami. Mr. Cartocci, Health and Physical Education Teacher, is coordinating the effort with four students and will be collecting contributions of spare change to dollar bills from our youngsters. BHMCS, as a community, will send all contributions in order to support ongoing humanitarian efforts.
Lockdown Drill:
This month we will be holding a lockdown drill with the cooperation of the Barnstable Police Department. Students and staff will be alerted to the lockdown and then remain in a designated safe zone until the drill is over. The drills are conducted throughout the district and it seems that students and staff are now comfortable with the routine.
ASAP
Our After School Activities Program (ASAP) is currently underway. The program is sponsored by our Main Street Learning group and is coordinated by Anna Snow. There are as many opportunities as we have instructors – and students and adults are having a great time. Please consider offering a session for students. You may contact Ms. Snow for more details at 508-420-2272!
Meal Charges in the Café
Beginning on Monday February 6, students who owe more than $10.50 to the food service program will be offered a designated menu alternate. This is in accordance with Barnstable Public Schools policy. Notices of deficit balances will be sent to parents / guardians at regular intervals via Aramark, our food service provider.
Upcoming Events:
- Thursday February 2 – Heritage Museum Visits Grade 5
- Tuesday February 7 – PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m. / School Committee Meeting Town Hall Hearing Room 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday February 14 – Valentine’s Day / Pasta Dinner 6:00 p.m. BHMCS Café
- Wednesday February 15 – Energy Carnival Grade 5
- Thursday February 16 – Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting 5:00 p.m. BHMCS Library
- Friday February 17 – Energy Carnival Grade 5
- Monday February 20 thru Friday February 24 – Winter Recess / School Closed
- Monday February 27 – School Re-Opens / Read Across America Week
- Tuesday February 28 – School Committee Meeting Town Hall Hearing Room 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday February 29 – Happy Leap Year!
As always, if you have questions, comments, or concerns please feel to call me or send me an email. I send my best to you and your family!
Sincerely,
Kara Peterson, Ed. D.
BHMCS Principal
508-420-2272
kpeterson@bhmcs.org
730 Osterville W. Barnstable Rd.
Marstons Mills, MA 02648
Tel.: 508-420-2272 Fax: 508-420-9212
