WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!Please consider completing the Official District Health Curriculum survey. The survey is open until January 18, 2018. Data will inform changes to the District Health Curriculum. You will find a presentation of the current topics at the top of the survey form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezw4fAFM6g1zjyVg5j-nvNIC0SlOdzfAhJaJTF8f-5EjdyJA/viewform?usp=sf_link UPCOMING EVENTSCalendar Updates Sun., Jan. 7 3:05pm Providence Bruins Hockey Game. The HMS chorus students will be performing. Even if you didn't purchase tickets ahead of time, tickets can be purchased at the door the day of the game. Thurs., Jan.11 6:30pm 5th Grade Boys' Night with Dr. Tom Crain. See information below. Mon., Jan 15 No School Tues., Jan 16 6-7pmTough Tiger Planning Committee-Meet and Greet-Questions:Justine Currie (jcurrie88@gmail.com) or Elizabeth Cutone ([email protected]) Tues., Jan 16 6:30pm 4th and 5th grade Girls' Night with Dr. Megan Douglas. See information below. Tues., Jan 16 7pmJanuary PTO Meeting-Child care provided Mon. Feb 5 No School Mon., Feb 5 Whoo's Reading Fundraiser Kick-off Wed., Feb 7 8:30amHealth and Wellness Committee Meeting at BMS Feb 12-16 Scholastic Book Fair Tues., Feb 13 6-7pmTough Tiger Planning Committee-Planning Meeting Questions: Justine Currie (jcurrie88@gmail.com) or Elizabeth Cutone ([email protected]) Tues., Feb 13 7pmFebruary PTO Meeting-Child care provided Feb 19-23 February School Vacation Thurs., March 1 Whoo's Reading Fundraiser ends PUBERTY NIGHTS SCHEDULEDUpcoming Boys’ and Girls’ Nights A long running PTO tradition at HMS is to offer an optional introduction to puberty by local physicians for both students and parents so that everyone has the information they need as they embark on the Puberty Journey, and everyone is on the same page as far as expectations, language, and understanding. The nights have also served as excellent conversation starters for children and their parents—and keeping lines of communication open during these upcoming years is essential. We encourage you to bring your 5th grade son or 4/5th grade daughter to the evenings listed below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs McGee or email Dr Douglas at [email protected]. BOYS Thursday, January 11 from 6:30-7:30 HMS cafeteria Presentation by Dr Tom Crain, local physician and father of four boys. 5th graders only, please. GIRLS Tuesday, January 16 from 6:30-7:30 HMS Cafeteria Presentation by Dr Megan Douglas, local physician and mother of three. 4th/5th graders welcome. A few FAQ based on past experience: I’m a mom; can I attend Boys’ night? Or, I’m a dad; can I attend Girls’ night? It is absolutely not a problem and every year there are moms at the Boys Night and dads at the Girls Night. The more everyone knows, the better. My child doesn’t want to go. What should I do? Chat with your child about why they don’t want to go. Maybe they’re not ready to hear about puberty. Maybe they’d rather read a book. Maybe you can ask a friend if they’re going—and come together. We’re unable to attend. Where can I get more information? If you are unable to attend but would like more information, we show these videos (with an announcement to ignore all product placement and panty liner info) http://www.pgschoolprograms.com/Parents We also recommend these books: The Care and Keeping of You, vol 1 (by the folks at American Girl Doll) And The Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys (new, by the same author) Can my child attend without an adult? No. If you’re unable to go but your child would like to go, ask a friend’s parent for help. Only as a community can we support our children’s growth and development. Going with friends can make it easier, too. Why is Boys’ night only for fifth graders, and Girls’ night is for 4/5th graders? Girls enter puberty earlier than boys. In the past, the nights were both for fifth graders only—but it quickly became clear that many girls were already deep into puberty by the middle of fifth grade, so the age range was expanded. The boys’ talk is aimed at the developmental level of a majority of fifth grade boys. These grade level limits are thoughtfully created, and it’s not suggested that younger boys attend the Boys’ Night. Where the Wild Things Are..... |