Jan. 11, 2020

Dear Hanlon Families,

In a recent staff meeting, I asked the Hanlon teachers to think about a lesson from their own childhood elementary experience that still stands out in their memories today.  I ask you to do the same. What made that learning experience stand out for you? For our staff, the experiences they remembered were primarily hands-on, collaborative, or those with a real-life purpose.  One of our priorities as a district is to provide students with meaningful, authentic learning opportunities. We know that students learn best when they are engaged in a task. Students who are engaged are attracted to their work, willing to persist despite challenges and obstacles, and they take visible delight in accomplishing their work.  Learning experiences that engage students are something we strive for here in Westwood.  

On Thursday, students in first grade, fifth grade, and kindergarteners in K1K were treated to a particularly authentic experience in science.  Thanks to the vision of our Science coaches and the generosity of our PTO, the Boston Museum of Science brought their inflatable planetarium, Starlab, to the Hanlon gym.  As they sat inside the darkened dome, students learned about the sun and how it is similar and different from other stars. They watched how the rotation and orbit of Earth changes how the sky looks.  They identified constellations and discussed lunar phases that occur over the course of a month.  It was fun to hear students gasping, ooo-ing, and ahh-ing as they experienced the night sky, right in our gymnasium.  In all of our teaching here at the Hanlon, we aim to provide students with meaningful, authentic learning experiences that they will remember.  

Our next Spirit Day will be Thursday, Jan. 16th: Pajama Day.  Remember to send children with warm layers for recess and/or Ex. Day.  Bathrobes are fine, but please leave the slippers at home for safety.

The Winter Session of Mini-Courses begins on Monday, Jan. 13th.  Many thanks to Ada Zhong, Kristin Butters, and Brian Gorman for all their behind the scenes work in getting the courses up and running.

SEPAC is hosting an event for parents on Monday, Jan. 13th: Understanding the IEP.  A detailed flyer is available in the Announcements Box to the right.

Save the date for Bingo Night: Friday, January 24th from 6:30-7:30 in the Hanlon Gym.  A detailed flyer is available in the Announcements Box to the right.

MCAS dates for Grades 3, 4, and 5 are published in the Announcements Box to the right, and on the district calendar.  Families in grades 3-5 should make every effort to avoid making travel plans that involve the following dates: March 31, April 2, May 5, 7, 12, and 14th.  If you know in advance that your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader will not be in school on any of those days, please contact Ms. Cronin so that make-up plans can be made.

If you need to contact the Main Office for attendance/dismissal changes or if you have questions, email hnoffice@westwood.k12.ma.us or call 781-326-7500 x8424