HSA Meeting
February 15th 2024, 9:00am
Attendees: 19 in person, 10 online
Updates from Dr. Oates
Teacher Representative – Beth Fischetti (4th Grade)
This year each grade will be using Second Step Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs to teach students techniques to thrive in school and life. The first unit is growth mindset and goal setting. The lessons culminate in an activity that is appropriate for each grade. The second unit is about emotion management. Students learn about balancing their emotions and how to help them recover when they become unbalanced. Students discuss simulated experiences so that they can learn from a relatable situation that is not too personal. The third unit is about empathy and kindness. Fourth graders will be writing fictional stories to help them view situations from a different perspective and to build empathy. In kindergarten lessons are more focused on recognizing your feelings and less on empathy.
Guest Speaker Sheila Brogan, President of the BoE- Super Science Saturday March 2nd 9-1:30 at RHS– The 36th year of Super Science Saturday will kick off with Liberty Science Center presenting their traveling science sportacular in Gym 3. SEPAG has set 9-10am as a visitation time for students who prefer a quieter setting with less distractions. There will be virtual and live presentations from Outdoor Play Connection, Forcefields Historic Farm, Kitestream, William Patterson (tree rings), Ridgewood library (3D printing), Shoprite (nutritionist), Silent Fliers (drones), Woods Hole and many more. Make sure to check the schedule of presenters in the hallways. The hall of experience (gym 1) will have egg drop, paper airplane launch and activities with the Robotics club. There will be bagels available for breakfast and hotdogs for lunch. For more info visit: www.supersciencesaturday.org/
Guest Speaker – Kate Finnegan and West Bergen Mental Healthcare with a presentation giving guidance on mental health in kids: when to worry and when not.
Collection – Instead of collecting food items this month the school will be collecting kindness hearts. Each heart will have a kind message about something someone did for you or something you did for someone.
DEI – Hate Has No Home signs – there are 7 remaining. Reach out to somervilledei@gmail.com to purchase a sign.
Ordinary People Books – Five books have been assigned to each grade. By the time a student graduates from Somerville they will have learned about 30 influential people. At the April Somerville Squad assembly each grade will present information about one of their “ordinary people”.
Reading Marathon – Students have been doing a great job logging their reading and having DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) moments at school. The marathon will end at the end of February.
Zen Den – The Board of Education has approved the renovations of the new Zen Den Space. This room will become a restorative space for students and staff. Thank you to the Saraceno family for donating the painting of the new space and the HSA for funding the furniture and other equipment.
Promethean Boards – Every general education classroom and the PERL classroom will soon be updated with promethean boards – the latest interactive, smartboard technology. Thank you to the HSA for funding 11 boards.
Staff News – We’re happy to announce that Mrs. Zahn and Mrs. Grippaldi are both expecting babies in June and July respectively.
It is with a very heavy heart that we report that Maura Eidschun’s daughter passed away last week. Maura has been a beloved member of Somerville staff for years and the Eidschun children attended Somerville. To send a message of sympathy their address is 946 East Ridgewood Ave.
Past Events
- Bingo Night – Friday, January 19th, 6pm
- Somerville Skates – Sunday, January 21st, 11am
- Fifth Grade Holiday Concert – Friday, January 26th
- Fifth Grade Field Trip – Liberty Science Center – February 2nd
- Lip Sync – Friday, February 2nd
- Kindergarten Report Cards Live – February 6th
- Teacher Appreciation Breakfast – February 16th
Upcoming Events
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- Make your own Pizza Night – Order pickup Friday February 23rd at dismissal
- Wizards Game Fundraiser (For Federated HSA) – February 25th – There will be 2 games on a Sunday this year
- Science Fair – Monday, February 26th
- HSA Board Nominations Due – February 28th
- Dad’s Night – March 2st & 2nd
- Somerville Children’s Theater (SCT) presents Frozen – March 14-16
- Marking Period 2 Ends – March 15th
- Young Musicians Showcase – April 27th – 12pm: Elementary, 4pm: Middle School
- International Day & Night – April 30th
HSA Updates:
Bingo Night – Bingo night was a big success with over 80 families attending and 386 bingo cards purchased! The event raised $2858
Somerville Skates – 55 families attended the skating event and raised $1345. Additionally, the HSA received a donation from every skating lesson that students take.
Lip Sync – Lip Sync this year was a very popular event with over 190 students participating!
Teacher Grants – Teachers and Somerville staff are welcome to submit requests for items to help enhance their classrooms or teaching. Submission forms went out
HSA Board Nominations – There are four open positions for the 2024-25 school year. Please consider nominating yourself or another parent!
Vice President
Assistant Treasurer
Secretary
VP Fundraising (new for next year!)
To get more information or to submit a nomination, please email the Nominating Chair, Allison Brown (beanallison@hotmail.com), with the role, why the nominee is interested, and why the nominee would be a good fit by Wednesday, February 28th.
Science Fair – So far 100 projects have been registered. Parents of students presenting can visit the morning of the fair, during set up, to see the other projects.
International Fair – Celebrate Somervilles diverse cultures and backgrounds at International Day on Tuesday, April 30th! This year’s theme will be Fables & Folktales. There are 3 ways you can participate: Daytime Presentation at Somerville, evening Food Tasting at BF Middle School or evening Showcase Performance at BF Middle School. Please keep an eye on the Tuesday E-News to stay up to date on all the latest information and announcements.
Next HSA Meeting will be on Friday, March 15th at 9am in room 208 and on zoom.
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