November HSA Meeting Minutes

HSA Meeting 

November 17th 2022, 9am

Attendees: 11 in person, 13 online

Updates from Dr. Oates

Clubs – The teacher representative for the HSA meeting was Ms. Calandra who runs the Morning News club with Mrs. Kaplan.  She showed some of the great work that 4th graders have been doing to create a Somerville news show.  Students meet after school and record the show that plays to all students Monday Mornings. Somerville offers many clubs for each grade that are funded by the district budget and HSA.  Keep an eye on the ENews for information.

LinkIt Testing – A second round of LinkIt testing will take place January 4th and  5th for grade 2-5.  These tests are run 3X per year and used as a tool to measure growth, allow teachers to adapt curriculums and help prepare students for state testing.

Fablevision – November’s book selection was Our Table and December’s will be I Am Peace. I Am Peace is a book about having a peaceful mind and using your senses to be present.

Parent Book Group –   The first parent book met and enjoyed a discussion about Tuesdays with Morrie with Ms. Finnegan.  There will be a second parent book group in the spring. The selection will be a Young Adult book.

Diwali – October 24th Schools were closed to celebrate Diwali.  Thank you to all the parents that visited classes with fun activities and crafts to share their celebrations and traditions.     

Report Cards – December 9th will be the end of the first marking period.  Report cards will be available to view on the 20th of December. 

One School, One Book – The next One School, One Book will be announced in January. There is a fun, active assembly planned for January 17th from Learnin’ the Ropes that will tie into the theme of the book..

Past Events

• Photo Mini Sessions – October 18th & 28th.
• Art Docent Day – Wednesday, October 19th. All classes had a docent and we thank the organizers and all the parents that participated.
• Author Visit – Friday, October 21st. Graphic Novelist Jason Patterson.
• No Cook Dinner – Friday, October 21st.  96 Pizza kits were sold raising $400. Thank you to Nicole Ragains and Christina Reccuiti for organizing.
• Diwali – Monday, October 24th. School closed.
• Walk & Ride to School Month Celebration – Friday, October 28th. The month ended with a fun celebration on the front lawn with music and the 5th graders selling donuts and coffee.  The fifth graders raised $208.
• Parent Book Group Meeting – Monday, October 31st.
• Halloween Parade – Monday, October 31st.
• Teachers Aide Appreciation Lunch – Wednesday, November 2nd. The TAs enjoyed a lunch provided by the LSHSA and sweet treats provided by Somerville teachers.
• 4th Grade Field Trip  – November 4th.  Students visited the Meadowlands Environmental Center.
• Teachers Convention – November 10th & 11th – Schools closed

Upcoming Events 

• Career Day – Friday, November 18th.  Students in 2nd to 5th grades will enjoy presentations from parents about various careers.  Thanks to Michele Prota and all the parents presenters.
• Bake Sale – Tuesday, November 22nd. 8:15-9am and 2:15-3:15pm.
• Kindergarten Concert and Parent Social – Wednesday November 23rd – 11:30.  Following the Kindergarten concert students will return to their classes for their feast and parents are welcome to stay in the gym for a social.
• Thanksgiving Closure-  ½ day November 23rd and closed November 24th and 25th.
• Team Somerville Assembly – Thursday, December 1st.
• LSHSA Meeting – Thursday, December 8th. Meeting will take place at 9:30AM at BOE / 3rd Floor (49 Cottage Place) Dr. Fitts will be attending the meeting.
• Holiday Boutique – December 7th -8th.  Students can bring in money and shop for family members.
• End of 1st Marking Period – Friday, December 9th.
• Winter Concerts– Friday, December 16th. 1st and 2nd at 10am and 3rd and 4th at 11am.  The fifth graders will be selling coffee and baked goods at the concerts. 
• Report Cards Posted – Friday December 20th.
• Holiday Sing-a-long – Friday, December 23rd. This fun Somerville tradition will take place in school for teachers and students. 
• Winter Closure – December 23rd will be a half day and schools will be closed December 26th to December 30th.
• Art Docent Day – Wednesday, January 11th.
• Martin Luther King Day – Monday, January 16th – Schools will be Closed.
• Learnin’ The Ropes Assembly – Tuesday, January 17th.
• HSA Meeting – Friday, January 20th, 9am -Room 208
• Bingo Night – Friday, January 20th 
• Wizards Game – January 25th and 26th – Sponsored by The Federated HSA.

HSA Updates:

• • Birthday Book Gifting  – So far we have raised $1640 for Mrs. Kaplan to purchase new books for the Library.  This year donations will be accepted monthly so if you’d like to participate please visit the HSA website.
  • Family Photo Sessions – On October 18th and 29th local photographer Patty Connelly ran mini fall photo sessions in the Ecology center.  The sessions were very popular and raised over $1200.
  • HSA Dues: 204 Families have paid dues raising over $8160.  Dues can still be paid on the HSA website.
  • Fifth Grade Updates – 5th grade t-shirts are in and will be distributed to students.  Adelaide Murray created the winning design featuring a VW bus with Leo the Leopard and all the names of the 5th grade students on the back.   

• Social Services Donations – October’s collection was peanut butter and jelly and Novembers was gravy, stuffing, cranberry and boxed potatoes. Each grade was assigned a different item and the competition brought in a large donation. December’s collection of gift cards and cash will begin after the Thanksgiving break.  A donation bin will be posted in the front office.

• Somerville Auction Fundraiser – The event will take place on April 21st at Biaggios.  The chairs are still looking for auction items.  If you have ideas or items to donate please get in touch with Christine Lear at christine_lear@hotmail.com.

Thank you to all who attended today’s meeting in person and those who joined us on our Zoom call. Thank you Dr. Oates and Ms. Calandra for meeting with us today!

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 January 20th at 9am.  Room 208.