Hello Hardy Families

 

Wellesley parents are invited to attend the viewing of  “Most Likely to Succeed”.  This is a thought-provoking documentary that highlights a school that challenges the traditional model.  The film raises questions about what  a school should look like to meet the demands of the 21st century.  Everyone is welcome.   You are encouraged to RSVP on the WPS homepage.  If you cannot attend the viewing on Nov 9th there are other viewing dates listed below:  

  

                        Date and Time:                   WPS Administration Co-Host(s):           Location:                                       Mon., Nov. 9, 6:30-9 pm       Hardy/Hunnewell/Upham & PAWS         WMS Auditorium
                        Thu., Nov. 19, 6:30-9 pm      Fiske / Schofield                                     Schofield Gym
                        Mon., Nov. 30                       WPS PD Day (WPS Staff Only)             WHS Auditorium
                        Thu., Dec. 3, 6-8:30 pm        Bates / Sprague                                      WMS Auditorium
                        Thu., Dec. 10, 6:30-9 pm      Wellesley Middle School                         WMS Auditorium
                        Mon., Dec. 14, 6:30-9 pm     Wellesley High School                            WHS Auditorium

At Hardy we have a team made up of teachers, our school secretary, custodian, principal, nurse and at times input from the Wellesley Police and Fire dept.  This group, called the CARE team, meets regularly to review our existing safety plans, plan practice drills, and inform and train staff on safety procedures.  These include: fire drills, evacuation drills, shelter in place drills and a few other drills designed to address a specific type of incident or threat.  We do not make these protocols public for safety reasons but all staff have opportunities to practice all of the drills.  

 

Meet the 2015-2016 Hardy School Council: Sami Juma, Matthew Graber, Jennifer Martin, Lisa Fico, Dana Zampini, Charlene Cook, Neysa McNamara, Kristi Thompson, Caryn Berkowitz, Tim Baldwin, and Evan Rosenberg.  

 

At our first meeting we reviewed the School Improvement Plan and the District Strategic Plans.  One major focus for the group is to participate in the development of the Hardy School Improvement Plan which will cover 2016 to 2019. These are open meetings and we meet the first Thursday of the month from 7:45 am to 8:30.

 

Book Group: 

Lisa Goodman and I will hold our first parent book group of the year on Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in my office.  We will be discussing the book Odd Girl Out by Rachel Simmons.  The book deals with issues of bullying among young girls.  Even if you don’t read the book the discussion will be engaging.  

 

Last year at the auction, parents and staff donated into a general fund and in return received a very cool ring to symbolize a global Hardy. That money was earmarked for the purpose of sending teachers to professional development.  Thank you for your support – because of that Hardy teachers were able to learn from experts in the field including Lucy Calkins. Early in October a team of 5 Hardy teachers grades K-3 had the to good fortune to hear speakers from Columbia University’s Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. Lucy Calkins and Shanna Schwartz began their presentations with examples of student work and a reminder that, at its heart, writing is about communication. When we teach students to write well, we offer them the tools to share their ideas widely, to tell their stories, their opinions and explain their  learning. Upon return, Hardy teachers shared their new learning with the rest of the K-3 faculty. 

Sincerely,

Charlene Cook