Dear Hunnewell Parents,
As we continue to build a supportive and nurturing environment for our children. Parents often want to connect with their children about their day at school. However, the common question, “How was school today?” frequently results in a simple “fine” or “good,” leaving us without the deeper insights we crave into their daily experiences.
To foster more meaningful conversations, I’d like to share five alternative questions that can help encourage your child to reflect on their day and share more with us:
What made you smile today?
This question helps children focus on the positive moments and encourages them to remember what made them happy.
Who did you sit with at lunch?
Asking about social interactions during a non-academic time like lunch can reveal insights into friendships and connections your child is making.
If you could change one thing about today, what would it be?
This question invites children to reflect on challenges or things they might not have enjoyed, opening up conversations about what can be improved.
What was the hardest rule to follow today?
This allows children to share their struggles non-judgmentally, helping you understand areas where they might need guidance or support.
Tell me something you know today that you didn’t know yesterday.
Encouraging your child to reflect on their learning helps them process new information and share what they’ve found interesting or surprising.
By incorporating these questions into your daily routine, you’ll be helping your child open up and share the small things that happen during their day. When we show that we’re interested in these little moments, it builds a foundation of trust and communication. That way, when the bigger or harder conversations need to happen, your child will feel more comfortable coming to you.
A.L.I.C.E. Training
We will conduct our A.L.I.C.E. training on Wednesday, September 11, from 12:45 until 1:45. We ask that all families NOT use the playground for this short time. This training is with the Wellesley Police Department and is centered on an active shooter scenario. STUDENTS ARE NOT INVOLVED in this training. Please see the A.L.I.C.E acronym below:
ALERT is when you first become aware of a threat. The sooner you understand that you’re in danger, the sooner you can save yourself. A speedy response is critical. Seconds count.
If EVACUATION is not a safe option, barricade entry points into your room to create a semi-secure starting point.
The purpose of INFORM is to continue communicating information in real-time if it is safe.
COUNTER is a strategy of last resort. Counter focuses on actions that create noise, movement, distance, and distraction to reduce the shooter’s ability to shoot accurately.
EVACUATING to a safe area takes people out of harm’s way and hopefully prevents civilians from having to come into contact with the shooter.
At this point, I would like to acknowledge the recent tragedy in Winder, GA. As their community mourns, our thoughts and prayers are with them. I also want to remind our entire community that Wellesley Public Schools remains vigilant about the safety and protection of our students, staff, and families.
All School Assembly
We will have our first All School Assembly next Wednesday, September 11, from 11:30 to 12. Please join us as we welcome everyone back with music, dance, and fun!
Thank you for your support and our work together to make Hunnewell an excellent learning environment.
Dare to Dream,
Mr. Dees
Important Dates
Wednesday, September 11 All School Assembly 11:30-12:00
Wednesday, September 11 ALICE Training (Staff Only) 12:45-1:45
Thursday, September 17 Back to School Night 6:00-7:30
Monday, September 30, Picture Day
Thursday, October 30, NO SCHOOL Rosh Hashanah