Thank you to everyone who participated in our McDonald’s night fundraiser on January 29th—we appreciate your continued support!
Upcoming Events:
Crop/Scrapbooking Events: March 15th, and May 17th.
Chocolate Fundraiser Deadline: Feb. 8th
Winter Vacation: Feb. 18-22
Magnetic Attractions—Begin March 17th! more information to come.
Early Dismissal Week: March 31 - April 4
Spring Vacation: April 14 - April 18
Teacher Appreciation Week: May 5 - 9
We are always looking new members for the PTO; please contact Jessica Chenery or Christie Crooks our co-presidents. There is a PTO box in the office. If you haven't already joined your PTO, now is the time!
In case you missed the PTO meeting in January, read on for some great information about the middle magnet schools:
MEETING MINUTES
East Hartford-Glastonbury Elementary Magnet School
General PTO Meeting
January 15th, 2007
Christie Crooks and Jessica Chenery, Co Presidents
Meeting called to order, 7:05.
Looking for Nominations for the PTO Board for next year, please contact Christy or Jessica if you or someone you know is interested.
Glen Peterson, Principal
Glen introduced special guest Carol Shoemaker from the Project Choice Campaign, a private organization supporting the goals of Sheff v. O’Neil.
Carol Shoemaker briefly discussed these goals: improving & promoting Project Choice, school desegregation and supporting diversity in education. Her organization has produced a 30 minute DVD outlining the program (available in the office if anyone is interested) and she informed the PTO that there are numerous organizations that support the goals of Sheff v. O’Neil. If anyone is interest in the coalition or taking part in discussion groups, please contact her at CarolFShoemaker @comcast.com, or you can sign up directly at www.sheffmovement.org.
Glen thanked Carol and asked for a copy of the DVD. Glen explained that the purpose of this month’s general PTO meeting is to provide parents of 4th and 5th graders with more detailed information on their options as their children graduate from EHGEMS. He introduced members from the first of three schools presenting.
Hartford Middle Magnet School
Sally Biggs, Principal and Janice Andrews, Technology Integration Dept.
HMMS is located near Trinity College and includes grades 6-8. It serves 25 towns with a total of 600 students. The focus is Arts & Science. Grades 7 & 8 can take credits at Hartford Academy of Performing Arts. They have a great music/strings program and an award winning marching band (125 of their students participate). Discussed “Project Lead the Way” and the rigorous core curriculum which changes to meet the needs of the children from year to year. HMMS offers 6 computer labs. Technology curriculum requirement prepares students better than their peers at other schools like East Catholic and Miss Porters. Described extensive after school program carried out by the team teachers. For more information, contact Sally Biggs at 757-6201 or visit their website at www.hmms.crec.org.
Greater Hartford Classical Magnet School
Presented by Classical Magnet students and family members: Lisa Matias, Lisa Serembanna, JJ Bray, Jillian Bray, Wendy Bray and Joseph Bray. (Principal Timothy Sullivan not present due to open-house event at Classical)
The school’s focus is on the classics: Latin, literature, philosophy, mathematics and science. There are 700 students from the surrounding 26 towns and the school offers a very diverse population. Uniforms are required. The school covers grades 6-12 so the usual transition adjustment is eliminated. Grades are somewhat segregated from each other so that younger grades aren’t overwhelmed—middle school is on the first floor and high school is on the second floor—but the school is unified. Curriculum includes a rigorous balance of the arts and academia. There is no foreign language core course but Chinese and Intro to Spanish/Italian are offered as enrichment courses. The schedule includes required enrichment which brings some school days to 6pm. Usual dismissal time is 4pm, long day but well rounded schedule. In addition to core courses there are electives and specials (art, music, drama and PE). Specials offered are very diverse and are 6 weeks. GHCMS utilizes the Paideia seminar process. Teachers loop grades: (6/7 and 8/9 etc.) so students get familiar with teachers. Periods are 75 minutes rather than 44, (not 7 subjects every day) students commented that more projects and assignments can be worked on/completed during the day. More opportunity for participation due to size and school offers numerous programs for students that may be struggling with curriculum. School is modeled after private schools; Curriculum has a college prep focus; field trips are to colleges. For more information contact Thomas Sullivan at 695-9100 or visit their website at www.classicalmagnet.org.
Two Rivers Magnet School
Thomas Scarice, Principal
Grades served are 6-8 from the surrounding communities of East Hartford, Manchester, South Windsor, Hartford and Glastonbury with a maximum student enrollment of 620 students. Tom Scarice discussed the three things to have for a successful school of choice:
1. Safe/Nurturing Environment that is child centered;
2. Rigorous academic programs
3. Value added programs
The school has been open 6 years with a fascinating, diverse population of about 600 kids, 100 on each team, 5 teachers per team. Teachers work with all students of all levels. There’s pre and post testing on all the math units to place students appropriately to their maximum advantage. Other school highlights discussed: Laptops provided to all students and teachers, classrooms equipped with Smart Boards and surround sound, heterogeneous grouping, focus is Science & Technology including robotics, forensics, and environmental science, substantial time is spent outside of the classroom. Contact the school at 290-5320 or visit their website at www.tworivers.crec.org for more information.
Glen thanked the presenters and invited them to stay to take parent questions. Meeting adjourned.
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