Dear Families,

May is right around the corner and we continue to see growth and development in our students’ academically and socially. Spring is such a special time in our school year, it's when all the learning from the fall and winter really comes together. You can see your children applying what they’ve learned with more confidence, independence, and joy. Their growth is truly blossoming, and they’re becoming solid, capable learners in every way.

One School One Book

This week we kick off our One School One Book (OSOB program). Through the One School One Book program, we aim to strengthen our community of readers by all reading the same book. Every member of the Hurlbutt community, from students to teachers, custodians to nurses, principals to paraprofessionals, and all others, will participate. Students will have clues in the days leading up to the big reveal of the book title on Wednesday. This builds excitement around the kick off. It is always an exciting time for us as a school community.  We will participate in this fun event at home too. The following are details about how the program works at school and what you can do at home. 

• Teachers will be reading aloud the book in school each day.

• We will be interacting with the book through discussions, crafts, trivia and more!

• Students will bring the book home and back to school in their book buddy bags.

• Ask your child each day to recap the latest chapter. You may also want to re-read the day’s chapters with your child or whole family. PLEASE DON’T SKIP AHEAD. This is a great way to foster home school communication with your child. 

• You can visit our OSOB website with your child for trivia, author info, photos and for the reading calendar. The link can be found on the Hurlbutt homepage and will be live on Wednesday.

Strange or daring as it may seem, having children at all grade levels share the same book actually makes sound educational sense. Reading professionals recommend reading material aloud that is beyond a child’s own reading level. We also believe you can and should continue reading chapter books with your older children, even when they are able to read by themselves. We selected a title that can be followed and understood and enjoyed by younger students, but that will still captivate and stimulate older children. Enjoy!

Attendance 

At this time of year, many families will receive or have already received a letter from school detailing student absences for the school year.  State law and district policy requires us to notify families when students reach 9 or more absences in a school year. We recognize that sometimes students have to miss school for illness. Absences after 9 school days require additional documentation for those absences to be excused.  Please refer to the letter, if you received one, for details about whether or not absences will be excused. While absences are often unavoidable due to illness, on time arrival to school is easier to manage. This year, we continue to strive to improve our on time arrival to school.  Students who are tardy to school miss out on the opportunity to have a consistent routine which fosters a sense of security and readiness to learn. Each day at Hurlbutt starts with a class morning meeting. During this time, children connect with their peers, review the day's schedule, and participate in activities that promote social and emotional growth.

Wait Until 8th

The Wait Until 8th pledge—in which families commit to delay giving smartphones to kids until the end of 8th grade—is active in Weston. Over the last year, families at HES and WIS have signed, including about 30% of the current 5th grade class. Parent-organizers would love to continue the effort as we head to WMS.

More information has surfaced about the impact of smartphones and social media on children's mental health and development—Jonathan Haidt's book "The Anxious Generation" has presented findings on depression, anxiety, bullying and suicide rates. The benefits of delaying smartphones can be especially powerful for our rising middle schoolers as they face the emotional rollercoaster of puberty, social pressures, etc.

This is, of course, a personal choice for each family, but organizers are sharing information to make parents aware and to build solidarity. 

To sign the pledge and learn more about WU8th, click here: Waituntil8th/take-the-pledge

Weekend Activity

Join us for a fun-filled day celebrating sustainability at EcoFest 2025, a partnership between WPS Green Teams, Weston Sustainability Committee and Lachat Farm! Enjoy activities for the whole family, including:  

 RAFFLE ALERT: Bring your redeemable bottles/cans (1 entry per 25 items) and celebrate Weston’s One-Millionth Bottle/Can for a chance to win $250!  Will yours be Weston's Millionth Bottle or Can?  

 Kid Activities Include:  

- Energize CT Mobile Activity Van  

- Eco-Games, Crafts, Face Painting & more!  

- Owl Release from Wildlife in Crisis, Fly Casting Demos, A Live Animal show with Christine's Critters, Hive observations with the farm’s Beekeeper Ryan Griffeth, Earth Day story walk, & a Nature Scavenger Hunt  

 Live Music from Local Student Musicians:  BIRDSONG, The ELIOT THOMPSON BAND, and THE BREAKERS

 Eco-Talks: Learn about electrified lawn care, invasive species, sustainable gardening, recycling tips and more!  

Explore local eco-vendors, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate sustainability with your community. It's a perfect way to spend Sunday afternoon with the family. Don’t miss it!

Kindergarten Registration

If you have an incoming kindergarten student for the 25-26 school year, please begin the registration process. Follow this link to our district website to register. Registration

If you have a student in the ELC program who is age eligible for kindergarten, you will need to register using the link above.Children are eligible for kindergarten if they are 5 on or before September 1, 2025. Planning for our classes is in process and having accurate registration information will help us design the best experience for our students. 

Communication protocol link to website

Please remember we have a HES Communication Protocol 2024 2025 to help you navigate the common occurrences in the daily lives of students, families, and staff. For many of your concerns, this protocol will let you know how to proceed. 

Sincerely,

Laura Kaddis

Principal

Important Dates:

May 15: Art Jam 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.

May 16: 12:35 p.m. Early Dismissal - Professional Development

May 28: School Closed for Memorial Day

June 16: Last day of school