Fund Raiser

Chickens for Guatemala

 A unique part of the fund raiser this year was earning live egg-laying chickens for the hungry of Guatemala through  Save the Children. For sales accumulated during our recent fund raiser students were awarded a paper chicken for every three sales. When all was totaled the students of HMS earned 59 chickens to be sent to Guatemala. Congratulations to all!

Mr. Dehetre is awarded a grant to bring a 3D printer to HMS!

We're thrilled to let you know that Randy Dehetre successfully pursued a grant to bring a 3D printer to HMS using a site called:

Please see Randy's exciting proposal below, along with this piece from The Boston Globe, which explains some of the amazing uses of this technology.

From The Boston Globe

http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/11/22/makerbot-opens-boston-store/VXp6uGAVq7QL2uTcLkm83L/story.html

Dream It. Design It. 3D Print It!

Mr. Dehetre's Technology project at Frank H Harrison Middle School in Yarmouth, ME 

My classroom is the STEAM lab! Activities in my classroom are very "hands on" as students explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. We learn about everything! Building and programming robots, trajectory through the use of model rocketry, bridge building, SketchUp, engines and more.

 

I teach students in grades 5 through 8. Describe my students? Over achievers; they love learning! Their parents are strong backers of education and appreciate everything we (teachers) do for their children. I couldn't ask for better children to work with. I have approximately 115 students in each grade and sometime during the year every student in the school takes part in STEAM lab. I look at my students as a resource as I learn just as much from them as I teach. My 5th and 6th graders are with me for a full quarter of the school year. 7th graders for a trimester and my 8th graders are with me for a full half year. Being in a small school with a total population of a little over 450 children allows me to get to know my students well. I truly look forward to each day of teaching.

I'm looking to take my students to the next level. Two years ago I changed the title of my teaching area from Industrial Arts to STEAM lab. When I started teaching at this middle school I began bringing in the many concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math to the activities my students were taking part in. I've added Lego Mindstorm Robotics to the 5th grade curriculum which is loved! My 8th graders have been learning about computer programming through SCRATCH and practicing design work through the use of Autodesk SketchBook, and Google SketchUp. All three of these areas have provided my students with many new and exciting learning opportunities. Adding a 3D printer would enhance their learning very much! 7th graders are learning about engineering by building balsa wood bridges and testing the strength of their designs. My 6th graders are learning basic concepts of physics through model rocketry and building race cars. STEAM lab is a very popular class that kids enjoy!

Adding a 3D printer to the STEAM lab will make a very big difference in the lives of my students. They love new technology and learning in general. I estimate that more than 90% will be going to college. Many have expressed a desire to study engineering. I encourage both male and female students to consider engineering. One mom wrote "Many girls tend to lose interest at this age and you have encouraged her to continue."

Aeterna Trio Visits HMS

Our seventh grade students had the privilege of visiting with a special group of musicians this week when Ben Birkbeck, Andy Happel, and Devon Colella, of the Aeterna Trio, joined their language arts classes. 

These talented individuals shared their thoughts about the creative process, and what motivates and inspires them. They talked with the students about the importance of
practicing, persevering through difficult times, and finding trusting friends and colleagues with whom to collaborate. 

The trio treated our students to several of their compositions, and worked together to create some songs in real time. We were enthralled with their talent, and so grateful to them for sharing their expertise with us, and contributing to our learning.

Please enjoy the pictures of this event, contributed by accomplished HMS photographer Sam Marjerison.

  

Nick Prato wins the Steingart Family Music Scholarship!

We're thrilled and excited to announce that Nick Prato is the second recipient of the Steingart Family Music Scholarship! The scholarship will be used for private music lessons. Mrs. Grover and Mr. C. have described Nick as an extremely worthy recipient of this honor.

The Steingart family established this scholarship fund prior to Mr. Steingart's passing last year. They saw their daughter Emily's world change in positive ways when she pursued the bassoon in middle school. Emily's love of music presented her with the opportunity to play with the Portland Youth Symphony, as well as the Youth Philharmonic (in Boston) while she was in high school. Her talent and dedication opened the door to some prestigious awards and opportunities, including traveling to China with the Youth Philharmonic orchestra.
                                                                          
 Heartfelt congratulations to Nick and his family on this wonderful award!

Mrs. Prato, Mrs. Grover, Nick Prato, Mr. Prato, and Mr. C.

Connecting With Friends In Uganda!

HMS 5th and 7th grade French students are continuing the pen pal exchange with The St. Bahkita School in Uganda. The friendship between HMS and St. Bahkita began three years ago, when Paula Vicenzi brought this unique opportunity to HMS. 

Charlie and Susan Roscoe, who head up the Schools for Refugee Foundation, hand delivered 180 letters from HMS students to the students of St. Bahkita. Through the Roscoe's foundation, St. Bahkita was gifted with several iPads, which they'll use to connect with students and teachers around the world.                                

The students in Uganda recently had the chance to Skype with the 7th grade students from Mrs. Vicenzi’s and Mrs. Hladky’s French classes. The plan is for the St. Bahkita students to Skype with each of the 5th grade classes at HMS sometime soon. 

These pictures show the excitement and fascination on the faces of the St. Bahkita students as they experience how technology can be used to connect with people from other countries.