Halloween Happenings!

Heath Extended Day 3-6 News!

Halloween Happenings!

Back by popular demand: HEDP’s annual Halloween Carnival hosted by the 3-6 kids!  The kids in 3-6 will spend a great amount of time in October preparing games and decorations for the big day!  They will brainstorm, design and run “booths” and games that will be visited by the kindergarten- second grade HEDP students.  From face painting and cupcake decorating, to games and prizes, we are sure this event will be enjoyed by all!   When talking with the kids about the party, here are some things they had to say

“The parties were crazy weird and wild!”

“There was a bean bag toss!”

“I like it, it is fun!”

“I loved how every party has a theme!”

“All of the activities were fun!”

The Halloween Party will take place on Thursday, October 28th!  All children are welcome and encouraged to bring their Halloween costumes to change into for the party!

Please Welcome a New Addition to the 3-6 team

Kevin Doherty will be working with the 3-6 group on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays.  During the school day, Kevin works as an aide here at Heath in fifth grade.  He comes to HEDP with many years experience as an aide and working with children.  The kids have really taken to Kevin’s love of playing sports as so many of the kids are found playing a game of football or basketball with him during outside time!

Homework Time Success in 3-6!

In an effort to foster greater independence and encourage the children to make “good choices” the 3-6 extended day teachers have introduced the use of the “yellow card system” during the daily, designated homework time.  The “yellow card system” was   developed using input from the children based on what they think homework expectations should be, along with their desire to get their homework done while at extended day.  Homework time comes with three concrete expectations to help children   achieve their goals.  These expectations are; all students should work silently, all students should remain in his/her assigned homework seat, and finally students should follow adults’ directions.  At the start of homework time the students are informed that homework time is beginning and they are reminded of the homework time expectations.  If a child chooses not to follow the expectations of homework time, they are given a “yellow card” warning that is placed in from of them on the table.  If the student who has a “yellow card” chooses to continue with the undesirable behaviors such as talking, moving around the room without permission or are being disruptive, they will receive a tally mark on their warning which represents the amount of time he/she will be expected to continue working on homework.  Both HEDP teachers and staff have found this plan to be extremely helpful as the students are more productive in a quieter environment with a reduced number of distractions.  The students are learning to advocate for themselves by asking to have their assigned seats reassigned so they are not sitting near friends.  One student shared that he finds the plan helpful as he now completes his homework during homework time because he is encouraged to make better choices. 

News, Notes and Reminders

~Heath Extended Day’s new telephone number is (617) 879-4565. 

~In an effort to be environmentally friendly, all monthly newsletters will be emailed to families.  If you do not receive your monthly copy, please email us  at [email protected]

~The sign out book will continue to remain in the cafeteria until 5:30, daily.  Please take the time to sign out your child daily and check for important mail or announcements.  After 5:30, the sign out book and your child’s belongings will be with us either outside, in the gym or in the upper extended day room.