Folkdance Residency with Ms. Andy Taylor-Blenis
The third graders have been exploring one of enduring dance styles of the early days of our country. Folkdance instructor, Ms. Andy Taylor-Blenis explained to the students that immigrants to the English colonies brought with them dances from their native countries. The contra dance is an early American creation which was influenced by English, Scottish, French, and African dances of the 17th century. It remains popular today. The songs and music tell about everyday life of settlers. Students learned that these dances were a common way of socializing and making new friends.
The students worked with Ms. Taylor-Blenis twice a week for a month. Mr. Materazzo was very pleased with the residency, “Contra dancing is good for physical education because it incorporates a lot of skills such as spatial awareness, pathways, teamwork, respect, social learning and physical exercise and prepares them for our ballroom dance curriculum in fifth grade. I hope to expand the curriculum to other grades and share this learning experience.” Thank you FOH for a very special experience!
Library Corner
By Sarah Novogrodsky, Library Media Specialist
Grade 5
On February 1st, the fifth graders joined students from around Cambridge to meet author/cartoonist/illustrator George O’Connor. He is the creator of the popular Olympians Rule! series. This event was sponsored by Porter Square Book Foundation. (PSBF). All students received a copy of Artemis: Wild Goddess of the Hunt, the newest book in the Olympian series. Student feedback on the trip was enthusiastic: “He was funny and fast paced.” “He told stories to help us relate to his books.” “He’s my favorite author and I can’t believe I met him!”
Read Across America Day is Coming!
Haggerty School will celebrate Read Across America Day on March 3rd! Haggerty students and teachers will celebrate in a number of ways. Learn how >>
Math Corner
By: Nili Pearlmutter - Haggerty Math Coach
Are you looking for books that will engage your child in reading AND math at the same time? Here are a few suggestions of engaging books that contain math ideas.
These books are likely a good match for students in 3rd through 5th grade or as read alouds. (I will suggest books for younger students in a future Holler.)
- Math Potatoes by Greg Tang (Or one of his many other books.)
- The I Hate Mathematics Book and The Book of Think by Marilyn Burns
- The Man Who Counted by Malba Tahan
- Lost in Lexicon by Pendred Noyce
- The Number Devil by Hans Magnus Enzensberger
Happy Reading!
PE Corner
By: Thomas Materazzo, Physical Education Instructor
Visit the Haggerty School Physical Education family connection website. Mr. Materazzo will use this site to share information about PE and how families can support their child’s learning.
Music Corner
By: Caitlin Mehta (Shelley Irvin-Kent), Music Teacher
I’m excited to fill in for Shelley as she is on parental leave. I’m learning lots of names and I’m encouraged by students’ motivation to learn!
K-2 Families
We’ve begun a new Secret Song! Secret is revealed next week, so I can’t tell you anything yet, but ask your child about it. Maybe s/he can tell you if the song is fast-paced or slow.
Haggerty Chorus Families
One of the songs we are learning is called Pretty Saro, which is a southern folksong believed to have originated in the British Isles. Ask your child to sing one of the verses for you.
Stay Connected
Get up-to-date news, announcements, event information, and school closing information. Follow Haggerty on Facebook today >>
What's Happening Outside of CPS?
Housing Search Workshop
Every Wednesday | 10 - 11:30AM
Cambridge Multi-Service Center, 362 Green St. Cambridge
Learn more >>
2017 Eastern United States Dancesport Championships
February 17 - 19, 2017
Open to anyone.
Learn more >>
ImprovBoston February Vacation Camps
Learn to be yourself and people will follow you.
Camp details >>
MIT Science on Saturday
Saturdays | March 4, April 1
Time: Main presentation 10 - 11AM + hands-on activities 11AM - 12noon
Learn more >>
Be a Engineer for a Day at MIT
March 11, 2017 | 9:45AM - 1PM
Students will design and build cars with Legos to improve their team's scores in two challenges. For children in grades 1 - 7. Event details >>
Call for Memories of Cambridge Common
Do you have memories of Cambridge Common? Participate in a public art project. Learn more >>
Infant and Child Scientists Needed
Harvard Lab for Developmental Studies
Do you want to learn more about how your child's mind works? So do we. Learn more >>
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