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Fourth Grade Visit Mount Auburn Cemetery
Our entire fourth grade took a science-fueled walking field trip to Mt Auburn Cemetery. I was lucky enough to join them. It was a glorious, sunny Autumn day. Red and yellow leaves slowly cascaded down around us as we ventured across the grounds. We had two specific stops for making science journal observations: the Consecration Dell and the Tower.
The Dell, as its name suggests, is where Mt Auburn cemetery was consecrated and is a small vernal pool that is well hidden by the steep slopes that surround it. The Dell is densely forested and feels very natural - unlike the well-manicured grounds above. A thin film covered the small pond, and students quietly waited for aquatic or woodland creatures to emerge, noting and drawing it all in their journals.
The Tower, built in 1854, is 62’ tall and sits at the highest point in the cemetery - it is a short - but uphill walk from the Dell, affording panoramic views of Cambridge and Boston. We took turns in small groups climbing the winding staircase to the top of the Tower. Students spotted many landmarks - such as Harvard Stadium, Huron Ave. Apartments, Rindge Ave. Apartments, and all the Boston skyscrapers - and found it exhilarating to be at the top of the “world”.
As we made our way back to school, we learned more about some of the famous Cantabridgians buried at Mount Auburn. We are so lucky to be able to walk to Mt Auburn cemetery - and expose our students to it’s diverse natural beauty and enormous history. Thanks to Mrs. Moloney for leading us, and for all the fourth grade staff, and all of our fourth grade students!
~ Lissa
Pumpking Decorating for JK/K
 Liz Paci, a Haggerty parent of two kindergarten students, organized a fun pumpkin decorating event for our JK/K students on the Haggerty Playground, Sunday, Oct. 24th. At our first Building Community Together Meeting (a.k.a. PTO) on Sept. 14th, there was consensus around more social time for our youngest students and families outside while the weather is good. So Liz initiated a fun morning, filled with pumpkins, decorating supplies, coffee, hot chocolate, and even some donuts! Thanks to Liz and her partner David Rand for organizing such a fun party. Please stay tuned for more ways to gather outside of school!
 
Math Corner by Nili Pearlmutter
 ST Math, with Jiji the penguin, is back this year! Cambridge has a grant to continue using this research-based math learning program. Students can use it at home, too! This is a great way for students to get more practice with the math concepts taught at their grade level. If you would like to learn more about the research behind it or ways to extend the activities, check out their family resources.
Caregiver/Teacher Conferences
November 17 | 12:15-2:15PM and 5:30-7:30PM (by appointment)
On the early release day of November 17th, teachers will hold conferences for caregivers from 12:15-2:15PM and 5:30-7:30PM (by appointment). These will be either virtual or in-person. There will be no childcare for in-person conferences.
Please look for more details on how to sign up from your classroom teacher.
VLUS Triad: True to Life Conversations (Social Identity and Intersectionality)
Part 1: Tuesday, November 16 | 7-8:30PM
Part 2: Wednesday, December 1 | 7-8:30PM
True to Life Conversations will host a two-part community conversation on Zoom about identity. It would be great if you could attend both, but we welcome you at either gathering as well. This conversation is intended for community members of Graham & Parks, Tobin, Haggerty, and Vassal Lane Upper School (the VLUS Triad).
What are the most important aspects of your identity? How does it feel when those around you do not allow you to choose what is an “important” part of your identity? This will include self-reflection activities and a whole group discussion.
Pre-registration by 5PM on November 15 is required. Please register so that we may prepare the breakout groups. Register here >>
“What are “Personal and Social Identities''?
In this activity, participants will reflect on and discuss the facets of their identity that are most important to them. This activity will help participants get to know each other better and allow participants to express important parts of their identities that may otherwise not be known. Participants will also be asked to reflect on the value of their identities by considering which of those is most and least important to them and why that may be. Participants can expect to better understand how the world around them does or does not allow them to choose which pieces of their identity are most important.
What is True to Life Conversations?
We are a group of caregivers and staff from Tobin Montessori, Graham & Parks, Haggerty and Vassal Lane Upper School that wanted to come together and begin to have some really impactful conversations. If you have any questions, please ask Lissa.
Friends of Haggerty
Did you know your Amazon purchases can benefit Haggerty students?
When you sign up for the Amazon Smile program, Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase to Friends of Haggerty. That is a huge help for our enrichment programs, field trips, and more. All you have to do is go to smile.amazon.com and choose Friends of Haggerty as your charity. Then every time you shop, start at smile.amazon.com. And, now you can use Smile through the Amazon app, too. All the instructions you need are here.
Are you curious about FoH and what we do? Come join us (on Zoom) on the first Monday of every month at 7:30PM! You can come just to learn more about what we do, or to find out how you can help make amazing enrichment opportunities happen for Haggerty kids. To get info about how to join the meeting, email Suzanne.
Haggerty PlayDate at NEW Glacken Playground
Sunday, November 7 | 2-4PM (rain cancels)
Thanks to caregiver Katie O'Connell for organizing! Come experience the beautiful new Glacken Playground (Huron Ave., near the top of Cushing Street) with your school friends!
It's Winter Clothing Time!
The weather is feeling more and more like winter. Please remember to dress your children for cold weather. We will be going outside for snack/lunch on dry days, as well as recess. It's really helpful for the children to have enough clothing.
We will set up our annual winter clothing exchange inside school soon. If you have any items (jackets, boots, mittens, or snowpants) to donate you can bring them to the front door - or you can send me a note if you student needs any winter items!
Let's help each other stay warm and continue to enjoy outside!
Thanks for your help!
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