News in the Hingham Schools: September 20

Bottle and Can Drive to Benefit HMS Green Committee
Proceeds from all returnable plastic bottles and cans brought to the Hingham Transfer Station through this Saturday, September 24, will benefit the Green committee. The funds will be used for “Green” educational events at the school.

Foster Homework Club
Homework Club is offered on Mondays and Thursdays from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at . It is designed to help children develop their study skills and build independence when doing homework. The first session begins next week and will run for ten weeks. Children in grades three, four, and five are welcome to sign up for one or both days. If you are interested in more information about this program, either have your child request a form in the main office or contact jlowe@hinghamschools.com.

PSAT, PLAN Registration at Hingham High School
PSAT will be held at on Saturday, October 15. The PSAT is a 3-hour “practice” version of the SAT. All juniors planning post-secondary education are strongly encouraged to take the test. Counselors will be visiting English classroom the week of September 26 to distribute registration forms. The fee is $20 and is due by Wednesday, October 5.

The PLAN will also be held at Hingham High School on Saturday, October 15. The PLAN is a four-hour comprehensive 10th grade assessment program—a “practice” ACT. Academic tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning; an interest inventory; a study skills assessment; and a student information section comprise the PLAN program. The comprehensiveness of PLAN enables counselors and teachers to assist 10th graders with academic and career planning during a critical phase of their high school education. Counselors will be visiting English classroom the week of September 26 to distribute registration forms.  The fee is $20 and is due by Wednesday, October 5. 

East Holds Back To School Bash
welcomed families to the 2011-12 school year with its Back To School Bash on Friday afternoon. A BBQ dinner, bouncy houses for the kids and the 5th grade floor hockey game rounded out the festivities, and classrooms were open for visits.

Special Needs Financial Planning Presentation at HHS
The Hingham Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) will host a presentation by financial planner Rich Harwood, CLU, LUTCF, of Centinel Financial Group, LLC in Walpole, on Thursday, October 13. The free presentation will be in room 103 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. We will meet at Hingham High School in Room 103 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  This is a free presentation and is open to the public.

Mr. Harwood will discuss government benefits, eligibility preservation, and financial and legal strategies.  Time will be given for questions and answers during the presentation.

For more information and to RSVP, email hinghamsepac@gmail.com.

HMS Adventure Club
The Hingham Middle School Adventure Club will hold its kick-off meeting today at 2:00 p.m. in the HMS auditorium. Students in grades 7 and 8 are welcome to attend. Details on upcoming trips will be discussed, including an overnight biking trip on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a Boston Harbor kayak trip, and a high adventure weekend of whitewater and zipline in May. Additionally the Adventure Club will run its first winter overnight trip - snowshoeing with the Appalachian Mountain Club in Crawford Notch, NH. Membership materials will be available.

NDA Open House
will host two admissions open houses this fall, on October 16 and November 3. Young women interested in applying to NDA for high school are encouraged to attend.