Haggerty Holler: December 20, 2024

Haggerty Holler: December 20, 2024
Posted on 12/20/2024

Haggerty Peace Concert

On Friday, December 13th, our entire community gathered in the gymnasium to listen to the beautiful voices of our students in our annual Peace Concert. Grades Kindergarten through Fourth grade performed a series of numbers, and the concert ended with four songs by the talented Haggerty Chorus. The students’ efforts were clear and their voices were strong. We thank our music teachers, Mx. Irvin and Ms. Susie Petrov!




Fourth Grade Visits the Harvard Natural History Museum

Our fourth grade had a wonderful field trip to the Harvard Natural History Museum! Thank you to all the chaperones!




Music Corner

Our November Musician of the Month, Voice of Baceprot, is a group of three young women who met in Islamic Jr. High School in Singajaya, a small town 2 hours’ drive from West Java. Baceprot means noise in a West Java dialect of Sudanese to represent the music they play: heavy metal and rock. They gained fame in 2017 after releasing a music video. Singer/guitarist is Furda Marsya Kurnia, drummer is Euis Siti Aisyah, and bassist is Widi Rahmati. The group speaks about American bands Metallica and Rage Against the Machine as primary influences. VOB are powerful performers on stage, and thrash metal is popular in Indonesia. They have received some backlash about being young women performing heavy metal. As we teach at Haggerty, anyone can do any job they want!

Listen to our Musician of the Month Spotify playlist here.




Library Corner by Brianna Mency and Suzanne Russell

The Haggerty Readers Book Club continues to flourish, bringing together students with a shared love for reading and exploration. As our group grows, so too does our journey through the world of literature. We've had lively discussions about book recommendations, preferences, and Massachusetts Children's Book Award (MCBA) books. Students have embraced different roles, such as discussion director, participant, and time keeper, enriching our meetings with diverse perspectives and organizational skills. 

Our club has embarked on an exciting journey of reading books together, tailored to the interests and reading levels of each grade. In Grade 2, students enjoy Jon Klassen's "Hat" series with its clever illustrations. In Grade 3, they dive into the "Spooky Sleuths" series for mystery and adventure. Students in grades 4 and 5 will explore "Mexikid," a graphic novel that combines humor and cultural elements, fostering connections with a variety of diverse narratives. The Haggerty Readers Book Club looks forward to the imaginative discussions and insights that these books will inspire, fostering a lifelong love of reading and community among our students.




Tech Corner by Kevin McGonegal and Brianna Mency

Lego Robotics Unit Conclusion 
As we wrap up our lego robotics unit, it is with a mix of pride and a tinge of sadness that we reflect on the journey we have shared over the past four weeks. Our students in grades four and five have demonstrated remarkable creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills as they navigated the world of robotics. During this time, students engaged in coding and improving their programs, building prototypes, and applying the engineering process to solve real-world problems. The experience was not only educational but also a lot of fun, as students worked together to bring their ideas to life. Our fourth-grade students worked on some truly impressive projects, including Animal Alarm, Arctic Ride, Classic Carousel, and Twirling Teacups. Fifth-grade students started with the Arctic Ride project and then took their learning to the next level by choosing their own lesson plans to follow, resulting in a variety of innovative and exciting projects. This autonomy allowed them to explore areas of personal interest and push the boundaries of their creativity. While we are sad to see the lego kits move on to another school, we are equally excited to transition into our upcoming WeVideo and Digital Literacy units. Both grades will have the opportunity to delve into new skills and concepts, building on the foundation of innovation and teamwork established during the robotics unit.




Math Corner

Dear Caregivers, 

Looking for ways to spend time with your child over the vacation? Try mixing in math! This Mixing In Math website includes many simple ideas for fun ways to do math together. The website includes the activities in both English and Spanish. A few of my favorites are: 

  • “Anytime, Anywhere” activities like counting all the legs where you are. 
  • “Play with your Food” ideas like measuring out food to match the serving size on the nutrition label. 
  • “Games Galore” suggestions like taking turns tossing a handful of coins and adding up the value of the coins that are heads up. The person with the highest value wins. 

If you and your child try any of these over the vacation, let me know! 

Mathily Yours, 
Nili, AKA Ms. Pearlmutter, Haggerty Math Coach 

P.S. To learn more about our math curriculum and what your children are learning, you can always go to this website to find videos and letters about each unit. (Grades 2, 4 and 5 have started Unit 4. Grades K, 1 and 3 will start Unit 4 sometime in January.)




Literacy Corner by Suzanne Russell

Winter Break=Time for Reading. Please encourage your child (children) to log in reading hours during the Winter Break. We hope that children will take time to read and write. Children in grades K-5 can use BOOST, and children in grades 3-5 can use BOOST or i-Ready at home. 

Recommended Reading for Digital Programs is listed below. For more resources and tools, please check out the ELA Caregiver Website: ELA Caregiver Website >>

CKLA Celebrations: Curriculum Shout Outs
Students in grades 2 & 3 are currently learning about ancient Rome and ancient Greek civilization. Over the last few weeks students have been learning about the geography of Europe and how it has changed over time. These units help children to learn about how civilizations began and who led these early civilizations. Students are learning about both Roman and Greek gods and goddesses. There are many myths and legends explored, ask your child to share a story or two with you. 

Above: Students in Mrs. Moloney’s third grade are learning all about the Roman Colosseum and the ancient chariot races. The class is making a Golden Chariot out of cardboard. In Ms. Olmos Govea’s grade 2 classroom, the children designed a greek vase complete with typical geometric shapes and designs. These vases, also known as vessels, were used to carry water.




Friends of Haggerty Winter Appeal 

Reminder - Our Winter Appeal is still on! There are small notes/envelopes in the main office to give to your teachers as well to let them know you donated on their behalf.

Help Learning Come Alive
Friends of Haggerty funds our school's enrichment programs so that families are never asked to pay for field trips, author or artist visits, or other community events. Your contributions to FOH make that possible. We are always welcoming new members from the Haggerty Community to join FOH. Talk to one of the FOH members to find out how to get involved to help bring more enrichment opportunities to Haggerty students. Learn more about FOH here.

Winter Fundraising Goal: $10,000
Learn more on how to donate here.

  • Online: Scan the QR code here or use this link.
  • Cash: Please place your donation in the pre-labeled envelope provided, and leave it in the main office or return in your child's gold folder.
  • Check:Payable to Friends of Haggerty
    • Send by mail or leave in the main office.
      Friends of Haggerty
      110 Cushing St.
      Cambridge, MA 02138



Resources

Food, Nutrition, & Gardening  Mind, Movement, & More 
  • Solstice Tai Chi & Reflections | December 21 | 10-12PM
    • Join the Cambridge Public Library for Solstice Tai Chi & Reflections! Instructor Ellen will guide attendees with low-impact gentle movements and discuss reflections for the winter solstice. For information, please see this link here
  • Cambridge Program's Annual Play: If These Walls Could Talk | December 21 and 22
    • The Cambridge Program for Individuals with Special Needs brings its annual play elevating abilities of all kinds. This year, the play will be If These Walls Could Talk: A Look into the Everyday Lives of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Please see here for more information. 
  • Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold | December 30 | 11-11:45AM | Virtual
    • The Cambridge Public Library is hosting a second virtual Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold virtual class! Join Zumba instructor Emily for a fun way to do low-impact physical activity from home. Registration is required - please see here for information and how to register. 
  •  Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness | January 6 | 11-11:45AM | Hybrid
    • The Cambridge Public Library Valente branch brings Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness! This event will be hybrid, offering in person and virtual options. Registration is required. For information, please see here.



Upcoming Community Events

MLK Math Festival
Monday, January 20 | 10AM - 12PM | Fletcher Maynard Academy (225 Windsor Street) 
Join the Cambridge Math Circle for the 7th annual MLK Math Festival! This free event offers several fun math games and puzzles for families with students Kindergarten through grade 8. The first 150 participants will get prizes!

Cambridge MLK Day of Service and Learning 
Monday, January 20 | 2 - 5PM | Central Square Church (5 Magazine Street) 
Join Many Helping Hands, My Brother’s Keeper, and other community groups for the 15th annual MLK Day of Service and Learning! Volunteer in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of service. Learn more and register here.

Shoot Straight Winter Basketball Registration Open
Registration for the 2025 Shoot Straight Basketball League is open! Offered by Cambridge Recreation and Shoot Straight, the instructional basketball league teaches young athletes basketball skills, team play, and sportsmanship. 

  • Open to Cambridge youth in grades 3-6 
  • League runs for 10 weeks from Saturday, January 4 through Saturday, March 8 
  • Located at the War Memorial Recreation Center / CRLS Al Coccoluto Gym (1640 Cambridge St. Door 15). 
  • The cost to participate in the league is $50 per child. 

To register for Shoot Straight, please return a completed registration form (PDF) and $50 fee to the Department of Human Service Programs, c/o George Rodriguez, Cambridge Recreation, 51 Inman St. Please pay by cash or check made payable to Shoot Straight. 

Additional information about the league is available on the registration form. Registration will remain open until all league spots are filled. 

For more information, contact George Rodriguez, Recreation Activities Coordinator, at [email protected] or 617.349.6237.

Start your Girl Scout journey today!
Each day as a Girl Scout brings thrills and out-of-this-world experiences. Don't miss your chance to make new friends and be part of a journey you'll never forget! Find your squad and get ready for amazing adventures. 

Join the Girl Scouts here >>

Free Girl Scout Try-It Event 
Monday, January 27 | 5:30-6:30PM | First Church in Cambridge

Join us for a fun evening where you can lean all about Girl Scouts and make new friends! Bring your grown-up(s) along. Scan code to RSVP here or visit this link.




Cambridge Public Schools Calendar Change

  • Friday, December 20th - Four Hour School Day 
  • Monday, December 23rd - No School - Happy Holidays 
  • Thursday, January 2nd - Professional Development Day for Educators 
  • Friday, January 3rd - Students Return to School

Read the full story >>




Winter 24/25 VPA Events

Check out our upcoming VPA events this winter season. For more information, please read the flyer here and visit vpa.cpsd.us.

  • Piano Recital 
    January 7 | 6PM | Black Box Theater 
  • CRLS Jazz Concert 
    January 9 | 7PM | Main Cafeteria



Empower Your Digital Journey: Free Help From Digital Navigators

Digital Navigators provide one-on-one support to help you access the Internet, set up devices, and use online services effectively. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide in our community. 

You can receive a free laptop if: you live in Cambridge, are low-income, and looking for a job or career development classes. You can receive free internet hotspot if: all of the above AND you don’t have internet access at home. Learn more about the program here.

Ready to get started? Call us today and start your digital journey! When calling in, please be sure to state your name and city you live in. 

Call 888.551.2167.
massdigitaljedi.org
[email protected]




Snack of the Week





In Our District and Community

Visit Find It Cambridge for lots of great resources!
You can also call/text 617.686.2998 or email Andrew for help.

See a curated list of programs, events, and resources within our district & community! See list >>

Upcoming Haggerty Events

No School for Winter Break
Monday, December 23 - Thursday, January 2 

School Resumes (Full Day)
Friday, January 3

Haggerty Movie Night
Friday, January 10 | 6 - 7:30 PM | Gymnasium
Movie to be determined. This is not a drop in event, so all students must be accompanied by an adult. 

Haggerty School Advisory Council
Friday, January 17 | 7:45-8:45 AM | Library and Google Meet 

No School, In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 20

View full calendar >>
View district calendar >>

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