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HARDING HUSKIES HAPPENINGS
Published Weekly by Harding Township School
October 17, 2014
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Matthew A. Spelker
Please join me next week on Saturday, October 25 for a fun evening with the HTEF at their annual fundraiser!
The Foundation is hosting a Halloween Carnival at 8:00 pm at the Basking Ridge Country Club. The proceeds
will benefit curricular enhancements for all grades at Harding Township School. Your support is greatly
appreciated. We hope to see you there!
I hope you can also join me at the Hunger Walk this Sunday. This 5K walk will benefit the Community Soup
Kitchen and Outreach Center of Morristown. Please see the Guidance Corner article for more information.
Thank you again for your support of our school and community.
HARDING TOWNSHIP EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
HTEF Presents a
Halloween Carnival Fundraiser!
Fun and Games with Fabulous Extreme Makeover Prizes
Saturday, October 25th
8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
$75 now or $100 at the door
Leave the Kids and Join Us in Costume at the
Basking Ridge Country Club Tent
Featuring a Live Band: Jeff Sabol and the 13th Floor
Full Open, Potent, Ghoulish Bar and Rancid, Spoiled Halloween Eats!
Please RSVP to [email protected]
Or send a check with your child to school or mail to
HTEF
PO Box 734
New Vernon, NJ 07976
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on Friday, November 21, Monday, November 24 and Tuesday, November 25
2014. There will be a 12:45 p.m. dismissal on these three days and conferences will start at 1:15 pm. The last
conference for grades PK-4 will be scheduled at 2:55 pm on Friday and at 4:00 pm on Monday and Tuesday. If you are
the parent of a PK – 5th grader and would like to request a specific time, kindly contact Mrs. Howard at 973-267-6398,
ext. 108 or [email protected] no later than Friday, October 31, 2014. 6 - 8th grade conferences will be a
“round robin" format. Middle School teachers will be available to meet individually with parents in an arena-style
setting in the gym.
HARDING TOWNSHIP EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
The Fabulous Friday 5:
5 great things that happened in our classrooms this week.
Brought to you weekly by the Harding Township Education Association
1. Podcasts- Ms. Poole’s eighth graders made a podcasts on controversial topics in science. They developed their own radio shows
using their IPads and Garage Band. This project is based on the short story unit the eighth graders have been working on, "Flowers for
Algernon."
2. Mythology – Seventh graders are busy reading mythology. Ask a seventh grade how earth received fire!
3. Halloween Tunes- Mrs. Gareau’s music class are busy singing up some spooky tunes for Halloween. Don’t be scared if you hear a
spooky tune coming from the shower.
4. What a great book- Mrs. Baldassari and Mrs. Smith’s third grade classes have started reading Esio Trot by Roald Dahl. Ask a third
grader to tell you their favorite part.
5. Writer’s Workshop- The H.T.S Faculty was lucky enough to have Kristen Widmer visit their classrooms to demonstrate a lesson for
Writer’s Workshop. Thank you to the H.T.E.F. for sponsoring this wonderful workshop.
2015 YEARBOOK
The Harding Township School is pleased to announce that online ordering has begun for the 2015 Yearbook.
Buy your copy of the 2015 Yearbook with a few keystrokes – no forms, no checks, no hassle. This year,
personalization is also available with online orders.
Yearbook - $18.00
Yearbook with Personalization - $23.00
Deluxe Signature Package - $31.00
Scan the QR code to purchase your yearbook today!
A FRIENDLY REMINDER
Please remember to send in a note to your child’s teacher when there is to be a change in after school arrangements.
Middle school students are to bring notes to the middle school office. Emails are discouraged as teachers and office
staff do not have the opportunity to check emails repeatedly throughout the day. Thank you for your cooperation!
Please note: It is not the responsibility of the teacher or office staff to make arrangements for last minute play dates.
Arrangements are to be made at home beforehand. Of course we are happy to help in the event an emergency occurs.
ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARADE!
The Annual Halloween Parade will be held on Friday, October 31 at 1:45 P.M. We will gather in the elementary circle
and give students and staff an opportunity to parade around the circle. Students should not wear their costumes to
school. Please be sure that costumes are safe and do not promote violence. Do not send students to school with any
weapons. Teachers will provide details regarding times for students to change into costumes. Homeroom mothers
should confirm plans with homeroom teachers.
Please remember that all cars must be moved in time for bus pick-up. We would also like to remind parents to please
park in designated areas only.
GUIDANCE CORNER
Melissa Hart, Guidance Counselor
Due to the increasing concern over children’s exposure to violence in the media, the NJ Department of Education has
released a pamphlet, “Media Violence and Youth: Impact of a Child's Exposure to Media Violence,” to increase
awareness on the subject and offer information for parents to help limit children’s exposure. This pamphlet can be
found under the site shortcuts at www.hardingtwp.org.
Character Quote of the Week
“Knowledge will give you power, but character respect." Bruce Lee
CHARACTER CORNER
This month’s character education theme is Respect. This Tuesday, teachers and students discussed how to show respect
for others in school. Some students talked about empathy and looking at situations from another person’s perspective.
Others wrote compliments for students to reflect on when they are having a bad day. Students brainstormed examples
of interactions in school and the community at large that model respect, and the situations that need to be improved.
We are very busy working to make sure we all do our part to create a welcoming learning environment!
Next week’s quote:
Respect is a two way street. If you want to get it, you have to give it.” –R.G. Risch
UPCOMING EVENTS
Hunger Walk
A 5K fundraising walk benefitting the Community Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center in Morristown
Sunday, October 19, 2014 (rain or shine)
1:00pm Registration
1:30pm Start time
2:30pm Refreshments and music
Community Soup Kitchen, on the side of the Church of the Redeemer
36 South Street, Morristown
Registration forms are available in the guidance office, or you may register online at www.cskmorristwon.org
8th grade Students and Parents
Private School Application Process
Any parent of a student applying to a private school should contact the guidance office to go over application process
and obtain the necessary forms.
Morris County Vocational School District Open House
Morris County Vocational School District is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, October 22, at 6:00pm. Learn about
full-time and share-time career and technical education programs for high school.
For more information, please visit their website at www.mcvts.org
PTO NEWS
PTO Website: http://www.hardingtwp.org/PTO/index.htm
2014-2015 PTO Board Members:
President: Tracey Walters
Co-Vice Presidents: Kathy Clifford and Jen Flanagan
Treasurer: Linda Kearns and Nadine Hartnett
Secretary: Sheila Hepp and Nancy Gallagher
See us at WWW.HARDINGPTO.COM
Reach us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter @HTSPTO
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13th Annual Fashion Show: Gatsby Garden Party
Look for the 2015 Fashion Show invitation design contest letter in backpacks next week!
The Fashion Show Committee invites students to enter the invitation design contest and encourage artists to begin
imagining the elegance of 1920’s garden party from the pages of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel “The Great
Gatsby.” Travel back in time to the Roaring Twenties, and celebrate Art Deco, flappers, and the Jazz Age!
Students should use black pen, ink, or markers for the drawing, which they may color in if they like. Students should
write their name and grade on the BACK of the attached card (in pencil) and return to their homeroom teacher
by Wednesday, November 5th.
The 13th Annual Harding Township School PTO Fashion Show Luncheon and Silent Auction will take place on Saturday,
March 28th at the Hyatt Morristown. The winner's artwork (chosen by the Fashion Show Committee) will be featured on
the Fashion Show's Invitation and Program Cover.
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Register Students to Receive Credits Here
Our Innisbrook Fundraiser is now open and will run until October 30, 2014. Register to receive credits for all purchases
in your child’s name. Collect orders and enter them on the Innisbrook website. Remember out-of-town family and
friends can support our fundraiser by shopping at the Innisbrook Online Store. Send your out-of-town family and
friends’ emails to let them know about the sale. Complete instructions were sent home in backpacks this week.
Since 1982, Innisbrook has successfully helped schools and organizations raise much needed funds. Their goal is to help
maximize efforts to make fundraising EASY and Fun for families. Their quality products are great values that families are
proud to sell.
Contact Kathy Clifford at [email protected] with any questions.
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Save the Dates!
Saturday, November 22, 2014
HARDING TOWNSHIP SCHOOL
** HOLIDAY Boutique **
Gets a head start on Holiday Shopping!
…and don’t forget our “kids only” Santa Shop!
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**
Book Fair! **
November 22nd to 25th
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The first Box Tops collection for this year will be on Thursday October 23, so get clipping everybody!!
Click for the List of Participating Products
If you have any questions please contact Alison Maxwell at [email protected]
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PTO Sponsors Trunk or Treat!
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Bring your ghosts and goblins PK-8! Come decorate your car and hand out candy!
Friday, October 31st Car decorating begins at 4:00 PM, Trunk or Treating 4:30 PM to 5:30
Prizes awarded for Scariest, Funniest and Most Creative Cars
Food and Beverages available for purchase
$10 Entrance fee per family
 If you would like to volunteer or donate items needed to make this event a success, please contact Jen Flanagan
at [email protected]
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SAVE THE DATE for our PTO Cocktail Party
December 5, 2014
Details to Follow!
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WORK FAMILY CONNECTION
The Work-Family Connection provides the after school program services at Harding Township School. Our program after
school provides a daily nutritious snack, an hour of homework assistance each day, many themed enrichment activities,
playground and physical games/sports, science, arts/crafts and more! We offer convenient registration options
including 1-5 days a week and pick-up times ranging from 4pm to 6:30pm. We also offer a drop-in service in which you
only need to register once and you may drop your child into the program for a small fee anytime you need it! All day
programs with field trips and special activities are frequently available at nearby locations on most school holidays.
908-534-5935 www.workfamily.org
HARDING LAND TRUST FALL FESTIVAL
Building on the success of last year’s event on Margett’s Field
Harding Land Trust
invites you to a
Fall Festival 2014
Sunday, October 19th, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Showgrounds, Corner of Sand Spring Lane and Sand Spring Road
Music by Bluegrass Band West Circle Drive
Square dancing with Caller Dan
Food and family fun
50/50 raffle
Free pony rides & games
Parking $10
Bring your own chairs and blankets!
Please join us for a fun afternoon to celebrate
Harding’s autumn beauty with your neighbors!
HARDING TOWNSHIP RECREATION ASSOCIATION
Soccer
Our soccer season will continue through Saturday, 11/15. Regardless of future weather cancellations, this will be our
last session.
Our kids vs. parents game will be on 11/8, the last 15 minutes of each session (9:45-10am for Pre-K and 11-11:15am for
K, 1st & 2nd). We are looking forward to some stiff competition this year. The parents are looking pretty good on the
side lines and the kids may not have such an easy romp this year!
Basketball for the Winter season is NOW open!
HTRA will again offer instructional and competitive basketball for boys and girls in grades 1 through 8 during the 20142015 season. The program will run from December to March and will consist of (1) instructional clinics for boys in grades
1 through 4 and girls in grades 1 through 3, and (2) competitive team play for boys in grades 5 through 8 and girls in
grades 4 through 8. The instructional clinics will be once a week on Saturdays, dates and times TBA, at the Harding
School gymnasium. The competitive team play will be in the Mendham Patriot League’s divisions for boys in grades 5
and 6, boys in grades 7 and 8, girls in grades 4 and 5, and girls in grades 6 through 8. All games will be in Mendham on
Saturdays and one weeknight per week (5/6 boys – Mondays, 7/8 boys – Tuesdays, 4/5 girls – Wednesdays, and 6/8 girls
– Thursdays). All practices will be in Harding on one weeknight per week (other than your game night).
Field Hockey
Winter League is currently full. If you missed out on registration, you can still be placed on the Waiting List. Please
contact Coach Keating at field [email protected] for additional information.
Questions? Visit the website at www.htra.info or email us at [email protected].
KEMMERER LIBRARY
Fall Activities
Story Hour with the Children’s Librarian: Toddlers and pre-schoolers with their parents or caregivers are invited to join us for an
hour of songs, games, stories and a craft. No registration required, Tuesday and Thursday, 10:30 a.m.
Pre-School Lunch Bunch: Bring your pre-school student to the Library for a pre- or after-school hour of fun, educational games,
stories and more. Bring a brown bag lunch & lunch with your buddies. Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. OR 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Family STEM Sundays: Recognizing the growing importance of science, technology, engineering, and math, the Library is
introducing a monthly Sunday afternoon family-oriented program. Children and their parents are invited to join us for
a series of hands-on activities designed to explore the sciences in a fun, informal environment, Sundays at 4:00 p.m.
October 26, November 30.
Monday Morning Yoga with MJ Turnbull: Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
Mah Jongg: Thursdays, 12:00 p.m.
DAILY SPORTS INFORMATION
Daily practice, game information and directions to away games can be found on the school website under:
Departments  Athletics. Please do not call the office.
HTS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
9/29-10/31
10/19
10/20
10/22
10/23
10/23-31
10/24
10/25
10/30
10/31
MAP Testing
5K Walk to benefit the Community Soup Kitchen & Outreach Center, Morristown 1 pm registration
BOE Meeting 7:00 p.m. LMC (Please note: This time has been changed from 7:30 p.m.)
Gr. 8 Open House at Morris County Vocational School – 6:00 pm
PTO Box Top Collection
Red Ribbon Week
 Student Council Trip to Funplex 6:30 -9:45 pm
HTEF Halloween Carnival 8-11 pm, Basking Ridge Country Club Tent
Homework Free Night
Gr. 5 to Various Local Nursing Homes 9:30-11:30
10/31
Annual Halloween Parade
10/31
11/3
11/4
11/4
11/5
11/6-7
11/17
11/20
11/21
11/22
11/22
11/24-25
11/24-25
11/26
11/27-28
12/2
12/5
PTO Trunk or Treat 4-7 pm, HTS Parking Lot
BOE Meeting 7:30 p.m. LMC
Gr. 7 to Metropolitan Museum of Art 8:35-2:45
Gr. 5 to Buehler Challenger Center, Bergen Community College 9:30-2:30
st
End of 1 Marking Period
SCHOOL CLOSED – NJEA Convention
BOE Meeting 7:30 p.m. LMC
PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m. LMC
12:45 PM DISMISSAL Parent Conferences
PTO Book Fair
PTO Harding Holiday Boutique 9-4pm
12:45 PM DISMISSAL Parent Conferences
PTO Book Fair
12:45 PM DISMISSAL – Thanksgiving
SCHOOL CLOSED – Thanksgiving
Gr. 8 to Bergen PAC “Encore” 8:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
SAVE THE DATE – PTO Cocktail Party
New items to the above calendar appear in blue.
Happy Autumn at HTS!
Thank you Mrs. DeCotiis for the lovely fall photo!
HTS COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS
Members of our school community are welcome to send classified ads for publication in our weekly news bulletin. Ads must be
emailed by Wednesday at 4:00 pm to [email protected] to be included in the Friday edition and must be ready to cut and
paste. Ads will be run for three weeks only and commercial ads or graphics will not be accepted. At the end of three weeks if you
would like the ad to appear again, you must resubmit the information. Ads may be omitted due to space limitations and will be run
the next week.
----------------------------------------------TUTOR AVAILABLE Former Harding teacher, Colleen Carey, is available for tutoring. 973-476-4281
Go Huskies!
Harding Huskies Happenings is published weekly by the Harding Township School. Articles and Classifieds pertaining to the HTS
Community only, must be submitted no later than Wednesday 4:00 PM to ehoward@harding twp.org.