Spartan Sentinel Harrington Park School Newspaper Winter Edition 2023/2024 SCHOOL-WIDE One School, One Story By Chaerin Isabella Oh Dr. Seuss once said, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” In order to learn more about the grave consequences that result from antisemitism, racism, and other forms of hate, the Harrington Park School District decided to read bestselling author Gordon Korman’s novel Linked. The entirety of the staff has put their greatest effort into turning the experience of reading this book into an educational yet memorable experience that would teach the future generations of Harrington Park the importance of acceptance and tolerance. The students, as well, have been constantly reading the book at home and school with peers and parents. Many students are listening to their favorite teachers narrate Linked through a video by the Harrington Park staff members themselves. Many teachers also find themselves suddenly hooked by the suspenseful book. With such a brilliant new program, there are many things to reflect on. The students and staff gave a classic Harrington Park welcome to the bestselling author, Gordon Korman when he visited the school on January 9th. Mr. Korman discussed his experiences as an author, the inspirations of his pieces, and a lot about his new 103rd book (Slugfest), and Linked itself. He explained that his biggest inspiration for the book was the “Paper Clips Project,” which was created in the small southeastern Tennessee town of Whitwell. The simple yet unrealistic middle school project’s goal was to gather a total of six million paper clips for the memorial of the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust through the years of 1939 and 1945. Similarly, Link, one of the protagonists of Linked, aids his school in creating six million paper chains after discovering his previously unknown Jewish roots and hateful swastikas at his school, Chokecherry Middle School. After the special author visit, students and teachers in 5th through 8th grade began and now continue to vigorously read the book. They are extremely invested in Link and his classmates, including Dana, the only Jewish girl at Chokecherry, Michael, a prime suspect of the cruel vandalism, and a strange blogger named ReelTok who seems to be aggravating Mr. Brademas, the principal. This fascinating novel builds up suspense, detailed character development, and one’s emotions while reading. It’s hard not to sit on the edge of your seat while reading this book! It is apparent that the One School, One Story program has had quite a positive impact on the Harrington Park School community. See following pages for link t
Picture of Mr. Conlon in front of HPSD Superintendent Message
Hate Has No Place Here
Students sitting in the Gym reading "Linked" for HPSD's "One School, One Story"
Monday:  Monday 3/4  March 4th - March 8th  Llama Llama Red Pajama Wear your cozy Pajamas!  Tuesday 3/5  Thursday 3/7  Friday 3/8  Pete the Cat Crayons Rock Wear as many colors as possible!  Dream Big: Michael Jordan & the Pursuit of Excellence Dress in your favorite team jersey/shirt!  Your Future is Bright Dress as your future self (what you want to be when you grow up)  Non Fiction Friday Weird But True Keep a fun fact in your pocket to be shared with your friends!  Don't miss Ms. McHale's daily Read Aloud posted everyday to our YouTube Channel!  Wednesday3/6
Spartan Head Logo
Have A Heart Volleyball Players
Student Council's Annual Heart Gram Sale, send a heart gram and a surprise. $1 cash donnation per heart gram.  Complete the form and send donation in an envelope labeled with studnet name and heart gram $  HEart gram will be deliverd to homerooms on Feb. 14th
Cold Weather Reminders
Spartan Sentinel Harrington Park School Newspaper
Students showing off their Principal For The Day Badges
Spelling bee Winners holding their awards
Image of box with food in it that says Food Drive
Gordon Korman in front of a bulletin board that says" One school, one story" Linked
Author Gordon Korman Writing Contest HP Families Grades 5-8,  As previously shared,  Author Gordon Korman will visit HP on Tuesday, January 9th. Separate from his large group presentations and One School, One Story kickoff, there is a writing contest opportunity for 25 students in grades 5-8. Selected students will be part of a private writing workshop session with Mr. Korman.   Yesterday, January 2nd, all students in grades 5-8 received a lesson in ELA classes in which they viewed a video and engaged in class discussions about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Students then all received the same writing prompt:  Prompt: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. used his words to inspire change. How can your words be a tool for inspiring positive change?  Students received class time on Tuesday to get started. However, those interested in submitting their response must do so by Friday, January 5th using this Google Form. The response limit is 500 words.   More information will be forthcoming this week about our One School, One Story kickoff! As a reminder, all 5th-8th graders will receive a copy of Linked to bring home courtesy of the HPEA.    The above image is the HSA order form for anyone interested in purchasing signed copies of a Gordon Korman book.
Friendly Reminder to our HP Families: Tomorrw, Friday, Decmber 22nd is a minimum session day for all students and staff. Dismissal is at 12:45 pm. School is closed 12/23-1/1 and will reopen on Tuesday, January 2nd. Wishing our families a safe, happy and healthy Holiday and New Year. Enjoy the break.
Last week, our middle school students began working with INHABIT on the foundation of breath work. Students practiced skills and techniques to help them relax and refine their focus.   Thank you to the HSA  for partnering in this initiative.
Turkey Drive donation bags of food for Apostles House in NEwark, NJ
Students in APR posing in front of the stage for theTurkeyDrive
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