The Compass Rose: 9/16
Principal's Message
To the East Elementary School community:
In the coming weeks we'll have an opportunity to share our campus with parents for our Back To School Bash (9/23 @ 4PM) and Curriculum Night (9/28, 6:00 -7:30 PM). In addition to these events, many classroom teachers have remarked on how great it will feel to have parents volunteering and participating in classroom activities more than has been possible in the past due to COVID restrictions on guests. If you are interested in volunteering, please be sure that you have an updated CORI on file (our Main Office staff will be able to help you with what you'll need).
Regarding Curriculum Night, we are asking that this event is attended by parents only. I recognize that this is a shift from past practices, however, with the focus being on curriculum and grade-levels/classrooms presenting content, we want to ensure parents can be present and able to engage in questions & discussions freely. In feedback I sought from varied faculty, there was a noticeable difference in the quality of engagement when students were attending along with parents.
Lastly, a reminder regarding extra purchases at lunch. Students will need funds in their account when purchasing extra items, even though the school lunch is free. Milk is $0.75, water is $1, and snack bags are $0.50. Thank you!
- Mr. Hawes
Cell Phones, iPads, Smartwatches
Parents, please partner with us in upholding the expectations for the use of electronic devices throughout the school day. Over the first few weeks of school, we have been aware of instances in which students are using cell phones or smartwatches to speak directly with parents about the status of their day or how they're feeling.
While understandably comforting for some, it is not an opportunity that all students have and is not in line with our expectations outlined in our Student Handbook (Pg 24: https://hinghamschools.org/east-elementary-school/files/2022/09/Elementary-Handbook-2022-2023.pdf)
If student concerns require immediate adult attention, students should utilize the staff available to them and we'll ensure they get the help/support they need.
Back To School Bash- Volunteers Needed!
Parents- We need you! The PTO is seeking volunteers to staff the stations (cotton candy, slide attendants, help with games, etc). If you're able to help out on Friday 9/23 (some stations start @ 3:30), please visit the link below and sign up:
Pre-K 101
East Explorers After-School Enrichment
Parents, we are excited to partner once again with Hingham Recreation for our Explorers after-school enrichment program. Registration will begin Tuesday 9/13 and will end Tuesday 9/20. Information & flyers will be sent home on Monday 9/12....be sure to check those backpacks!
Our after-school program will begin on Monday 9/26.
*Please note, transportation is not provided. Participants will need to ensure they can be picked up when the program ends (4PM).
COVID-19 Guidance *Updated
Isolation and Exposure Guidance and Protocols
On August 15th, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Department of Public Health released their COVID-19 guidance for the opening of schools. In addition to following this guidance, the district will actively monitor local and state COVID-19 numbers and respond appropriately to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
Please see below a summary of the important guidance.
Isolation and Exposure Precautions - All students and staff should follow the updated isolation and exposure guidance issued by DPH, in alignment with recently issued guidance from CDC.
Contact tracing is no longer recommended statewide in K-12 schools.
Masking - There is no statewide requirement or recommendation for universal masking in schools, apart from in school health offices. As always, any individual who wishes to continue to mask, including those who face a higher risk from COVID-19, will be supported in that choice.
COVID-19 Testing - In line with recent CDC guidance, pool (screening) testing and test to stay will not be implemented.
Vaccinations - All individuals are encouraged to stay up-to-date with vaccination as vaccines remain the best way to help protect yourself and others.
COVID-19 Symptoms
Parents and caregivers are asked to remain vigilant for the following COVID-19 symptoms. Caregivers are asked to report any positive cases of their children to their school nurse immediately. The information shared with nurses will remain confidential. The reporting will allow the schools to monitor any outbreaks and respond appropriately.
Fever (100.0° Fahrenheit or higher), chills, or shaking chills
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
New loss of taste or smell
Muscle aches or body aches
Cough (not due to other known cause, such as a chronic cough)
Sore throat, when in combination with other symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, when in combination with other symptoms
Headache, when in combination with other symptoms
Fatigue, when in combination with other symptoms
Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies), when in combination with other symptoms
Foster Elementary School Building Project
Please see the link below for information & resources related to the Foster School building project:
https://hinghamschools.org/about/foster-school-building-project/
Save The Date! 📅☑️
Back To School Bash
Fri, Sep 23, 2022, 04:30 PM
East Elementary School
Explorers After-School Enrichment begins
Mon, Sep 26, 2022, 03:00 PM
East Elementary School
Curriculum Night
Wed, Sep 28, 2022, 06:00 PM
East Elementary School
Picture Day (classroom teachers will have exact times)
Thu, Sep 29, 2022, 09:00 AM
HPS 2022-23 School Calendar
Contact Us:
Have questions or need assistance? Reach out to us!
Jonathan Hawes, Principal: jhawes@hinghamschools.org
Dr. Amanda Donovan, Assistant Principal: adonovan@hinghamschools.org
Karen Mariani, Administrative Assistant: kmariani@hinghamschools.org
Elisa Nelson, Administrative Assistant: enelson@hinghamschools.org
Tel: (781) 741-1570