Cheetah Chronicles
May 2nd, 2021
Important Dates
May 3rd-7th- Staff Appreciation Week (see below for more details)
May 5th-Asynchronous Day
May 11th- Bike/Walk to School Day
May 19th-Asynchronous Day
May 26th-Asynchronous Day
May 31st-Memorial Day-No School
June 21st-Last Day of School
School Calendar
Symptom Screening Reminder
Temperature Checks and Screenings will no longer be conducted when students arrive to school. Adults/Parents should ensure that students should not be in school if they are diagnosed with COVID-19, exposed to someone with COVID-19, instructed to quarantine, or if they are sick or experiencing any of these symptoms:
100.4° fever or higher
Sore throat
New cough
New shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
New loss of taste or smell
Diarrhea or vomiting
New severe headache
VIRTUAL ACADEMY REGISTRATION OPEN UNTIL MAY 2nd-TODAY-at 5:00pm
The 2021-22 WCPSS K-12 Virtual Academy registration window is open from April 22-Sunday, May 2 at 5PM. Please take the time to read about the changes in next year’s Virtual Academy before deciding to register, and click here to sign up if still interested. In order to appropriately plan our staffing, we need to know the number of students who will be attending VA in the coming year. The deadline to enroll is TODAY by 5pm.
Bell Schedule for 2021-2022
Welcome to Letterland Days 2021
The Wake County Public Schools, along with our sponsors, the City of Raleigh, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Letterland International, and Wake Up and Read, are proud to present a version of Letterland Day at Pullen Park. Since we all can't be together for one fun-filled day, we have extended Letterland Day to three weeks!
That's right, throughout the first three weeks of May, different Letterlanders can be found at various locations around the city of Raleigh. A few Letterlanders will have pre-packaged activities that you can take home and do (limited supplies). If you would not like to take the activity, don't worry; we will have all of the activities with directions online. Click the link below to find out where your favorite Letterlander can be found and when!
Planning for the 2021-2022 School Year
As soon as we get our Virtual Academy numbers, we will be able to move forward with more planning for 21-22. Students will revert to their original tracks from last year and new students will be assigned a track by the end of May. Hang in there as we know you need this info and it's coming.
Lufkin Road Middle School Open House for Rising 6th Graders
We are excited to offer an in-person open house option to all Lufkin Road Middle School rising 6th graders on Wednesday, May 5! Please complete this Google Form no later than Monday, May 3 to RSVP.
Due to social distancing requirements, we are limiting the number of registrants per timeslot. When attending the event, you may only have one parent/guardian accompany each rising 6th grade student.
As traditional and modified calendar students have school on May 5, we have created an evening session exclusively for those families from 5:00-6:00pm. We are asking that year-round calendar students sign up for one of our two early sessions.
If your family is unable to attend one of our open house sessions, please still complete the Google Form so we can have accurate contact information for your family.
Testing
The HSES EOG dates have been finalized and can be found below and on the HSES website. It is important that every effort is made for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to be present during testing days. Please plan vacations/trips, doctor appointments, etc accordingly.
VA students who are coming in for testing on those dates will receive a more detailed email this week from our testing coordinators, Ms. Bashor and Ms. Quigley.
Yearbook Ordering! Order Deadline: May 14th, 2021
Yearbook Ordering will be ONLINE ONLY this school year. The cost for the 2020-2021 Yearbook will be $20.00. Please visit strawbridge.net and click the “order pictures and yearbooks” button at the top of the page. The HSES Yearbook code is FMYB102142. The May 14th, 2021 ordering deadline is firm. Please contact Ms. Pickrel at apickrel@wcpss.net with any questions regarding yearbook ordering.
IMAGE LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11ioInrP7qRqCz-GblA3cWRLUdKj-RxnK/view?usp=sharing
Has Your Phone Number/Email Changed?
Attendance Letters
Attendance UPDATE
Please read the guidelines outlined below regarding Attendance.
If a student is in Plan A and does not physically attend, the student should be marked absent per Policy 4400. If a student is not physically attending for reasons that would not be considered excused under section C of Policy 4400, then the student should be marked absent as unexcused.
If a student in Plan A requires quarantining due to a positive diagnosis for COVID-19 or exposure, the student should be marked absent-excused, similar to a student who is absent for any of the reasons in section C of Policy 4400. Any students who are absent for excused reasons per Policy 4400 should be provided remote learning access that is available at the school.
There is an expectation for all teachers to continue providing updates and assignments in the teacher’s google classroom/Learning Management System.
Kindergarten Registration Round Up for 2021-22
If you have a child in your home or know a neighbor who has a child at home who will be 5 by August 31st, please go ahead and get them registered for kindergarten. We need to know how many students and staff members to plan for in the coming year. Don’t wait!
Information about the WCPSS Kindergarten Registration process can be found by clicking here.
If you have questions about the registration process, please call our front desk, and we will connect you with Ms. Ligons, data manager, aligons@wcpss.net.
Important: Bus Riders Requesting Transportation While Opting Out of Virtual Academy
Eligible bus riders currently in Virtual Academy returning to in-person learning must apply for bus service. The student must meet all transportation eligibility requirements. Students must also submit the daily attestation form. Bus assignments will not be provided until the attestation form is received. Parents should be guided to the transportation website to apply for service (wcpss.net/busrider) and to submit the attestation form (wcpss.net/busform). Requests made for transportation will be closed after three days if the attestation form is not received, and the parent will be notified. Students will be assigned to a bus as quickly as possible after the attestation form is received. Typically, riders are assigned within a few days after the department receives all required information. Depending on the volume of students returning to in person learning, it could be longer.
Documents/information for students returning to the building and for any family who has not completed the following:
Review the Student Accountability and Required Health Protocols and Technology Guidance
Student Accountability and Required Health Protocols Signature Page: This form MUST be signed and returned before your child’s first day.
Turn in/complete Bring Your Own Device Agreement Form, if you are planning to have your child bring a personal device (not the WCPSS Chromebook) to school.
Technology Guidance for returning to school can be found in the linked document
Turn in/complete Bus Attestation Forms if your child will ride a bus at any point this year,
You will need to submit a separate form for each of your children who plan to ride the bus during the 2020-21 school year. Submit form online | Español
Printable Health Attestation Forms in multiple languages (if needed)
If your child needs to take medicine at school, please bring the medication in the original medicine bottle and the completed WCPSS required 1702 form with you.
Lunches & Snacks: We need your help!
Reminder: Cafeteria Meals (2020-21) for Virtual Academy, Remote Learning and In-person
Restorative Practices & Community Building Circles What are they?
Counselor Connection
The SCOOP on Managing Stress
S - Stay connected to family and friends. Social connections build resiliency.
C - Compassion for yourself and others. Self-compassion decreases trauma symptoms and stress.
O - Observe your use of substances. Early intervention can prevent problems.
O - Ok to ask for help. Struggling is normal. Asking for help is empowering.
P - Physical activity to improve your mood. Exercise boosts mood and lowers anxiety.
If your student is experiencing more stress than usual, please feel free to contact the Student Services Department. Call 919-557-2660 and ask for a student services professional.
Holly Springs Elementary is looking for qualified staff for the following positions:
Substitute Teacher - https://www.wcpss.net/subs
Virtual Academy/Remote Learning Schedule
Scholastic Support Centers
The YMCA is offering Scholastic Support Centers at three convenient locations to assist families in our region. Our YMCA Scholastic Specialists do their very best to partner with parents and school staff to help all our students have a successful experience in remote learning.
See the flyer HERE
· Kraft Family YMCA – 7:30am-6pm
· Apex Baptist Church – 7:30am-3:30pm
· Fuquay-Varina Baptist Church – 7:30am-3:30pm
Registration Link: https://www.ymcatriangle.org/programs/school-programs/scholastic-support-centers
Financial Assistance Link: https://www.ymcatriangle.org/programs/financial-assistance-programs
Wellness Sessions for Families
Positivity Project: Humor
This week students will discuss the character trait Humor. Humor is a sense of playfulness and lightness. It is a way of looking at and describing the world that brings laughter to people. A person with the strength of humor is skilled at seeing at the funny side of things, bringing smiles and laughter to others, and identifying and communicating the absurdities in life. People with this strength don’t specifically need to be joke tellers, although many are.
“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills.”
-AUDREY HEPBURN
P2 for Families
P2 for Families is an easy and effective way for families to discuss the importance of character strengths and positive relationships. It is differentiated for grades Pre-K – 2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Each character strength follows a 1-1-3 model: 1 quote, 1 video, and 3 questions to drive conversations around character at home.
Please choose your child’s grade level on the site linked HERE to be directed to all of the character strengths. CODE NEEDED: P2
Carpool Families
Thank you for your patience as we work to ensure social distancing and safety of your students. We are working to efficiently and effectively keep our carpool line moving. Please help us by doing the following.
Move car seats to the driver sides of the vehicles so that students may exit from the passenger side.
Ensure that your student knows how to buckle and unbuckle themselves into the car or their car seat.
Pull forward to the Holly Springs sign by the flag poles if you need to assist with a harness or seatbelt
Stay in your cars and do not exit vehicles during carpool. Once your student is loaded into the car, it is important that the car be ready to proceed forward.
Please do not drive around other cars to move forward, please wait in line until your car has been ushered forward.
Carpool Tag Registration for 2020-2021 School Year
Thanks!
Online Bus Attestation Form
If your child is going to ride a bus, you are required to submit this form stating that you and your child will abide by all health and safety protocols. Students are not permitted to ride the bus until this form has been submitted. Starting Monday, 11/30, if your family has not submitted this form, and your child is riding the bus, we will notify you of the need to carpool until the form is submitted. You will need to submit a separate form for each of your children who plan to ride the bus during the 2020-21 school year.
Here Comes the Bus App
Transportation Changes
YMCA-Before/After School Program at HSES
The YMCA will offer before & after school programs at HSES for the Spring 2021 (January-June). See the flyer below for more information and pricing!
Plan B Students: Preparing to Return to School
When your child returns to school, he/she will be expected to bring their Chromebook and any other materials we sent out at the start of the year to school with them. In addition, your child’s teacher has communicated if there are any additional supplies your child(ren) should need.
Please note, we cannot accept wipes, hand sanitizer, separate soaps or shared tissue boxes, as they do not meet the safety guidelines in place for the district.
Please review the details in the Return to Campus handbook, as it contains updated information about processes, protocols and expectations for our students. In addition, here are additional resources to review prior to October 26th:
- Student Accountability and Required Health Protocols and Technology Guidance ○ Student Accountability and Required Health Protocols Signature Page: This form MUST be signed and returned before your child’s first day. (In the supply distribution materials)
- Technology Guidance for returning to school
- Bring Your Own Device Agreement Form can be found here. If you plan to send a personal device, (NOT a WCPSS Chromebook), to school with your child, this form MUST be signed and returned before your child brings the device to school. (In the supply distribution materials)
- Practicing all 3 Ws will be expected all day long for students and staff, so if you have not even started these practices at home, now is the time:
- Wear a mask (over your nose to completely cover the nose & mouth)
- Wash your hands thoroughly (i.e., use soap & water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer)
- Wait at least 6 feet apart, even when wearing a mask
Click HERE for the letter sent to Plan B families with more information.
Funding Available for Families Impacted by Remote Learning
To help support families impacted by remote learning, Wake County Government has launched a new assistance program called WakeSUPPORTS. WakeSUPPORTS provides funding to working parents, so they can afford to pay for their K-8th grade student to attend virtual school at a safe location with reliable oversight, or receive before and after school care. It also can pay for fees that accompany subsidized childcare for families who meet specific income criteria. To access this support fill out and submit the online form at wakegov.com/WakeSUPPORTS. The application is available in both in English and Spanish. Residents can also pick up an application in person at Wake County’s Swinburne, Northern Regional Center, Eastern Regional Center or Southern Regional Center. If you wish to obtain an application over the phone, you can do so by calling 919-212-7621 or you can email wakesupportschildcare@wakegov.com.
Technology Tips & Resources
Do you have questions about the Google tools your student is using at school? Do you want to know more about available features? Check out Google’s Tech Toolkit for Families and Guardians
Book Check Out/Pick Up-UPDATE
Library book request and pickup is going very well. We would like to extend the days books can be picked up to Monday-Friday 9:00-3:00. Book request and the book return is located near the bus loop under the front awning. On inclement weather days these items will be located in the front lobby. Students can check the "my Stuff" tab in their follet account to see when books have been checked out to them and are ready for pickup. How-to videos are located on the Follett page in the students Wakeid portal.
If you have any questions regarding this process, please feel free to email Ms. Dixon--sfdixon@wcpss.net.
ESL Updates
School Messenger Updates
You can opt-in to receive School Messenger updates via text message by texting YES to the shortcode 67587 or replying with a YES to the opt-in text message we will send to your phone.
More information on School Messenger, including how to manage the manner and devices you get messages delivered to you, can be found here.
Face Coverings Mandatory in North Carolina
North Carolina will require face coverings of your choice for all Central Office staff and school staff, adult visitors, and all school aged children when they are or may be within six feet of another person, including:
- inside school buildings and anywhere on school grounds, including outside;
- while traveling on buses or other WCPSS vehicles; and
- at all WCPSS work sites.
Updates from the Parent Teacher Association
Staff Appreciation Week: May 3rd-May 7th
Staff appreciation week starts tomorrow! We have a theme each day and need your help to make sure our HSES Staff knows how much we appreciate all their hard work for our students! The best way to show our appreciation is a simple thank you! We are asking on Tuesday students send an email or bring in a note letting their teacher, specialists and staff know how much they appreciate them!
If you want to contribute to the activities the PTA has planned, please bring in bags of tortilla chips and salsa or make a quick donation and PTA will purchase them for you. The link to donate is https://app.memberhub.gives/hsesteacherappreciation
Don't forget that Teacher Favorites forms and more information from PTA is on our HSES App. It is available in your phone's APP store by searching for Holly Springs Elementary. Thanks for your support!
Walk to School Day is May 11th!
5th Grade Yard Signs
Support the PTA 5th Grade Celebration Fund and recognize your child with 5th Grade Yard Signs! Custom signs with student's name are $20 and HSES signs are $15! Use this link to order today!
Donations Needed
Your HSES PTA needs your help stocking the staff lounge with snacks! We have an Amazon wish list set up to make it easy. Any items ordered from the list will deliver straight to the school. If you have questions or need a pick up of items, please contact Melissa at melisllew@gmail.com. Thanks for your support!
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3LZKMDC2JOCOS?ref_=wl_share
HSES Child Face Masks
Time to Relink your Grocery Cards!
This is an easy way to earn money for our school while you shop. If you haven't linked your grocery cards this school year please take a minute to do so. You have to do it every year. You can find these links on our app also.
Lowes Foods: https://rewards.lowesfoods.com/Account/SelectCard...
Harris Teeter:
https://www.harristeeter.com/together-in-education#/app/cms
Publix:
http://corporate.publix.com/.../corporate.../publix-partners
And you can link your Amazon account too if you haven't already!
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/chpf/homepage?orig=%2F
Thanks you for supporting our school!!