Cheetah Chronicles
November 6th, 2022
Important Dates
November 8th: Teacher Workday: No School
November 10th: Early Release Day
November 11th: Holiday: No School
November 17th: Fall Makeup Pictures Tracks 1, 3, & 4
November 23rd-25th: No School- Holiday Break
Tennis Time Update
Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
Any student enrolled in Tennis Time does NOT have tennis club this Thursday, November 10, 2022 as this is an Early Release Day for students. Please communicate with your child’s teacher how they are getting home.
Calendar Information
Just a reminder that we have some changes in our school schedule coming up this week as well as future dates to pay attention to. Please note these dates:
Tuesday, 11/8 (election day) is a workday for teachers - no school for students.
Thursday, 11/10 is an early release day - students are dismissed at 1:50.
Friday, 11/11 (Veterans Day) is a holiday - no school for students or staff.
Wednesday, 11/23, Thursday, 11/24, & Friday, 11/25-NO SCHOOL for Students/Staff
Monday, 12/5: Early release day (dismissal starts at 1:50); and Track Out Day for track 1
Tuesday, 12/6: Track In Day for track 2
Wednesday, 12/21: Early Release Day (dismissal at 1:50); Last day for students prior to the winter break
Thursday, 12/22 through Monday, 1/2: Winter Break
Tuesday, 1/3: Students on tracks 1, 2, & 3 return to school
Breakfast is served daily from 8:50-9:20
Kindergarten Registration for 2023-2024
Kindergarten registration for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year is already underway! If you have a child that will be 5 by August 31, 2023, we encourage you to start the enrollment process early. For more information, and for the link to complete the online portion of the registration, please visit the following website: WCPSS New Student Enrollment
New Family Event
Field Trip Chaperone Reminders
If you are planning on chaperoning a field trip this winter or next spring with your child’s class, please come in to register as a volunteer now. It is taking a couple of months for parents to be approved due to such high volumes in the district.
Carpool Reminder
Monthly Restorative Practice and Community-Building Circles for Parents and Guardians! (Nov. 2022 - May 2023)
This opportunity is designed to introduce you to one of the tools of Restorative Practices, the Circle Process. The Circle is a facilitated dialogue process that is invitational. It allows participants to share openly and encourages connections and deepening relationships. This experience is inclusive to all who have an interest in learning ways to better support children and families during these uncertain times through authentic connections
Please see all dates and times and sign up for a session on this link.
Additionally, Here is a flier you may use for parents/guardians/stakeholders - along with a link to sign up!
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During the months of November and December, we will begin our first community book study. Information can be found here:
Spring Tennis Registration
Military Connected Family Member
Are you a military-connected family?
In an effort to ensure that the unique needs of military-connected students are met, state law requires that schools collect information on military-connected students. The goal is to help accommodate these students by providing them with support and consistency when their parents are deployed, when they are transitioning between schools, and at other pivotal times during their academic career.
If you are a military-connected family, please:
Download the fillable form linked here: Military Family Form
Complete one form for each of your children.
Return it to the school data manager via email (aligons@wcpss.net or print it and return it to the front office.
The deadline to return the form to allow us to submit this information to the state of North Carolina is Thursday, Nov. 10.
Please call if you have any questions!
PTA: Teacher Lunch - Thursday, November 10th
The PTA will be feeding our wonderful staff on the next early release day: Thursday, November 10th. We need your help! Please feel free to drop items off in the morning/afternoon carpool line on November 7th & 9th (no school on the 8th) OR drop items off in the office. If you are dropping off in the carpool line just pull your car over to the curb after you have dropped off your child and someone will be there to grab the items from you. If you are dropping your items off at the front office please mention it is for the PTA and the staff lunch. Thank you for any help you can provide and giving back to our HSES staff. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044CAEA92EA6FB6-staff4
PTA: Attention 3rd grade families!
Help us show our teachers how much we appreciate them. On Thursday, November 10th, the PTA will host lunch for our wonderful teachers and staff. We are asking each grade to sponsor a lunch throughout the year. November's lunch will be sponsored by our marvelous 3rd grade! Feel free to donate what you please. Thank you for your support!
PTA: Reflections
It's not too late to consider entering in Reflections. The theme is "Show Your Voice." If you would like your child to participate, follow the link below to read up on entry requirements and rules for submission! DUE NOVEMBER 12th
HSES PTA Needs A CPA!
Immunization Reports and Health Assessments
To: all tracks and grade levels, this also includes our pre-K and CCK students.
Immunization Reports and Health Assessments were due within the first 30 days of school and all tracks reached their first 30 days. If you have not turned in your child’s health records, it is important that you do so as soon as possible. Remember, this is only done once, so if you have already turned yours in, there is no need to do it again, thank you!
5th Grade Grant Information
Hi all,
We want to make sure our students have what they need to succeed, so we just created a DonorsChoose classroom request:
Environmental Action: Protecting the Rainforests (https://www.donorschoose.org/project/environmental-action-protecting-the-rai/6833588/?rf=email-system-2022-09-project_submitted-teacher_13758&challengeid=20434519&utm_source=dc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=project_submitted)
In return, you'll get awesome photos of your gift in action and our heartfelt thanks.
Thank you so much,
The 5th Grade Team at HSES
Holly Springs Elementary Celebration!
Last week we received our overall school growth scores from the End of Grade Tests for 21-22. Our celebration is that every subgroup met or exceeded their growth goals! For Reading overall we MET growth and for Math overall we EXCEEDED growth!! OUTSTANDING!!
MTYR Calendar Updates:
Dreambox
Holly Springs Elementary is extremely excited for students to utilize DreamBox Learning, a K-8 digital math program that independent studies have found to raise student achievement and better prepare children for future success.
Tips for home usage:
Allow for 15 to 20 minute sessions throughout the week.
Encourage completion of every lesson that is started. Mistakes are OK. Your child should not shy away from incorrect answers, as they help the program find the right lesson to build learning progress.
We know it’s difficult, but please resist the urge to help with answers so that your child doesn’t move ahead before he or she is truly ready.
Helpful Tips when your child needs support
Parent Dashboard (See lessons completed and your child's progress)
Transportation Behavior Referrals
Parents the following information was shared in the Wednesday community message, but we wanted to share it here as well. The information applies to both bus and cab riders.
A transportation code of conduct has been established to promote safe and orderly rides and to support drivers in addressing inappropriate student behavior.
The following steps will be taken to address any infractions:
First infraction - The driver will discuss any “rider expectations” infractions with the student and document the discussion with the student.
Second infraction - The driver will discuss the infraction with the student and document the discussion with the student. Transportation will send a letter to the parent describing the infraction.
Third infraction - Transportation will make a referral to the principal for intervention.
Run Club
The 2022 HSES Scrambled Legs Run Club Spring season will run for 6 weeks on the following WEDNESDAYS from 4:15-5:15pm:
October 12th, October 19th, October 26th, November 2nd, November 9th and November 18th. November 18th will be practice & a team dinner. The season will conclude with the Apex Turkey Trot on November 19th.
This race has a cap on the # of participants, so please sign up for this race as soon as your child is accepted into the run club.
IMPORTANT: Registration will begin at 6:00 AM on Monday, September 26th. Run club will be limited to the first 75 runners who register through the website. Registration will close when we reach 75 runners OR on Wednesday, September 28th.
The Scrambled Legs Run Club is for 3rd - 5th grade students at any ability level from walkers to competitive racers. Due to the limited number of spots, please only sign up if you are willing to put in your best effort at each practice.
Information will be sent home the week of September 6th for Tracks 1, 3 & 4 and Track 2 will send home information the week of 9/12.
Carpool Reminders & Safety
As our students become more familiar and comfortable with the carpool procedures, our carpool process will be more efficient. To help ensure the safety of our students, as well as help us to efficiently get students to and from school, please remember the following items:
Students should load/unload from the passenger side only. Adults should remain in the vehicle.
Have students gather belongings and be ready to enter the building when you pull up to the stop.
Prominently display your carpool number during afternoon pickup. (For our younger students, also help them learn their number.)
Please do not allow cell phones or other items to distract your attention while driving on campus.
Please do not allow students to hang outside of windows, sunroofs, etc.
Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
Transportation
Parents of registered bus riders should have received the following message from transportation on Friday, Aug 12, 2022:
“Dear Parent:
This is a message for families assigned to yellow school buses.
As our Transportation team finalizes school bus routes, we need to hear from you if your student does not intend to ride the bus this year.
If your student is not going to ride the bus, please let us know at www.wcpss.net/declinebus
It takes less than a minute, and all you need is your child's student ID number.
Thank you for your support of the Wake County Public School System.”
Parent Screening Notice
Annually, our School Health Dental Hygienist looks for healthy smiles by providing kindergarten dental screenings. Please refer to the WCPSS student/parent handbook. Good dental health is important to a student’s overall well-being and affects a child’s success and performance in the classroom.
School Dental Hygienists use a flashlight to provide a quick visual screening of the student’s teeth, unlike a dental exam by a dentist.
During dental screening, the School Dental Hygienist follows all CDC guidelines.
A letter with the screening results will be sent in the student's school folder ONLY if your child has questionable or obvious dental needs. If needed, children with obvious dental needs may receive an additional follow-up screening by the School Health Dental Hygienist later in the school year.
If you have any questions, please contact the school’s dental hygienist, Mary Lou Torbert, RDH, at 919-621-2482 or mtorbert@wakegov.com
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Cada año, nuestro higienista dental escolar busca sonrisas saludables haciendo exámenes dentales en las clases de kínder. Por favor, consulte el manual del estudiante/padre de WCPSS. La buena salud dental es importante para el bienestar general de un estudiante y afecta el éxito y el desempeño escolar de los/las niños(as).
Los higienistas usan una linterna para hacer un rápido examen visual de los dientes del estudiante. Es distinto a lo que hace un dentista.
Durante la evaluación, el higienista dental sigue todas las pautas de los Centros de Control de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés).
Se enviará una carta con los resultados del examen en la carpeta escolar del estudiante SOLAMENTE si su hijo(a) tiene necesidades dentales obvias o cuestionables. Si es necesario, más adelante en el año, el higienista dental escolar puede realizarles un examen de seguimiento adicional a los/las niños(as) con necesidades dentales evidentes.
Si tiene preguntas, por favor contacte a Angelita Rodriguez 919.250.1199 o angelita.rodriguez@wakegov.com.
Yearbook Pictures
Parents please load photos of all your fantastic Cheetahs! We are hoping to create an amazing yearbook this year and can’t do it without your help!
Boosterthon: https://plicbooks.com/go/LB1WPQ
Cheetah Pride Friday: https://plicbooks.com/go/UY1Q6P
Steam night: https://plicbooks.com/go/119NVZ
Lights for O'Holly Night
School Calendar Items-EARLY RELEASE DATES/TIME INFO
During the 22-23 school year, there will be early release days throughout the school year. This time is to provide teachers with an opportunity to complete professional development that is required for all elementary classroom teachers by the North Carolina General Assembly. On these days, dismissal will be 2 hours early - starting at 1:50. All Early Release dates are below so you can mark your calendars and plan for student pickup on those days:
Thursday, 7/28
Friday, 9/2
Thursday, 11/10
Monday, 12/5
Wednesday, 12/21
Friday, 3/24
Thursday, 4/6
Tuesday, 5/9
Volunteer Registration for 2022-2023 School Year
Volunteer or Guest?
Guests are visitors who are never left alone with students. They do not need background checks. Typical examples would include speakers, presenters and community members/parents attending a school event.
Volunteers are visitors who may or may not be alone with students at any point, including in a virtual setting. Volunteers do require background checks. There are no "levels" of volunteer status. Typical examples range from a community volunteer who reads with a child to an overnight chaperone, as well as field day workers, testing proctors, and volunteer coaches. The same background check is done for every type of volunteer.
Current Volunteers
Current volunteers who were approved for the 2021-22 school year do not have to register again this year.
Check with the front office to see if a current volunteer is on the list of eligible volunteers.
New Volunteers for 2022-2023
All new volunteer applicants must register and have an approved criminal record check prior to engaging in volunteer work.
New volunteer applicants may go to any WCPSS work site and register through wcpss.net by selecting the Community tab, and then selecting Volunteer.Medications
If your child has medications that need to be administered at school, you are welcome to bring them to the office anytime during office hours (8:00-4:00). Be sure to bring the updated 1702 form completed by the doctor. If you have any questions, please call the school office at 919-557-2660.
Susan Mann is our school nurse should you have any questions about medical plans or health concerns for your child.
Bus Information:
Bus Routes for 22-23
Bus Routes for the 22-23 school year can be found HERE. Routes have changed so make sure you review this.
WCPSS Transportation
All bussing information and needs can be accessed from the WCPSS Transportation site linked HERE.
Bus Live Updates
Bus Route information (delayed, uncovered routes, etc) can be found at the site linked HERE. Be sure to refresh the site every 10-15 minutes. When the school is made aware of delayed or uncovered routes for our PM routes, we will share that information via Twitter.
Here Comes the Bus App
We are aware that the Here Comes the Bus app was not running properly last week. Once the school was informed, this information was shared through Twitter. The district is working with the service provider to have the app working by Monday morning.
Schoolwide Behavior
Holly Springs Elementary utilizes a schoolwide behavior system: SPOT (Safe, Polite, On-task, and Teamwork). SPOT expectations are shared with and modeled for students in all areas of the school. All classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and outside of the restrooms have posters that explain the SPOT Expectations.
Apply for free and reduced-price school meals
All students currently receive free school meals supported by federal funding due to the pandemic. This funding is set to end on June 30, 2022. In order to receive free or reduced-price meals for next school year, families need to submit a meal benefits application.
All families must complete an application for the 2022-2023 school year starting July 1 in order to receive benefits. Please allow 10 business days for processing.
For every student that turns in the free and reduced meals application and qualifies, the school also receives federal funds that benefit the students and teachers at the school.
We need you to complete a 2022-2023 meal benefits application so our school can be eligible for extra funding next year. If you have not completed a free or reduced-price meal application and think your child may be eligible, pick up an application at your child’s school or apply online. Paper applications can also be requested by calling 919-588-3535 or 919-856-2920 or emailing cnsmealbenefits@wcpss.net.
K-5 Breakfast $1.50 and lunch $3.00
6-12 Breakfast $1.75 and lunch $3.25
Checking Students In/Out
HSES has a new system to check in/out students. The electronic system is Lobby Guard. Beginning Monday, March 14, 2022, we want parents/guardians to come into the reception area of HSES to check your child in/out of school.
You will still need to ring the outside visitor bell to be welcomed for entry & will need to have your photo ID with you to be buzzed into the building.
Come in! You will scan your ID and use the system to check your student in/out of our school!
Office Staff will be available to assist you.
There will be no student check-outs after 3:30 pm as the office staff must prepare for dismissal procedures.
Breakfast & Lunch Menu with Meal-Viewer
Monthly breakfast and lunch menu PDFs will no longer be posted on our district website.
Menus will now be available on our interactive website, MealViewer.
On the MealViewer website, families can:
- Set up multiple profiles at the schools of your choice
- See any menu changes posted by the manager at each site
- Choose menu items based on allergens
- View nutrients for each menu item
- Add nutrients for meals eaten, even partial meals
- Submit ratings on your favorite items
- Print menus
Has Your Phone Number/Email Changed?
Important: COVID-19 When to Return guidance updated
Important: COVID-19 When to Return guidance updated
The wcpss.net/whentoreturn webpage was updated to remove the section mentioning household and non-household exposures. This change is part of the recent update of the StrongSchools NC Toolkit by the NC Department of Health and Human Services.Positivity Project: Tracks 1 & 4 Bravery
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Bravery. Bravery means you act with mental, moral, or physical strength even when you know things are difficult or scary.
Bravery refers to voluntary (not coerced) action in the face of a dangerous circumstance. This strength involves judgement; the brave person must have an understanding of the risks and consequences involved in acting. According to Socrates and Plato, forethought separates acts of valor from acts of rashness. This means that bravery isn’t simply fearlessness, but instead the overcoming of fear.
Overcoming fears is critically important in individual development, as it allows the person to do more and become more. A person can be brave every single day. For example, some people with social anxiety are brave just by leaving their house and talking with people. On a physical level, bravery allows us to overcome fears, such as swimming or playing a sport. And, on a moral level, doing what we know to be right, despite the risks, gives us the sense that we are acting on behalf of a larger purpose.
Positivity Project: Track 2 Gratitude
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Gratitude. Gratitude means you are aware of and thankful for good things that happen.
Gratitude is the quality of feelings and expressing thankfulness and appreciation. It is an affirmation that there is goodness in other people and the world and that we have received that goodness. People with the strength of gratitude have a readiness to show appreciation for kindness and also to return kindness. A leading expert, Robert Emmons, calls gratitude a “relationship-strengthening emotion because it requires us to see how we’ve been supported and affirmed by other people.”
Out of all 24 character strengths, gratitude is the single best predictor of individual well-being. It is correlated with increased energy, empathy, happiness and optimism. And, the great thing about gratitude is that it can be intentionally cultivated. Numerous studies have concluded that gratitude is like a muscle. The more you practice it, the stronger it gets -- and the more you’re able to reap its benefits.
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
Here Comes the Bus App
Counselor Connection
November: Developing an Attitude of Gratitude
Start & end your day by counting your blessings, big and small
Write one thing a day in a small journal that you and your child are grateful for
Encourage your child to tell someone what they are grateful for
Try to help yourself & your child turn negative thoughts into something positive
Remember that you also have to model gratefulness, too
Technology Tips & Resources
ESL Updates
10 New Children’s Books by Native American & Indigenous Authors
By Book Riot on Nov 03, 2022 11:03 am
November is Native American Heritage Month, the perfect time to stock up on children’s books by Native American and Indigenous authors and to support Native American and Indigenous authors by buying, reading, and recommending their books, though to be clear, it’s always a good time to be reading children’s books by Native American and Indigenous authors. It is also so important to make sure the books you’re reading to kids with Native American characters are written by Native American authors. Too often, children’s books by non-Native and Indigenous authors depict stereotypes about Native and Indigenous cultures or suggest that Native and Indigenous culture is a thing of the past, not a living, breathing, growing present reality.
If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Rodgers.
Literacy News
Parents visit this site developed by The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Literacy at Home.
This digital resource provides literacy activities for all grades that specifically target the literacy skills of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and oral language.
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.
Updates from the Parent Teacher Association
Become a PTA Member!
Why join the PTA?
Get involved: The #1 reason why every parent should join the PTA is for the benefit of your child. Research shows that children perform better when parents are involved both at home and at school.
Advocacy: Power in numbers.
Access resources: Free e-learning course, e-newsletter.
Be in the know: PTA Takes Action Network provides updates on legislative issues.
Deals: Special offers and discounts from corporate sponsors via our MemberHub site.
Be able to vote in general meetings, have access to minutes from monthly board meetings, as well as receive emails from the PTA about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
Becoming a PTA member shows that you want to support the programs and events that help enhance students’ and staff experiences at school. It does not obligate you to attend PTA meetings or volunteer. For more information, click HERE. You can join HERE for $10 as an individual or $15 as a family (2 adults).
Download the HSES PTA APP!
It’s never been easier to access archived Cheetah Chronicles, Teacher Websites, Teacher Like Forms, Cafeteria Menus, Volunteer and Fundraising Information and so much more! By installing the HSES PTA APP, you will receive important announcements and friendly reminders about what’s happening at school. Search our Holly Springs Elementary School in your App Store (iTunes and GooglePlay). Don’t forget to accept push notifications so that you receive text alerts!
PTA SpiritWear
Show your HSES school spirit with our variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, car magnets, bags, sticks, tattoos and so much more! The first Friday of every month will be Cheetah Pride Day! Show off your Cheetah Pride everywhere you go! Click HERE to view all our SpiritWear.
Rent the Rock
The HSES Spirit Rock is a great way to send a message for all to see! Congratulate your favorite student on an accomplishment, wish a student a Happy Birthday, celebrate a team win or let everyone know how much you love our school. The Rock is available for a weekly rental to families and staff of HSES for their use and enjoyment. Reserve the Spirit Rock for only $25.00 per week. All proceeds will go directly back to the HSES PTA. Click HERE to Rent the Rock!
MemberHub Givebacks
Paw Prints
Show your Cheetah pride and have your own Paw Print on the walk of fame. Reserve a paw print in front of the school to showcase your students, family, teacher, or business's name.
Amazon Smile & Amazon WishList
Help us show our teachers and staff some LOVE! We have created an Amazon WishList with snacks, treats, drinks, k-cups, items to stock our staff bathrooms, and much more. You can order and pay through Amazon and have it sent directly to the school. We strive to keep the teacher’s lounge stocked with snacks, coffee and tea. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. Check out the WishList on Amazon. Make sure you shop with smile.amazon.com and make Holly Springs Elementary School PTA your charity. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to HSES PTA, at no cost to you!
Relink your Grocery Cards
Earn money for the HSES PTA while you shop! If you haven’t linked your grocery accounts from Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods and Publix this 2022-23 school year, please take a minute to do so (you must relink every year). Fill out this form and the PTA will link your account for you.
Box Tops for Education
Did you know that Box Tops is now digital? Download the Box Tops app and take a picture of your receipt containing participating products for our school to get credit. Learn how to scan your Box Tops with the mobile app HERE.
(It is my intention that this will always stay in the Cheetah Chronicles unless otherwise noted.)