Hallinan Elementary
Hawk Squawk Newsletter 12/1/22
Principal's Message
Dear Hallinan Families,
It's December - already! And what a perfect month to dive into learning about the character trait EMPATHY. We define empathy as understanding and connecting to other people's feelings. When we have empathy we can imagine ourselves in someone else's situation, see things from their point of view and understand how they feel. Please see Ms Espamer's Counselor's Corner below for additional information, homemade gift ideas and resources.
I've very excited to announce that our 5th graders will have their artwork displayed for the month of December in the LO Library! I hope you have the opportunity to visit the Library and view their outstanding art.
Stay warm!
Melissa Griffiths
Save These Dates
12/1-12/14 - Online Book Fair
12/2 - Photo Retakes
12/5-12/9 - Book Fair - Important Dates Below
12/6 - Vision Screening
12/15 - PTO Meeting at 8:30 am
12/19-1/2 - No School - Winter Break
1/3 - Classes Resume!
Important Book Fair Dates
The Book Fair will take place in the Hallinan Library 12/5 - 12/9. Or, shop online 12/1 - 12/14. Visit https://www.scholastic.com/bf/hallinan for details. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Hallinan Library.
Important Book Fair Dates:
- Donut Day - 12/6, 7:15 - 8:10 am: Parents and students can shop prior to school. Donuts, juice and coffee available prior to first bell.
- Storyteller Night - 12/8 - 5 - 8 pm: Parents and students can shop together, or kids can listen to a storyteller in the Nest while parents shop. Students are encouraged to wear PJs and bring a stuffy – stuffies are invited to spend the night in the school!
- HOPES Used Books Drive - 12/5-12/9: Book donations can be dropped off all week in the marked bins. All books will be donated to Bloomin’ Boutique, a non-profit organization that provides care packages for foster and underprivileged youth.
- SPIRIT Week - 12/5-12/9:
- Mismatched Monday - Wear a mismatched outfit.
- Tie Dye Tuesday - Wear tie dye or the colors of the rainbow.
- Penny Way Wednesday - Bring in your spare change and contribute to the “All for Books” donation jar in your classroom. All class donations will be picked up after school on Wednesday. The class with the most donations will be announced Friday morning! 100% of donations will go to the Hallinan Library.
- PJ Thursday - Get ready for Storyteller night and wear your PJs (or other comfy clothes) to school.
- Fantastic School Friday - Wear your Hallinan spirit wear or blue.
Picture Retake Day is 12/2
Music with Mr Haynor
2nd Grade Parents/Guardians are invited to attend their child's musical performance of The Lorax! This 15-20 minute musical will take place in the music room at Hallinan. Each 2nd grade class will do their own performance which will take place during their regularly scheduled music time. Each performance will be filmed and sent to all families. We hope to see you there!
Lindsey - Wednesday, December 7 - 8:30 am
Locke - Thursday, December 8 - 8:30 am
McLaren - Friday, December 9 - 8:30 am
Counseling Corner with Ms E - Click on the Photo Below
A Big Thank You to our Hawk Helpers!
PTO Information
Hello Hallinan Families!
Slices of Gratitude
Let's show our gratitude for ALL our support staff & specialty teachers! And let's do it in the form of gift cards and holiday goodies! The gifting collection ends on 12/12!!! You may have already seen emails from your child's Room Parents about the ALL support staff & specialty teacher collection. Your Room Parents will also be collecting for your child's teacher, please note that this is a separate collection. Support staff & specialty teachers GIVE SO MUCH each and every day but they do not have individual Room Parents to lend them a helping hand or spoil them during the holidays. That is why the whole school comes together and creates one big pool of thanks.
There are two ways to donate money to specialty teachers & support staff.
- Membership Toolkit: https://hallinanpto.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/3337
- Venmo. We are using Shelby Setters's personal Venmo: @Shelby-Setter. The Venmo QR code is shown above.
Again, the collection ends on 12/12. On 12/13 our incredible Hospitality Team (Audra & Catherine) work their magic!
Production Parent
Speaking of specialty teachers...
Many, many thanks to all the Production Parent Volunteers helping the Specialist Teams! It has been a tremendous success and greatly appreciated by the staff! We are in need of some additional volunteers for the upcoming months- please check out the Sign Up Genius if you would like to help.
Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FABA628A5F9CF8-production
Book Fair
The book fair is next week (Dec 5 – 9)! Please join us during the special events we have planned this year, Donut Day (Tuesday, Dec 6, 7:15 – 8:10), Storyteller Night (Thursday, Dec 8th, 5 - 8 pm), or during your classes' scheduled library time. We are also open after school every day! See the book fair flier for additional details: Book Fair Flyer
We are also still in need of a few more fabulous volunteers. Especially Donut Day Helpers and before-school Register Shifts on Tuesday, December 6, and Storytellers during Storyteller night on Thursday, December 8. If interested, you can sign up here: Book Fair SUG
H.O.P.E.S. Used Book Drive – Collecting gently used books the week of the Book Fair
Book donations can be dropped off all week in the marked bins. All books will be donated to Bloomin’ Boutique, a non-profit organization that provides care packages for foster and underprivileged youth.
H.O.P.E.S.
Doernbecher Wrap.
Thank you to our teachers and students for taking such an active and important role in making decorations that helped transform the 10N floor of Doernbecher Children’s Hospital into the all things “Grinch”! You helped lift the spirits of the patients and staff! See the photos below!
DECEMBER GIVING
Hallinan has 2 very special ways to give this year all to benefit our friends at our buddy school, Alder Elementary:
- The Mitten Project. Starting December 1, we will have mittens on display in the office. Each mitten contains information for a student at Alder – shoe size, clothing size, needs and wants. Some mittens just have shoe size as an overwhelming number of students at Alder need new shoes. We welcome our Hallinan families to choose a mitten and fulfill a child’s wishes. Please return the items from the mitten WITH THE MITTEN on or before Wednesday 14 December.
- Snack Bags. Food insecurity remains a significant problem at Alder and some of the services provided to our friends there are reduced or suspended during the winter break. Your student(s) class has an opportunity to create “To Go Snack Bags” for Alder students comprised on non perishable snack items. You will receive an email from your teacher or room parent if your class is participating in this event and what you can do to help.
Tara Clasen and Shelby Setter
Hallinan PTO Co-Presidents 2022-23
District Information
Oregon State Assessment Opt-Out Form
Each school year, Oregon students take assessments to meet federal requirements. The purpose of these assessments is to provide data that schools can use to ensure that every child is on track and achieving learning goals.
State law requires us to inform you that a form is available from the State Department of Education that allows you to opt your child out of the math and English Language Arts assessments for the current school year. Should you wish to opt out your child, fill out the form and submit it to the main office at your child’s school. Please note the submission deadlines listed on the form. Meeting the deadline will help the school with planning and preparation. If you wish your child not to participate in the science assessment for grades 5, 8, and 11, submit this request in writing to the principal of your child's school.
If you have questions or want more information about state assessments, please contact your child’s principal or teacher(s).
Click here for opt-out form for Math and English Language Arts.
Winter i-Ready
This Winter, all elementary students will complete two online i-Ready assessments. Like Fall, one is for math and the other is for reading. i-Ready is a diagnostic that will help us determine your child’s strengths and areas for growth, personalize their learning, and monitor their progress throughout the school year. i-Ready allows us to meet your child where they are and provides us with data to inform and tailor instruction to accelerate growth. This is the second of three i-Ready assessments we give each year, and the results will be shared with parents.
December Nurse News
WHEN TO KEEP YOUR STUDENT HOME FROM SCHOOL
Please follow this link to see when and for how long to keep your student home due to various symptoms.
Is your child up to date? Check here and be sure to update school records before you leave for Winter Break.
Medical Guidance from Health Authorities
Please take a few minutes to review the information and resources below regarding Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) updates and resources for respiratory viruses, including Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Monkeypox (mpox), plus Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease (HFMD). This information can also be found on our District Nurse website page.
Oregon health officials recently issued a call to action in response to the rapid spread of RSV and Influenza virus. State health officials recommend that people:
Stay home when sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow, or with a tissue that you immediately throw away after use.
Clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces, including doorknobs, faucets, chairs, countertops, and tables.
Regularly wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing into a tissue.
Avoid sharing cups, water bottles, and other drink containers, or eating utensils.
Get a flu shot and stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including new bivalent boosters. There is no vaccine for RSV.
Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces.
Monkeypox (mpox)
Monkeypox is passed from person to person by close physical contact (not just sexual), but unlike some other disorders affecting skin it remains infectious until all scabs are gone and skin is dry. As such, a very precise and accurate diagnosis of skin lesions, particularly in high-contact sports such as wrestling is important. We continue to advocate for early testing and treatment of students who are ill as well as close collaboration with local and state health departments during times of outbreaks. Most importantly, prevention is the hallmark of controlling these illnesses in our students. With OHA’s announcement this Fall of pediatric mpox (monkeypox) cases in Oregon, it’s important to share information on tools available to manage this illness.
OHA Monkeypox Website – Regularly updated and includes evidence-based information about this illness.
Monkeypox Vaccination Providers – Use zip code to explore healthcare locations providing vaccines.
CDC Monkeypox Toolkit for Schools and Early Care and Education Programs – Provides a user-friendly format for existing monkeypox considerations in schools.
AAP Monkeypox Website – American Academy of Pediatrics site with information and resources.
Influenza (the Flu)
The flu was nearly nonexistent during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic but is now making a significant comeback and earlier in the year than normal. Many students have already been affected and many more will be. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP) recommend early testing for those who are symptomatic to differentiate the Flu from COVID-19. Also, most antiviral medications against the Flu are most effective if started in the first 48 hours.
OHA Flu Prevention Website – Information for prevention and vaccines.
CDC Influenza Resource Center – Information and resources in multiple languages.
AAP Influenza Recommendations – American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for prevention and control.
AAFP Influenza Website – American Academy of Family Physicians resources for prevention.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a common respiratory virus that is transmitted through respiratory droplets, direct contact, and by touching contaminated surfaces. For most children, RSV produces mild illness, however, children under 2 years old are especially susceptible to RSV and are at increased risk of severe illness and hospitalization. It is important to note that many school-age children have siblings at home who may be younger and more susceptible to severe illness and hospitalization. The ways we can prevent the spread of RSV and other respiratory illnesses are familiar and include frequent and thorough handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, masking, and disinfection of high-touch surfaces.
OHA RSV Website – Information about symptoms and prevention.
Oregon’s RSV Report – Updates RSV activity in Oregon every Wednesday.
CDC RSV Resources – Information about prevention, symptoms, and care.
AAP RSV Guidance – American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
There has been a notable increase in outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Oregon this year, particularly this Fall. HFMD is an infection caused by a virus. Although HFMD is common in children younger than 5, several recent outbreaks have involved high school or junior high students, including student-athletes. Common symptoms of HFMD include fever, mouth sores, and rash (commonly on the hands and feet). HFMD spreads through fluids spread through coughs and sneezes, fluids from blisters or scabs, contact with feces, and contact with objects and surfaces that have the virus on them. Most people with HFMD recover on their own in seven to 10 days. Treatment of HFMD is symptom-based: drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration and use over-the-counter medication to relieve fever and pain from mouth sores.
OHA HFMD Information for ADs, Coaches, Athletic Trainers, and Parents (English)
OHA HFMD Information for ADs, Coaches, Athletic Trainers, and Parents (Spanish)
CDC HFMD Website – Information about symptoms and prevention.
Community Information
Safe Oregon
Parents-guardians who have concerns about a student’s well-being are encouraged to reach out to their principal, and to maintain strong lines of communication and partnership between students, families, staff, and other resources. SafeOregon is also an effective way to report a tip regarding safety threats or potential acts of violence to our students or schools.
(Students should also be aware that intentionally providing a false report is a serious offense.)
December
Special Education Day, December 2, commemorates the anniversary of our nation's first federal special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, signed by President Ford on December 2, 1975.
International Day of People with Disabilities, December 3, is an international observance promoted by the United Nations.
Human Rights Day is observed on December 10. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Hanukkah is December 18-26.
Christmas is December 25.
Kwanzaa is December 26-January 1.
Hallinan Information
Annual Application for School Volunteers
For the safety of children, volunteers are required to have an approved background check when volunteering in schools. Please click here: Volunteer Application for LOSD to start the online application and background check process.
Office Phone: 503-534-2353
Principal Melissa Griffiths - griffitm@loswego.k12.or.us
Administrative Assistant Lee Gates - gatesl@loswego.k12.or.us
Administrative Assistant Linda Stevens - stevensl@loswego.k12.or.us
Resources:
Self-Screening Tool for Keeping Sick Students at Home
LOSD Student and Family Handbook