Hope Happenings
October 2020
From the desk of Ms. Morel...
A Message from Superintendent Andries
Please contact your building principal if you would like your child to return to in-person learning before the first marking period ends.
The ABCs of School Success
The ABCs of school success School success begins at home! While your child is learning her ABCs, 123s, and much more, she can get the year off to a great start with these other ABCs.
■ Attend every day More time in class = more learning. Help your youngster attend school regularly by scheduling doctor appointments and family vacations outside of school hours. Also, she can cut down on sick days by eating her fruits and vegetables, washing her hands often, and getting plenty of physical activity.
■ Be organized. Forgotten homework? A backpack that doubles as a black hole? Good organizational skills prevent those problems. Together, brainstorm ways for your child to get—and stay—organized. For instance, she could choose a special folder for bringing home and returning homework and use a zipper bag to store pencils and other supplies.
■Check in daily Designate a time each day to sit down with your youngster, talk about what she did in school, and review papers she brought home. You might read a story she wrote or look over her math test, for example. This simple routine shows her that you care about what she’s learning. Plus, you’ll notice where she’s doing well or if she’s struggling with anything so you can follow up with her teacher.
Reprinted with permission from Resources for Educators
News From Our PTA
· MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: Our membership drive is happening now! Our goals this year are to have 100% staff participation as well as a total membership goal of 125 people. We are currently at 27 members! Help us get there! Membership is now digital through MemberHub. Flyers and forms will be coming home this week should you choose not to join digitally!
· JOIN US FOR OUR FIRST VIRTUAL PTA MEETING: our first PTA meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 14th via Zoom. Agenda and meeting link to follow. You can also see the event details on our Facebook page and in MemberHub.
· AMAZON SMILE: Amazon Smile is an amazing way to earn money for Hope school by just doing your regular shopping. The best part is you can tell family and friends to do it too and it costs nothing! Click here to get started. On the mobile app click the 3 lines at the bottom right, visit settings, then AmazonSmile to set up HOPE PTA as your designated charity!
· BOX TOPS: Box Tops can still earn money for our school! Click here for more information on how to submit digital box tops!
· RECESS BUCKET CHALLENGE: Ms. Morel has asked us to help create "recess buckets" for each class to avoid having to sanitize each and every item after each recess. We are looking for a parent or parents to take this on and help purchase items for the totes. Please email hopeschoolpta@gmail.com if you can help us out!
· EMAIL DATABASE: Just a reminder there are only two ways we can add you to our communication database and keep you updated on PTA news and events.
1. Become a member or submit a small donation through MemberHub or
2. Email hopeschoolpta@gmail.com and ask to be added.
Lots to digest! As always email hopeschoolpta@gmail.com with any questions!
Update from Scituate's Director of Facilities
The facilities department has been continuously working to ensure all ventilation systems are working properly. The staff is continuing to maintain what is working and replacing ventilation fans as they break.
The facilities department has also been working directly with RIDE and DOH to make sure we are ready for the cold months ahead. New information comes out daily for this and we are working to formulate a plan with the Superintendent.
The facilities department has ordered and has on-hand plenty of hand sanitizer and wipes. We also have all PPE for staff on-hand, as well. We are using 2 different types of sanitizing systems to maintain a safe environment. The daytime sanitizing takes 3 minutes to kill all viruses. Our nighttime sanitization system stays on all surfaces and works in 10 minutes. The building custodial staff are staying on top of the cleaning schedule without any shortfalls.
Update from Scituate's Technology Director
It has been a very busy time for the Technology Department preparing to welcome back the students and staff here at the Scituate School Department. Thanks to all the parents, guardians and staff that helped to make the Chromebook rollout for all students grades 6 thought 12 run a smoothly as possible.
Chromebook Insurance: Anyone wishing to insure their students Chromebook please follow the link below.
https://www.worthavegroup.com/ristrust
Additionally, all students that have opted for Distance Learning and needed a device in the lower grades have been issued one. Grades 3 through 5 classrooms have been supplied with a Chromebook per student.
For families that do not have Internet access at home Mobile Hotspots have been provided. Any student still needing a Chromebook or Mobile Hotspot please contact your building principal. Families that may qualify for discounted Internet services please see these links for more information.
Cox Communications connect2compete
Verizon Lifeline Internet
Help for your Distance Learners: Please see click on the link below
Scituate School Department Distance learner Guide and resources
If you have additional Distance Learning questions that you need help with please email DLHelp@scituateschoolsri.net
If your student is having a problem with their school provided device, please email Technology@scituateschoolsri.net
Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards
Former Supporters: You DO NOT need to re-register your card if your school selection(s) remains the same as last year.
New Supporters or Existing Supporters Wishing to Make Changes:
• Beginning July 1, 2020, visit stopandshop.com and select “SIGN IN” at the top right to log into your online account. Once logged in, you may select or modify your school choice.
• If you do not have an online account, visit stopandshop.com and click “REGISTER”. Follow the prompts to create your online account. Once logged in, follow the same instructions as noted above.
• You’ll need your 13-digit STOP & SHOP CARD number and the School ID number. If you need assistance, call 1-877-366-2668 option 1.
To earn points:
• Use your registered STOP & SHOP CARD each time you shop at any Stop & Shop, and you will earn CASH for our school. You can confirm your school selection by logging into your account.
• Earn points when shopping on line (delivery or pick up).
• At the end of each month, your points are calculated and converted to CASH rewards. These CASH rewards for our school are updated monthly. You can track our progress when you sign in to your online account.
• Our school will receive one CASH rewards check at the end of the program and can use this cash for any of our educational needs.
Also, please encourage your family members and friends to support our school. This could result in more cash rewards for our school! Thank you for supporting our school.
Mrs. Fraser's K & 1 Distance Learning Students
Ms. Barlow's Kindergarteners
Mrs. Mikkelsen's 4th Graders
A Note From Our School Nurse
As we begin this new school year, I wanted to share with you some important facts on helping your child live a healthy lifestyle to help their bodies work properly and have a strong immune system to fight infections, such as Covid, strep, flu, and other infections.The best way to do this is to ensure your children are eating healthy, staying hydrated, being active, and getting enough sleep.
Eating a healthy well balanced diet is always recommended for optimal wellness. Choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, lean proteins and healthy oils will help children grow and develop properly.
Children should reduce their intake of foods high in fat, sugar and sodium. Children should have something to eat every 3- 4 hours, and avoid skipping meals or going long periods without eating. Oftentimes, going too long without eating can cause headaches and stomach pains.
Studies also show that eating a healthy breakfast is associated with improved cognitive function (especially memory), reduced absenteeism, and improved mood.
Staying hydrated with water is very important. Choosing water over sugary drinks is beneficial to your child’s health. Water helps to regulate your body’s temperature, digesting food and excrete waste. When a person is dehydrated they may experience one or more of the following symptoms: headaches, poor concentration, thirst, cracked/chapped lips, dry mouth, constipation, lethargy, and/or dark urine.
Most children under 8 years of age should drink at least 4-6 glasses of water, and for children older than 8 years of age should drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses. Be sure to pack a water bottle for school. Students may use the new “touchless” water bottle filling station located on the main floor.
Being physically active for at least 60 mins per day can help children and adolescents improve heart and lungs health, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and also reduces the risk of developing unfavorable health conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
Lastly, Children need adequate sleep. Studies show that children who get adequate sleep duration for their age on a regular basis will lead to improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and mental and physical health. Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system which may lead to illness, cause headaches, irritability, difficulty concentrating and poor balance which could lead to injury. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends, based on the child's age, that he or she get a certain amount of sleep per day. Below is a chart with ages and amount of sleep an elementary student should get daily.
Children 3 to 5 years of age should sleep 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
Children 6 to 12 years of age should sleep 9 to 12 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
Stay healthy and well,
Mrs. Domenico
Breakfast/Lunch Information
Students should notify their teacher of they need breakfast when they enter their classroom. Teachers will determine the best time to eat the breakfast depending on snack/mask break schedules.
News From the Scituate School Committee
News from Northwest Special Education
Northwest Special Education Local Advisory Committee meetings for the 2020-21 school year:
October 20, 2020
December 8, 2020
February 9, 2021
April 13, 2021
At this time, these meetings will be held virtually. Links to virtual meetings can be found on the Rhode Island Secretary of State's Open Meetings website at least 48 hours before the meeting date: https://opengov.sos.ri.gov/OpenMeetings.
Flu Clinic
Tuesday, Oct 20, 2020, 04:00 PM
Hope Elementary School, North Road, Hope, RI, USA
COVID Reminders for In-Person Leaning
- Complete Parent/Guardian Attestation Form on the day of school BEFORE 8:45 a.m.
- Masks must be worn at all times (except during lunch and mask breaks)
- Whole class bathroom and mask breaks are scheduled throughout the day
- Students eat lunch in their classrooms or outside (weather permitting)
- Drinking fountains are closed. A water bottle filling station is available
- Please do not send your child to school with toys or stuffed animals
Important Dates
- 10/6 Scituate School Committee Meeting
- 10/12 No School - Columbus Day
- 10/19 Distance Learning Day for ALL students - Professional Development Day
- 10/20 Hope Community Flu Clinic
Contact Us
Email: Dana.Morel@ScituateSchoolsRI.net
Website: http://hope.scituateschoolsri.net/
Location: Hope Elementary School, North Road, Hope, RI, USA
Phone: (401)821-3651
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpartanPrideRI
Twitter: @dana_morel