Hathaway Happenings - Home
October 27, 2023
Dear Hathaway Families,
What a wonderful Safe and Healthy Choices Week we had in our Hathaway community. We wore red, put on our thinking caps, had healthy snacks, wore comfy clothes and our team gear! We heard positive messages on the announcements each morning. It certainly was fun for all!
Speaking of fun...we had our first Surprise Attendance Day! On Friday morning we all participated in Hallabaloo where we decorated white paper that lined the hallways. We drew hearts, positive messages, pictures and signed our names. There were lots of laughs and smiles as we created our positive messages collage!
Next week students will participate in MySAEBRS, a Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener. This screener measures student functioning in three domains: Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior. The screener will take students 5-10 minutes to complete.
Please be sure to read the updates thoroughly as there are many upcoming events, including a Fun Walk and a flu clinic (Please be sure to scan the code to sign up for your shot), and our annual Feinstein Food Drive! We are excited for all that lies ahead!
Please note that changes to dismissal method (such as pickup instead of bus) must be requested via written note sent into the office only when absolutely necessary.
Early dismissal learning time adds up quickly! We encourage everyone to make every effort to maintain a consistent dismissal method throughout the year.
As always, thank you for being our partners in education!
Golden Apple Winners
Thank You Firefighter Canario!
After School Arts
We are excited to bring After School Arts to Hathaway on Tuesdays from November 7th through December 12th (6 weeks). Classes will take place after school from 3:30pm until 4:30pm. All registered students must be picked up by 4:30pm (unless enrolled in AlphaBest).
Two classes are being offered:
STEM! STEAM! LEGOS! with Ashley Lessa (Grades K-2)
This class combines building with Legos while creating stories, structures,moving parts and pieces within Lego towns and villages. Perfect for students who love to work with their hands, work together and create worlds of imagination! This class also begins and ends with grounding work and self expression.
Theater/Music/Dance with Gloria Crist (Grades 3-4)
Acting, singing, dancing, and improv. This class also weaves in elements of self expression and somatic response, incorporating social emotional learning along with all the elements of THEATER!
Registration opens Saturday, October 28th and closes on Saturday, November 4th. Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The session runs for 6 weeks and the fee per student is $75.00.
Register online at: https://thinkfeelcreate.coursestorm.com
Fun Walk Update
Hello Hathaway Families,
The Fun Walk fundraising is still in progress. With 16% of Hathaway students raising money so far, we have reached almost $8,000. Thank you so much!
There is still time to get your donations in. Please check out our Fun Walk website and review this flyer for more information and other payment methods available. Please be sure to review the steps on how to be sure your donation is credited towards a specific student.
Miss Mac's kindergarten class is currently in the lead to silly string Mrs. Little, with Mrs. Vieira's 3rd grade class very close behind and Mrs. Grinnell's 1st grade class coming in third. Kindergarten has taken the lead for top fundraising grade, but it is very close and any grade could win that extra recess! Shout-out to Mrs. Wright's kindergarten class for top participation at 30%.
The Fun Walk has been our biggest fundraiser in recent years and a great community building event for our students. All donations are tax-deductible.
Please contact Dana at dmys2105@hotmail.com with any questions!
Flu Clinic
Food Drive
Hathaway School
Holiday Food Drive
Nov. 6th-10th 2023
All donations will be delivered to St. John’s Lodge
Items to be collected:
Grade K: Hot Cocoa
Grade 1: Stuffing
Grade 2: Cranberry Sauce and Turkey Gravy
Grade 3: Canned Yams and Instant Mashed Potatoes
Grade 4: Pie Filling and Boxes of Pie Crust
Thank you for your generosity!
Abound Survey
We're excited to be creating strong family partnerships around reading development at Hathaway.
To make sure all voices are heard, we are asking you to take this quick survey. Everyone who submits a completed survey by Oct. 30th will be in the drawing for one of 11 prizes!
1) 10 families who submit the survey by October 30 will receive a $10.00 gift certificate to Dunkin Donuts.
2) 1 family will win 2 books from the Abound list of suggested titles.
Thanks so much. We can't do this without you!!
How to Connect with Unified Arts Teachers
Holiday Letter
Dear Families,
As we approach the holiday season, we recognize that this time of year creates added stress for many of our families. Portsmouth School District’s Caritas Fund, our parent groups, teachers and community organizations are able to offer some of the things needed to help make this a happy season for all.
If you need assistance with any of the items on the back of this letter and are not receiving assistance from another agency, please fill out this form and return it in a sealed envelope to Nicole Pascoe or Nelia Almeida . If you have children in multiple schools, please only complete 1 form and send it in to the school of your youngest child. Forms need to be returned NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 30, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact us at the number or email below.
We will be partnering with our local food banks again this year, who will be handling all requests for food. If you are in need, please contact them directly at the number provided on the back of this form. They will be handling all requests for holiday food baskets. We will also be providing gift cards only this year, with a $50 limit per child, to help with present buying. We appreciate your understanding of this. You only need to complete this form if you are requesting gifts.
The Caritas Fund not only supports our Portsmouth families during this time of the year but year round with necessities such as funds for clothing, food and other basic necessities. This fund is completely supported by the donations from our school department employees and the generosity of our community. Monetary donations and gift cards for this fund are always needed and greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate to help us continue our efforts, checks can be made payable to “The Town of Portsmouth Caritas Fund” and these along with gift cards can be sent into school with your children in an envelope addressed to Nelia Almeida or Nicole Pascoe.
Sincerely,
Nelia Almeida, School Counselor: 683-0500 ext. 4017
almeidan@portsmouthschoolsri.org
Nicole Pascoe, School Social Worker: 683-0500, ext. 4017
pascoen@portsmouthschoolsri.org
This form can be found in the hard copy that went home with students.
Person completing this form:______________________________________________________
Best way to contact you (phone number or email address). We will need to leave voicemails or emails with gift pick-up information.
________________________________________________________________
If you are in need of holiday food baskets, please contact:
St. John’s Lodge at 401-683-3674
If you are in need of holiday gifts for your children, please provide the information below.
Child’s name (first and last): ____________________________________ Age/Grade________
Gift card ideas: ________________________________________________________________
Child’s name (first and last): ____________________________________ Age/Grade________
Gift card ideas: ________________________________________________________________
Child’s name (first and last): ____________________________________ Age/Grade________
Gift card ideas: ________________________________________________________________
Child’s name (first and last): ____________________________________ Age/Grade________
Gift card ideas: ________________________________________________________________
Attendance Matters!
From the Behavior Interventionist
Hello from the Behavior Interventionist!
My role as the behavior interventionist at Hathaway is to collaborate with teachers and families to develop and implement intervention strategies (positive behavior supports) for the classroom and within the school environment that allow all students to feel included and participate in our school community.
I work directly with students in the classroom as well as out of the classroom in a small group setting to target social-emotional learning.
From time to time, I will be providing resources to families that focus on how to support social-emotional learning at home. Should you have any questions about resources or concerns about your child, please reach out to me: miezejeskis@portsmouthschoolsri.org or ext. 4009.
Love,
Mrs. Miezejeski
From the Nurse
STREP THROAT
There have been some cases of Streptococcal throat infection in the school. Here are some important signs and symptoms to look out for during this cold, flu and strep throat season!
Watch your child for signs of a sore throat and other signs of strep
(headache, fever, and stomach ache, swollen and tender neck glands).
Please see your health care provider if your child develops a sore throat
or any of these signs of strep infection. If strep is found, your child
will be treated with an antibiotic.
Strep throat is a sore throat caused by Streptococcus bacteria that are
passed around through nose and mouth droplets. It is very common in
children. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and are not treated
with antibiotics. Strep throat must be treated with antibiotics to
prevent spread to others and to prevent rare but serious complications.
Children who have been diagnosed with a strep infection may return to
school after taking medication for at least 24 hours and fever is gone.
LICE
We recently have had some cases of lice in the school. I wanted you all to be aware of this and wanted to clarify the policy on lice as many of you have had questions! While lice is a tremendous nuisance, the CDC does NOT require children to be removed from class for having lice, nor do they require head checks of students in classes that have been exposed to lice. It is also stated that notifying families of exposure is not necessary. At Hathaway, as a courtesy, I will notify classrooms who have been affected with a letter. It is strongly encouraged to check your child for lice as well. For more information please click on CDC regulations below. Thank you!
Free COVID Tests Available
Every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.
To order, use this link: www.covid.gov/tests
Very easy to order and absolutely free!
Abound APP/Newsletter
If you have technical questions about the app please email "sue@aboundparenting.com" for troubleshooting on their end.
Parent Survey
Progress Reports and Report Cards
Last year as we navigated a new ELA curriculum, and as the year progressed we recognized a need to revise our grading process. Through the work of our grade level teams, teacher leaders, administrators, and coaches, we revised the Report Card and developed Mid-Trimester Progress Reports to better communicate student progress with parents and caregivers.
All families have been invited to attend a parent teacher conference with their child's teacher over the past two weeks. At the conference teachers reviewed the Mid Trimester Progress Reports. These reports include data from the benchmarking assessments. Benchmarking assessments are assessments given to students three times a year to measure their progress towards achieving the end of year standard for their grade level. In addition, you should have received a parent STAR Assessment Report. If your child qualified for a Response to Intervention Plan, this was presented and discussed during the conference.
Report Cards are published three times a year and will be available on the ASPEN Platform. You will be able to access your child’s Trimester 1 Report Card on the ASPEN Family Portal on December 8th, 2023. We will send out reminders as we near that date.
Report Cards reflect your child's current mastery of end-of-grade level standards. The grades earned by your child, as reflected on the Report Card, are their current mastery of end-of-grade level standards. For example, if your child is in second grade they are being assessed on the standard that is expected of a student exiting second grade. If your child receives an S (secure), this means that they are secure and have reached the end of the year benchmark. Earning a D (developing) means your child is demonstrating growth towards meeting the end of grade level with support. If your child is beginning to progress towards meeting the end of year standard, then they will receive a B (beginning). It is common for most students to receive B’s and D’s during the first trimester now that we are switching to reporting out on end-of-year standards. An N/A means that this standard has not yet been taught. NP means that your child did not participate in the learning/activities related to this standard.
From Dr. Kenworthy
Dear Members of the PSD Community,
In the Portsmouth School Department, our number one priority is the safety of all students and staff members. A few times per year, separate from any recent or current events, I provide updates to the PSD community about the main safety and security measures we have in place. Here is a brief summary:
In the PSD, we have School Resource Officers (trained members of the Portsmouth Police Department) on duty at both our middle and high schools and district-employed school safety officers in place at both of our elementary schools (both of these individuals are retired law enforcement officials).
The PSD partners with the Portsmouth Police Department for all matters related to safety and security. The PPD trains in the Run, Hide, Fight method for school safety promoted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Our PSD staff receives regular training from the PPD and these practices are incorporated into our school safety drills and planning. At our middle and high school, SROs are a key part of all drills and emergency decisions while at the elementary level, administrators, staff, and our safety officers take the initial lead on these decisions.
In the event of an actual emergency, command and decision making authority is handed over to the PPD once they are established on scene. Information and updates will be sent out to students and families by the school or Central Administration as soon as possible.
The PSD follows Threat Assessment Guidance issued by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Our district mental health staff plays a critical role in these procedures.
A District Safety Committee made up of school and district personnel as well as town safety representatives from police and fire, meets regularly throughout the school year.
The PSD utilizes the Sandy Hook Promise Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. The link is available on our district website home page in the top right-hand corner. All reports are vetted by trained personnel. School-related concerns are sent to school leaders while PPD and PSD officials are immediately notified for any credible threats.
Please feel free to contact me or your child’s principal at any time for school safety questions.
Thank you,
Tom Kenworthy
---
Thomas W. Kenworthy, Ed.D.
Response to Intervention
Please take a moment to review our Response to Information Parent Letter.
Nurse Updates
Hello Parents!
Below are the recently updated protocols for COVID, as well as when to keep your child home from school due to illness. If your child is ill, please complete the absence notification online. If you would like to provide more information you can email or call me directly at habershawk@portsmouthschoolsri.org or ext 4911. Thank you!
Stomach Bug - student can return after being vomit-free for 24 Hours.
Fever - Students can return after being fever free for 24 Hours WITHOUT the use of Tylenol or ibuprofen.
Strep Throat - Students can return once on antibiotics for 24 hours.
Pink eye - Student can return to school after 24 hours of antibiotic (topical or oral)
Lice - Students can come to school with lice however we STRONGLY recommend students be treated prior to returning to school.
COVID - we are following RI Department of Health and CDC regulations, please see info below for COVID recommendations:
In preparation for the 2023-24 school year, RIDOH expects increases in COVID-19 this fall and winter season. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control’s (CDC) COVID-19 guidance for schools remains largely the same. The goal remains to prevent students and staff from getting very sick from COVID-19 and to minimize disruptions to school and families.
RIDOH encourages you to review the following COVID-19 information and updates:
COVID-19 Key Recommendations
Students and staff should continue to take preventive actions to avoid getting very sick and/or spreading COVID-19 including:
• Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccine;
• Staying home when sick and getting tested when you have COVID-19 symptoms;
• If exposed to someone with COVID-19, monitoring symptoms; testing after day 5; and
wearing a mask through day 10;
• If you have COVID-19, isolating at home for 5 days and wearing a mask through day 10;
• If at higher risk of getting very sick, have a COVID-19 plan.
Krissy Habershaw, RN
Hathaway Elementary School Nurse
(401) 683-0500 ext 4911
Principal Read Aloud
Grades 1-4 have all heard about The Energy Bus for Kids! Please ask your child about the energy bus rules. They will help us have a wonderful year!
Kindergarten heard The Magical Yet. Please ask them what the magical yet is helping them with at this time!
1. Create a Positive Vision - Please consider having your child create a picture of a goal for the week, month, year, etc.
2. Fuel Your Ride with Positive Energy - I asked all students to think of a success from their days in school - one thing that made them smile and feel great - and share that with someone at home. Remind them that they have the power to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. Smiles, laughter, gratitude, faith and positive beliefs and thoughts are all it takes!
3. No Bullies Allowed - We continue to encourage our students to be kind and support one another. Ignore or confront bullies and ask for help when needed.
4. Love Your Passengers - We encourage the students to show kindness and love to others.
5. Enjoy the Ride - Need I say more?
Drill Information
Fire drills occur on a regular basis. State law requires each school to conduct eleven fire drills, two lockdown drills and two evacuation drills each year. Shelter in Place drills are conducted throughout the school year. Children are given instruction on all procedures. Children are expected to behave in a calm, orderly manner during these exercises. Please review the importance of such exercises with your child and emphasize the need for appropriate behavior.
A lockdown is an alert to a school community that students and staff should not leave the classroom and should gather in one area of the room until provided with further direction.
An evacuation requires all students and staff to exit the building and meet at a designated safe place.
A shelter in place is an alert to a school community that movement outside of classrooms is being restricted for a brief period of time. It is typically used when a student or staff member is requiring some sort of attention (sometimes medical) and the school is trying to keep that area clear and/or protect that person’s privacy. If there were a serious safety concern the school would not issue a shelter in place.
We will send notification of lockdowns, evacuations, and shelter in place drills and events via email.
Here is the presentation that was shared at a Parent Safety Forum that was hosted in conjunction with the Police and Fire Departments. The Run, Hide, Fight FBI philosophy guides our safety training.
The P3 Sandy Hook Promise Anonymous tip line is a resource that we encourage anyone to use if there is ever an immediate safety concern.
Hathaway Notification Form
Please complete the Hathaway Notification form to let us know!
Arrival and Dismissal Map
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Entrance System
During the school day, we are responsible for keeping all students safe as well as protecting their privacy. For this reason, we have limited guests in the building during school hours and we require anyone working directly with children to go through our Volunteers in School Process. This year we have a new security system.
Visitors who are entering the building for a meeting, volunteering, or an event etc...
When you arrive:
- Enter the vestibule.
- Approach the platform and tap the button on the screen that aligns with the purpose for your visit.
- Follow the cues on the screen. All visitors must have their license with them to enter the building.
- Once complete, then ring the buzzer.
- Our office staff will verify that you are ready to enter the building and will unlock the door for your entry.
*There is also a QR code on the screen that you can scan with your cell phone's camera and it will bring you through this same process.
If you are dropping something off for the school, class, or a particular child, then you do not need to sign yourself in on this system.
- Ring the buzzer and the office staff will respond.
- Notify the office staff of the purpose for your visit.
Thank you for your support in keeping our community safe.
School Meals Program
Breakfast, lunch, and milk are available to purchase for all Hathaway School students. Students order lunch each morning through their teacher that day. Breakfast can be picked up by students in the cafeteria as they arrive at school.
Full price Breakfast is $1.00 and Lunch is $2.60. If your family qualifies for reduced prices, breakfast is $ 0.30 and lunch is $0.40. Milk is offered for $0.55 as a stand alone item.
Please apply for free or reduced lunch online by visiting this site: https://www.myschoolapps.com. Or, paper applications will be sent home the first week of school.
Payment for breakfast, lunch and/or milk can be made online at www.myschoolbucks.com. A student LASID number will be needed to create and make payments online using your “My School Bucks” account.
Payment can also be made by sending cash or a check in an envelope to school labeled with your student’s name, teacher’s name, LASID number and amount included. If paying by check, please make it payable to Portsmouth School Department with your child’s LASID number noted on the memo line. Send a separate check for each child in your family as payments cannot be split between accounts. KEEPING YOUR BALANCE PAID IN FULL IS VERY IMPORTANT.
Please note per the PSD policy, "Elementary and middle school students may not purchase “a la carte” items ( i.e. milk) or snacks until all charges on the account have been satisfied."
Please refer to the family portal navigation below to access your child's LASID number.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free And Reduced Price School Meals
AlphaBEST
A Letter From the HPTA
Hello Hathaway Families,
The HPTA is busy working on some great events for the upcoming school year. Check out the flier below for upcoming events!
Monthly Meetings
We have meetings monthly in the school library, generally the third Wednesday of the month.
We encourage the Hathaway community to attend.
Becoming a Volunteer in School
Visit the district volunteer page for information if you would like to become VIS approved to volunteer in school.
VIS Authorization Form: A background check must be completed annually, by law in Rhode Island. You must fill out the authorization form for the background check and have it notarized. It also needs to include a copy of the front and back of your driver’s license, and a $5 check made out to ‘BCI.’ This form can be turned in at the school’s main office or at the school department building.
If you have any questions, please email us at Hathawaypta@gmail.com. And as always, we thank you for your continued support!!
Save the Dates
Celebrations and Recognitions
Nut Free Facility
Thank you for your support in keeping all of our students safe in our Hathaway community.
Securly Home
Securly Home is an app that allows parents to monitor their child’s Chromebook activity at home and add rules for home use. Please take some time to review the slideshow and recording of the parent meeting that took place on 9/16.
We encourage you to sign up now for Securly Home!
Hathaway Notification Form
Please complete the Hathaway Notification Form.
Thank you in advance for helping us to keep things organized and safe in our Hathaway community.
Accessing Aspen
If you are having issues accessing Aspen, you will have to email familyportal@portsmouthschoolsri.org with your child's name, date of birth, grade level, and your name. The system administrators will be able to restore access to your account and make sure that you can login.
Where Can I Find Past Parent Newsletters?
Important Dates
Important Dates
2023-2024
November 1st - Fun Walk
November 2nd - Vaccine Clinic, 4:00-7:00 PM
November 7th-8th - Vision Screening
November 13th - Veterans’ Day Observance (No School)
November 22nd- 25th – Thanksgiving Recess (No School)
November 30th - End of Trimester One
December 2nd - 4th Chorus Concert, 10:00 AM
December 4th - Dental Screening
December 8th - Family Portal Open
December 22nd - 31st – Holiday Recess (No School)
January 7th - Hathaway P Bruins Game, 3:05
January 12th - Staff Professional Development Day (No School for Students)
January 15th – Martin Luther King Day (No School)
February 19th-23rd– Winter Recess (No School)
March 12th - End of Trimester 2
March 20th - Family Portal Open
March 29th– Good Friday (No school)
April 2nd– Staff PD Day (No School for Students)
April 15th-19th– Spring Recess (No School)
May 24th - Hearing Screening
May 27th – Memorial Day (No School)
June 14th - Last Day of School
Howard Hathaway Elementary School
Email: littlel@portsmouthschoolsri.org
Website: https://www.portsmouthschoolsri.org/Domain/10
Location: 53 Tallman Avenue, Portsmouth, RI, USA
Phone: (401)683-0500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hathaway.principal/
Twitter: @HathawaySchool