Hathaway Happenings - Home
February 2, 2024
Dear Hathaway Families,
Dear Hathaway Families,
This week we hosted a Climate and Culture Learning Walk with the District Leadership Team and members of the School Committee. They got a chance to experience our culture firsthand and this is some of what they had to say -
"Morning routines are flexible and work. They didn't look the same but it worked in all classrooms."
"Every classroom had a greeting routine, acknowledging students in some way."
"What a happy, yet calm environment."
"Students and staff take pride in their community."
It was a successful event for all!
This week is National School Counselor Week! Please join me in giving Mrs. Almeida, Mrs. Pascoe, and Mrs. Miezejeski a HUGE shout out for all that they do to support students in our community each and every day! From groups to individual counseling and learning sessions, to providing support to our teachers and families, they are truly invaluable!
Please join me in welcoming our new RBT, Michelle O'Rouke to our Hathaway community. Michelle has experience as an elementary teacher and she has two wonderful students in our Hathaway community!
Gloria Christ from the CORE Organization has $1,000 from Newport Prevention Coalition to spend on an arts integrated/SEL program for grades 2-4. This is specific for Hathaway Elementary. This could be via a theater program/or a combined program of theater/art making. The emphasis is on using the arts to assist with healthy mental health skill building, self expression and social/emotional learning. We are in need of a parent volunteer to help run the after school program. The volunteer would be responsible for sign ups, and pick ups on a daily basis. If you are interested in helping us get a program together, please contact me at littlel@portsmouthschoolsri.org.
Our Abound word of the week is construct. Perhaps if you attend our Family STEAM Night on February 28th you might participate in a STEAM challenge that requires you to construct something fun!
Don't forget to take a peek at all of the upcoming events that our HPTA is sponsoring. Up first is our HPTA meeting highlighting the transition from grade 4 to grade 5 at PMS. If you have any questions, concerns, or anything you would like addressed, please complete the form found below. Then there is Adult Music Bingo Night. Sounds like lots of fun! As always, thank you to our HPTA for all that you do for our Hathaway community!
Reminders
Parent conferences will take place the week of February 5th. Teachers will be reaching out to schedule a conference if needed. If you would like a conference and have any concerns that you would like to focus on, please reach out to the teacher ahead of time so they are prepared to have the discussion. When you attend the conference please be sure to share your impression of how school is going for your child, what is working well, and what you may see your child struggling with at this time. We value your input and our partnership in education.
RESPECT FOR PRIVACY:
Please do not send your child with devices (e.g. cameras, phones, watches) that can take pictures, create audio files, and/or video record. In order to protect the privacy and safety of all students, these devices, including vtech watches, are not allowed in school. If a student mistakenly brings one of these devices to school, the student will be asked to keep the device in the backpack.
As always, thank you for being our partners in education!
Celebrating Black History Month!
Debating in 4G!
Great job, Roman!
Black History Month
Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.
The Black History Month 2024 theme, "African Americans and the Arts," explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression."
Each morning we will be highlighting and celebrating a famous black american who has made a difference! Be sure to ask your child about them!
Golden Apple Winners
Upcoming HPTA Meeting
Dear Hathaway Parents,
Please join us on Thursday, February 15 at 6 pm in the library for our monthly HPTA meeting. Portsmouth Middle School administrators, Dr. Jay Masterson, Mrs Goodwin, Mr. Marc Gonsalves, and Mrs. Bethany Pritchard will be joining our meeting to discuss some of the programs and support in place for a smooth transition to the Middle School. There will be a presentation and a Q & A period. Although all parents are welcome to attend the meeting, 4th grade parents are invited to click on the link in the attached flyer to provide input in a brief questionnaire. We will also have our monthly principal's report from Mrs. Lisa Little and be discussing our upcoming HPTA spring fundraiser events, music bingo and an adults only throwback dance party.
Thank you and we hope to see you there,
The HPTA
Attention Grade 4 Parents/Guardians
Dear Hathaway Parents,
I hope this message finds you well. We understand that the transition from elementary to middle school can be a significant milestone for both parents and students. To support you during this period, we are excited to invite you to a special presentation and Q&A session from the Middle School Administration team on navigating the transition to middle school during our next monthly HPTA meeting.
Date: Thursday, February 15
Time: 6:00
Location: Hathaway Library
PMS Administration: Dr Masterson, Mrs. Goodwin, Mrs. Gonsalves, and Mrs. Pritchard
During this session, we will cover essential topics such as PMS programming, extracurricular opportunities, and ways to support your child. Our goal is to provide valuable insights and resources to make this transition as smooth as possible for both parents and students.
We encourage you to come prepared with any questions or concerns you may have, as the latter part of the session will be dedicated to an open Q&A. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow parents, share experiences, and gather valuable information to ease the transition process.
Please click on the link below to provide input on this short questionnaire
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeab_-QKuzorQg4RfJuF7jYnfshbGl8y_mm3iRpu-kHxzxYuw/viewform
We look forward to your participation and are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Together, we can ensure a successful transition for our students as they embark on this exciting new chapter.
Best regards,
Christy Renkawitz
President, HPTA
A Note From Dr. Viveiros
Good Afternoon Portsmouth Community,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to share our Winter 2024 Teaching and Learning Update with you. As always, please reach out with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Liz Viveiros
Deputy Superintendent
From Dr. Kenworthy
Dear Members of the PSD Community,
There has been an uptick in respiratory viruses throughout our region since the holiday break and we are seeing this trend throughout our district. The Rhode Island Department of Health recently released the advisory and recommendations below to help keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible over the next few months:
During fall and winter, we often see increases in rates of respiratory viruses. Respiratory viruses
include flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the common cold. Fortunately, many of the same prevention measures help reduce the spread of all these viruses and keep students in school.
• Get your flu shot. Everyone older than six months of age should be vaccinated against the flu
every year. For information on where to get a flu shot, see health.ri.gov/flu.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash your hands regularly throughout the day using soap for at least 20 seconds. If soap and
water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Keep children home from daycare or school who have a fever, especially with a cough,
congestion, runny nose, or sore throat, until they are fever-free for 24 hours without
medications that reduce fever.
• If you have COVID-19, isolate for five days and wear a mask through day 10. Isolation and
Precautions for People with COVID-19 | CDC.
• Be up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations. For information on how to get vaccinated
against COVID-19, see C19vaccineRI.org.
In the PSD, our school nurse teachers are our first and best resources for all health-related questions or concerns. My continued best wishes to all in the PSD community.
Tom Kenworthy
---
Thomas W. Kenworthy, Ed.D.
From the Behavior Interventionist
.
From the Science Coach
Building Your Budding Scientist Now
Enhancing your child's focus ability is a key factor in their academic success and overall well-being. One effective strategy is to establish a dedicated study environment, free from distractions such as electronic devices or noisy surroundings. Encourage regular breaks during study sessions to prevent burnout and promote sustained attention. Additionally, consider incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or short meditation breaks, to help your child manage stress and stay focused. Ensure they maintain a healthy lifestyle with sufficient sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity, as these factors significantly contribute to improved concentration. By fostering a supportive and structured environment, you can empower your child to develop strong focus habits that will serve them well in their academic journey.
More From the Science Coach
Hello parents/guardians of Hathaway,
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a Family STEAM night on Wednesday, February 28th from 5:30-7:00 pm. It will be a fun-filled evening with various STEAM challenges and demonstrations that both our students and their families can explore and engage in together.
We are also looking to add tables of professionals who are experts in the STEAM world and are interested in showcasing their STEAM profession. This is an excellent opportunity to expose students to a wide range of career possibilities. If you are working in a job that falls under STEAM and have something that you can either demonstrate or have small activities, and would like to participate in, please send an email to Margie Brennan at brennanm2@portsmouthschoolsri.org.
From the Nurse
Hello Hathaway Families!
We recently have had an increase in reported cases of several illnesses. I wanted you all to be aware in order to properly monitor and treat your child. If your child has tested positive for any of the following, please email or call me to let me know so we can treat classrooms properly and notify fellow students and their families. Thank you again, and stay well!
STREP THROAT
***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.
Watch your child for signs of a sore throat and other signs of strep
headache, fever, and stomach ache, nausea, 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.
Flu A
** The flu can be swabbed/tested by a health care provider. Children need to be fever free for 24 hours without the use of Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If diagnosed by a physician, they may prescribe Tamiflu. Keeping your child HYDRATED is especially important.
People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
fever* or feeling feverish/chills.
cough.
sore throat.
runny or stuffy nose.
muscle or body aches.
headaches.
fatigue (tiredness)
some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Conjunctivitis/ Pink Eye
*** Diagnosed and treated by healthcare provider. Often, (not always), requires antibiotic treatment and need to be on antibiotic 24 hours prior to returning to school
Symptoms of conjunctivitis (pink eye) can include
Pink or red color in the white of the eye(s)
Swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and/or eyelids
Increased tear production
Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s)
Itching, irritation, and/or burning
Discharge (pus or mucus)
Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning
Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable and/or do not stay in place on the eye
Depending on the cause, other symptoms may occur.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Can occur with symptoms of a cold, flu, or other respiratory infection
Usually begins in one eye and may spread to the other eye within days
Discharge from the eye is usually watery rather than thick
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
More commonly associated with discharge (pus), which can lead to eyelids sticking together
Sometimes occurs with an ear infection
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Usually occurs in both eyes
Can produce intense itching, tearing, and swelling in the eyes
May occur with symptoms of allergies, such as an itchy nose, sneezing, a scratchy throat, or asthma
Conjunctivitis Caused by Irritants
Can produce watery eyes and mucus discharge
If your child has been seen by a healthcare provider, please let me know, you can call or email! Thank you so much!
Abound APP/Newsletter
If you have technical questions about the app please email "sue@aboundparenting.com" for troubleshooting on their end.
Choose Love
February is Choose Love Awareness Month! It's a time to focus on ways you can bring more Nurturing, Healing, Love to yourself and others. Celebrate all the ways you Choose Love every day bby learning and practicing the Choose Love Formula.
This year's theme is "Starfish Moments." It reminds us that small acts of kindness focus our attention on helping others. This compassion-in-Action helps heal ourselves as well.
We are Hiring!
How to Connect with Unified Arts Teachers
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.
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!
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!!
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
February 5th - 9th - Parent Conferences
February 19th-23rd– Winter Recess (No School)
February 28th - Family STEAM Festival, 5:30-7:00 PM
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)
April 30th - Spring Picture Day
May 20th - KW Musical, 9:15 AM
May 21st - KM Musical, 9:15 AM
May 23rd - KS Musical, 9:15 AM
May 24th - Hearing Screening
May 24th - KG Musical, 9:15 AM
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