HPES Community School
November 2021 Newsletter
HPES FAMILY, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
We are excited for what has been happening so far this school year at HPES! We can't wait to share all the things we have planned for you and our students (scholars) in the upcoming months and into the new year! We will be sending out a Community School Monthly Newsletter for parents about school and community resources/information to keep you updated. We know this can be a difficult time for a few and big adjustments for all of us as we transition back into in-school learning, but we want you to know that we here for you!
WHAT IS A COMMUNITY SCHOOL? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
A Community School is a public school and the “hub” of its neighborhood. It unites families, educators and communities, and provides all students with an opportunity to succeed.
FIVE Reasons for a Community School:
1. Bolster Student Achievement
2. Ensure all children have access to academic, health and social services
3. Strengthen families and neighborhoods
4. Address inequities facing students and their families
5. Forge relationships between school and communities
To learn more about Community Schools and its function, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8GaUJEP2h0 to view a short animated film on the role of Community Schools.
For additional information on or about Community Schools, please contact Community Schools Coordinator, Ms. Woodson at (301) 333-0980, ext. 54473 or via email at Laverne.woodson@pgcps.org
READING CORNER RESOURCES
Social - Emotional Learning Minute: Let's Talk About "Self-Awareness"
Self-awareness means being able to understand your thoughts (what you say to yourself), emotions, (how you feel) and values (what’s important to you), and how those things influence your behavior.
To be self-aware, you must:
· Identify your emotions – Example: Am I angry or just frustrated? Am I sad or irritated?
· See yourself honestly – Example: Do I often think negatively before thinking positively? Am I kind or do I start problems with people?
· Recognize your strengths and weaknesses - Example: Am I doing okay in school or just too hard on myself? Do I reach out for help when frustrated or do I show negative behavior instead?
· Work towards growth – Example: Do I need to learn skills to manage my anger and anxiety? Do I need to read for 20 minutes at night to improve my reading?
Home practice to become more self-aware: Write 10 things you are good at or can do well, and learn to speak them when someone asks, “what are your strengths or what are you good at?”
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Prince Georges County FoodEquityCouncil Community Food Program:
Each week, the FoodEquityCouncil’s team will be sending the updated Community Food Distributions (in English and Spanish) via this link: bit.ly/pgcfood
The Community Food Distributions and further food assistance resources are also available on the FEC's website (in English and Spanish).
COMMUNITY MESSAGE
Changes to school boundaries are coming.
For more information please visit the site below.
The PGCPS Comprehensive Boundary Initiative is an effort to best utilize school facilities in support of the school district’s academic objectives. For more information, please visit www.pgcps.org/boundary.
PGCPS REMINDER
Professional Day for Teachers - 2 Hr. Early Dismissal for Students.........November 17
Thanksgiving Holiday..........................................................................November 24- November 26
SchoolMax Support for Parents and Guardians
New COVID-19 Clinics at Elementary School Sites
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COVID-19 CLINIC HOURS
Monday-Friday | 3 - 8 p.m.
A complete school clinic schedule and links to schedule appointments are available online. Walk-ins will also be accepted. These clinics also provide additional vaccine doses or booster doses, if needed.
Individuals younger than 18 receiving vaccinations must have a parent or legal guardian present at the clinic to complete the appropriate consent form below:
Vaccine Consent Form for Minors
Parental Delegation Form Authorizing the Immunization of a Minor
Community School Coordinator: L. Denise Woodson, MSW
Community School Mental Health Therapist: Janet Norris, LMSW