Cheetah Chronicles
April 3rd, 2022
Important Dates
April 12th: Tracks 1 & 3 Spring Pictures
April 15th: No School
April 19th: PTA Cheetah Pride Event at Manhattan Pizza 4-8 PM
April 22nd: Track 4 Quarter 3 Report Cards Go Home
May 2nd: No School - District-Wide Workday
June 1st: Track 1 Meet the Cheetahs for the 22-23 School Year
June 27th: Tracks 2, 3, & 4 Meet the Cheetahs for the 22-23 School Year
Panorama Family-School Relationship Survey
Next Monday, April 4th, you will receive an individualized link from the district to complete a parent survey called the Panorama Family-School Relationship Survey. Please look for this email and complete the survey as soon as you can. Our School Improvement Team will be using this data to identify our strengths and areas of growth. We value our relationships with our Holly Springs Families!
2022-2023 Year Round Calendar
The 2022-2023 Year Round Calendar has been approved. It is added as an important link below so that you can always access it when needed.
Future Holly Ridge Middle School Families
Holly Ridge Middle School will host an Open House for rising 6th grade students and parents on Tuesday, April 5th from 6:00-7:15 pm. This will be a structured event where students and parents will be divided into groups where they will have the opportunity to visit the 6th grade core classrooms, have a question and answer session with key school leaders, and visit with select elective teachers.
Assistant Principal Appreciation Week
Assistant Principal Appreciation Week is April 4th-April 8th.
Let’s celebrate Ms. McKinnon and Mr. Yanick by sharing your words of appreciation and other acknowledgments of the great work they do for HSES. You can have your child/children write a thank-you note with specific examples of how they have helped you.
Student/Teacher Characteristics Letters
We welcome letters from parents who wish to inform us of the needs (strengths, characteristics, etc.) of their child for the 2022-2023 school year. As we are unable to meet with each parent, this is a great way to share information about your child. We ask that you not mention a particular teacher’s name, since we will not be able to honor individual teacher requests. All letters should be provided to HSES in a sealed envelope addressed to Ms. Clark or sent via email to dclark2@wcpss.net no later than April 17, 2022.
Meet the Cheetahs for the 2022-2023 School Year:
Track 1 - Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Tracks 2, 3, 4 - Monday, June 27, 2022
Please come at the following times by the first letter of your last name.
Last Name & Time
A-I 4:45-5:15
J-R 5:15-5:45
S-Z 5:45-6:15
PTA: April Cheetah Pride Night
Our April Cheetah Pride Night is right around the corner! Please join us on Tuesday, April 19th from 4pm - 8pm at Manhattan Pizza! Remember to mention HSES in your order (if you are ordering online make sure you put HSES Spirit Night in the Comments) and our school will receive 20% of the proceeds from your order! It's a great way to support our local community business, enjoy a great meal, AND raise money for our Cheetahs! See you there!
PTA: TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: May 2nd-13th
The HSES PTA and Administration will be celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week(s) May 2nd-13th (to accommodate track in/out schedules). This year, we will be celebrating an UP theme, culminating in our year-long school theme of RISE UP. Each day, we will LIFT UP, LIGHT UP, BUILD UP, FUEL UP (you get the picture) our teachers to show our immense appreciation for the countless hours, thankless moments, tireless efforts they pour into their students each and every day. More information to come regarding individual days of Teacher Appreciation Week!
On Monday, May 2nd, the PTA and Admin will be hosting a Mexican Fiesta lunch for our teachers and staff during the teacher workday. We will also be having a building-your-own trail mix bar for teachers throughout the day on Friday, May 6th
The Sign-Up Genius can be found here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4AADAD29AB9-hses4.
Please feel free to donate any and all items you are willing and able. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Non-perishable items can be dropped off at the school's front office no later than Friday, April 29th. Perishable/refrigerated foods items can be dropped off in carpool line during drop off (8:50-9:20am) and pick up (3:50-4:20pm) on Friday, April 29th. As always, thank you for your support. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact Madison Whitley (madisonlisbethwhitley@gmail.com) anytime.
COVID Updates
As of Monday, March 7, 2022, face coverings will be recommended but not required in schools for all staff, students, and visitors. Face coverings will be recommended but not required on morning and afternoon bus runs and on vendor transportation.
Important: COVID-19 When to Return guidance updated
Important: COVID-19 When to Return guidance updated
The wcpss.net/whentoreturn webpage was updated to remove the section mentioning household and non-household exposures. This change is part of the recent update of the StrongSchools NC Toolkit by the NC Department of Health and Human Services.Checking Students In/Out
HSES has a new system to check in/out students. The electronic system is Lobby Guard. Beginning Monday, March 14, 2022, we want parents/guardians to come into the reception area of HSES to check your child in/out of school.
You will still need to ring the outside visitor bell to be welcomed for entry & will need to have your photo ID with you to be buzzed into the building.
Come in! You will scan your ID and use the system to check your student in/out of our school!
Office Staff will be available to assist you.
There will be no student check-outs after 3:30 pm as the office staff must prepare for dismissal procedures.
Spring Pictures
Spring Pictures for HSES will be taking place on April 12th (Tracks 1 & 3). Students will take a class picture on this day, as well as an individual photo. The classroom photos are prepaid, and they can be paid online before, the day of, and/or up to five days after picture day. You can also pay for classroom photos on picture day with a check written to Strawbridge or pay cash. For the spring individual photos, each student photographed will receive an entire package of photos. You will have the opportunity to purchase the whole package (by check, cash or online), purchase individual photo sheets and return the remaining sheets, or return the whole package to HSES.
Classroom Photo Online Order Code for April 12th (Tracks 1 & 3)
PTA March Madness Sale!
Purchase here: https://hsespta.memberhub.com/store#
EOG Testing Windows
EOG Testing dates have been finalized, 3rd - 5th grade families please avoid scheduling time off from school (appointments, vacations, etc) during testing dates.
Bus Transportation Information
Buy Your Yearbook Online!
Meal Benefit Applications
Parents, please consider applying for meal benefits as soon as possible. By submitting a qualifying application, families will also support the district in qualifying for additional funds to support students and learning! Also, the NC Department of Health & Human Services is collecting student free and reduced lunch and attendance data from WCPSS to determine any additional Pandemic Electronic Benefits (P-EBT) that will be issued in the coming months! By not applying for these meal benefits, you will miss the potential opportunity to receive direct P-EBT funds for your family!
Yes, meals will still be free for all students through June 2022 but we still need you to complete a meal benefits application so our school can be eligible for this extra education funding next school year. Also, this ensures your student is covered for the first few weeks of school next year. Information about applying for Meal Benefits can be found at www.wcpss.net/meals. Help our school continue to receive this funding by completing an application online at MySchoolApps.com. Paper applications can be requested by calling 919-588-3535.
HSES SOCCER CLUB
The 2022 spring HSES soccer club season will held for 6 weeks on the following WEDNESDAYS from 4:15pm-5:15pm
March 9th, March 16th, March 23rd, March 30th, April 6th & April 13th
On April 13th, we will have a season celebration by playing a parents/staff vs students game.
VOLUNTEERS/COACHES ARE ALSO NEEDED!
For more information and registration go to the HSES Soccer Club website:
https://sites.google.com/wcpss.net/hsessoccerclub/
Questions can be e-mailed to HSESsoccerclub@gmail.com
VOLUNTEERS
You can come to school to register as a volunteer anytime between 9:30-3:00. The office staff will provide an iPad for you to use to sign up right in the front of the school.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Resources Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit currently requires schools to limit nonessential visitors.
At HSES, we will communicate with our families as we have a need for essential volunteers. There are no visitors/volunteers at this time.
Reactivation for Continuing Volunteers for 2021-2022
If you did not reactivate your volunteer status by October 29, 2021 you must register as a new volunteer. All new volunteer applicants must register and have an approved criminal record check prior to engaging in volunteer work. To do this, you may go to any WCPSS work site and register through wcpss.net by selecting the Community tab, and then selecting Volunteer.
Applicants will be notified by email once their application has been approved.
Applicants who are not approved will receive notice from Employee Relations.
Current volunteers, who provided a valid email address, will receive an email 15 days and 30 days prior to the expiration of their volunteer status reminding them to reactivate.
New Registration Process for WCPSS Employees who Want to Volunteer
Although WCPSS employees do not have to go through a criminal record check to volunteer, they will now need to register.
Breakfast & Lunch Menu with Meal-Viewer
Monthly breakfast and lunch menu PDFs will no longer be posted on our district website.
Menus will now be available on our interactive website, MealViewer.
On the MealViewer website, families can:
- Set up multiple profiles at the schools of your choice
- See any menu changes posted by the manager at each site
- Choose menu items based on allergens
- View nutrients for each menu item
- Add nutrients for meals eaten, even partial meals
- Submit ratings on your favorite items
- Print menus
Has Your Phone Number/Email Changed?
Positivity Project: Tracks 1, 2, & 3 - Humor
This week students will learn about humor. Humor is a sense of playfulness and lightness. It is a way of looking at and describing the world that brings laughter to people. A person with the strength of humor is skilled at seeing the funny side of things, bringing smiles and laughter to others, and identifying and communicating the absurdities in life. People with this strength don’t
specifically need to be joke tellers, although many are. Humor can have a dark side, depending on how it’s used. Some humor is mean-spirited and bullying. The strength of humor that the character strength focuses on is that which raises the spirits of other people.
“Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing.”
- MARK TWAIN
P2 for Families
P2 for Families is an easy and effective way for families to discuss the importance of character strengths and positive relationships. It is differentiated for grades Pre-K – 2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Each character strength follows a 1-1-3 model: 1 quote, 1 video, and 3 questions to drive conversations around character at home.
Please choose your child’s grade level on the site linked HERE to be directed to all of the character strengths. CODE NEEDED: P2
Here Comes the Bus App
Counselor Connection
Quick Positive Thinking Strategies for Kids & Adults
Gratitude: Take two minutes and write down three positive things about yourself, the event or the other person. Shifting our focus to the positive can help us see things more clearly.
Picture It Perfect: When you are imagining that something is going to go badly, take a minute to picture it going perfectly. Remind yourself that it probably won't go perfect and it probably won't go terribly either.
Boss That Thought: When your thoughts are too negative, tell them why they are wrong. Tell them another way to look at the problem. You are in charge of your thoughts. Sometimes you have to show them who's boss.
-socialemotionalworkshop.com
Shannon O’Neal at soneal2@wcpss.net
Martha Frank at mfrank@wcpss.net
Technology Tips & Resources
We have seen a big increase in students adding stickers to their WCPSS devices. At the start of the year, students were shown the video linked below regarding caring for their WCPSS device. Please take a few minutes to review the video and expectations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJBrMM6WVvk
Literacy News
Watch this short video for ideas on how you can support literacy at home.
School Messenger Updates
You can opt-in to receive School Messenger updates via text message by texting YES to the shortcode 67587 or replying with a YES to the opt-in text message we will send to your phone.
More information on School Messenger, including how to manage the manner and devices you get messages delivered to you, can be found here.
Updates from the Parent Teacher Association
PTA Newsletter
PTA: Spirit Gear
PTA: Box Tops for Education
Did you know Box Tops are digital now? All you have to do is download the Box Tops app and take a picture of your receipt containing participating products for our school to get credit. Much easier than cutting Box Tops out and sending them into school. After you take a picture of your receipt you can give credit to your child's classroom. We will reward the class with the most Box Top submissions with a fun prize at the end of the year! Watch the video below for instructions.
Doing all your shopping online? Here are instructions on how to submit digital receipts: https://www.boxtops4education.com/emailgroceryreceipts
**Still have physical Box Tops? We are collecting all non-expired box tops too! Just send them in to school in a plastic baggie, envelope, etc.**
PTA: AMAZON WISH LIST & AMAZON SMILE
Help us show our teachers and staff some LOVE! We have created an Amazon Wish List with snacks, treats, drinks, k-cups, and more. You can order and pay through Amazon and have it sent directly to the school. We strive to keep the teacher’s lounge stocked with snacks, coffee, and tea. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. Check out the list on Amazon. Make sure you shop with smile.amazon.com and make Holly Springs Elementary School PTA your charity. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases - at no cost to you. Thank you!
HELP US STOCK OUR STAFF BATHROOMS!
PTA is on a mission to stock our teacher/staff bathrooms with small, one-use toiletries for our teachers/staff to have on hand whenever needed. Think toothbrushes, toothpaste, flossers, face wipes, deodorant, sanitizer… We would like to provide our teachers with the opportunity to freshen up throughout the day. But we need your help! Ideas of toiletries have been added to our Amazon Wish List (Check out my list on Amazon). We greatly appreciate anything donated! THANK YOU!
Download our App!
It's never been easier to access archived Cheetah Chronicles, Teacher Websites, Teacher Favorites, Cafeteria Menus, Volunteer and Fundraising Information, and so much more! AND, by installing our app, you will receive important announcements and friendly reminders about what’s happening at our school.
Simply search for our school in your App Store or use these links to download our app today. You'll have a handy icon on your phone and with just a tap or two, you can be connected to our school! Don't forget to accept push notifications so that you receive our text alerts!
iTunes: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1481853108
GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details...
Thank you to our sponsors: Blue Water Pediatric Dentistry and Mathnasium!
Become a PTA Member!
Why should you join the PTA?
- Get Involved: The #1 reason why every parent should join the PTA is for the benefit of your child! Research shows that children perform better when parents are involved both at home and at school.
- Advocacy: Power in numbers
Access resources: Free e-learning courses, e-newsletter Be in the know: PTA Takes Action Network provides updates on legislative issues Becoming a member of the PTA shows that you want to help support the programs and events that help enhance students' experiences at school. It does not obligate you to attend the PTA meetings or volunteer. You can join for $10 for an individual or $15 for a family here: https://hsespta.memberhub.com/store?category=Memberships or look for a form to come home with your child this week or when you track ba
Time to Relink your Grocery Cards!
This is an easy way to earn money for our school while you shop. If you haven't linked your grocery accounts from Harris Teeter, Lowes and Publix this school year please take a minute to do so. You have to do it every year. Fill out this form and the PTA will link your account for you: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13XF20vPRsc1Phx29UeE-7JQs--fBKCTSWEMyxPadznA/edit
Thanks you for supporting our school!!