Harding Elementary Newsletter
November 2023
November News from the Office
At Harding, we continue to strive for acceptable behavior throughout the day. Harding supports its three desired behaviors: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. These three themes ensure students are contributing to a safe learning environment both in the classroom and in the common areas (cafeteria, auditorium, hallways, etc.). Please be sure to review these expectations with your child.
Finally, the temperatures are beginning to drop quickly. If your child stays home due to illness, please be sure to provide a written note with your child. You, or your child, can drop that note off with your teacher, or our office, to ensure your absence is excused. We strive to be as accurate with attendance as possible and your help is greatly appreciated!
We hope you remain safe and healthy as we move towards Fall Break. If you have any concerns or questions about Harding Elementary, be sure to reach out to us.
Thank you,
Harding Elementary Administration
Parent-Teacher Conference Link
Please use the PTCFast link to sign up for conferences. If you have any problems, please contact our office: 717-675-2138.
Harding's Important Dates
No School
November 3rd - Professional Development Day
November 20th - November 27th - Conferences/Fall Break
Fall Family Fun Night
Steven Courtney Show - November 16 @ 5:30
Meet acclaimed singer/songwriter and child entertainer Seven Courtney. Family Session begins at 5:30. Mr. Courtney will be entertaining the students during the day on Thursday, November 16th as well. Come out for a fun evening of song and dance!
Morning Entry
Thank you, families, for assisting Harding Elementary with morning entry routines. As we shared in a letter in October, breakfast doors open at 8:05 daily. If students arrive prior to additional doors opening at 8:50, students are highly encouraged to enter for breakfast. Even if students eat breakfast at home, they can enter through the cafeteria doors and wait in our auditorium until the start of school. In an effort to maintain a safe environment, we ask for your support and assistance. Students who do not have a parent/guardian present upon arrival will be taken inside the building to breakfast. If a problem arises, parents will be contacted and specific arrangements will be made for arrival. Thank you for your understanding in keeping our students and families safe each morning. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to our office.
Important Information
Breakfast
* K4 breakfast time and entry is 8:55 along the ramp on 6th Street.
Attendance
Arrival & Dismissal
Powerschool
As a parent, you are able to view your child's attendance record and most current grades in school. You will need a specific login that the school may provide for you. To access directions on how to set up your Parent Portal and view your student's information, click here.
PBIS
Harding teachers and staff continue to look for positive behavior in the classroom, cafeteria, hallways, and other areas in the school. Students can earn blue Standing Tall tickets by showing respectful, responsible, and safe behaviors. The tickets earn the student a chance to receive special recognition and prizes throughout the school year.
Breakfast/Lunch Menu
If you would like to know what is for breakfast and/or lunch, please view our calendar:
ARC Reading Homework
Communication is Key
At Harding Elementary, we strive to stay connected with families through a variety of resources. Here are a few tips for the school year.
- Make sure phone numbers and email addresses are up to date. The forms to do this will be sent during the first week of school. You may also contact our school office to update information.
- Be sure to have the Seesaw Class app downloaded onto your smartphone (picture shown). The app can connect you to teachers and office staff. Specific class codes are shared by the teachers.
Mrs. Emerich's Counseling Website
Feel free to use the counseling website with students. The webpage also includes contact information for outside services to further support the students in our school. Our hope is that this webpage will become a useful tool for students and families in our school during times of stress and anxiety. Let’s make the future a bright one!
Attend, Achieve, Succeed!
At Harding, we continue to work with families when attendance becomes difficult. Please click the file below to read a "Quick Guide" of information regarding our attendance policy (file has English and Spanish). Also, feel free to download Excuse Notes you can use when your child is absent.
PTO
As mentioned above, the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) will meet on Wednesday, November 8th at 3:45, right after school. If you'd like to come and learn about ways to support the school, please come and attend. The meeting usually last about 30-45 minutes. If you have questions, please contact the office.
Harding's Shining Stars
Congratulations to Harding's September Shining Star: K5 Teacher - Ms. Kelly!
To nominate a Shining Star, please use the form below.
WellSpan Group Services
Box Tops
Between the months of July and November, Harding has earned $83.50 in Box Top cash! Thank you for your support! Please view the flyer on ways you can help support our Box Top program.
Power Packs
We’re excited to announce that our 2023-24 Power Packs school year program registration is NOW OPEN for enrollments! We’ve notified via email families that have participated in our most recent programs (last school year and this past summer), but enrollment is open to ANY and all Lebanon County families with at least 1 or more children in grades K-12 who have a self-declared need for food assistance.
To sign up, use this LINK.
Join Our Team
Are you looking to start a profession with the Lebanon School District. Click here to find out how to apply for open positions within the district.
Resources for Families
CHIP
Health Insurance for children:
Student Accident Insurance
The 2023-2024 Student Accident Insurance form will be available on our website under the parent section if you want to purchase insurance. Injuries caused by accidents at school are only covered if the student accident insurance is purchased. Otherwise the parent, through your personal insurance, is responsible. A direct link can be found here.
Harding Elementary
Email: jalbright@lebanon.k12.pa.us
Website: https://harding.lebanonsd.org/
Location: 622 Chestnut Street, Lebanon, PA, USA
Phone: (717) 675-2138
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HardingCedars