Bulldog Bulletin
Elementary School- September 8th, 2023
It's going to be a great year!
Hello HCS Families!
Welcome back to another new and exciting school year. We have had a wonderful first week back are looking forward to a year full of learning, creating, and exploring in fun and engaging ways. Parents, we hope YOU are relaxed, recharged and ready for a wonderful partnership. I welcome your input and feedback as parents, so please feel free to reach out any time via email or phone.
We often hear that students cannot reach their highest potential if they do not feel safe, supported, and connected. It is my mission to continue to serve our entire school community so that every child feels safe and supported. This year we will renew our commitment to excellence in all that we do as we seek to provide a sense of belonging and ownership, coupled with high quality instruction with the expectation that all students can learn and succeed.
The collective commitment from our families, our students, our teachers, and all of our staff here at HCS continues to be awe-inspiring. It remains an honor and privilege to serve as your principal. Together, I know we will make this school year one of growth and achievement for all of our children.
Sincerely,
Natalie Pfluke
You are invited!
Please join us next Tuesday, September 12th when we will welcome back Sweethearts & Heroes to kick off the year with a fun, engaging, interactive assembly! This team of experts is focused on promoting healthy, positive social connections while fostering a sense of community. Sweethearts & Heroes brings HOPE and ACTION into schools and communities and we invite our families to unite with us in this effort.
If you would like to attend the assembly, please note there will be two events, one for K-2 students and one for 3-5 students. Here are the details:
When: Tuesday, September 12
Where: HCS Auditorium
9:20-10:20 Students and families in grades 3-6
10:40-11:20 Students and families in grades K-2
Since this assembly is during school hours, and for the security of your children, we ask that you arrive to the District Office entrance early so that we can generate a Visitor Badge. To help speed up this process, if you know you are able to attend, please RSVP by responding to this message with the names of those attending.
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you there!
Staff changes
Kate Klatt- Kindergarten
Nicole Gardner- Grade 2
Emilie Callaghan- Grade 3
Alyson Kaufman- Grade 5
Jenn Stover- STEAM/Enrichment
Tammy Hastings- Lunch Monitor
Attendance
Going to school regularly matters for your child’s success and achievement!
Consistent attendance in school is critical to student achievement. Let’s work together to make sure that your child does not fall behind this school year. Please ensure that your child attends school every day and also arrives on time so they benefit as much as possible from what is taught in the classroom. Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:
Make sure your students keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.
Turn off all electronics including TVs, phones and tablets at bedtime.
Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
Ensure your children go to school every day unless they are truly sick. Check with our school nurse, Marybeth Tonkery (229-5171 Ext 3013) if you are not sure about when to keep your child at home due to illness.
Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.
Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your student feels anxious about going to school. You can reach the Counseling Office at 229-5171 Ext 3020.
Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your student to school.
Please let us know how we can work with you and your family to ensure your child is here each and every day.
Sincerely,
Your HCS Team
Safe harbors- Personal Safety Lessons
The New York State Department of Education mandates that all students are presented a lesson on the topic of Personal Safety. Lessons are specifically designed for elementary aged students and are grade level and developmentally appropriate. A youth specialist from Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, will be joining our PreK-5 classrooms during the week of September 25. It is the goal of the Personal Safety Program to empower children with the information, skills, and supports necessary to be safe without frightening them. The key concepts taught in this program include:
What are “okay" and "not okay" touches
If assaulted, tell a trusted adult and keep telling until someone listens; and
The shame and blame belongs to the adult.
We would also like to encourage families to discuss these topics at home, rehearsing what to do in potentially dangerous situations. Please reach out to the elementary school office if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Natalie Pfluke
Elementary Principal
Partnering with PTA
PTA is excited to welcome our teachers, staff and kids back to school! Please think about becoming a member of PTA and/or joining us in fundraising to help our kids and teachers have a wonderful year to come. We’re excited to create wonderful activities and events this school year to help one and all!
Check out our link to join the PTA!
https://hcspta.memberhub.com/store
Kristin Kester
PTA President
School Hours
School hours are from 9:00 AM– 3:15 PM. Doors will open at 8:55, at which time all students will be allowed to enter the building. In the case of a half-day of school, dismissal is at 11:40 am. Students should not come to school any earlier than 8:55 AM unless a teacher has notified you in advance. UPK hours in the morning will be 9:00-11:30, and afternoon classes will be 12:45-3:15.
Arrival Procedure
Dismissal Procedure
Homecoming 2023!
To be more united as a district this year, elementary students have been invited to participate in our HCS Homecoming Spirit Week!
Our spirit week will include the following schedule for UPK-12:
Monday (9/25)- Tourist Day to kick off our "Tour of the Decades of Hollywood" Homecoming theme
Tuesday (9/26)- Barbie/Ken Day
Wednesday (9/27)- Wacky Wednesday
Thursday (9/28)- Country Bumpkin/Country Club
Friday (9/29)- Color Wars/HCS Day of Caring Colors
Important Dates
9/12- Sweethearts and Heroes Assembly
9/22- Day of Caring
9/25- Safe Harbor Presentations
9/26- Picture Day
12/13, 12/14, 12/15, 3/27 and 3/28- Half days for Parent Teacher Conferences; regular day for UPK
Helpful Resources
- ParentSquare Signup : Please utilize this if you are not already doing so; it's the school's platform for communication.
- Honeoye Central School District Community Resource Guide
- Here are some other resources from Attendanceworks.org that might be helpful: