Cheetah Chronicles
July 31st, 2022
Important Dates
August 10th: Track 4 BOG Test
August 12th: Tracks 1 & 2 Quarter 1 Interims Go Home
August 19th: District-Wide Workday
September 1st: Curriculum Night Tracks 3 & 4 (5:00 - 6:30)
September 2nd: Tracks 3 & 4 Quarter 1 Interims Go Home
Track 4 Beginning of Grade 3 Testing
Track 4 Third Grade Parents: Your child will take the NC Beginning of Grade Third Grade (BOG3) reading test on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. The BOG3 is designed to establish a baseline measure for your third-grade student's reading skills. This is the first "big" test your child will take in elementary school.
Before test day, your child's class will learn how to use the online testing platform, talk about test-taking strategies and tips, and experience taking a practice test. The night before test day, please make sure your child charges their WCPSS Chromebook and brings it to school on test day, as they will use it to take their BOG3. Please make sure your child is present at school on test day before 9:30.
Your child's teacher will share additional BOG3 info with you prior to the test.
Parent Screening Notice
Annually, our School Health Dental Hygienist looks for healthy smiles by providing kindergarten dental screenings. Please refer to the WCPSS student/parent handbook. Good dental health is important to a student’s overall well-being and affects a child’s success and performance in the classroom.
School Dental Hygienists use a flashlight to provide a quick visual screening of the student’s teeth, unlike a dental exam by a dentist.
During dental screening, the School Dental Hygienist follows all CDC guidelines.
A letter with the screening results will be sent in the student's school folder ONLY if your child has questionable or obvious dental needs. If needed, children with obvious dental needs may receive an additional follow-up screening by the School Health Dental Hygienist later in the school year.
If you have any questions, please contact the school’s dental hygienist, Mary Lou Torbert, RDH, at 919-621-2482 or mtorbert@wakegov.com
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Cada año, nuestro higienista dental escolar busca sonrisas saludables haciendo exámenes dentales en las clases de kínder. Por favor, consulte el manual del estudiante/padre de WCPSS. La buena salud dental es importante para el bienestar general de un estudiante y afecta el éxito y el desempeño escolar de los/las niños(as).
Los higienistas usan una linterna para hacer un rápido examen visual de los dientes del estudiante. Es distinto a lo que hace un dentista.
Durante la evaluación, el higienista dental sigue todas las pautas de los Centros de Control de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés).
Se enviará una carta con los resultados del examen en la carpeta escolar del estudiante SOLAMENTE si su hijo(a) tiene necesidades dentales obvias o cuestionables. Si es necesario, más adelante en el año, el higienista dental escolar puede realizarles un examen de seguimiento adicional a los/las niños(as) con necesidades dentales evidentes.
Si tiene preguntas, por favor contacte a Angelita Rodriguez 919.250.1199 o angelita.rodriguez@wakegov.com.
Tears & Cheers - Friday, August 5th (Track 4 Kindergarten Parents)
Help Needed for the PTA Cultural Arts Committee!
The PTA Cultural Arts Committee is set to begin in August. Be part of the team that helps select and secure the exciting educational programs being brought to our school this year. This volunteer position has both in person and at home opportunities to fit your schedule. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jen Coyle at jen.l.coyle@gmail.com.
Yearbook Pictures
Parents, please load photos of all your fantastic Cheetahs on their first day of school and during the family fun event! We will be rotating the links all year and with each event the PTA hosts. We are hoping to create an amazing yearbook this year and can’t do it without your help!
First Day of School: https://plicbooks.com/go/CF4ZC9
Kindergarten Information
Track 4 families, your child will only come on their assigned day during the staggered entry period of Friday, 7/29 to Wednesday, 8/3. The first day of school for kindergarten students on track 4 will be Friday, 8/5.
Curriculum Night
Cheetah Families,
We are excited to welcome you to our 22-23 Holly Springs Elementary School Curriculum Night events. Curriculum Night will be in person this year on September 1 (Tracks 3 & 4). Our goal is to provide you with the opportunity to learn about your child's classroom, curriculum, and much more. There will be two sessions offered by your child’s teacher. If you have multiple children, you can attend at different times. If you only have one child, you can choose the session time that works best.
The presentation will last approximately 40 minutes per session.
Those sessions will take place from 5:00-5:40 and 5:45-6:30.
Please join us in your child’s classroom for these sessions! Thank you for all that you do! We look forward to having you attend our Curriculum Night events by track! If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
School Calendar Items-EARLY RELEASE DATES/TIME INFO
During the 22-23 school year, there will be early release days throughout the school year. This time is to provide teachers with an opportunity to complete professional development that is required for all elementary classroom teachers by the North Carolina General Assembly. On these days, dismissal will be 2 hours early - starting at 1:50. All Early Release dates are below so you can mark your calendars and plan for student pickup on those days:
Thursday, 7/28
Friday, 9/2
Thursday, 11/10
Monday, 12/5
Wednesday, 12/21
Friday, 3/24
Thursday, 4/6
Tuesday, 5/9
Volunteer Registration for 2022-2023 School Year
Volunteer or Guest?
Guests are visitors who are never left alone with students. They do not need background checks. Typical examples would include speakers, presenters and community members/parents attending a school event.
Volunteers are visitors who may or may not be alone with students at any point, including in a virtual setting. Volunteers do require background checks. There are no "levels" of volunteer status. Typical examples range from a community volunteer who reads with a child to an overnight chaperone, as well as field day workers, testing proctors, and volunteer coaches. The same background check is done for every type of volunteer.
Current Volunteers
Current volunteers who were approved for the 2021-22 school year do not have to register again this year.
Check with the front office to see if a current volunteer is on the list of eligible volunteers.
New Volunteers for 2022-2023
All new volunteer applicants must register and have an approved criminal record check prior to engaging in volunteer work.
New volunteer applicants may go to any WCPSS work site and register through wcpss.net by selecting the Community tab, and then selecting Volunteer.GoPlaySave Books
It's GoPlaySave time! Our first big fundraiser of the year begins this Friday, July 22nd for Tracks 1, 2 & 3. Be on the lookout for our GoPlaySave coupon books coming home on Friday for you to check out. There will be some big prize incentives for sales this year. More details in the envelopes coming home to you. As ever, we are so grateful for your incredible support raising funds for our amazing Cheetahs!
Medications
If your child has medications that need to be administered at school, you are welcome to bring them to the office anytime during office hours (8:00-4:00). Be sure to bring the updated 1702 form completed by the doctor. If you have any questions, please call the school office at 919-557-2660.
Susan Mann is our school nurse should you have any questions about medical plans or health concerns for your child.
Bus Information:
Bus Routes for 22-23
Bus Routes for the 22-23 school year can be found HERE. Routes have changed so make sure you review this.
WCPSS Transportation
All bussing information and needs can be accessed from the WCPSS Transportation site linked HERE.
Bus Live Updates
Bus Route information (delayed, uncovered routes, etc) can be found at the site linked HERE. Be sure to refresh the site every 10-15 minutes. When the school is made aware of delayed or uncovered routes for our PM routes, we will share that information via Twitter.
Here Comes the Bus App
We are aware that the Here Comes the Bus app was not running properly last week. Once the school was informed, this information was shared through Twitter. The district is working with the service provider to have the app working by Monday morning.
Schoolwide Behavior
Holly Springs Elementary utilizes a schoolwide behavior system: SPOT (Safe, Polite, On-task, and Teamwork). SPOT expectations are shared with and modeled for students in all areas of the school. All classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and outside of the restrooms have posters that explain the SPOT Expectations.
Apply for free and reduced-price school meals
All students currently receive free school meals supported by federal funding due to the pandemic. This funding is set to end on June 30, 2022. In order to receive free or reduced-price meals for next school year, families need to submit a meal benefits application.
All families must complete an application for the 2022-2023 school year starting July 1 in order to receive benefits. Please allow 10 business days for processing.
For every student that turns in the free and reduced meals application and qualifies, the school also receives federal funds that benefit the students and teachers at the school.
We need you to complete a 2022-2023 meal benefits application so our school can be eligible for extra funding next year. If you have not completed a free or reduced-price meal application and think your child may be eligible, pick up an application at your child’s school or apply online. Paper applications can also be requested by calling 919-588-3535 or 919-856-2920 or emailing cnsmealbenefits@wcpss.net.
K-5 Breakfast $1.50 and lunch $3.00
6-12 Breakfast $1.75 and lunch $3.25
Cheetah Pride Fridays
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.
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?
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.Positivity Project: Tracks 1 & 2 Open-Mindedness
Open-Mindedness Character Card
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Open-Mindedness. Open-mindedness means you like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions.
Open-mindedness is the willingness to actively search for evidence that goes against one’s favored beliefs, plans, or goals. Open-minded individuals are able to weigh all evidence fairly when it is available. They see the other side and fight the tendency to have a bias for their own views. And, rather than favoring the socially dominant views, they give attention to those that are less dominant.
Open-minded individuals are often good listeners and called upon to provide a balanced viewpoint. Both listening and the ability to deliver reasonable and practical advice are marks of good friends and confidantes. This strength helps individuals form meaningful and lasting relationships.
Positivity Project: Tracks 4 Other People Mindset
Other People Mindset Character Card
This week our school community will be focusing on the Other People Mindset. This means anything that builds relationships is going to make you happy.
The mission of the Positivity Project is to empower America’s youth to build positive relationships by understanding, appreciating, and exemplifying the character strengths in us all. People who have strong positive relationships do five things consistently - these are the five practices of the Other People Mindset. 1. Recognize the good in other people, 2. Recognize that everything you say or do affects other people, 3. Support others when they struggle, 4. Cheer people on when they succeed, 5. Remain present when giving people your attention. People who have a strong Other People Mindset are able to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with others.
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
The 2022-2023 Student Support Team consists of:
Thelma Cherry, School Social Worker (tcherry@wcpss.net)
Cassandra Day, School Psychologist (cday2@wcpss.net)
Martha Frank, School Counselor (mfrank@wcpss.net)
Shannon O’Neal, School Counselor (soneal2@wcpss.net)
Please feel free to contact us regarding any of your student’s social, emotional or psychological needs. We provide individual and small group counseling, classroom lessons, as well as parent support/consultation.
We look forward to working with you and your children!
Technology Tips & Resources
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
Become a PTA Member!
Why 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 course, e-newsletter.
Be in the know: PTA Takes Action Network provides updates on legislative issues.
Deals: Special offers and discounts from corporate sponsors via our MemberHub site.
Be able to vote in general meetings, have access to minutes from monthly board meetings, as well as receive emails from the PTA about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
Becoming a PTA member shows that you want to support the programs and events that help enhance students’ and staff experiences at school. It does not obligate you to attend PTA meetings or volunteer. For more information, click HERE. You can join HERE for $10 as an individual or $15 as a family (2 adults).
Download the HSES PTA APP!
It’s never been easier to access archived Cheetah Chronicles, Teacher Websites, Teacher Like Forms, Cafeteria Menus, Volunteer and Fundraising Information and so much more! By installing the HSES PTA APP, you will receive important announcements and friendly reminders about what’s happening at school. Search our Holly Springs Elementary School in your App Store (iTunes and GooglePlay). Don’t forget to accept push notifications so that you receive text alerts!
PTA SpiritWear
Show your HSES school spirit with our variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, car magnets, bags, sticks, tattoos and so much more! The first Friday of every month will be Cheetah Pride Day! Show off your Cheetah Pride everywhere you go! Click HERE to view all our SpiritWear.
Rent the Rock
The HSES Spirit Rock is a great way to send a message for all to see! Congratulate your favorite student on an accomplishment, wish a student a Happy Birthday, celebrate a team win or let everyone know how much you love our school. The Rock is available for a weekly rental to families and staff of HSES for their use and enjoyment. Reserve the Spirit Rock for only $25.00 per week. All proceeds will go directly back to the HSES PTA. Click HERE to Rent the Rock!
Paw Prints
Show your Cheetah pride and have your own Paw Print on the walk of fame. Reserve a paw print in front of the school to showcase your students, family, teacher, or business's name.
Amazon Smile & Amazon WishList
Help us show our teachers and staff some LOVE! We have created an Amazon WishList with snacks, treats, drinks, k-cups, items to stock our staff bathrooms, and much 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 WishList 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 to HSES PTA, at no cost to you!
Relink your Grocery Cards
Earn money for the HSES PTA while you shop! If you haven’t linked your grocery accounts from Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods and Publix this 2022-23 school year, please take a minute to do so (you must relink every year). Fill out this form and the PTA will link your account for you.
Box Tops for Education
Did you know that Box Tops is now digital? Download the Box Tops app and take a picture of your receipt containing participating products for our school to get credit. Learn how to scan your Box Tops with the mobile app HERE.
(it is my intention that this will always stay in the Cheetah Chronicles unless otherwise noted)