Hathaway Happenings - Home
February 16, 2024
Dear Hathaway Families,
Dear Hathaway Families,
It was a very sweet week in our Hathaway community!
While we saw our first blustery snow day, there was lots of warmth and love flowing in our Hathaway community this week! On a personal note, I want to thank all of the students from the bottom of my heart for making my "big" birthday so special! From cards and posters, to flowers and birthday bags, to videos and a classful of little ones singing Happy Birthday, I am so touched. They made my day so wonderful and for that I am truly grateful!
We showed some love to Officer Wes and Officer Dave on National School Resource Officer Day! They keep us safe, make us smile, and are always ready to lend a helping hand!
We hosted our HPTA meeting with special guests from PMS! Many hearts felt lighter after hearing all of the support and love that awaits them as our fourth graders transition to grade five. Check out the PMS Presentation. It includes future events and dates related to the transition.
Be sure to check out this week's tip from Mrs. Miezejeski, our Behavior Interventionist!
Looking for fun ways to celebrate Leap Year? Look no further - check out this fun site!
Hathaway Spirit Swag is back! Ordering is open NOW through February 29th. Check out all of the great adult and youth sizes here. Select "Pickup in Store" for free delivery to Hathaway. Please be sure to add the student and classroom your order should be sent home with in your order notes! Please see the attached flyer for more details and email Dana (dmys2105@hotmail.com) with any questions.
Looking for something to do during February break? Check out the February Vacation Basketball Camp flier for students in grades 2-8 below.
Our Abound word of the week is unite. We are wishing you a wonderful winter break and look forward to reuniting as a community on Monday, February 26th.
We hope to see you at our Hathaway Family STEAM Night on Thursday, February 28th, from 5:30-7:00 PM. It is sure to be an amazing event! Along the same lines we have included a February Winter STEAM calendar below for your family fun at home!
Reminders
Don't forget to take a peek at all of the upcoming events that our HPTA is sponsoring. Up next is Adult Music Bingo Night. Sounds like lots of fun! As always, thank you to our HPTA for all that you do for our Hathaway community!
RESPECT FOR PRIVACY:
Please do not send your child with devices (e.g. cameras, phones, watches) that can take pictures, create audio files, and/or video record. In order to protect the privacy and safety of all students, these devices, including vtech watches, are not allowed in school. If a student mistakenly brings one of these devices to school, the student will be asked to keep the device in the backpack.
As always, thank you for being our partners in education!
From Our Behavior Interventionist
Happy Valentine’s Day Families!
February Break is almost here, so this month - I wanted to share some videos about growing your child’s “love spot” during school vacation. We all have little spots of emotions inside of us (happy, sad, love, anger, and more). Some we want big - others, we want to keep small. LOVE is a spot that can never get too big! How will you speak your child’s love language over the winter break?
Learn Your Child’s Love Language
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0tjCG5fBqE
How to Show a Love Spot
://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Oew2tR_xn0&list=PL8CukZJmM-JvuFFHJ1phHFgATLPNueLFr&index=48
Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Program
Dear Hathaway Families,
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a federally assisted program providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to children at eligible elementary schools during the school day. The goal of the FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce among children. The FFVP also encourages healthier school environments by promoting nutrition education. To learn more, visit the FFVP webpage.
When will the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program be offered? We will begin on Tuesday March 5th and the FFVP will be offered on both Tuesdays & Wednesdays weekly in the classroom.
How will I know what my student will be served? A menu will be sent home monthly and posted on the school's website.
What if my child has an allergy to some of the foods? Classroom teachers will be working closely with Nurse Krissy regarding students who have allergies. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Nurse Krissy or me.
If you DO NOT want your child to participate in the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, then please complete this opt-out form by March 1, 2024.
If you WANT your child to participate in the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, then no further action is needed.
K/1 Eye Exams
Just a quick note to let you know that on FRIDAY MARCH 1st, all KINDERGARTEN and FIRST GRADE classes will be having eye exams completed. Please ensure that if your child wears glasses that they bring them to school for the exam.
If you would like to “OPT OUT” of this exam for your KINDERGARTENER or FIRST GRADE student, please complete the Google link below.
K1 Google Form: Vision Opt Out
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know!
Thanks so much!
Krissy Habershaw, RN
Hathaway Elementary School Nurse
401- 683-0500, ext 4911
Herren Wellness Week - March 4th - 8th
Please join us in celebrating Wellness Week with Herren during the first week of March! The Herren Project was founded in 2011 by Portsmouth’s own Chris Herren who played basketball with the Boston Celtics. The mission of the Herren Project and their Wellness Week is to bring awareness to the importance of making healthy life choices, both physically and mentally, each and every day so you can be your best self. Herren’s motto is, “Be you, Live Well”. We have a variety of activities taking place during this week along with wellness messages that will be shared each morning during our announcements.
Mindful Monday:
Wear colors that make you feel calm today. Practice your brave breath that you learned in the Choose Love lessons. Some other ideas to try for Mindful Monday include: Starfish Breathing, try a Mind Yeti video, exercise or take a nature walk.
Thankful Tuesday:
Students will receive a Gratitude BINGO card. Try to see how many boxes you can check off.
Wellness Wednesday:
Wear your comfy clothes today! Try to eat fruits and vegetables with each meal today.
Thoughtful Thursday:
Doing something for others makes US feel good! Do something thoughtful for someone else. Wear a shirt or hat that has a message of kindness on it.
Feel Good Friday:
Be proud of who you are and the healthy choices you make! Create an “I Am” poster to express yourself. Wear Purple! Don’t forget to wear your purple to show your “BE YOU, LIVE WELL” spirit! (For example: purple shirt, purple nails, purple hair, purple pants, purple hat, purple socks)!
Classes will be taking a wellness walk today.
Black History Month
Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.
The Black History Month 2024 theme, "African Americans and the Arts," explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression."
Each morning we will be highlighting and celebrating a famous black american who has made a difference! Be sure to ask your child about them!
Golden Apple Winners
Adult Music Bingo Reminder
Hello Hathaway Community,
This is a reminder to purchase your tickets for Adult Music Bingo Night / Silent Auction being held on Friday March 8th at Green Valley Country Club. This fundraiser is open to anyone over 21 so feel free to invite friends and family!
Below, see a sneak peek at some silent auction items:
· Teacher Services – all teachers and staff decide on an event or activity – could be lunch, art, secretary for the day, Officer Dave for the day, etc. Attendees will have a chance to bid on these teacher experiences for their Hathaway student. Always a favorite!
· Principal for the Morning/Lunch with the Principal and a friend - Choose the Friday song, Lead the morning announcements, bus duty, lunch support, classroom walkthroughs and more! Have some fun being the Principal!
· Classroom Baskets – The room parents have been busy coming up with themes of baskets to auction off, examples are – LEGOS LEGOS LEGOS, A day at the Beach,Jazz on the Lawn, Outdoor Barbeque, Feeling Lucky (scratch tickets), Mom’s Night In, and Feel Good Basket, Taste of Aquidneck Island, and many more!
· Private Dinner For 6 with Celebrity Chef Kev D. Chef Kev has cooked for John Legend, Juliana Rancic, Kathie Lee Gifford, the New England Patriots, along with being featured on NBC’s Today Show and Food Network’s “Chef Wanted”. It will be an evening of dining you won’t forget!
· Forster Orthodontics has sent in a very generous donation to be auctioned off!
· Newport Harbor Sunset Cruise – Courtesy of Generation Charter’s .
· Thames and Kosmo - variety of board games for the whole family.
· West Main Pizza – One free pizza a month for a year!
· Wanumetonomy Golf and Country Club
· Round Trip Car Service to Logan Airport – Courtesy of Island Transportation
· Newport Vinyards
· Anchored in Pink
… And many more!
Tickets can be purchased with the following link ticket form. Tickets are $25 per person. Food and drinks will be available to purchase.
Please contact Sarah Impey with any questions Sarah.Impey@outlook.com
We look forward to seeing you there!
HPTA
Portsmouth Youth Soccer Association
Portsmouth Youth Soccer Association has additional openings in their Spring competitive soccer programs. Go to www.pysa.com for information or contact Russ Costa at compcoord.pysa@gmail.com.
From the Science Coach
Building Your Budding Scientist Now
Tackling the room organization gig with your kiddo isn't just about decluttering—it's a chance to sneak in some real-life super skills! Think of it as a team project where you and your mini-me can tag-team the chaos. As you both dive into the great room clean-up adventure, you're not just getting rid of the mess but also laying down some serious life lessons. Show them the ropes on how to sort things out, find clever spots for all their treasures, and create a room setup that makes sense. Throw in some laid-back chats about why certain things go where, and, voila, you're also teaching problem-solving and critical thinking in action. This hands-on teamwork isn't just about having a neat room—it's about building up skills that'll stick around for life.
More From the Science Coach
Hello parents/guardians of Hathaway,
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a Family STEAM night on Wednesday, February 28th from 5:30-7:00 pm. It will be a fun-filled evening with various STEAM challenges and demonstrations that both our students and their families can explore and engage in together.
We are also looking to add tables of professionals who are experts in the STEAM world and are interested in showcasing their STEAM profession. This is an excellent opportunity to expose students to a wide range of career possibilities. If you are working in a job that falls under STEAM and have something that you can either demonstrate or have small activities, and would like to participate in, please send an email to Margie Brennan at brennanm2@portsmouthschoolsri.org.
From the Nurse
Hello Hathaway Families!
We recently have had an increase in reported cases of several illnesses. I wanted you all to be aware in order to properly monitor and treat your child. If your child has tested positive for any of the following, please email or call me to let me know so we can treat classrooms properly and notify fellow students and their families. Thank you again, and stay well!
STREP THROAT
***Children who have been diagnosed with a strep infection may return to
school after taking medication for at least 24 hours and fever is gone.
Watch your child for signs of a sore throat and other signs of strep
headache, fever, and stomach ache, nausea, swollen and tender neck glands.
Please see your health care provider if your child develops a sore throat
or any of these signs of strep infection. If strep is found, your child
will be treated with an antibiotic.
Strep throat is a sore throat caused by Streptococcus bacteria that are
passed around through nose and mouth droplets. It is very common in
children. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and are not treated
with antibiotics. Strep throat must be treated with antibiotics to
prevent spread to others and to prevent rare but serious complications.
Flu A
** The flu can be swabbed/tested by a health care provider. Children need to be fever free for 24 hours without the use of Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If diagnosed by a physician, they may prescribe Tamiflu. Keeping your child HYDRATED is especially important.
People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
fever* or feeling feverish/chills.
cough.
sore throat.
runny or stuffy nose.
muscle or body aches.
headaches.
fatigue (tiredness)
some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Conjunctivitis/ Pink Eye
*** Diagnosed and treated by healthcare provider. Often, (not always), requires antibiotic treatment and need to be on antibiotic 24 hours prior to returning to school
Symptoms of conjunctivitis (pink eye) can include
Pink or red color in the white of the eye(s)
Swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and/or eyelids
Increased tear production
Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s)
Itching, irritation, and/or burning
Discharge (pus or mucus)
Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning
Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable and/or do not stay in place on the eye
Depending on the cause, other symptoms may occur.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Can occur with symptoms of a cold, flu, or other respiratory infection
Usually begins in one eye and may spread to the other eye within days
Discharge from the eye is usually watery rather than thick
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
More commonly associated with discharge (pus), which can lead to eyelids sticking together
Sometimes occurs with an ear infection
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Usually occurs in both eyes
Can produce intense itching, tearing, and swelling in the eyes
May occur with symptoms of allergies, such as an itchy nose, sneezing, a scratchy throat, or asthma
Conjunctivitis Caused by Irritants
Can produce watery eyes and mucus discharge
If your child has been seen by a healthcare provider, please let me know, you can call or email! Thank you so much!
Abound APP/Newsletter
If you have technical questions about the app please email "sue@aboundparenting.com" for troubleshooting on their end.
Choose Love
February is Choose Love Awareness Month! It's a time to focus on ways you can bring more Nurturing, Healing, Love to yourself and others. Celebrate all the ways you Choose Love every day bby learning and practicing the Choose Love Formula.
This year's theme is "Starfish Moments." It reminds us that small acts of kindness focus our attention on helping others. This compassion-in-Action helps heal ourselves as well.
How to Connect with Unified Arts Teachers
Progress Reports and Report Cards
Last year as we navigated a new ELA curriculum, and as the year progressed we recognized a need to revise our grading process. Through the work of our grade level teams, teacher leaders, administrators, and coaches, we revised the Report Card and developed Mid-Trimester Progress Reports to better communicate student progress with parents and caregivers.
All families have been invited to attend a parent teacher conference with their child's teacher over the past two weeks. At the conference teachers reviewed the Mid Trimester Progress Reports. These reports include data from the benchmarking assessments. Benchmarking assessments are assessments given to students three times a year to measure their progress towards achieving the end of year standard for their grade level. In addition, you should have received a parent STAR Assessment Report. If your child qualified for a Response to Intervention Plan, this was presented and discussed during the conference.
Report Cards are published three times a year and will be available on the ASPEN Platform. You will be able to access your child’s Trimester 1 Report Card on the ASPEN Family Portal on December 8th, 2023. We will send out reminders as we near that date.
Report Cards reflect your child's current mastery of end-of-grade level standards. The grades earned by your child, as reflected on the Report Card, are their current mastery of end-of-grade level standards. For example, if your child is in second grade they are being assessed on the standard that is expected of a student exiting second grade. If your child receives an S (secure), this means that they are secure and have reached the end of the year benchmark. Earning a D (developing) means your child is demonstrating growth towards meeting the end of grade level with support. If your child is beginning to progress towards meeting the end of year standard, then they will receive a B (beginning). It is common for most students to receive B’s and D’s during the first trimester now that we are switching to reporting out on end-of-year standards. An N/A means that this standard has not yet been taught. NP means that your child did not participate in the learning/activities related to this standard.
Principal Read Aloud
Grades 1-4 have all heard about The Energy Bus for Kids! Please ask your child about the energy bus rules. They will help us have a wonderful year!
Kindergarten heard The Magical Yet. Please ask them what the magical yet is helping them with at this time!
1. Create a Positive Vision - Please consider having your child create a picture of a goal for the week, month, year, etc.
2. Fuel Your Ride with Positive Energy - I asked all students to think of a success from their days in school - one thing that made them smile and feel great - and share that with someone at home. Remind them that they have the power to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. Smiles, laughter, gratitude, faith and positive beliefs and thoughts are all it takes!
3. No Bullies Allowed - We continue to encourage our students to be kind and support one another. Ignore or confront bullies and ask for help when needed.
4. Love Your Passengers - We encourage the students to show kindness and love to others.
5. Enjoy the Ride - Need I say more?
Drill Information
Fire drills occur on a regular basis. State law requires each school to conduct eleven fire drills, two lockdown drills and two evacuation drills each year. Shelter in Place drills are conducted throughout the school year. Children are given instruction on all procedures. Children are expected to behave in a calm, orderly manner during these exercises. Please review the importance of such exercises with your child and emphasize the need for appropriate behavior.
A lockdown is an alert to a school community that students and staff should not leave the classroom and should gather in one area of the room until provided with further direction.
An evacuation requires all students and staff to exit the building and meet at a designated safe place.
A shelter in place is an alert to a school community that movement outside of classrooms is being restricted for a brief period of time. It is typically used when a student or staff member is requiring some sort of attention (sometimes medical) and the school is trying to keep that area clear and/or protect that person’s privacy. If there were a serious safety concern the school would not issue a shelter in place.
We will send notification of lockdowns, evacuations, and shelter in place drills and events via email.
Here is the presentation that was shared at a Parent Safety Forum that was hosted in conjunction with the Police and Fire Departments. The Run, Hide, Fight FBI philosophy guides our safety training.
The P3 Sandy Hook Promise Anonymous tip line is a resource that we encourage anyone to use if there is ever an immediate safety concern.
Hathaway Notification Form
Please complete the Hathaway Notification form to let us know!
Entrance System
During the school day, we are responsible for keeping all students safe as well as protecting their privacy. For this reason, we have limited guests in the building during school hours and we require anyone working directly with children to go through our Volunteers in School Process. This year we have a new security system.
Visitors who are entering the building for a meeting, volunteering, or an event etc...
When you arrive:
- Enter the vestibule.
- Approach the platform and tap the button on the screen that aligns with the purpose for your visit.
- Follow the cues on the screen. All visitors must have their license with them to enter the building.
- Once complete, then ring the buzzer.
- Our office staff will verify that you are ready to enter the building and will unlock the door for your entry.
*There is also a QR code on the screen that you can scan with your cell phone's camera and it will bring you through this same process.
If you are dropping something off for the school, class, or a particular child, then you do not need to sign yourself in on this system.
- Ring the buzzer and the office staff will respond.
- Notify the office staff of the purpose for your visit.
Thank you for your support in keeping our community safe.
School Meals Program
Breakfast, lunch, and milk are available to purchase for all Hathaway School students. Students order lunch each morning through their teacher that day. Breakfast can be picked up by students in the cafeteria as they arrive at school.
Full price Breakfast is $1.00 and Lunch is $2.60. If your family qualifies for reduced prices, breakfast is $ 0.30 and lunch is $0.40. Milk is offered for $0.55 as a stand alone item.
Please apply for free or reduced lunch online by visiting this site: https://www.myschoolapps.com. Or, paper applications will be sent home the first week of school.
Payment for breakfast, lunch and/or milk can be made online at www.myschoolbucks.com. A student LASID number will be needed to create and make payments online using your “My School Bucks” account.
Payment can also be made by sending cash or a check in an envelope to school labeled with your student’s name, teacher’s name, LASID number and amount included. If paying by check, please make it payable to Portsmouth School Department with your child’s LASID number noted on the memo line. Send a separate check for each child in your family as payments cannot be split between accounts. KEEPING YOUR BALANCE PAID IN FULL IS VERY IMPORTANT.
Please note per the PSD policy, "Elementary and middle school students may not purchase “a la carte” items ( i.e. milk) or snacks until all charges on the account have been satisfied."
Please refer to the family portal navigation below to access your child's LASID number.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free And Reduced Price School Meals
AlphaBEST
A Letter From the HPTA
Hello Hathaway Families,
The HPTA is busy working on some great events for the upcoming school year. Check out the flier below for upcoming events!
Monthly Meetings
We have meetings monthly in the school library, generally the third Wednesday of the month.
We encourage the Hathaway community to attend.
Becoming a Volunteer in School
Visit the district volunteer page for information if you would like to become VIS approved to volunteer in school.
VIS Authorization Form: A background check must be completed annually, by law in Rhode Island. You must fill out the authorization form for the background check and have it notarized. It also needs to include a copy of the front and back of your driver’s license, and a $5 check made out to ‘BCI.’ This form can be turned in at the school’s main office or at the school department building.
If you have any questions, please email us at Hathawaypta@gmail.com. And as always, we thank you for your continued support!!
Celebrations and Recognitions
Nut Free Facility
Thank you for your support in keeping all of our students safe in our Hathaway community.
Securly Home
Securly Home is an app that allows parents to monitor their child’s Chromebook activity at home and add rules for home use. Please take some time to review the slideshow and recording of the parent meeting that took place on 9/16.
We encourage you to sign up now for Securly Home!
Hathaway Notification Form
Please complete the Hathaway Notification Form.
Thank you in advance for helping us to keep things organized and safe in our Hathaway community.
Accessing Aspen
If you are having issues accessing Aspen, you will have to email familyportal@portsmouthschoolsri.org with your child's name, date of birth, grade level, and your name. The system administrators will be able to restore access to your account and make sure that you can login.
Where Can I Find Past Parent Newsletters?
Important Dates
Important Dates
2023-2024
February 19th-23rd– Winter Recess (No School)
February 28th - Family STEAM Festival, 5:30-7:00 PM
March 12th - End of Trimester 2
March 20th - Family Portal Open
March 29th– Good Friday (No school)
April 2nd– Staff PD Day (No School for Students)
April 3rd - PTO Meeting at Portsmouth Middle School, 6:00 PM
April 15th-19th– Spring Recess (No School)
April 30th - Spring Picture Day
May 20th - KW Musical, 9:15 AM
May 21st - KM Musical, 9:15 AM
May 23rd - KS Musical, 9:15 AM
May 24th - Hearing Screening
May 24th - KG Musical, 9:15 AM
May 27th – Memorial Day (No School)
June 14th - Last Day of School
Howard Hathaway Elementary School
Email: littlel@portsmouthschoolsri.org
Website: https://www.portsmouthschoolsri.org/Domain/10
Location: 53 Tallman Avenue, Portsmouth, RI, USA
Phone: (401)683-0500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hathaway.principal/
Twitter: @HathawaySchool