Hallinan Elementary
Hawk Squawk Newsletter 8/10/23
Principal's Message
Dear Hallinan Families,
Happy August! I hope your family is having a wonderful and relaxing summer. Hallinan has been a blur of activity this summer, new carpet has been installed, the gym floors were refinished, new curriculum has been delivered, the playground has been well enjoyed and the garden has been beautiful and bountiful.
Another big change this year is that we are going to modernize how we communicate with you. This will be our last smore newsletter to families. Starting August 24th, we'll send parent communication through ParentSquare. Please see directly below for additional information and please activate your ParentSquare account so you don't miss out on any important information, events or sign-ups.
We are excited to start the school year! And, to kick it off, we will host our Meet and Greet and Supply Drop-off on Thursday, August 31st from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. Families will receive an email from their teacher(s) on August 30th by 4 pm so you'll know where to meet your teacher. Students who ordered school supplies through the PTO last June will have supplies ready and waiting in their classroom. Students with 504s and IEPs, and their families, are welcome to attend Smart Start on August 31st, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. Read more about Smart Start below.
Our amazing PTO and host families have organized summer socials by grade level for our students to get to know one another prior to school starting. There are a few left - meet at the Hallinan Playground:
- Kindergarten - Sunday, 8/13 at 3 pm
- 3rd Grade - Sunday, 8/13 at 1 pm
- 5th Grade - Tuesday, 8/15 at 3 pm
Small treats may be provided for students in that grade level. If you will have additional children attending that might feel left out, please bring a snack for them.
Stay safe, explore each chance you get and make sure to read every day!
Melissa Griffiths
Action Items
Activate Your ParentSquare Account
Starting August 24, ParentSquare will be our new school-to-home communication system for the Hallinan Newsletter and most other communication. Although you can read messages via email, to fully benefit from ParentSquare, please activate your ParentSquare account. Check your email for an invitation to join ParentSquare and click on the link to activate your account. It only takes a minute, and we encourage every family to join and connect with our school community. ParentSquare offers various features and benefits that will improve communications between us all.
It's time again to verify your information in our system
Register to volunteer at Hallinan (and LOSD) this year.
For the safety of children, volunteers are required to have an approved background check before spending time in our schools. Volunteers must complete this application each year prior to volunteering - Annual Volunteer Application for LOSD. Thank you for your interest in volunteering - we appreciate you!
School Supply Lists
If you did not order supplies for your children last Spring through the PTO, find supply lists here!
Save These Dates
8/13 - 3rd Grade Social at 1 pm at Hallinan
8/13 - Kindergarten Social at 3 pm at Hallinan
8/15 - 5th Grade Social at 3 pm at Hallinan
8/21 - Office reopens
8/30 - Families will receive Welcome Emails from Teachers by 4 pm
8/31 - Pre-K Meet and Greet at 10 am
8/31 - Smart Start from 12:30 to 2:30 pm
8/31 - Meet & Greet/Student Supply Drop off from 2:30 to 3:30 pm
9/5 - First Day of School for Pre-K and 1st-5th Grades
9/5-9/7 - Kindergarten Staggered Start
9/8 - First Full Day of School for Kindergarten
9/9 - Back-to-School Picnic from 4:30 to 7:30 pm
9/18 - Back-to-School Night 5:30 to 7 pm
10/10 - Picture Day
District calendars for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years are now available on the district and Hallinan websites. You can find them here quickly.
PTO Information
Hello Hallinan Families!
Hallinan’s Back to School Picnic Bash
Date: Sat., Sept 9th
Time: 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Where: Hallinan's Field
- Live music by Mr. Haynor’s band, Hammerhead!
- Participate in face painting, glitter tattoos, yard games, and other fun activities
- Special appearances by Fire and Police Departments
- Pack your own picnic or food trucks will be on-site with options including hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, Mediterranean fare, vegetarian options, and Dippin’ Dots!
- Suggested donation: $10-$20 per family collected at the entrance.
Mark your calendars for an evening of family fun and community building! See you there!
Popsicles with the PTO on August 31st:
Swing by the undercover area for a refreshing otter pop during teacher meet & greet from 2:30-3:30 pm!
Committee Positions
Be a driving force for positive change at Hallinan this year by getting involved in our new committees – from chess & running clubs to native garden, Parent's Night Out & sensory mural – we're looking for volunteers to turn these ideas into reality! Check out the full list of committees and sign up at the following link.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4aa9ae2aa3f49-hallinan44#/
Britt Marra and Erin Saylor
Hallinan PTO Co-Presidents 2023-24
District Information
SAVE THE DATE: Smart Start 2023
Smart Start is an opportunity specifically for our students with 504s and IEPs, and their parents and guardians, to make introductions and connect with their teachers and to feel prepared and welcomed for the start of school. Smart Start is in person on Thursday, Aug. 31,12:30-2:30 p.m.
Teachers will be familiar with your student’s plan and accommodations. To help get to know your students, please complete the attached one-page profile or create one on your own ahead of time, and give it to the teacher at the Smart Start introduction.
Also, to assist in your family’s preparation for the new school year use the Smart Start checklist for parents and guardians of students with 504s and IEPs.
See you on August 31!
Community News
Safe Oregon
Parents-guardians who have concerns about a student’s well-being are encouraged to reach out to their principal and maintain strong lines of communication and partnership between students, families, staff, and other resources. SafeOregon is also an effective way to report a tip regarding safety threats or potential acts of violence to our students or schools. Students should also be aware that intentionally providing a false report is a serious offense. https://www.safeoregon.com/
In addition, below are reporting methods for parents-guardians or students to use to report issues related to racist, bias, or harassment incidents.
· Incident Report for Elementary School
Hallinan Information
Office Phone: 503-534-2353
Principal Melissa Griffiths - griffitm@loswego.k12.or.us
Administrative Assistant Lee Gates - gatesl@loswego.k12.or.us
Administrative Assistant Linda Stevens - stevensl@loswego.k12.or.us
Resources:
Annual Volunteer Application for LOSD - Thank you for your interest in volunteering. For the safety of children, volunteers are required to have an approved background check before spending time in our schools.
LOSD Student and Family Handbook