Hornet Happenings
News and Updates from the Hollymead PTO
January 3, 2024
Happy new year, Hornets! We hope you returned from break excited for the second half of the 2023-2024 school year. Read this week's issue for more information on winter after-school clubs, a kids day off event at Hollymead, and more.
Registration Opens Soon for Winter After-School Clubs
Club registration opens at 9 am on January 6! Registration closing dates vary; please see those dates below. All registration information is also available on the Hollymead PTO website.
Scholarships are available and confidential. You can contact school counselor Megan Kopley (mkopley@k12albemarle.org) for more information.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE*
Second through fifth graders can join Anna Bayless every Monday from January 22 to February 19 for a beginner and advanced beginners mini-course into American Sign Language focused on basic phrases, colors, animals, hobbies, and food. The five-week session costs $75 and runs from 2:30 to 3:45. Learn more and register beginning 9 am on January 6.
LEGO CLUB*
Join Hollymead teacher Ms. Hogg for this fun club where students can be creative with Lego. First through fifth graders will meet every Monday from January 22 to February 19. The five-week session costs $75 and runs from 2:30 to 3:45. Learn more and register beginning 9 am on January 6.
STEAM CLUB*
Students in second through fifth grade can join Ms. King for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) activities that will explore building, creating, and trying out fresh ideas. The club will run for five Tuesdays from January 16 to February 13, 2:30-3:45, and costs $75. Learn more and register beginning 9 am on January 6.
DRAMA CLUB*
Carrie Chapman is back to teach third, fourth, and fifth graders theater fundamentals. In this eight-week drama club, students will put on a short production (together or as monologues) to perform for family and friends! The club costs $120 and will be held on Tuesdays from beginning January 16 to March 12, except March 5, from 2:30 to 3:45. (Note these corrected dates from the printed flyer that went home with students.) Learn more and register beginning 9 am on January 6.
FRENCH CLUB**
Students in second through fifth grade can learn French with Stephanie Hall through the theme of the 2024 Olympic games in Paris! "Travel" to Paris and explore a new sight and sport each week. The six-week-long club will meet on Wednesdays from February 7 to March 13, 2:30-3:30. The cost will be posted on the website. Learn more and register beginning 9 am on January 6.
CAMP4REAL PE CLUB**
Join Scott Williams (aka Mr. Dubs) on Thursdays for four weeks, from February 15 to March 7. Kindergarteners through third graders will engage in fun games and PE activities in the Hollymead gym from 2:30 to 3:45. Cost is $60. Learn more and register beginning 9 am on January 6.
*Registration closes at 9 pm on January 11.
**Registration closes at 9 pm on February 1.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Once you have registered your student, please submit payment by the first day of the club.
- Cash payments can be sent to school with your student or dropped off in the Hollymead front office. Please indicate the club name and name of child participating.
- Checks can be made payable to Hollymead PTO; please include your student's name and club name in the memo line. Send check payments with your student or drop checks off in the Hollymead front office.
- Online payments can be made through our PayPal account. Please indicate the student's name and registered club.
- Please contact school counselor Megan Kopley (mkopley@k12albemarle.org) for more information about scholarships.
DISMISSAL INFORMATION
Please email Hollymead (hesattendance@k12albemarle.org) with your student's enrollment and the dates they will be dismissed to their club. Students will not be dismissed to clubs without notification of a change to their dismissal plans.
Contact Marion Hight at hollymeadptoclubs@gmail.com with questions about the club offerings.
Kids Day Off Coming to Hollymead on January 26
Camp4Real Kids Day Off (KDO) is coming to Hollymead on Friday, January 26, while school is out of session!
KDO offers families a safe, fun, and convenient childcare option for planned ACPS school closure dates. KDO features the same great activities kids know and love from camp, the flexibility of regular and extended day options, delicious and kid-friendly, plant-based snacks, and catered child lunches. Proceeds from the event will go back to Hollymead.
Easy Ways to Support the PTO
The success of the PTO depends on you! We rely on your help, passion, and engagement to support our school community. Interested in getting involved? Join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, January 10 at 7 pm at Hollymead to learn more, complete our volunteer interest form, or email hollymeadptovolunteer@gmail.com to see how you can share your time and talents.
Even if you can't volunteer your time, you can still take a few simple actions to support the PTO:
- Participate in our guilt-free fundraiser and make a donation via PayPal! We want to remove the hassle for families to buy or sell goods to support our fundraisers. Instead, you can make a donation, and 100% of your contribution will go directly to the PTO. Remember to note "donation" when completing the transaction.
- Update your grocery cards to benefit Hollymead Elementary (Kroger: Hollymead ID# 80574 and Harris Teeter: Hollymead ID# 5899). These must be updated every year.
- Download the Box Tops app and earn funds for Hollymead. Learn more and download the app here.
ACPS and HES News and Reminders
Through the DonorsChoose District Partnership Program, ACPS teachers can access outside funding for innovative classroom projects that enhance our students’ experiences. At no cost to the district, school, or teacher, DonorsChoose helps our educators tap into a national network of donors. Read the FAQs to learn more about the program and see how you can contribute. You can follow Hollymead from this page and be notified when a project is added.
Upcoming Dates
- January 15: No school (holiday)
- January 24: End of quarter
- January 25: No school (professional development)
- January 26: No school (teacher workday) and Camp4Real Kids Day Off