Hawk Flock News
11/9/20
What a Great Time to Celebrate Citizenship
Hello all,
Each year, since I have been here at Hedden, we have chosen to support our students' social and emotional growth by focusing on six character traits of: responsibility, trustworthiness, citizenship, honesty, respect, caring, and fairness. During the month of November, we always focus on helping students understand what it means to be a good citizen as they hear and see our elections and honor Veterans Day. Many of our families and students have helped us modify how we recognize and honor our veterans this year in the slide show that is linked below. I thank each of the families, staff, and students that contributed to this effort.
Sometimes it is difficult to relate topics to students and give them real life context, but talking with kids about the importance of being a good citizen and being able to demonstrate such significant and immediate examples, as we honor our veterans and participate in our democratic process, is powerful. Though there has, and to some degree still is, quite a bit of vitriol related to the national political scene, there is also a lot of positives and record setting that should be noted with our kids and for us to celebrate.
While there is so much for adults to discuss related to politics and election issues, what I saw this weekend in the selection of Kamala Harris as our VP elect was an impactful moment, not for her politics, but for who and what she represents. As a father of a daughter, this was a powerful visual. I have known and often shared my belief in my daughter's ability to do and be whatever she wants, but to see Mrs. Harris and hearing her on stage was emotional and meaningful. To know that Kamala Harris' background, heritage, and family story also play such a big part and empowers so many that have not typically felt represented in our government and community marks a significant moment in our country and culture. Regardless of politics, these are worth recognizing and celebrating.
To add to that, we had record turnout for adults as they demonstrated good character and citizenship by voting. Again, regardless of your politics, this is an incredible time and a record-setting moment with the two highest vote-getters in our nation's history being represented in this election. Our country and democracy are on display for the world to see, and it is quite something to have so many voices be heard and to have such an impact. My daughter voiced her wonder at why so many people and countries care about and track our elections, when we don't do this with others (for the most part). To see other countries and major world cities even acknowledge our elections is amazing, but it gives perspective to how significant our votes and voices are.
I know that there is still a lot for us to work through and overcome, not least of which is this pandemic, but we also have a lot to be thankful for and look forward to. I'm glad to live and work in this wonderful community. I appreciate being able to partner with our families and to be able to work alongside such a great group of people as we endeavor to make our corner of the world better for one another, especially for our kids.
Take care,
Don
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In Honor of Veterans Day
Thanks to part of our 4th grade team, Ms. Gresswell, and all those who sent in images and made this wonderful presentation possible. Take a look when you have a chance (posted to our website on 11/10).
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Fife School District Boundary News
Fife Public Schools is conducting a boundary review for its elementary schools. Our dual objective is to provide adequate space at our K-5 schools, while balancing equity in access to educational opportunities.
With the opening of the New Fife Elementary School in the fall of 2021, the Boundary Review Committee has been charged with reviewing and making recommendations for the new attendance area boundaries. The new boundaries will define the new Fife Elementary (serving grades K-5) attendance area and the Discovery/Hedden attendance area. Discovery will serve grades K-2 and Hedden will serve grades 3-5. Endeavour will come offline for elementary education. These changes will take place in the fall of 2021.
The Boundary Review Committee will be hosting an online open house on November 18, 2020. Please join us to give the committee feedback on their boundary work and learn more about the process. They are hosting three separate times to accommodate schedules and so that all participants can have a chance for meaningful participation.
Visit the Boundary Review section of our website for further information about the committee's work to date and to register to attend the Elementary Boundary Review Open House!
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Hygiene Drive Hosted by FHS FBLA!
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PTA News!
Hedden PTA is up and running, join online @
https://www.memberplanet.com/s/heddenpta/ptapacket
President Katie Abbott-Weston
Secretary Bryn Rodriguez
Treasurer Amanda Kral
Our meeting will be the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:30pm via Zoom(November 12th), link will be emailed through member planet and posted on Hedden PTA Facebook Page. If anyone needs anything they can email me at katieshairstying@gmail.com or call 253-571-8894.
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Upcoming Events and Dates:
Tuesday, November 10th
- Hygiene Drive at FHS (see the flyer)
- Put on by FBLA
- Runs in the bus lot from 4:00 to 5:30
Wednesday, November 11th
- Veterans Day
- No School
Wednesday, November 18th
- Elementary Boundary Committee Open House
- Via Zoom from 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Monday, November 23rd
- School Board Meeting @ 6:00 pm
Wednesday, November 25th
- 1/2 Day! Classes end at 12:00
- Students classes only go up to noon
Thursday & Friday, November 26th & 27th
- No School
- Enjoy your socially distanced or pandemically smart time off;-)
Don Sims
Email: dsims@fifeschools.com
Website: http://hedden.fifeschools.com/
Location: 11313 8th Street East, Edgewood, WA, United States
Phone: 2535171500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeddenElementary
Twitter: @DSimsFife