The Hiawatha Buzz!
September 11, 2020
Growing hearts and minds for a better today and tomorrow: every day, every way, every one.
Principal's Messages
Dear Families,
We have had a really great start to our school year. The children have been amazing wearing their masks, practicing safe social distancing, and adapting to our new routines and expectations. Our teachers and staff have been working hard to make sure our children are connecting with each other and building a solid foundation for relationships. Morning arrival has been smooth, and I appreciate everyone's efforts in making this work. Lunch in the classrooms has actually been calm and much easier to manage than the cafeteria! I am in a Kindergarten class each day for lunch, and they have rocked it! We have had some technology glitches with some folks accessing remote learning at home. Please be patient and know this is a work in progress. Overall, I would say week one was a true success! I hope you and your families have a wonderful weekend.
Be well,
Katherine
Morning Arrival Update
Hiawatha Elementary School classroom doors will open at 7:30 am. Morning arrival is from 7:30 - 7:45 AM and the school day starts at 7:45 AM.
All students will enter from their outside classroom door. Kindergarten and Third Grade classroom entrances are in the back of the building. First grade classroom entrances are on the Hiawatha Ave. side of the building. Second grade classroom entrances are in the front of the building. Their teacher will greet them, take their temperature, and be welcomed into the class. Students will say goodbye to accompanying family members or adults at this point. All students should wear masks and remain 3ft social distancing when waiting to enter. Markers will mark the space. Please do not congregate. If you arrive with your child, wear a mask and practice all social distancing guidelines.
The playground is not open at this time.
If your child arrives after 7:45, please go to the main entrance and ring the bell. Michelle will let your child in through the main entrance and take their temperature, and they will be considered late.
Clarification and Updates for Morning Meetings and Classroom Teacher Check Ins:
All remote learners in the Hybrid Model will have a morning meeting at 7:45 each morning they are remote learning.
Classroom teachers will lead these meetings on Wednesdays. On Wednesdays the morning meetings will begin at 8:00. This change is to accomodate children in childcare.
Our Unified Arts teachers will lead the morning meetings on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. These links will be provided in your child’s Seesaw account.
Kindergarten: Joel Rasco, PE teacher
First Grade: Cassandra Gengras, Art teacher, Monday and Thursdays, Karen Reed Music Teacher, Tuesdays and Fridays
Second Grade: Karen Reed, Music teacher
Third Grade: Kathy Lawrence, Librarian
All remote learners in the hybrid model will have a classroom teacher check in time, except on Wednesdays. Their grade level classroom teacher (not the Unified Arts teachers) will lead these. This will be used as a time for teachers to check in with all students. Initially, the time will be used to check in with the class as a whole group. Eventually teachers may divide the time into small group work.
Greetings from Mr.s Weston
Greetings Hiawatha Families,
I’m looking forward to seeing the students soon, and to be returning in my role as social emotional learning (SEL) coach. Within the context of being resilient through the Covid Pandemic, we are excited to place emphasis on students’ growth in understanding their feelings, self regulating, building resilience to stress, being in relationships, and making responsible decisions.
My work will include supporting the integration of SEL into school wide practices and instruction. I welcome any feedback or questions from families. Please be in touch with your thoughts, and how I can be supportive. Alice Weston aweston@ewsd.org
A very special thank you to our Hiawatha PTO for giving all students outdoor seat cushions and all students, faculty and staff Hiawatha t shirts! Your child will bring home their t-shirt next week.
A Note from Mr. Evans, our School Counselor
Hi Children and Families,
Welcome back to Hiawatha! I missed you all very much and look forward to getting to know our new students and families. As we all know, a lot has changed since we were last together. There is also so much that hasn't changed, most importantly that we are ready to support you all. As always, please let me know if you'd like to talk or meet as we get started.
Thanks so much and see you soon!
Mr. Evans
Hiawatha PTO update
We had a great September PTO meeting. If you were unable to make it, here is the recording! Minutes will be available on the website soon as well. Welcome to Patricia Hammond for joining the PTO officers as the new Treasurer! Just a reminder that the PTO meets via zoom everting 2nd Tuesday of the month. If you have any questions, please email me at HiawathaPTO@ewsd.org.
Share recording with viewers:
Thank you for being apart of our community,
Nikki Mayhue
PTO President
Another shout out to our fabulous PTO for providing all faculty and staff with enlarged picture badges. This way our kiddos can see our smiling faces! THANK YOU!
Hiawatha Elementary School
Email: mmurphyertle@ewsd.org
Website: www.EWSD.org/HIA
Location: 30 Hiawatha Avenue, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: 802-878-1384