HGES Parent Bulletin
December 2020
Dates to Remember
Friday, Dec. 11 - HGES Spirit Day
Wednesday, Dec. 16 - Board of Education Meeting at 6:00 p.m. at DHS
Friday, Dec. 18
- Classroom Winter Parties
- Early Dismissal at 1:45 p.m.
- End of Second Quarter
Monday, Jan. 4 - School Resumes
Winter Break
There will be an early dismissal for all students at 1:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18.
Delayed Start/Snow Days
Weather conditions and events are very unpredictable. We generally do not cancel school or dismiss school early solely on a weather forecast. Weather events must be occurring and deteriorating for school to be cancelled or for us to dismiss early.
- Generally speaking, snow is not a primary reason for closing school. As long as roads are not drifting shut, it’s possible we would have school even with a sizable snowfall.
- Road conditions dictate many of our decisions. Due to the fact the district is widely spread out, we have an early morning process (before 5:00 a.m.) of checking our rural and city roads.
- Wind chill and air temperature are considered when making a decision. Please remember that we do live in central Illinois so below 0-degree weather is not uncommon.
The district may choose to implement a two-hour delay to the start of the school day in the case of inclement weather (snow, ice, extreme cold, etc.). It’s not anticipated that a delayed start will occur often, but it does provide an additional option to ensure a productive school environment, while maintaining safe conditions for all staff, students, and parents.
This decision will be announced no later than 6:30 a.m. on the day of the delayed start via School Messenger system as well as local TV stations.
On these days, buses will run and morning pick up times will be two hours later than normal. Classes will begin two hours later than their regularly scheduled time. There will be no morning Early Childhood or Bright Futures classes, but the afternoon classes will run at the normal time. School will still dismiss at the regular time.
Direct Donation Fundraiser
Thanks to all the families that donated to the 2020 Direct Donation Drive. The HGES PTO was able to raise $16,781 to support the students and staff of HGES. Donations can continue to be made throughout the year at https://hgespto.digitalpto.com/direct-donation-fundraiser/.
Recess
Please make sure your child is prepared and dressed appropriately for outside recess. Students will go outside for recess anytime the temperature is 15 degrees or above (including wind chill). Parents cannot request that students stay inside based solely on the temperature. It is important for the students to get outside and play when possible during the winter months.
Any child who is exempt from physical education for medical reasons will not be allowed to participate in outdoor recess activities. Re-injury on the playground could occur. Arrangements for indoor recess in the main office or a supervised classroom will be made for these students.
What's for Lunch?
Spirit Wear
Our holiday Spirit Wear Store is closed. All items will be delivered to the school before we leave for winter break.
NOTE: If this is a gift, please reach out to hgesptospiritwear@gmail.com and we will arrange a different delivery method.
Company Gift Matching for Donations
A special thanks to The Caterpillar Foundation, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Kelly Glass, and Archer Daniels Midland Company for providing a combined total of $2,450 in company gift matching for our 2020 Direct Donation drive. If you have donated to HGES PTO and your company offers gift matching, please consider submitting match requests to double the impact of your donation.
Shopping Rewards
Did you know HGES participates in GREAT programs that raise money for our school while you shop? Please consider using our Shopping Rewards Partners.
The HGES PTO earns FREE MONEY from purchases made on AmazonSmile, Shutterfly, and Kroger. Please see the attached flyer for details or visit https://hgespto.digitalpto.com/shopping-reward-programs/ to learn more.