Hess Happenings Newsletter

Welcome to the George L. Hess Educational Complex! This newsletter has been designed to inform families of key operational procedures and children of their responsibilities as students. As we begin our academic journey this school year, let's remember the key principles of being responsible, respectful, safe and kind that will guide us to success. These key principles will help create a positive and supportive learning environment for everyone. Let's work together to make this school year a memorable and enriching experience for all of us. Please review this information with your child(ren). We hope all your experiences in our school are both enjoyable and meaningful.

When a concern arises, please follow the proper chain of communication:

1. Request a meeting first with the teacher and/or guidance department.

2. If the teacher and/or guidance department are unable to resolve the concern, you may request a meeting with your House/Grade Level Administrator.

3. If the concern is still not resolved to your satisfaction, you may request a meeting with the Building Principal.

4. If the concern is not resolved at the building level, a meeting with the Superintendent of Schools should be held.

5. Only after attempting to resolve the concern in this manner should the Board of Education be consulted.

School Messenger will be used as one mode of communication with parents. District and school wide information along with transportation information will be shared via school messenger. Please make sure your contact information is updated on the Genesis Parent Portal. You can also visit www.hamiltonschools.org and social media pages on Instagram and Facebook.

In addition to phone calls and email, teachers will utilize the Remind Application to connect directly with parents/guardians.

Open House for Grade One Students will be held on as follows:

Date: Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Location: Hess School - Student’s Homerooms (Enter through the Main Lobby)

Time: 10:00-10:45

Students and parents/guardians will have the opportunity to meet their child's homeroom teachers and visit the classroom prior to the official start of the school year.

Please considering Joining the PTA. They do so many wonderful things for our students!

https://hamiltontownshippta.memberhub.com/store

**IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING POLICY 8605**

REQUIREMENTS TO MEET STUDENTS AT THE BUS STOP

When your 1st or 2nd Grade child rides the bus home from school, a parent or designated person aged 12 or over must be waiting outside at the bus stop for him/her. Drivers are required to return children to school when no one meeting the requirement is present to greet your child. If children are returned to school, they will be brought to Kid’s Corner where a fee will be assessed. If your child is repeatedly returned to school, bus privileges may be suspended.

MORNING BUS ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

Upon arrival students will exit the buses at 1 of 3 locations in the morning based on their homeroom location assignment.

Please review with your child their Homeroom Teacher and Room Number. It will let them know when they should exit the bus at school! (No worries if they do get off at the wrong location - we have an abundance of staff available to assist all students!)

A House and Rooms D1 through D8 - A Wing - Cafeteria A - Back of the Building

B-House - Cafeteria B - Back of the Building

C-House and E6 & E5 - C Wing - Pool Side of the Building

NOTE: All grade 1 students are a part of the A HOUSE (even if their rooms are located in a different section of the building). They will receive an identification card that will be color coded to their ROOM LOCATION so they know where to exit the bus. Stop “C” ID cards will be RED. Stop “B” ID cards will be white. Stop “A” ID cards will be blue. We board all buses and assist all students during the first few days of school and longer as needed until they become familiar with the routines.

MORNING DROP-OFF PROCEDURES

If you decide to drop off your child/children please be aware of our procedures and share this information with anyone who will be dropping off your children. Drop-off will continue to take place in front of the building at the Main Entrance.

You must enter the entrance closest to Rt. 559 (Somers Point/Mays Landing Road).

Upon pulling in you should get in the drop-off lane right next to the curb/sidewalk

At 8:50, once duty staff is present, we will begin to unload the cars.

Pay attention to the posted signs to know how far to pull up; and the point at which drop off stops/starts.

As children are exiting your car curbside, PLEASE DO NOT HAVE YOUR CHILD CROSS TRAFFIC your car should be in park.

Once you are in the drop-off lane you must wait your turn and remain in that lane until your child/children have exited your vehicle and it is safe to proceed forward. Please drive slowly when proceeding around the building.

If you need to come into the school during morning drop-off (8:50 am-9:05 am) you must use the entrance closest to Rt. 40, park in the large parking lot and escort your child to the main entrance service window. You should NOT park in the front spaces as doing so holds up the drop off line when you have to cross the road.

Please be aware parking in the front of the building will be closed during the morning drop-off time and will re-open at approximately 9:15 am.

Early Dismissal

Parents/Guardians should send a note to the homeroom teacher requesting an early dismissal for their child. The note should include the student’s name, parent’s signature, date and time of dismissal and who will be picking up your child. Parents must report to the Security Receptionist’s area located to the right of the Main Lobby Entrance for any student pick-ups BEFORE 3:00 p.m. Any student being picked-up after 3:00 p.m. will be sent to Parent Pick-up located at the rear of the building behind Cafeteria A and Cafeteria B. AFTER 3:05 pm no changes/add ons to parent pick-up lists can be made.

2023-2024 HESS PARENT PICK-UP PROCEDURES (Grades 1-5)

With an anticipated increased volume in parent pick-up, it is important that you understand the process in order for us to provide the safest environment for students, staff, and parents. Parent Pick up opens at approximately 3:17 pm. You should not proceed to the pick up area before 3:00 pm. If you arrive earlier than that you should park in the large lot and wait until such time as it is permitted to arrive at parent pick-up.

Where to Park

As you drive into the parent pick-up area behind the school (one way driveway) you will need to locate a parking spot in one of four areas:

• The middle area has lined parking spots.

• All of the parking spots on the A-Wing side of the building are reserved for parent pick-up.

• Should additional parking be necessary; parking in the main parking lot is an option

• See map below of parking areas and pedestrian walkways which should be utilized.

Once you have parked in one of these areas please walk to the cafeteria entrance doors, based on your child’s house assignment as follows:

*ALL GRADE 1 Students AND Students in A House can be picked up from the House A-Cafeteria. (The cafeteria furthest from where you drive in.)

*Students in Houses B and C with a sibling in GRADE 1 will report to Cafeteria A to join their grade 1 sibling.

Students in B and C Houses can be picked up from the B-House Cafeteria. (The first Cafeteria upon driving in.)

Upon entering the designated cafeteria, proceed to one of four tables that are labeled based on the first letter of your child(ren)'s last name. The doors will open at approximately 3:17 PM and parents will be permitted to enter the cafeterias at that time.

You will be asked to identify who you are there to pick up and should be prepared to show the duty staff member located at the desk your personal picture identification. You will be asked to sign your name. The duty staff member will call for your child(ren) to be escorted to you. The duty staff member will record/document that your child(ren) have been picked up. Proceed out of the building to your automobile with your child(ren). Do not allow your child(ren) to run through the parking lot; please keep them close to you as you make your way back to your vehicle and exit the parking lot slowly. We must work together with all of the other parents to ensure a safe area for everyone.

Permission to Pick-Up: It is important that you identify in the Genesis Parent Portal account all persons that have permission to pick up your child(ren) from school. Your child will only be released to persons that you designate in the portal.

Note: More than five early pick-ups/tardies adversely affect a student’s attendance. Parent Pick up parking opens at 3:00 pm. If arriving earlier you should park in the Main Lot and proceed to the Parent Pick up area at 3:00 pm.

The regularly scheduled arrival and departure time for the students in grades one through five at the Hess School is 8:50 a.m. (arrival begins) and 3:35 p.m. (buses depart - expect some delays during the first week of school). Parent Pick-Up opens at 3:17 pm.

Students must be in their homeroom by 9:15 am in order to recorded as present on time.

On abbreviated days the schedule is adjusted by 2 Hours with dismissal taking place two hours earlier than a regular school day. (Buses depart at 1:35; Parent Pick-up opens at 1:17 pm).

Genesis is your portal to all information pertaining to your student. We ask that you maintain updated contact information at all times. Accounts are auto created for you. If you experience difficulties in logging into your account contact: genesishelp@hamiltonschools.org

Report cards are based on the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Each student’s abilities are reported to parents through the report card and parent conferences. Student progress is also reported to parents through the Interim Report. Interim Reports are issued at the midpoint of each trimester. The guidance counselor is always available to discuss the Report Card and Interim Reports with students and parents. It is encouraged that all parents monitor their child’s progress throughout the year and should not hesitate to contact the guidance counselor or teacher if a concern arises. Failure in two or more subjects may result in retention. The Genesis Parent Portal is the area in which parents/guardians can view both Report Cards and Interim Reports.

Homework is an important part of a student’s educational program. Homework is an activity that provides additional practice on important skills presented in the classroom. Students should also set aside a certain time each day to study, read and do their homework to make their educational experience a positive one.

Students who exhibit “Buzzworthy” behaviors, by being RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, SAFE and KIND may be recognized in the following ways: Weekly/Monthly “Buzzworthy” Incentives, Praise Referrals, Classroom Incentives and School wide Extravaganzas.

HALLWAY EXPECTATIONS

· Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

· Use a quiet, inside voice.

· Walk at all times.

· Face forward walk in an orderly fashion to your next location.

PLAYGROUND EXPECTATIONS

· Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

· Stay in the designated area.

· Follow directions the first time.

· Use problem-solving steps.

· Take care of recess equipment.

CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS

· Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

· Use an inside voice.

· Clean up your area.

· Raise your hand for help.

SCHOOL BUS EXPECTATIONS

· Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

· Sit in your assigned seat with your seatbelt properly fastened.

· Follow the bus driver’s directions.

· Face forward and remain seated at all times.

We are a community of learners. We are committed to growing, being challenged and achieving success. I will be responsible, respectful, safe and kind.

Today, I will be buzzworthy!

Each year the students are invited to participate in three fun filled activities known as extravaganzas. This is a way to reward students who work hard and follow the rules. If a student chooses not to follow the rules and receives discipline referrals the referrals will be tracked which could lead to a student being excluded from the extravaganza. If a student becomes ineligible a letter of notification will be sent to the parent(s). It is our hope that all students follow all school rules so that they are eligible to participate in all extravaganzas.

Learning in a safe environment for all students on special event days is the priority of the staff at all times. Event eligibility is determined at the sole discretion of the Hamilton Township School District and students are expected to display respect for others, self-restraint, and good manners on all special event days, just as they are in their day-to-day classrooms. Behavior that violates the school district’s rules or jeopardizes the safety of others will be documented and reported to the appropriate administrator and consequences will be determined pursuant to the School District’s Student Discipline Policy. Disrespectful, insubordinate, or unsafe behavior on a special event day is unacceptable and may result in exclusion from activities, in addition to disciplinary action at school. In extreme cases, parents will be contacted and asked to arrange for their child to be picked up immediately. If a student becomes ineligible to attend a special event activity, a letter of notification will be sent to the student’s parent(s).

When schools and families work together to support each other our children benefit greatly. With that in mind we want you to know there are various ways you can volunteer within the Hess School.

Special Events: There will be special events throughout the school year where parents may be asked to assist or attend. Some of these celebrations include acknowledgements of special academic achievements in the classroom. For these events a special form will be sent home with your child specifying the date and time of the celebration. This will enable us to determine the number of visitors and plan accordingly. Because we realize parking can be a concern, we will work to stagger the event times by house throughout the day or week when possible. In order to allow for more parents to attend, and due to limited space in the classroom, we do request that siblings of our students not attend classroom events and appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Birthday Celebrations: Every child’s birthday is a special time. If you would like to send in a small treat to your child’s homeroom class, we request you contact the homeroom teacher one week in advance so they may plan accordingly. Treats can be dropped off in the Main Entrance Window and will be delivered by staff to your child’s classroom to be eaten during the students’ lunch period. Please note: when dropping off items before 9:10 am, you must park in the large parking lot as the front parking spaces are closed until the morning drop-off of students is complete.

Kids’ Corner services are available at a reasonable cost before and after school daily. For more information about Kids’ Corner contact Mr. Cliff Melder at 476-6311 or visit the school website to view more information: Link: www.hamiltonschools.org

The Hess Educational Complex utilizes a “Point of Sale” system in the cafeteria. All students are given a personal “pin number” that they memorize, and use daily for purchasing their lunch and breakfast. This pin# is valid from Pre-K through 8th grade.

Lunch is available for purchase daily and students are given hot and cold meal choices. See Lunch Menu for details. Breakfast is available daily and free to all students this year, and served as students enter the building as a “Grab-n-Go” meal and taken to the classroom to eat during morning announcements. Students are encouraged to eat breakfast either at home or in school to give them an academic boost.

If applying for “Free and Reduced-Price Meals”, you only need to fill out one application per household for students attending the Hamilton Township School District, which consists of Shaner, Hess and Davies. High School is not part of our school district. You must submit a new meal application each school year. Any balances accrued prior to your application being processed, is your responsibility, so please return it as soon as possible. Applications can be returned to school with your child, or dropped off at the Board Office, which is connected to the Davies School or completed online at our website. After returning your application, if you do not receive a letter within 10 days notifying you of your child’s meal status, please contact the Food Service Department at 609-476-6134 in the event that they did not receive it. If your application is approved for “Free” or “Reduced Price Meals”, this information is confidential; and includes Breakfast and Lunch.

Cafeteria Money Envelopes are available in the House Offices, Lobby and Cafeterias. Students will once again be allowed to purchase snacks during their lunch period. In order to purchase a snack, the student must have funds credited to their lunch account for payment (OR) cash with them at the time of sale and do not have an outstanding balance. For Shaner and Hess students, if paying with cash, the full amount provided will be added to their meal account for future snack purchases. If paying by check, it should be made payable to: “Hamilton Township BOE Lunch Account”. All payments must be placed in an envelope and include your child’s name and pin#. You may also log onto https://www.schoolcafe.com and for a small program fee, you can make a prepayment into their meal account using a check, credit card or debit card. To check account balances, you may either call the Food Service Department at 476-6134; or visit https://www.schoolcafe.com or call 1-855-PAY2EAT to view your child’s account balance, and/or create an account to receive email notifications when the account reaches a low balance. There is no cost for this service.

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The official spirit wear supplier for Hamilton Township Schools is Spiritwear Direct. Visit the link to view Hess Items!

www.hessspiritwear.com