Holland Elementary School Message
April 10, 2020
Hello HES Families,
I’m sure that families are aware that Governor Wolf announced today that Pennsylvania schools are now closed for the duration of the school year. The staff and I were equally as disappointed as families upon learning this development. I spent most of my day in “dad mode” trying to provide comfort to my own children who were very upset by this news. I’m providing information below that will describe our mission moving forward.
First and foremost, the HES staff is prepared and committed to providing the best instruction possible as teachers implement distance learning activities, and we’ll continue to support our families in every way we can during the challenging weeks and months ahead.
Right now, there are so many questions, and I understand that families may be anxious for answers now. But we’re going to take one step at a time. The first of which is next week when we get back to our distance learning activities. The activities from last week were all review in nature. After our Spring Break, the teachers will be facilitating activities that will provide instruction on new concepts and skills. The activities will vary from teacher to teacher, as some will be recorded videos and others will be virtual lessons through Zoom or Google Meet. In addition, we will be providing additional activities for students and parents to connect. Further in this message, you’ll find information on our Spirit Days, At Home Recess Activities, Virtual Hawkeyes along with opportunities for families to share pictures from home.
One of the most significant areas of focus for HES will be with regard to the social and emotional well-being of our students, staff, and other members of our community. As we adjust to this new normal, it’s important to ask for help when we need it, monitor the emotional health of our children and loved ones, and maintain connections with those who are isolated and in need. This evening, I spoke with the HES PTO president, Ed Salamon, as we discussed ways that make sure that our school community does what is needed to take care of everyone in need. Our PTO has always done that, and they will be a significant support during this time.
Not unlike other schools, Holland Elementary is more than just a building where children come to learn. The kids come to HES to make friends, develop confidence, and find their passion. I’m confident that the activities over the next few months will provide opportunities for students to continue to do all of these things. The recent positive messages from children and their parents along with the hard work put in by teachers solidifies my belief that we can find new ways bring all of the joys that come with learning. The spirit of the HES community is undeniable, and we will get through this challenging time.
Distance Learning Pictures
HES Distance Learning Hub
In order to place resources in one place for families on the HES website, a Distance Learning Hub was created. You can find it under the "ABOUT HES" tab or at the following LINK. The staff and I will be updating and adding to this part of the website each day with pictures and new information.
Students and their families can use this part of our school's website to look for activities, find help to questions, and see pictures of themselves and classmates learning and having fun at home. Resources include:
- At-Home 'Recess Activities" (see below)
- Digital Citizenship
- Spirit Week (see below)
- Chromebook Support
- At Home Resources
- Brain Break Board (see below)
- Virtual Hawkeyes (see below)
Video Message for Students from Me!
Distance Learning Spirit Week - April 13th - 17th
- Monday, April 13th - Pajama Day: Ease into the new week and show off your best jammies while learning at home!
- Tuesday, April 14th: Hawks at Home: Wear your Holland gear/Holland colors and show your school spirit!
- Wednesday, April 15th: Put on Your Thinking Cap: Wear a fun hat today and get your learn on!
- Thursday, April 16th: Team Jersey Day: Wear your team's jersey or one from your favorite professional team!
- Friday, April 17th: Crazy Socks Day! Show off cool designs or mis-matched socks!
You can send a picture of yourself to Mr. MacClay to be posted on Twitter or the HES website.
Virtual Haweyes!
Each day at school, Hawkeyes are given to ten different students when recognized for meeting expectations for being Safe, Responsible or Kind. Students can also be recognized by an adult at home or by a staff member through their distance learning activities.
An adult can give a child a Virtual Hawkeye by completing the form found at the following LINK. Students who are recognized with a Hawkeye will have their name posted on the Distance Learning Hub of our website.
Brain Break Board!
Young, growing brains need lots of breaks during the day to let the learning sink in! Children should take time once or twice an hour to rest their busy brains. Click HERE to find links to some ideas to keep your child's brain breaks fresh!
Fun 4 Recess Crew
Hello Holland Hawks!
We, the teachers of Recess and Lunch, would like to share some information to connect with our Holland Family! All of us are fine and enjoying some family time but that doesn’t happen without a big part of us missing all of YOU! Sometimes Mrs. Gilmer and Mrs. Schurstein call each other and randomly blow their whistles just so they won’t forget how to do it. Mrs. Green and Mrs. Michael continue to open juice boxes and use their chime to get their families cleaned up from a meal. Once a Hawk - Always a Hawk!
We have been going through websites and talking to each other finding some neat activities that we thought we would share with our Holland Hawks. All of these activities are optional but we would love to see pictures or posts about ones you have tried and enjoyed. Even if you find some other activity that makes you laugh or get moving, if you share it, others in our community may be able to use your ideas!
One of the basic tools we have available at Recess are Bouncy Balls. We think almost all kids have access to a ball at home. Simple games can be played individually or with siblings. Plenty of games can be played by setting up baskets, buckets, lines, plastic bottles, or anything else to knock down, throw over, or under. Get creative! Here is a link we thought would be helpful for some basic games ideas.
https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/ball-games-kids-love/.
Fun and easy food ideas are always a hit! We know that all families will not have the ingredients listed but with a little ingenuity we are sure you can come up with substitutes and if you share pictures maybe your creation will spark another Holland Family with an idea. Here is a link to some fun food ideas.
https://www.thisgrandmaisfun.com/healthy-kids-snacks/
We hope you have fun with our posts and hopefully will share some of your activities with us so we can stay connected with You - our Holland Hawks!
Thinking of you,
Mrs. Gilmer, Mrs.Schurstein, Mrs. Green and Mrs. Michael
Netiquette Tips for Students
Our distance learning is providing wonderful opportunities for children to connect with their classmates and teachers. However, the children may not be aware of the unwritten online “rules” in this digital age. The atmosphere of an online classroom is different from a normal classroom, and the children would benefit from knowing proper netiquette guidelines. Here are some areas to review with your child:
- There’s a time and a place for everything—BUT IN MOST SITUATIONS TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS INAPPROPRIATE. Typing in all caps can be interpreted the same as yelling at someone.
- What may seem like an obvious joke to one person could come across as off-putting or rude to someone else. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid sarcasm altogether in an online classroom. Instead, students should lean toward being polite and direct in the way they communicate to avoid these issues.
- Chat boxes are incorporated into many online classes as a place for students to share ideas and ask questions related to the lesson. It is not an instant messenger for communicating with friends. It should be treated like the learning tool it’s meant to be, and students should avoid off-topic discussions.
- Always make an effort to use proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
- It’s good netiquette to use respectful greetings, full sentences and even the same old “please” and “thank you” that is used in real life.
- A passing comment spoken in class can be forgotten a few minutes later, but what is shared in an online classroom is part of a permanent digital record. A good rule to follow is think before typing.
Support from Our School Guidance Counselor
I know that this hasn't been a typical Spring Break, but I hope that you and your children have enjoyed the week. Please reach out to me if you ever need anything. Stay well.
Joe MacClay
Principal
Holland Elementary School
597 Beverly Road
Holland, PA 18966
Email: jmacclay@crsd.org
Website: http://www.crsd.org/Domain/1212
Phone: 215-944-1500
Twitter: @HollandElem