HHES Parent Newsletter

Back to School 2020

Starting Off Strong in the 2020-2021 School Year

During this challenging time, we are committed to making this 2020-21 school year a success for our students and their families. As you know, our wonderful staff cares deeply for each of our students and is hard at work planning learning experiences that will engage students and help them to build connections to their classmates and teachers.


The first week of instruction for students will focus on building relationships and social emotional learning. During the week of September 2, students will be given the chance to share with one another and to get to know their classmates. These relationships are the foundation of a successful classroom, where students support one another and take intellectual risks. Mr. Robertson and Mrs. Gannon will share video lessons on the how to be successful and safe in the online learning environment. Each student will also get to meet their art, music, and PE teachers.


As we continue in the month of September, our focus will shift to academics. Each teacher will be using assessments to determine what students already know and what they still need to learn. Teachers will use this information to help them make learning groups and to set goals for each child. Your child's teacher will check in with them weekly to offer help, provide feedback, and set learning goals.


During the week of September 14 - 18, student will complete the iReady assessment in math and reading. This will be completed during class time and be proctored by your child's teacher. If you have questions about this assessment, additional information can be found in the iReady Family Center.


We are here to support your family during this period of online instruction. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child's teacher or one of us. We are happy to help!


Joshua Robertson, Principal and Meredith Gannon, Assistant Principal

joshua.robertson@hocksd.org meredith.gannon@hocksd.org

Back to School Parent Meetings

In order to give each student and their family a chance to get to know their classroom teacher, we have reimagined our Back to School event. On September 2-4, parents will be invited to schedule a 20 minute meeting with their child's teacher. You and your child will have a Zoom meeting where you can share your goals for your child this year and share any other important information with your child's teacher.


During the week of September 2 - 4, your child can plan on attending their class meeting via Zoom each day at 8 a.m. Each student will have video lessons to view during the remainder of the school day.


More information will be sent out next week on how to schedule your meeting time and on teacher assignments.

Device (iPad) Pick Up

Hockinson School District will be hosting device pick up August 25 - 27. All HSD students can pick up an iPad for use in the 2020-21 school year. Device pick up will be held at Hockinson Middle School. Please enter the middle school through the staff parking lot on 182nd Street and exit through the bus lane on 159th Street. Volunteers will be there to help you. Prior to pick up, please fill out the technology use form. Assurance device insurance will be available for purchase on the technology form.


Device pick up times are:

Tuesday August 25: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - last name beginning with letters A - M

Wednesday, August 26: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - last name beginning with letters N - Z

Thursday, August 27: 3 - 7 p.m. - all families

Wireless Internet Access

Families not able to access remote learning using their home internet service and those without internet service will be able to use the WiFi in our school commons this Fall. In order to access the school campus, advanced sign up will be required. This will be limited to 30 families at each HSD school campus to ensure adequate social distancing. All visitors will be required to wear masks while on campus. Children coming to campus for WiFi access must be accompanied by an adult or high school age sibling. We will send out information on how to sign up for a WiFi space late next week.

Welcome to Hockinson Heights Elementary!

We are delighted to welcome the following new staff members to our school.

Upcoming Events

September 2: First Day of School - Grades 1-5

September 2 - 4: Parent / Teacher Virtual Meetings

September 7: Labor Day - No School

September 8: First Day of Kindergarten

September 14 - 18: iReady testing - math and reading

September 17: Constitution Day

October 9: Teacher In-Service Day - No School

Social Emotional Learning

We want to ensure that every students knows how much we care about and value them. This year, our social emotional learning team will have celebrations of student success including:

- At Home Self-Manager Badge Program

- Monthly Character Awards

- Daily Birthday Announcements with Principal Robertson and Asst. Principal Gannon

- Spirit Weeks

- and lots more fun surprises!