Hawk News
August 13, 2020
Welcome Back
Getting Ready for Virtual Learning
Virtual learning will look very different this fall. Students will engage in whole, small and individual teaching. Students will start the morning with social and emotional learning. We will be using concepts from Leader in Me and other district provide material. We will have direct teaching on the math and language arts standards. Also, your child will have scheduled extended core time with his/her classmates. To help prepare for virtual learning, here are some things to think about:
Have a designated area for school work.
For students, having a designated area means fewer distractions and getting into a “school mindset” when in that area. This can be a spare room or even a corner in a room; the important thing is to use that area only for school. Other considerations include:
Make sure this area is quiet. This gives students a place to concentrate when they’re working, talking to the teachers, tutoring, completing assignment, or taking a test.
Allow space for a desk or table, but incorporate flexible seating. This can be a cozy spot for reading or a change of pace during the school day. Beanbags, hammock chairs, shaggy rugs, and oversize pillows can help a student relax and take a break when reading, drawing, or using a device between classes or after a lengthy exam.
Promote your student’s health. Ensure there is enough light for reading and taking notes. The monitor should be at eye level and the student’s chair must be comfortable and offer back support.
Stock this area with school supplies! Include pens, pencils, markers, paper, notebooks, and any other tools your student may need besides the computer*.
*Students will be able to check-out computers through the school. We are just waiting for a delivery date.
Virtual Kindergarten Jump Start
Here is the agenda for the Jump Start:
- Introductions
- Virtual Tour
- Read Aloud
- Activity
- Q and A for Parents
Tree Stumps and Flexible Seating
PTA Notes
Changes to the PTA for the 2020-21 School Year
On behalf of the Hanawalt PTA, we want to welcome all new and returning families to Hanawalt! Normally, in the fall, the PTA members would be facilitating kindergarten and new family playdates, helping children out of their cars in the morning, logging KidStrider miles, and preparing for our annual Block Party.
This year, the PTA will take on different roles and temporarily step out of others. We will prioritize community building and teacher appreciation. New Hanawalt masks with a matching t-shirt will be provided to each student and staff member. The Ambassadors will build connections between new and seasoned Hanawalt families. We will work on building more anti-racist material into our media center through our annual Read-A-Thon in November. We will also try to fill in any needed gaps throughout the year, as they arise.
Our first PTA meeting will take place virtually, on September 15th at 6:30pm. This meeting will feature our own guidance counselor, Judi Mireles. The subject will be Courage, Creativity and Communication. Mrs. Mireles will communicate how best to share your feelings during this time of uncertainty. She will share creative avenues for self-care and explain why communication is key to meeting the needs of your family.
We look forward to making the best of this fall semester with the rest of you! If you are interested in getting more involved with the PTA we currently have openings on the executive committee for a Treasurer-in-Training and Vice-President! Please email us if you would like to join in on the fun!
Sincerely,
LeAnn Thongvanh, McB McManus, Michelle Gartner, Lindi Nelson, & Molly Stagner
PTA Statement on the Black Lives Matter Movement
We, the Hanawalt PTA, support the Black Lives Matter Movement. We are proud to be a diverse school within a majority minority school district. It is important, as a PTA, that all of the members of our community feel included, valued, and accepted. It is our responsibility, as community members, to call out racism when we see it, regardless of the color of our own skin.
We want to hear from you about how we can make the Hanawalt PTA a more anti-racist community. We would also like to encourage parents of color to volunteer for the PTA Executive Committee or other leadership positions. We cannot provide a complete perspective from your community without your input.
Your voice matters. If you are interested in volunteering or have ideas of how we as an organization can be more inclusive, please email us at HanawaltElementaryPTA@gmail.com or text/call Molly Stagner at (515) 664-3737.
Help Support the Community
On August 15th, The DSM Refugee Support organization is taking donations from 7:30am-9:30am at 4025 Lower Beaver. Their wish list items for groceries includes: Cereal, beans, rice, ramen, wheat flower, corn flour, peanut butter, jelly, noodles, spaghetti sauce, granola bars, fresh fruits and veggies, canned fruits and veggies.
If you would like to support a local grocery store, please visit United Market on 609 Forest and ask the owner, Erika, what donations may also be needed. View Erika’s story here: https://www.facebook.com/1244930145595047/posts/3139670932787616/?d=n
Erika’s store, and many others, will accept EBT purchases. The DSM Refugee Support organization is also hosting a Fall Fundraiser and a Back to School Free Stuff Store. If you are interested, please contact Alison at: dsmrefsup@gmail.com for further information.
PTA Supported Improvements:
The pictures below are the furniture changes made to the Media Center this spring, purchased with our Read-a-Thon Fundraiser dollars. Stay tuned, as improvements to the Media Center will continue!
A Few Reminders
Upcoming Dates
August
30th: Virtual Kindergarten Jump Start
September
8th: First Day of School (Pending Board Meeting Vote)
15th: PTA Meeting
Hanawalt Elementary
Email: jolene.liebl@dmschools.org
Website: hanawalt.dmschools.org
Location: 225 56th Street, Des Moines, IA, USA
Phone: 515-242-8411