Cheetah Chronicles
March 5th, 2023
Important Dates
February 28th - March 10th - Book Fair
March 9th: Book Fair Family Night 5:00-6:30pm
March 24th: Early Release at 1:50pmMarch 31st: Yearbook Order Deadline
April 6th: Early Release at 1:50pm
April 7th: NO SCHOOL- HOLIDAY
April 21st: NO SCHOOL- TEACHER WORKDAY
April 24th: NO SCHOOL FOR TRACKS 1, 2, 3- TEACHER WORKDAY
May 9th: Early Release at 1:50pm
May 29th: NO SCHOOL- HOLIDAY
What's New
District Technology Policy
The purpose of this section is to provide updated information to families about the use of personal devices which aligns with district policy - smartwatches, cell phones, etc. on school grounds. Board Policy 3225 Technology Responsible Use states:
Students are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct and the applicable “Rules for Use of Technology Resources” set forth in this policy when students use a personal device on school property, at school-sponsored events, on school-based transportation, or anytime a personal device is connected to school system technology resources. As an example, students using a personal device on school property, at school-sponsored events, on school-based transportation, or when the device is connected to school system technology resources, shall not engage in creating, intentionally viewing, accessing, downloading, storing, printing or transmitting images, graphics (including still or moving pictures), sound files, text files, documents, messages or other material that is obscene, defamatory, profane, pornographic, harassing, or abusive.
Attendance
Our Attendance Team analyzed student achievement data. One piece of data that we looked at was a comparison of our attendance from quarter 1 to quarter 2. As you can see on the chart below, the number of unexcused absences and unexcused tardies have increased! We need your help to ensure that our students are here everyday to protect instructional time. Please partner with us and help us reach our goal of decreased absences and tardies for Quarter 3.
When your child is sick or not at school, please send a note to your child’s teacher within 48 hours.
Single Subject Acceleration
Parents interested in having their child evaluated for SINGLE Subject Acceleration (SSA): Please click HERE for the 2023 SSA Parent Information presentation. Please review the entire SSA Parent Information presentation to determine if SSA testing is appropriate for your child. Embedded in the presentation is the link for the required SSA Test Request Google form. Completed SSA Test Request forms will ONLY be accepted during your track's window. Track 1: February 20-24, 2023 and Tracks 2, 3, 4: March 20-24, 2023.
The same SSA info can also be found on the school's homepage (https://www.wcpss.net/hollyspringses) and http://bit.ly/HSESAIG (access code AIG). If you have questions regarding SSA, please contact Kiersten Bashor (kbashor@wcpss.net), AIG teacher.
2022-2023 Track Change Request Form for the 2023-2024 School Year
Families of currently enrolled HSES students who prefer a different track assignment, other than the one to which they are currently assigned, should complete this form. Administration would like to grant all requests; however, state class size limits, keeping families together on the same track, and other variables must be considered when assigning students to tracks/classrooms. You will be notified of your final track assignment for the 2023-2024 school year in late spring (end of May). Thank you for your understanding and support. *Deadline to consider any track changes: March 12, 2023*
WCPSS Year-Round Calendar
Please make sure you have the WCPSS Year-round Calendar that was modified in August: 22-23 WCPSS Year-round Calendar- Updated 8-2-22. This was sent out by WCPSS in August, but we have found many people to still be referring to the old calendar.
Some important dates to note during the month of June:
Last Day for Track 1 students: June 2, 2023
Last Day for Tracks 2, 3, 4 students: June 28, 2023
No School for Students: June 19, 2023
NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS: June 29, 2023 & June 30, 2023
ACADEMICS
Pre-K Title I Program
Student Assignment Information for 2023-2024
We have received the assignment strips for students for their school assignment for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. You should have received this by now. Families with a Homebase PowerSchool account will be able to sign into their PowerSchool account starting 11/30 and access this information by clicking on the Next Year Assignment tab. If you have any questions about the student assignment information, please contact our data manager, Ms. Annette Ligons, at aligons@wcpss.net.
REMINDERS
Kindergarten Registration for 2023-2024
Kindergarten registration for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year is already underway! If you have a child that will be 5 by August 31, 2023, we encourage you to start the enrollment process early. For more information, and for the link to complete the online portion of the registration, please visit the following website: WCPSS New Student Enrollment
Immunization Reports and Health Assessments
To: all tracks and grade levels, this also includes our pre-K and CCK students.
Immunization Reports and Health Assessments were due within the first 30 days of school and all tracks reached their first 30 days. If you have not turned in your child’s health records, it is important that you do so as soon as possible. Remember, this is only done once, so if you have already turned yours in, there is no need to do it again, thank you!
Field Trip Chaperone Reminders
If you are planning on chaperoning a field trip this winter or next spring with your child’s class, please come in to register as a volunteer now. It is taking a couple of months for parents to be approved due to such high volumes in the district.
School Messenger Updates
You can opt-in to receive School Messenger updates via text message by texting YES to the shortcode 67587 or replying with a YES to the opt-in text message we will send to your phone.
More information on School Messenger, including how to manage the manner and devices you get messages delivered to you, can be found here.
Calendar Information
MTYR Calendar Updates:
School Calendar Items-EARLY RELEASE DATES/TIME INFO
During the 22-23 school year, there will be early release days throughout the school year. This time is to provide teachers with an opportunity to complete professional development that is required for all elementary classroom teachers by the North Carolina General Assembly. On these days, dismissal will be 2 hours early - starting at 1:50. All Early Release dates are below so you can mark your calendars and plan for student pickup on those days.
Friday, 3/24
Thursday, 4/6
Tuesday, 5/9
EVENTS
Monthly Restorative Practice and Community-Building Circles for Parents and Guardians! (Nov. 2022 - May 2023)
This opportunity is designed to introduce you to one of the tools of Restorative Practices, the Circle Process. The Circle is a facilitated dialogue process that is invitational. It allows participants to share openly and encourages connections and deepening relationships. This experience is inclusive to all who have an interest in learning ways to better support children and families during these uncertain times through authentic connections
Please see all dates and times and sign up for a session on this link.
Additionally, Here is a flier you may use for parents/guardians/stakeholders - along with a link to sign up!
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During the months of November and December, we will begin our first community book study. Information can be found here:
PTA Updates
SAVE THE DATE!
HSES PTA 2023-24 Planning Survey for Parents/Caregivers
The HSES PTA is beginning preparations for our 2023-24 school year! We would love to have your feedback regarding several points of interest. Please be honest and constructive in your feedback. Many thanks for your time!
School Store - March 23rd (K-2) & March 30th (3-5)
The HSES PTA is in need of volunteers to help run the School Store! Volunteers must be an approved Wake County volunteer. Thanks so much! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044CAEA92EA6FB6-school11
Volunteer Needed for March 23rd Cultural Arts Event
HSES will be hosting a Cultural Arts event on Thursday, March 23rd. We are looking for volunteers to cover a shift so that teachers can work in their classrooms during the event. Volunteers will sit with a class during the event. Feel free to sign up for multiple times if you are able. Thanks so much for your time and willingness to help! Timing: 12:00-12:50pm Kindergarten & 1st; 1:00-1:50pm 4th & 5th; 2:00-2:50pm 2nd & 3rd. Sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044caea92ea6fb6-march#/
Mark Your Calendars! March 24th 2:00-8:00pm at JTs Creamery
Throughout the month of March, JTs Creamery is having a competition among the Holly Springs elementary schools. On March 24th, we show them what HSES Cheetah Pride is all about! Between 2-8pm, take your kiddos to enjoy some amazing ice cream. (March 24th is an early release day at 1:50pm.) HSES PTA will recieve 10% of sales on March 24th. The elementary school with the most sales on their spirit day will also recieve 10% of every other schools sales too! Between 2-8pm, the HSES PTA will be there games, prizes, Spiritwear and so much more fun! If you are available to volunteer to help out, we would be forever grateful! Thanks so much! Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044CAEA92EA6FB6-jtscreamery
PI DAY! - Tuesday, March 14th
2023-24 PTA Board
Want to get more involved at HSES? Want to help make HSES better for our students and staff? Want to be part of a fantastic group of parents who are passionate about serving HSES? Want to be on the PTA Board?
If you are interested in serving on the 2023-24 PTA Board or would like to nominate someone to the Board, please fill out the Letter of Interest. Submissions due by March 31st.
Book Fair!
Save the Date!
February 28th - March 10th
Family Night - March 9th 5:00-6:30pm
YEARBOOK
GET YOUR 2022-23 YEARBOOK NOW!
All yearbook orders are ONLINE, you must order via Strawbridge. Orders due by March 31, 2023!
Yearbook Pictures
Parents please help create an amazing yearbook that features all of the amazing things our cheetah family does!
Talent show: https://plicbooks.com/go/9AK32B
Field trips: https://plicbooks.com/go/89XPAC
Cheetah Pride Days: https://plicbooks.com/go/UY1Q6P
Steam Night: https://plicbooks.com/go/119NVZ
Transportation
Carpool Reminder
Here Comes the Bus App
Transportation
Parents of registered bus riders should have received the following message from transportation on Friday, Aug 12, 2022:
“Dear Parent:
This is a message for families assigned to yellow school buses.
As our Transportation team finalizes school bus routes, we need to hear from you if your student does not intend to ride the bus this year.
If your student is not going to ride the bus, please let us know at www.wcpss.net/declinebus
It takes less than a minute, and all you need is your child's student ID number.
Thank you for your support of the Wake County Public School System.”
Transportation Behavior Referrals
Parents the following information was shared in the Wednesday community message, but we wanted to share it here as well. The information applies to both bus and cab riders.
A transportation code of conduct has been established to promote safe and orderly rides and to support drivers in addressing inappropriate student behavior.
The following steps will be taken to address any infractions:
First infraction - The driver will discuss any “rider expectations” infractions with the student and document the discussion with the student.
Second infraction - The driver will discuss the infraction with the student and document the discussion with the student. Transportation will send a letter to the parent describing the infraction.
Third infraction - Transportation will make a referral to the principal for intervention.
Bus Information:
Bus Routes for 22-23
Bus Routes for the 22-23 school year can be found HERE. Routes have changed so make sure you review this.
WCPSS Transportation
All bussing information and needs can be accessed from the WCPSS Transportation site linked HERE.
Bus Live Updates
Bus Route information (delayed, uncovered routes, etc) can be found at the site linked HERE. Be sure to refresh the site every 10-15 minutes. When the school is made aware of delayed or uncovered routes for our PM routes, we will share that information via Twitter.
Here Comes the Bus App
We are aware that the Here Comes the Bus app was not running properly last week. Once the school was informed, this information was shared through Twitter. The district is working with the service provider to have the app working by Monday morning.
Schoolwide Behavior
Holly Springs Elementary utilizes a schoolwide behavior system: SPOT (Safe, Polite, On-task, and Teamwork). SPOT expectations are shared with and modeled for students in all areas of the school. All classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and outside of the restrooms have posters that explain the SPOT Expectations.
Cafeteria Updates
Breakfast is served daily from 8:50-9:20
Apply for free and reduced-price school meals
All students currently receive free school meals supported by federal funding due to the pandemic. This funding is set to end on June 30, 2022. In order to receive free or reduced-price meals for next school year, families need to submit a meal benefits application.
All families must complete an application for the 2022-2023 school year starting July 1 in order to receive benefits. Please allow 10 business days for processing.
For every student that turns in the free and reduced meals application and qualifies, the school also receives federal funds that benefit the students and teachers at the school.
We need you to complete a 2022-2023 meal benefits application so our school can be eligible for extra funding next year. If you have not completed a free or reduced-price meal application and think your child may be eligible, pick up an application at your child’s school or apply online. Paper applications can also be requested by calling 919-588-3535 or 919-856-2920 or emailing cnsmealbenefits@wcpss.net.
K-5 Breakfast $1.50 and lunch $3.00
6-12 Breakfast $1.75 and lunch $3.25
Breakfast & Lunch Menu with Meal-Viewer
Monthly breakfast and lunch menu PDFs will no longer be posted on our district website.
Menus will now be available on our interactive website, MealViewer.
On the MealViewer website, families can:
- Set up multiple profiles at the schools of your choice
- See any menu changes posted by the manager at each site
- Choose menu items based on allergens
- View nutrients for each menu item
- Add nutrients for meals eaten, even partial meals
- Submit ratings on your favorite items
- Print menus
Front Office Reminders
Checking Students In/Out
HSES has a new system to check in/out students. The electronic system is Lobby Guard. Beginning Monday, March 14, 2022, we want parents/guardians to come into the reception area of HSES to check your child in/out of school.
You will still need to ring the outside visitor bell to be welcomed for entry & will need to have your photo ID with you to be buzzed into the building.
Come in! You will scan your ID and use the system to check your student in/out of our school!
Office Staff will be available to assist you.
There will be no student check-outs after 3:30 pm as the office staff must prepare for dismissal procedures.
Medications
If your child has medications that need to be administered at school, you are welcome to bring them to the office anytime during office hours (8:00-4:00). Be sure to bring the updated 1702 form completed by the doctor. If you have any questions, please call the school office at 919-557-2660.
Susan Mann is our school nurse should you have any questions about medical plans or health concerns for your child.
Volunteer Registration for 2022-2023 School Year
Volunteer or Guest?
Guests are visitors who are never left alone with students. They do not need background checks. Typical examples would include speakers, presenters and community members/parents attending a school event.
Volunteers are visitors who may or may not be alone with students at any point, including in a virtual setting. Volunteers do require background checks. There are no "levels" of volunteer status. Typical examples range from a community volunteer who reads with a child to an overnight chaperone, as well as field day workers, testing proctors, and volunteer coaches. The same background check is done for every type of volunteer.
Current Volunteers
Current volunteers who were approved for the 2021-22 school year do not have to register again this year.
Check with the front office to see if a current volunteer is on the list of eligible volunteers.
New Volunteers for 2022-2023
All new volunteer applicants must register and have an approved criminal record check prior to engaging in volunteer work.
New volunteer applicants may go to any WCPSS work site and register through wcpss.net by selecting the Community tab, and then selecting Volunteer.Has Your Phone Number/Email Changed?
Important: COVID-19 When to Return guidance updated
Important: COVID-19 When to Return guidance updated
The wcpss.net/whentoreturn webpage was updated to remove the section mentioning household and non-household exposures. This change is part of the recent update of the StrongSchools NC Toolkit by the NC Department of Health and Human Services.Positivity Project:
Track 2 Love
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Love. Love means you value close relationships with others and being close to people.
The character strength of love represents the way we think, feel, and behave towards the people with whom we have close relationships. When one person loves another person, that person: comforts and makes the other feel safe; sacrifices on the other’s behalf; supports the other during struggles; and places the others' needs ahead of their own. If you love a person, that person makes you feel safe and secure. You can be yourself with that person. You miss that person when they are not around.
On a group level, love is vital for the wellbeing of society. The world is endlessly interconnected. We are all dependent upon each other for survival and happiness. Love produces positive feelings, which help negate loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Without love, we cannot form strong relationships with our families, friends, or communities. A world without love is a dangerous world.
Track 3 Social Intelligence
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Social Intelligence. Social intelligence means you are aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings. You understand why they do things.
Social intelligence refers to a person’s ability to understand and manage interpersonal relationships. It is distinct from a person’s IQ or “book smarts.” It includes an individual’s ability to understand, and act on, the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors of other people. This type of intelligence can take place “in the moment” of face-to-face conversations but also appears during times of deliberate thinking. It involves emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Social intelligence helps individuals build relationships -- and is important to numerous aspects of a person’s life. It allows an individual to form friendships and alliances. And it assists a person against being taken advantage of. People with social intelligence can “read” other people’s faces and know what motivates them. Social intelligence builds over time and as a person ages. In this sense, it is similar to the character strength of perspective.
Track 4 Prudence
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Prudence. Prudence means you plan for the future and achieve your goals by making careful everyday choices.
Prudence is the ability to do the right thing for the right reason, at the right time. It’s a future-oriented way of thinking that helps a person set goals, make plans, and have the discipline to accomplish them. It is cognitive -- more a strength of the head than of the heart.
Prudence supports effective individual self-management. Whether aspiring for an athletic record, academic grade, or purchasing a car, foresight and planning are necessary. However, even with a plan, long-term goals can only be obtained by overcoming those impulses and desires that steer you away from your goals. Prudence provides the wisdom to know which character strength to leverage, at which time, to achieve your desired end state.
P2 for Families
P2 for Families is an easy and effective way for families to discuss the importance of character strengths and positive relationships. It is differentiated for grades Pre-K – 2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Each character strength follows a 1-1-3 model: 1 quote, 1 video, and 3 questions to drive conversations around character at home.
Please choose your child’s grade level on the site linked HERE to be directed to all of the character strengths. CODE NEEDED: P2
Counselor Connection
If you are interested in why Holly Springs Elementary engages in Social and Emotional Learning, please click on the link below to view the 5 Keys to Social and Emotional Learning Success.
Technology Tips & Resources
ESL Updates
Access for ELLs testing is complete! I am so proud of how hard all of the students worked. You can expect the result in early June. If you have any questions please contact me at srodgers3@wcpss.net
Literacy News
Parents visit this site developed by The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Literacy at Home.
This digital resource provides literacy activities for all grades that specifically target the literacy skills of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and oral language.
Parent Teacher Association
Become a PTA Member!
Why join the PTA?
Get involved: The #1 reason why every parent should join the PTA is for the benefit of your child. Research shows that children perform better when parents are involved both at home and at school.
Advocacy: Power in numbers.
Access resources: Free e-learning course, e-newsletter.
Be in the know: PTA Takes Action Network provides updates on legislative issues.
Deals: Special offers and discounts from corporate sponsors via our MemberHub site.
Be able to vote in general meetings, have access to minutes from monthly board meetings, as well as receive emails from the PTA about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
Becoming a PTA member shows that you want to support the programs and events that help enhance students’ and staff experiences at school. It does not obligate you to attend PTA meetings or volunteer. For more information, click HERE. You can join HERE for $10 as an individual or $15 as a family (2 adults).
Download the HSES PTA APP!
It’s never been easier to access archived Cheetah Chronicles, Teacher Websites, Teacher Like Forms, Cafeteria Menus, Volunteer and Fundraising Information and so much more! By installing the HSES PTA APP, you will receive important announcements and friendly reminders about what’s happening at school. Search our Holly Springs Elementary School in your App Store (iTunes and GooglePlay). Don’t forget to accept push notifications so that you receive text alerts!
PTA SpiritWear
Show your HSES school spirit with our variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, car magnets, bags, sticks, tattoos and so much more! The first Friday of every month will be Cheetah Pride Day! Show off your Cheetah Pride everywhere you go! Click HERE to view all our SpiritWear.
Rent the Rock
The HSES Spirit Rock is a great way to send a message for all to see! Congratulate your favorite student on an accomplishment, wish a student a Happy Birthday, celebrate a team win or let everyone know how much you love our school. The Rock is available for a weekly rental to families and staff of HSES for their use and enjoyment. Reserve the Spirit Rock for only $25.00 per week. All proceeds will go directly back to the HSES PTA. Click HERE to Rent the Rock!
MemberHub Givebacks
Paw Prints
Show your Cheetah pride and have your own Paw Print on the walk of fame. Reserve a paw print in front of the school to showcase your students, family, teacher, or business's name.
Amazon Smile & Amazon WishList
Help us show our teachers and staff some LOVE! We have created an Amazon WishList with snacks, treats, drinks, k-cups, items to stock our staff bathrooms, and much more. You can order and pay through Amazon and have it sent directly to the school. We strive to keep the teacher’s lounge stocked with snacks, coffee and tea. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. Check out the WishList on Amazon. Make sure you shop with smile.amazon.com and make Holly Springs Elementary School PTA your charity. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to HSES PTA, at no cost to you!
Relink your Grocery Cards
Earn money for the HSES PTA while you shop! If you haven’t linked your grocery accounts from Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods and Publix this 2022-23 school year, please take a minute to do so (you must relink every year). Fill out this form and the PTA will link your account for you.
Box Tops for Education
Did you know that Box Tops is now digital? Download the Box Tops app and take a picture of your receipt containing participating products for our school to get credit. Learn how to scan your Box Tops with the mobile app HERE.
(It is my intention that this will always stay in the Cheetah Chronicles unless otherwise noted.)