HES HEADLINES!
HOPEWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Week of March 3rd
Hippity Hop Hooray!
Wrapping up the month, we celebrated LEAP Year, a fitting occasion with a Frog as our mascot.
Thank you to Ashley LaRose for organizing all the fun leaping activities. Thank you to Freddie (Liz Babice) and Kathryn Dauer for the "Jump" movement break video! It's safe to say that this video will be used for years to come!
Also, congratulations to Brenda Pfau, Alicia Higgins, Lea White, Maria DeFrank, Brittany Buechner, and Antoinette Tighe for winning the "Freddie" in my pocket game.
A special thank you to Rachel Fleisher, Allison Hamer, Kathy Maloney, and Ellen Davis for organizing the Woot Woot Cart this past Thursday. It was certainly enjoyed by all.
Lastly, please help us give a big HES birthday celebration to the following staff members on their upcoming special day:
- March 12th - Ashlie Lance
- March 24th - Bob Dispoto
- March 26th - Hannah Cohen
Freddie LEAPING into Classrooms!
Woot Woot Cart Returns!
Freddie at it Again!
Read Across America Week - Reading the Hopewell Way
Message from Lea:
As we kick off Read Across America Week, we're thrilled to share some exciting activities to celebrate the joy of reading. Throughout the week, we'll be hosting a spirit week, and we encourage everyone to participate.
Feel free to explore the read-alouds provided in the Canva presentation at your own pace. All the books are available in the library as well. On Friday, we've planned a Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R.) activity. At unexpected moments, you'll hear announcements encouraging everyone to pause and immerse themselves in a good book. Teachers have the flexibility to decide whether students read independently, enjoy a class-wide read-aloud, or continue with timely instructional activities if needed.
Our goal for this week-long celebration is to foster a love for reading, share the joy of books, and build a community of happy readers and learners. If you have any questions or need book recommendations for the week, please don't hesitate to reach out—I'm here to help!
Happy Reading!
National World Language Week - Contest
National World Language Week is this week and honors and celebrates the many languages spoken at Hopewell Elementary School and our community. It helps raise awareness about the importance of learning and speaking another language.
Guess the languages of all the Dr. Seuss Books on the Spanish Bulletin board and win a prize! Write your name, class and the name of languages #1-8 and put it in the envelope (1 per person). Winning names will be announced on Monday March 11th. Good luck! ¡Buena suerte!
The Book Fair is Here - Staff Read Aloud Spots Still Available
The Book Fair is here! Thank you to those staff members who have already signed up. There are still a few spots left! Last year, we had such a great time seeing all the kids enjoy the Read Alouds during the fair and we hope you did too! We would love to have that extra special event during the fair again, this year, so we have sent along the sign up link below if anyone would like to join us in the afternoon/evening. We know you already give so much of your time to our kids so please don't feel obligated to sign up but if it's something you'd be interested in doing, we would love to see you there! We're hoping to have everyone who wants to do it, please sign up ASAP. Thanks for all your time and support! Jill & Lena
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080544A9AC2DA5FF2-47744222-staff
HES Staffing Placement Preferences Form
From Scott:
Also, we put together a timeline of scheduling events for the upcoming months with feedback from our Principal's Cabinet. Please look this over and let us know of any questions or concerns.
STRIVE Award
You can now nominate a student for a STRIVE Award! Use the form and follow the directions for who makes an excellent candidate!
STRIVE is the HVRSD Parent Teacher Organization supporting students with physical, cognitive, developmental & medical challenges.
The STRIVE Student Recognition Awards highlight students within our community who have shown exceptional growth or had a shining moment over the past year that aligns with one of Hopewell Valley's Character Strong Attributes (Respect, Empathy, Cooperation, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courage, Gratitude, Honesty and Creativity).
The awards night will be held on June 13, 2024 from 6-8PM.
Nominations will be accepted through April 15th, 2024 by submitting the google form linked above. Any questions can be directed to HVRSDStrivePTO@gmail.com.
Report Cards for Trimester 2
The grade level meeting for March is to work on report cards. Grade level meetings are scheduled as the second Monday of every month, unless there is a Monday off and it throws off the schedule. Towards that end, the grade level meeting is scheduled for March 11th.
However, it was brought to C&I's attention that there was a document that stated the grade level meeting was on March 4th. Because the focus this month was to work independently on your report cards, please feel free to use either date to work on report cards.
Please find the N/E for trimester #2 in this folder by grade level. Just a reminder that report cards need to be finalized by the end of the day, Tuesday, March 12th. Let us know if there are any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Nature Harmony Update
The Nature Harmony Committee has been hard at work planning new outdoor learning spaces and events for students and staff at HES. The committee, composed of both staff and parent volunteers, has met monthly throughout the year to identify additional opportunities to promote outdoor education each day.
To support our efforts, the Nature Harmony Committee, in partnership with the Green Team, will be hosting a Color Run on Saturday, April 27th at 11am. Additional announcement and details to follow. We hope to see you there!
2024 AIR T-Shirt Contest
Every year, AIR (Attitudes in Reverse) runs a t-shirt contest for students in elementary through high school. The AIR plan is to start one-on-one conversations to raise awareness, increase empathy, encourage early intervention and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. Designs must include the words “AIR Attitudes in Reverse” (not necessarily together) and may also include “Are you AIR Aware?” or “Take a Breath” or “Kin is the new cool!” or “Remember to Breathe.” Entry/Release form must be received no later than Friday, March 22, 2024. The release and contest information can be found HERE.
Lucky Bulldog Dash - 5K Run/Walk
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a family friendly 5K run/walk event at Hopewell Valley Central High School!
Lace up your running shoes and wear your “Lucky” green attire as we fill the streets of Hopewell Valley with festive cheer. Be the first to the Pot of Gold at the end of Dublin road and then get back to the finish for our great awards, music, and merry making! Register HERE.
CounSELor Comments
To pair your Character Strong practice of COOPERATION with our celebration of Read Across America Week, consider reading a suggested title from the Character Strong library:
Take part in this staff pursuit by partnering with a buddy class this week for a read aloud!
Watch the newsletter and your email for information about activities for our SEL Day of Play, which will take place Wednesday, March 13th. As always, please let me know if you need any support – with CS implementation or other SEL concerns.
HVEF Spring Fling Luncheon
Join the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation for their Spring Fling Luncheon on Sunday, March 24th, from 11-3:00PM. View the flyer for registration information.
PTO Discretionary Fund Allocation
The HES PTO has allocated money to teachers, to help offset some of your classroom expenses. So far only 10 staff members have taken advantage of this opportunity. You should have received a letter at the end of September/beginning of October. Remember, all forms and receipts must be received by April 30, 2024. Please utilize this great resource!
Odds & Ends - The Help You Need!
Don't forget, we are lucky to have Mithul Murrali from CHS here from 12:15 - 2:00PM every Tuesday. If you have any jobs like cutting, making copies, taking down and putting up bulletin boards, sorting supplies, sharpening pencils, etc., please email Molly or Kimberly. Thank you!
CHEER - News & Updates
CHEER Meeting - Next meeting will be Thursday, March 7th at 8:00am in Rachel and Allison's room. Let's start planning for the Retirement Party. Please bring ideas and friends! We're specifically looking for a new venue this year. We'd like a venue that is fun, flexible and won't break the bank!
Reminder - Don't forget to sign up for Friday morning breakfast. Sign-up sheet is in the Front Office.
Dues - You will find info about CHEER dues in your mailboxes. While we have suggested prices on the form in your mailbox, we would be happy to receive any contributions. Thank you!
If you'd like to join CHEER, please let a representative know!
Important Links
- HES Bell Schedule 2023-2024
- HES Map & Room Assignments
- HES Master Schedule & Other Schedules
- HES New Dismissal Waiver Form for Families (FYI Only)
- HES Staff Listings 2023-2024
- HVRSD District Calendar 2023-2024
- HVRSD Educational Technology Shared Drive
- HVRSD Elementary Curriculum Corner
- HVRSD Human Resources Newsletter
- Latest Faculty Meeting's Slides
- Latest Principal's Cabinet Meeting Minutes
- School Counselor Lesson Schedule 2023-2024
- Yearbook Photo Dump
Save the Date
- March 4-6th - HES Book Fair, Read Across America Week
- March 7th - CHEER Meeting (8:00AM), Hopewell Valley's Night Off, Read Across America Week
- March 8th - Trimester 2 ENDS, PTO Meeting (8:45AM), Read Across America Week & D.E.A.R.
- March 11th - Trimester 3 BEGINS, Whole School Meeting (9:00AM), PreK - 5 Grade Level Meetings (3:45PM)
- March 12th - Grades DUE (by end of day), Principal's Cabinet Meeting (3:45PM)
- March 13th - Early Dismissal/Staff Development, Staff Luncheon (Sponsored by HVEA), Preschool AM ONLY, SEL Day of Play at HES
- March 14th - Green Team Meeting (8:00AM), 3rd Grade's Biography Bonanza (2:00PM in Cafeteria)
- March 15th - Report Cards Available to Parents, 5th Grade Adv Orch Field Trip (Montessori School)