Halmstad Hawk Happenings
March 2024
Message from the Principal
March is Here!
Hello Families,
Here we are in March! March is a month that gives us hope, but also some unpredictability. We know there are going to be some sunny days in the forecast, but that winter storm always seems to come in March too. After this winter who even knows anymore?
If you have been reading these letters, you know that I like to look back and reflect on what we did the previous month. February was full of fun moments! I received some wonderful Valentines from the artistic and talented students here. We all got a pair of heart shaped glasses at our all school celebration where we learned about seeing the best in others. The students looked great during our dress up days for Read Across America Week! Finally, the middle school choir and jazz band entertained us all!
My challenge for you this month is to take an opportunity to point out to your child how important reading is in everyday life. As we get more spring weather I encourage your children to get outside and exercise! Please remember that study after study shows that reading is the best exercise we can give our brains too. The ability to read well leads to a more positive school experience and a better future for our students and community.
Parent teacher conferences are also this month. Please use this opportunity ask questions and work with our staff to help your children succeed.
Let's work together to make March a positive month here at Halmstad. It's going to fly by with our Spring Break! Thank you families!
Important information regarding the last day of school for Elementary Schools.
We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to inform you of a change in the last day of school for elementary students. The new last day will be on May 29, 2024, instead of the previously scheduled May 30, 2024. Please note that this change is only for our K-5 students. 4K, MS, and HS students will still have school on May 30th.
This adjustment is necessary to provide teachers with dedicated time to begin training as mandated by the state under Act 20 for all public schools. Act 20 initiates a statewide adherence to science-based early literacy instruction to address low reading proficiency across the state.
Your partnership and support in allowing this time for our educators to focus on enhancing their skills in the area of literacy are highly appreciated. We know that the benefits of this training will contribute positively to the learning experience of our students.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Dates to Remember
March 1- PTO Read-a-Thon will begin
March 5- Parent Teacher Conferences/Book Fair
March 7- Parent Teacher Conferences/Book Fair
March 11-15-Spring Break
March 27-Referendum Informational Meeting 6:30-7:30 Chi Hi Auditorium
March 29- No School
April 1- Staff Work Day-No Students
May 27- Memorial Day, No School
May 29- will be the last day for Elementary Students
Kindergarten Registration
The public elementary schools in Chippewa Falls are beginning to plan for kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year.
Students who presently attend one of the Chippewa Falls School District’s 4-year-old Kindergarten programs do not need to re-enroll. Students are automatically enrolled in Kindergarten. More information will be provided from your child’s elementary school about Kindergarten registration and how to update information into Infinite Campus.
Children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2023, and who will be entering Kindergarten in the Chippewa Falls School District for the 2023-2024 school year, and are not enrolled in the Chippewa Falls 4-year old Kindergarten program, need to enroll. Those students who attended a 4K program in the 2021-22 school year, but were not in school this past year will need to enroll as well.
To enroll your child, please visit the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District website. If you do not have internet access, please contact Tami at (715) 720-1850 or visit the Administration Office located at 1130 Miles Street, Chippewa Falls, WI. You may also visit your child’s elementary school for assistance in registering.
One School One Read
One School, One Read!
Last call to enjoy our One School, One Read book The World According To Humphrey. For more information about the event or to listen to chapter recordings visit the website linked here:
All activities need to be handed in by Thursday, March 28th. Final prizes will be handed out the week of April 1st. Thank you for participating in our 2023-24 One School, One Read event!
Dress Up Days!
Help us celebrate our One School, One Read event by participating in Reading Wednesdays! One Wednesday of each month will be a special dress up day.
Our last dress up day is:
Wednesday, March 27th- Pajama Day
Thank you to all that participated in our One School, One Read dress up days!
Family Engagement Website
Visit our Title 1 Family Engagement website for educational resources, parenting resources, Title 1 information and more. Find the website linked here:
Yearbooks
No worries about sending order forms and money to school with your student: Yearbooks can be ordered online at www.strawbridge.net and use the code YB29467 The last day to order is March 15th. Get your orders in while you still can.
If you do need a paper order form, please let your child's teacher know.
Halmstad Battle of the Books
Congratulations to Halmstad's 4th and 5th grade Battle of the Books participants! These students have been reading and practicing together since October and competed in a trivia style competition in February. Mrs. Wahl's fourth grade team, The E.H.K.N Winners, represented Halmstad for our state battle! Way to go Hawks!
BAM (grade 5-Mr. King)
Mackenzie K.
Brooklynn T.
Ady J.
Myth Busters (grade 5-Mrs. Sarazen)
Tenley L.
Aiden M.
Ella G.
The Champs (grade 5-Mrs. Rogus)
Emmett K.
Xavier G.
Cole P.
The Reading Dolphins (grade 4-Mrs. Dahlke) Kaydence H. Kimmy S. Liliana M. E.H.K.N Winners (grade 4-Mrs. Wahl) Edith G. Howard B. Nolan H. Kira B. The G.O.A.T.S (Grade 4-Ms. Hubbard, Mrs. Dahlke, Mrs. Wahl) Aubry S. Soraya N. Katarina T.
From the Health Office
Dear Parents/Guardians, As we enter the peak season for illnesses, I wanted to take a moment to remind you of 1. Hand Hygiene: Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently with soap Sincerely, Nurse Caitlin ________________________________________________________ POISON PREVENTION AND TREATMENT TIPS March 17 – 23 is Poison Prevention Week. Over 2 million potential poisonings are reported in the U.S. every year, with over 90% of these occurring in the home and the majority of them being young children. The majority of poisonings that occur in the home are accidental. Among children, these things often can cause poisonings: Medicines Pain killers Household cleaners Hydrocarbons (such as lamp oil, kerosene, gasoline, lighter fluid) Plants While children younger than 6 years old make up a larger percentage of cases, poisoning can affect all age groups-infants to seniors. Ways to prevent accidental poisoning: Store medicine, cleaners, paints/varnishes and pesticides in their original packaging in locked cabinets or containers, out of sight and reach of children Install a safety latch that locks when you close the door on child accessible cabinets containing harmful products Purchase and keep all medicines in containers with safety caps. Discard unused or expired medication Check the label each time you give a child medicine to ensure proper dose Never tell a child that medicine tastes like candy Never place poisonous products in food or drink containers Keep coal, wood, or kerosene stoves in safe working order Maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Treatment If your child is unconscious, not breathing or having seizures due to poison contact or ingestion, call 911. If your child has come in contact with poison and has mild or no symptoms, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 Immediate treatment tips: Swallowed poison: Remove anything remaining in the child’s mouth. If the suspected poison is a household cleaner or other chemical, read the container’s label and follow instructions for accidental poisoning. Poison on the skin: Remove any contaminated clothing using gloves. Rinse the skin for 15-20 minutes in a shower or with a hose. Poison in the eye: Gently flush the eye with cool or lukewarm water for 20 minutes or until help arrives. Inhaled Poison: Take the child outside into fresh air immediately. If the child has stopped breathing, start CPR and do not stop until the child breathes or help arrives. **If the child vomits, turn their head to the side to prevent choking**
some important steps you can take to help prevent the spread of illness among our
students. As the school nurse, ensuring the health and well-being of our students is my
top priority, and your partnership in this effort is invaluable.
and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the
restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available,
alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a good alternative.
2. Respiratory Hygiene: Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with a
tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze. Discourage them from using
their hands, as this can spread germs. Proper disposal of used tissues is also
essential.
3. Stay Home When Sick: If your child is experiencing symptoms such as fever,
cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, or vomiting, please
keep them home from school. Returning to school too soon can prolong illness
and increase the risk of spreading it to others.
4. Rest and Hydration: Ensure your child gets plenty of rest and stays hydrated, as
these are crucial for supporting the immune system and aiding in recovery from
illness.
5. Healthy Habits: Encourage your child to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating
nutritious foods, getting regular exercise, and managing stress. A healthy body is
better equipped to fight off infections.
6. Vaccinations: Ensure your child is up to date on all recommended vaccinations.
Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious
diseases.
7. Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
at home, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and electronic devices.
By following these simple steps, we can work together to create a healthier environment
for our students and reduce the risk of illness spreading throughout our school
community. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.
Caitlin Maranell BSN, RN
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School DistrictDistrict Wide Registered Nurse
715-738-2660 ext. 3543
Important Information Regarding Drop Off in the Morning
I’d like to take a moment to speak plainly about our drop off situation in the morning. There have been some near accidents and upset drivers. I tried to get the buses to drop off where you currently do and was informed by the bus company and the district that the buses need to use the area in front of the school. We are going to have to continue with our current drop off system. This area is school property and is where all drop offs should take place unless you’re late. Below are some tips to make drop off improve.
Use your turn signal to enter the dropoff area. This lets the vehicles that are already parked know that you’re entering.
Whenever possible have your child sit on the passenger side of the vehicle. That way your child never has to walk behind or on the side of your vehicle where traffic is moving.
Use your turn signal to exit the dropoff area. It lets the vehicles behind you know you need the space to leave and lets them know more space is opening.
Have your child’s clothing and backpack ready. Coats, hats, mittens, even shoes can be on and ready to make the line faster and keep the traffic moving.
Pull down further. If your child isn’t ready or you plan on walking your child to the playground, we ask that you pull down toward the end of the drop off area. This allows more cars to pull in and is only a few more steps for you.
If you do pull down further, have your child use the second gate door by the two orange cones. Again it is a little farther away from the school, but still opens directly to the playground. There is less traffic there, making it easier for you to leave. I will make sure the gate is open for you.
Set your alarm for five minutes earlier. When we are in a rush we make mistakes or get more irritable. This can lead to accidents.
If you're going to be late, you can drop off at the front door after 7:40. This way Heidi can see your child and make sure they are checked in properly.
End of the Day Pick-Up
PLEASE remember to call ahead (by 2:00 p.m.) if you have a transportation change for the day. For the safety of your child, unless it's an emergency, we ask that you do not make changes after 2: p.m.
Remember to contact Chippewa Yellow Bus more than 24 hours in advance at 715-726-2454 if you have any bus changes or requests. The school can't authorize bus changes.
ALL changes need to be called in to the Main Office and not to the teacher in case there is a sub in the room that day. That number is 715-726-2415.
Recess Dress Protocol
Temperatures 50 degrees or higher
- No jacket required
If the temperatures are close, send your students outside with their long sleeves and pants; if the temperature rises to 50 degrees, the students can put their items in the classroom line just like they do with their backpacks in the mornings.
Temps 32 - 50 degrees
- Outerwear required (Outerwear is defined aS a hoodie, sweatshirt, 1/4 zip, fleece, windbreaker, jacket, etc) Just cannot be the student's base layer. Students should also be wearing pants.
Students may wear shorts in the building during the colder months. They should put pants on when they go to recess if temperatures are below 50 degrees
Temps below 32 degrees
- Winter jacket required
If snow is on the ground students are to wear snow pants and boots at all times in order to play in areas other than the blacktop. If students do not wear snow pants and boots with snow on the ground they will be required to stay on the blacktop.
Temps below -6 degrees
- Indoor recess
Amazing Hawk Award
The Amazing Hawk Awards are given to students who are safe, respectful and responsible! Each week staff nominates students to receive the award. Let's keep encouraging the great effort and behavior our students are showing here each week!
Latex Allergy
We have a latex allergy at Halmstad. Please do not send latex balloons to school for birthdays, etc. Thank you for your consideration.
Cardinal Learning Center
To find out what activities are available for your child, please visit our Cardinal Community Learning Center website by going to the link included here. If you are connected to an organization not listed, please contact Ann Zenner at zennerak@chipfalls.org to get information included.
On Site Chiropractic Care
**We have luckily had a very mild winter so far this year, but we still may have spent more time indoors than we do in the warmer months.
Being outside in the fresh air is SO GOOD for everybody! It energizes our bodies, boosts our mood, improves our immune system, increases vitamin D levels, improves sleep, and reduces stress.
Paired with outdoor time, healthy food and restful sleep, chiropractic may be the piece you’re missing in your child’s health care. Email us at onsitechiroinfo@gmail.com for more information.
PTO Update
Your participation in the organization is welcome and encouraged! There are opportunities for everyone - small roles and bigger roles. PTO members and its officers meet every third Thursday each month during the school year.
PTO President - Casey Levrich halmstadptopresident@gmail.com
PTO Vice President - Alicia Bowe halmstadptovicepres@gmail.com
PTO Secretary - Liz Tice halmstadptosecretary@gmail.com
PTO Co-Treasurer - Kyrah Klika and Jerrica Richel halmstadptotreasurer@gmail.com
Social Media Coordinator - Jerrica Richel
Fundraising Coordinator - Amber Vetch
Events Coordinator - Jamie Chavez
Halmstad Elementary
Email: lowerj@chipfalls.org
Website: https://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/halmstad/
Location: 565 East South Avenue, Chippewa Falls, WI, USA
Phone: (715)726-2415
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chippewafallsschool/
Twitter: @ChippewaFallsSD