Hathaway Happenings - Home
October 13, 2023
Dear Hathaway Families,
It was a short but powerful week in our Hathaway community!
Our faculty and staff started with some time to work with our colleagues on professional development. We had a successful fire drill, too. In the near future we will be practicing our Shelter in Place drill.
The HPTA knocked it out of the park with a book swap and a movie night! The smiles on the faces of the students as they picked out their "new" books were heartwarming. Thank you for hosting these events. It is always wonderful to see families enjoying time together...food trucks and snuggled up for a fun fall movie is all it takes to make some great memories!
Please be sure to read the updates thoroughly as there are many upcoming events, including picture day, our Scholastic Book Fair, Unity Day, Grade 2 field trips, a Fun Walk, and a flu clinic! We are excited for all that lies ahead!
Please note that changes to dismissal method (such as pickup instead of bus) must be requested via written note sent into the office only when absolutely necessary. Early dismissal learning time adds up quickly! We encourage everyone to make every effort to maintain a consistent dismissal method throughout the year.
As always, thank you for being our partners in education!
Golden Apple Winners
A Celebration!
Book Fair
Our Scholastic Book Fair will take place Monday October 16 through Thursday October 19th. Our Book Fair website is https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/hathaway . Please visit the website if you would like to set up an e-wallet account for your child. We will accept cash, credit card and e-wallet at the Fair.
If you have an e-wallet from last year's book fair, you can transfer any unspent funds to a current e-wallet for this year's Book Fair. If you click the above book fair link, then create a new e-wallet, you will be prompted to sign in to your Scholastic account. It should then show if you have any leftover money. If so, you should be able to transfer the money on an e-gift card to a new e-wallet.
We will have special evening hours for families on Tuesday October 17th from 3:30pm-6:00pm in the cafeteria.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at ashleybillings1@gmail.com.
Happy Reading!
Unity Day
Unity Day was started by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in October 2011. It’s the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month. This is a day when we can come together in one giant, ORANGE message of hope and support.
Please wear your orange on Unity Day, October 18th!
Save the Date - Picture Day - October 20th
Fun Walk
Hello Hathaway Families!
We are very excited to announce that we will hold our 4th Annual Hathaway Fun Walk! This event will be our fall fundraiser this year. The Fun Walk will promote healthy choices, encourage school spirit, and raise money for the school!
The Fun Walk will take place on November 1st, so please stay tuned for more details on fundraising and prizes in the coming weeks.
A special t-shirt will be provided to every student for the Fun Walk. Please provide your student’s t-shirt size no later than Friday, September 29th on this form: https://forms.gle/nicnSgc8zUPbw9LX9 (a clickable link will be sent out via email as well).
Every Hathaway student will participate in the Fun Walk, which will take place during school hours. If you do not want your student to participate in the Fun Walk, you must opt-out.
Each student will have their own link where friends and family can donate. We will use each student’s first name and last initial only, along with the classroom. No other identifying information or photos will be included on student pages. Student pages will only be accessible by clicking the student’s link, or by searching the student’s first name and last initial from the Hathaway Fun Walk fundraising page. The school will not share individual student links, but parents may do so if they wish. If you do not want your student to be included in online pledges, you must opt-out.
If we do not receive an opt-out form by Friday, September 29th, your student will participate in the Fun Walk, and be included in the online pledge site. You may opt-out by submitting the opt-out form at https://forms.gle/czTRtqU8GMWJ57aD8, OR send the form on the hard copy that was sent home back into school with your student.
Finally, if you or anyone you know would like to advertise on the back of the t-shirt for the Fun Walk, please sign up at https://forms.gle/Ek7yvwMrkFB37JTr6. This is a great opportunity to get your business’ name into every Hathaway household and support Hathaway School!
Please feel free to reach out to Dana at dmys2105@hotmail.com with any questions. Thanks so much for your help in making this a great fundraiser for Hathaway and a fun event for our students!
Flu Clinic
From Dr. Kenworthy
The PSD School Committee met on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Highlights from the meeting can be found in the links below and include:
The Committee heard updates from our PHS student liaisons.
Dr. Kenworthy’s District Updates included information on our most recent staff professional development day; the announcement of Portsmouth High School achieving gold status on the College Board Advanced Placement Honor Roll for 2023; updates on Bond Projects; recognition of October as National Principals Month; and, updates on Homecoming 2023.
In the business portion of the agenda, the Committee approved the district’s budget timeline for FY2025 and final revisions to the Student Attendance Area policy and Dr. Kenworthy provided updates on an upcoming meeting for parents/guardians of current football players.
The next PSD School Committee meeting will take place on October 24, 2023, at Portsmouth Town Hall beginning at 7:00pm.
Anchored4Life Shoutout!
Attendance Matters!
From the Behavior Interventionist
Hello from the Behavior Interventionist!
My role as the behavior interventionist at Hathaway is to collaborate with teachers and families to develop and implement intervention strategies (positive behavior supports) for the classroom and within the school environment that allow all students to feel included and participate in our school community.
I work directly with students in the classroom as well as out of the classroom in a small group setting to target social-emotional learning.
From time to time, I will be providing resources to families that focus on how to support social-emotional learning at home. Should you have any questions about resources or concerns about your child, please reach out to me: miezejeskis@portsmouthschoolsri.org or ext. 4009.
Love,
Mrs. Miezejeski
From the Nurse
STREP THROAT
There have been some cases of Streptococcal throat infection in the school. Here are some important signs and symptoms to look out for during this cold, flu and strep throat season!
Watch your child for signs of a sore throat and other signs of strep
(headache, fever, and stomach ache, swollen and tender neck glands).
Please see your health care provider if your child develops a sore throat
or any of these signs of strep infection. If strep is found, your child
will be treated with an antibiotic.
Strep throat is a sore throat caused by Streptococcus bacteria that are
passed around through nose and mouth droplets. It is very common in
children. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and are not treated
with antibiotics. Strep throat must be treated with antibiotics to
prevent spread to others and to prevent rare but serious complications.
Children who have been diagnosed with a strep infection may return to
school after taking medication for at least 24 hours and fever is gone.
LICE
We recently have had some cases of lice in the school. I wanted you all to be aware of this and wanted to clarify the policy on lice as many of you have had questions! While lice is a tremendous nuisance, the CDC does NOT require children to be removed from class for having lice, nor do they require head checks of students in classes that have been exposed to lice. It is also stated that notifying families of exposure is not necessary. At Hathaway, as a courtesy, I will notify classrooms who have been affected with a letter. It is strongly encouraged to check your child for lice as well. For more information please click on CDC regulations below. Thank you!
Free COVID Tests Available
Every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.
To order, use this link: www.covid.gov/tests
Very easy to order and absolutely free!
Abound APP/Newsletter
If you have technical questions about the app please email "sue@aboundparenting.com" for troubleshooting on their end.
Parent Survey
Parent Conferences and Progress Reports
- Our grade level teams have developed MID TRIMESTER PROGRESS REPORTS that will include benchmarking data.
- Conferences will be held in October and will scheduled by the classroom teacher. It is our goal to meet with every parent in person for the first round of conferences.
- For the first trimester, teachers will review the progress reports at the October Parent Teacher Conferences. If you are unable to attend the conference, then you can make arrangements with the teacher to receive this report at that time.
Response to Intervention
Please take a moment to review our Response to Information Parent Letter.
Nurse Updates
Hello Parents!
Below are the recently updated protocols for COVID, as well as when to keep your child home from school due to illness. If your child is ill, please complete the absence notification online. If you would like to provide more information you can email or call me directly at habershawk@portsmouthschoolsri.org or ext 4911. Thank you!
Stomach Bug - student can return after being vomit-free for 24 Hours.
Fever - Students can return after being fever free for 24 Hours WITHOUT the use of Tylenol or ibuprofen.
Strep Throat - Students can return once on antibiotics for 24 hours.
Pink eye - Student can return to school after 24 hours of antibiotic (topical or oral)
Lice - Students can come to school with lice however we STRONGLY recommend students be treated prior to returning to school.
COVID - we are following RI Department of Health and CDC regulations, please see info below for COVID recommendations:
In preparation for the 2023-24 school year, RIDOH expects increases in COVID-19 this fall and winter season. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control’s (CDC) COVID-19 guidance for schools remains largely the same. The goal remains to prevent students and staff from getting very sick from COVID-19 and to minimize disruptions to school and families.
RIDOH encourages you to review the following COVID-19 information and updates:
COVID-19 Key Recommendations
Students and staff should continue to take preventive actions to avoid getting very sick and/or spreading COVID-19 including:
• Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccine;
• Staying home when sick and getting tested when you have COVID-19 symptoms;
• If exposed to someone with COVID-19, monitoring symptoms; testing after day 5; and
wearing a mask through day 10;
• If you have COVID-19, isolating at home for 5 days and wearing a mask through day 10;
• If at higher risk of getting very sick, have a COVID-19 plan.
Krissy Habershaw, RN
Hathaway Elementary School Nurse
(401) 683-0500 ext 4911
Principal Read Aloud
Grades 1-4 have all heard about The Energy Bus for Kids! Please ask your child about the energy bus rules. They will help us have a wonderful year!
Kindergarten heard The Magical Yet. Please ask them what the magical yet is helping them with at this time!
1. Create a Positive Vision - Please consider having your child create a picture of a goal for the week, month, year, etc.
2. Fuel Your Ride with Positive Energy - I asked all students to think of a success from their days in school - one thing that made them smile and feel great - and share that with someone at home. Remind them that they have the power to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. Smiles, laughter, gratitude, faith and positive beliefs and thoughts are all it takes!
3. No Bullies Allowed - We continue to encourage our students to be kind and support one another. Ignore or confront bullies and ask for help when needed.
4. Love Your Passengers - We encourage the students to show kindness and love to others.
5. Enjoy the Ride - Need I say more?
Drill Information
Fire drills occur on a regular basis. State law requires each school to conduct eleven fire drills, two lockdown drills and two evacuation drills each year. Shelter in Place drills are conducted throughout the school year. Children are given instruction on all procedures. Children are expected to behave in a calm, orderly manner during these exercises. Please review the importance of such exercises with your child and emphasize the need for appropriate behavior.
A lockdown is an alert to a school community that students and staff should not leave the classroom and should gather in one area of the room until provided with further direction.
An evacuation requires all students and staff to exit the building and meet at a designated safe place.
A shelter in place is an alert to a school community that movement outside of classrooms is being restricted for a brief period of time. It is typically used when a student or staff member is requiring some sort of attention (sometimes medical) and the school is trying to keep that area clear and/or protect that person’s privacy. If there were a serious safety concern the school would not issue a shelter in place.
We will send notification of lockdowns, evacuations, and shelter in place drills and events via email.
Here is the presentation that was shared at a Parent Safety Forum that was hosted in conjunction with the Police and Fire Departments. The Run, Hide, Fight FBI philosophy guides our safety training.
The P3 Sandy Hook Promise Anonymous tip line is a resource that we encourage anyone to use if there is ever an immediate safety concern.
Hathaway Notification Form
Please complete the Hathaway Notification form to let us know!
Arrival and Dismissal Map
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Entrance System
During the school day, we are responsible for keeping all students safe as well as protecting their privacy. For this reason, we have limited guests in the building during school hours and we require anyone working directly with children to go through our Volunteers in School Process. This year we have a new security system.
Visitors who are entering the building for a meeting, volunteering, or an event etc...
When you arrive:
- Enter the vestibule.
- Approach the platform and tap the button on the screen that aligns with the purpose for your visit.
- Follow the cues on the screen. All visitors must have their license with them to enter the building.
- Once complete, then ring the buzzer.
- Our office staff will verify that you are ready to enter the building and will unlock the door for your entry.
*There is also a QR code on the screen that you can scan with your cell phone's camera and it will bring you through this same process.
If you are dropping something off for the school, class, or a particular child, then you do not need to sign yourself in on this system.
- Ring the buzzer and the office staff will respond.
- Notify the office staff of the purpose for your visit.
Thank you for your support in keeping our community safe.
School Meals Program
Breakfast, lunch, and milk are available to purchase for all Hathaway School students. Students order lunch each morning through their teacher that day. Breakfast can be picked up by students in the cafeteria as they arrive at school.
Full price Breakfast is $1.00 and Lunch is $2.60. If your family qualifies for reduced prices, breakfast is $ 0.30 and lunch is $0.40. Milk is offered for $0.55 as a stand alone item.
Please apply for free or reduced lunch online by visiting this site: https://www.myschoolapps.com. Or, paper applications will be sent home the first week of school.
Payment for breakfast, lunch and/or milk can be made online at www.myschoolbucks.com. A student LASID number will be needed to create and make payments online using your “My School Bucks” account.
Payment can also be made by sending cash or a check in an envelope to school labeled with your student’s name, teacher’s name, LASID number and amount included. If paying by check, please make it payable to Portsmouth School Department with your child’s LASID number noted on the memo line. Send a separate check for each child in your family as payments cannot be split between accounts. KEEPING YOUR BALANCE PAID IN FULL IS VERY IMPORTANT.
Please note per the PSD policy, "Elementary and middle school students may not purchase “a la carte” items ( i.e. milk) or snacks until all charges on the account have been satisfied."
Please refer to the family portal navigation below to access your child's LASID number.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free And Reduced Price School Meals
AlphaBEST
A Letter From the HPTA
Hello Hathaway Families,
The HPTA is busy working on some great events for the upcoming school year. Check out the flier below for upcoming events!
Monthly Meetings
We have meetings monthly in the school library, generally the third Wednesday of the month.
We encourage the Hathaway community to attend.
Becoming a Volunteer in School
Visit the district volunteer page for information if you would like to become VIS approved to volunteer in school.
VIS Authorization Form: A background check must be completed annually, by law in Rhode Island. You must fill out the authorization form for the background check and have it notarized. It also needs to include a copy of the front and back of your driver’s license, and a $5 check made out to ‘BCI.’ This form can be turned in at the school’s main office or at the school department building.
If you have any questions, please email us at Hathawaypta@gmail.com. And as always, we thank you for your continued support!!
Save the Dates
Celebrations and Recognitions
Nut Free Facility
Thank you for your support in keeping all of our students safe in our Hathaway community.
Securly Home
Securly Home is an app that allows parents to monitor their child’s Chromebook activity at home and add rules for home use. Please take some time to review the slideshow and recording of the parent meeting that took place on 9/16.
We encourage you to sign up now for Securly Home!
Hathaway Notification Form
Please complete the Hathaway Notification Form.
Thank you in advance for helping us to keep things organized and safe in our Hathaway community.
Accessing Aspen
If you are having issues accessing Aspen, you will have to email familyportal@portsmouthschoolsri.org with your child's name, date of birth, grade level, and your name. The system administrators will be able to restore access to your account and make sure that you can login.
Where Can I Find Past Parent Newsletters?
Important Dates
Important Dates
2023-2024
October 16th - 19th - Book Fair
October 17th- Grade 2 Audubon Field Trip, 2M and 2H
October 19th - Grade 2 Audubon Field Trip, 2P and 2M
October 20th - Picture Day
October 20th - Escobar's Corn Maze, 3:00-Dusk
November 1st - Fun Walk
November 2nd - Vaccine Clinic, 4:00-7:00 PM
November 13th - Veterans’ Day Observance (No School)
November 22nd- 25th – Thanksgiving Recess (No School)
November 30th - End of Trimester One
December 4th - Dental Screening
December 8th - Family Portal Open
December 22nd - 31st – Holiday Recess (No School)
January 7th - Hathaway P Bruins Game, 3:05
January 12th - Staff Professional Development Day (No School for Students)
January 15th – Martin Luther King Day (No School)
February 19th-23rd– Winter Recess (No School)
March 12th - End of Trimester 2
March 20th - Family Portal Open
March 29th– Good Friday (No school)
April 2nd– Staff PD Day (No School for Students)
April 15th-19th– Spring Recess (No School)
May 24th - Hearing Screening
May 27th – Memorial Day (No School)
June 14th - Last Day of School
Howard Hathaway Elementary School
Email: littlel@portsmouthschoolsri.org
Website: https://www.portsmouthschoolsri.org/Domain/10
Location: 53 Tallman Avenue, Portsmouth, RI, USA
Phone: (401)683-0500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hathaway.principal/
Twitter: @HathawaySchool