Hathaway Happenings - Home
January 19, 2024
Dear Hathaway Families,
Dear Hathaway Families,
It was a wonderful four day week in our Hathaway community!
Grade three performed their final dance presentation as part of our week long work with the Newport Contemporary Ballet. This multicultural presentation was awesome and the experience helped our students learn so much! Simply amazing!
All of our students were able to share in the talents of Valerie Tutson, a storyteller and one of the founding members at Rhode Island Black Storytellers. It was a wonderful experience for the students!
We celebrated our third Surprise Attendance Day on National Popcorn Day on Friday! Check out the photos below and on our social media pages. A good time was had by all! A special thank you to our parent volunteers who bagged all of the popcorn for the event!
The Green Team continues to meet to plan ways to make a difference in our community. Thank you to Mrs. Freeman for being their leader!
Be sure to check out this week's "Build Your Budding Scientist Now" from Mrs. Brennan, our Science Coach and some strategies for oppositional children from Mrs. Miezejeski, our Behavior Interventionist.
Reminders
Parent conferences will take place the week of February 5th. Teachers will be reaching out to schedule a conference if needed. If you would like a conference and have any concerns that you would like to focus on, please reach out to the teacher ahead of time so they are prepared to have the discussion. When you attend the conference please be sure to share your impression of how school is going for your child, what is working well, and what you may see your child struggling with at this time. We value your input and our partnership in education.
Please be sure to check out the PHS-PHSO post prom flier and the message from the nurse regarding recent illnesses.
RESPECT FOR PRIVACY:
Please do not send your child with devices (e.g. cameras, phones, watches) that can take pictures, create audio files, and/or video record. In order to protect the privacy and safety of all students, these devices, including vtech watches, are not allowed in school. If a student mistakenly brings one of these devices to school, the student will be asked to keep the device in the backpack.
As always, thank you for being our partners in education!
Storytelling Time!
Surprise Attendance and National Popcorn Day!
Bingo in 3V!
Golden Apple Winners
School Committee Updates
The PSD School Committee met on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Highlights from the meeting can be found in the links below and include:
The Committee heard updates from the PHS student liaisons.
Dr. Kenworthy’s District Updates included highlights from recent school and district events, budget updates, and appreciation to our PSD School Committee members in honor of National School Committee Recognition Month.
Dr. Viveiros presented on RIDE’s recent school accountability data release in which all four PSD schools earned a four star rating.
In the business portion of the agenda, the Committee approved a student health survey that will administered to students in grades 7, 8, 9, 10; a contract renewal for Mrs. Lisa Little as Hathaway Principal; a new job description for our Schools/Town Director of Faciliites; and, updates to two policies.
The next PSD School Committee meeting will take place on February 13, 2024, at Portsmouth Town Hall beginning at 7:00pm. Here are the upcoming public subcommittee meetings:
Capital Subcommittee (Chair - Sondra Blank) - January 18, 2024 - 3:00pm @ the PSD Administration Building
Finance Subcommittee (Chair - Fred Faerber) - January 30, 2024 - 3:30pm @ the PSD Administration Building
Policy Subcommittee (Chair - Karen McDaid) - February 5, 2024 - 1:00pm @ the PSD Administration Building
Click here for previous 2023-24 School Committee Meeting Updates.
From the Behavior Interventionist
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From the Science Coach
Building Your Budding Scientist Now
This week, PLAY with Strategy:
Any board game that involves some strategy provides important opportunities to make and hold a plan in mind for several moves ahead, consider the varying rules that govern different pieces, and adjust strategy in response to opponents’ moves. Through strategizing, a child’s working memory, inhibitory control, and flexibility have to work together to support plan-based, effective play. Sorry!, Battleship, Parcheesi, mancala, checkers, and Chinese
checkers are some of the many examples of these types of games for children this age. For the younger ones, talk out your thinking to model how to strategize. Show your child it is ok to make mistakes and overall show them it is fun!
More From the Science Coach
Hello parents/guardians of Hathaway,
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a Family STEAM night on Wednesday, February 28th from 5:30-7:00 pm. It will be a fun-filled evening with various STEAM challenges and demonstrations that both our students and their families can explore and engage in together.
We are also looking to add tables of professionals who are experts in the STEAM world and are interested in showcasing their STEAM profession. This is an excellent opportunity to expose students to a wide range of career possibilities. If you are working in a job that falls under STEAM and have something that you can either demonstrate or have small activities, and would like to participate in, please send an email to Margie Brennan at brennanm2@portsmouthschoolsri.org.
From the Nurse
Hello Hathaway Families!
We recently have had an increase in reported cases of several illnesses. I wanted you all to be aware in order to properly monitor and treat your child. If your child has tested positive for any of the following, please email or call me to let me know so we can treat classrooms properly and notify fellow students and their families. Thank you again, and stay well!
STREP THROAT
***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.
Watch your child for signs of a sore throat and other signs of strep
headache, fever, and stomach ache, nausea, 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.
Flu A
** The flu can be swabbed/tested by a health care provider. Children need to be fever free for 24 hours without the use of Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If diagnosed by a physician, they may prescribe Tamiflu. Keeping your child HYDRATED is especially important.
People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
fever* or feeling feverish/chills.
cough.
sore throat.
runny or stuffy nose.
muscle or body aches.
headaches.
fatigue (tiredness)
some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Conjunctivitis/ Pink Eye
*** Diagnosed and treated by healthcare provider. Often, (not always), requires antibiotic treatment and need to be on antibiotic 24 hours prior to returning to school
Symptoms of conjunctivitis (pink eye) can include
Pink or red color in the white of the eye(s)
Swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and/or eyelids
Increased tear production
Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s)
Itching, irritation, and/or burning
Discharge (pus or mucus)
Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning
Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable and/or do not stay in place on the eye
Depending on the cause, other symptoms may occur.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Can occur with symptoms of a cold, flu, or other respiratory infection
Usually begins in one eye and may spread to the other eye within days
Discharge from the eye is usually watery rather than thick
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
More commonly associated with discharge (pus), which can lead to eyelids sticking together
Sometimes occurs with an ear infection
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Usually occurs in both eyes
Can produce intense itching, tearing, and swelling in the eyes
May occur with symptoms of allergies, such as an itchy nose, sneezing, a scratchy throat, or asthma
Conjunctivitis Caused by Irritants
Can produce watery eyes and mucus discharge
If your child has been seen by a healthcare provider, please let me know, you can call or email! Thank you so much!
Abound APP/Newsletter
If you have technical questions about the app please email "sue@aboundparenting.com" for troubleshooting on their end.
We are Hiring!
How to Connect with Unified Arts Teachers
Choose Love
Progress Reports and Report Cards
Last year as we navigated a new ELA curriculum, and as the year progressed we recognized a need to revise our grading process. Through the work of our grade level teams, teacher leaders, administrators, and coaches, we revised the Report Card and developed Mid-Trimester Progress Reports to better communicate student progress with parents and caregivers.
All families have been invited to attend a parent teacher conference with their child's teacher over the past two weeks. At the conference teachers reviewed the Mid Trimester Progress Reports. These reports include data from the benchmarking assessments. Benchmarking assessments are assessments given to students three times a year to measure their progress towards achieving the end of year standard for their grade level. In addition, you should have received a parent STAR Assessment Report. If your child qualified for a Response to Intervention Plan, this was presented and discussed during the conference.
Report Cards are published three times a year and will be available on the ASPEN Platform. You will be able to access your child’s Trimester 1 Report Card on the ASPEN Family Portal on December 8th, 2023. We will send out reminders as we near that date.
Report Cards reflect your child's current mastery of end-of-grade level standards. The grades earned by your child, as reflected on the Report Card, are their current mastery of end-of-grade level standards. For example, if your child is in second grade they are being assessed on the standard that is expected of a student exiting second grade. If your child receives an S (secure), this means that they are secure and have reached the end of the year benchmark. Earning a D (developing) means your child is demonstrating growth towards meeting the end of grade level with support. If your child is beginning to progress towards meeting the end of year standard, then they will receive a B (beginning). It is common for most students to receive B’s and D’s during the first trimester now that we are switching to reporting out on end-of-year standards. An N/A means that this standard has not yet been taught. NP means that your child did not participate in the learning/activities related to this standard.
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!!
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
January 26th - Progress Reports Sent Home
February 3rd - Special Education Progress Reports Sent Home
February 19th-23rd– Winter Recess (No School)
February 28th - STEAM Festival, 5:30-7:00 PM
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 20th - KW Musical, 9:15 AM
May 21st - KM Musical, 9:15 AM
May 23rd - KS Musical, 9:15 AM
May 24th - Hearing Screening
May 24th - KG Musical, 9:15 AM
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