HES HEADLINES!
HOPEWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Week of February 25th
Hippity Hop Hooray!
Jumping into the leap year this week, we will be celebrating in the HES L.E.A.P. Way. Please read below on the events planned for this Thursday. You can also find a fun leaping frog project HERE.
Check out the front hallway TV where we finally have the Duke Farms Bald Eagle nest streaming. We are hoping to add more pictures of students and staff to this display and the one in the cafeteria.
Lastly, please help us give a big HES birthday celebration to the following staff members on their upcoming special day:
- February 27th - Wendy Heiser
- February 28th - Kristin McConkey
- March 12th - Ashlie Lance
Watershed Presentation to 4th Grade
Therapy Dogs in School
Kindergarten Playground Relocation
Leap Year Week - Let's Leap Into Our Future
Thursday marks Leap Day, and in celebration of our beloved mascot, Freddy the "FROG," we're gearing up for a day of fun activities. While additional details will be shared at this week's faculty meeting, here's a sneak peek at the plans:
Engage in some staff "leaping" or room-switching throughout the day or just for morning meeting.
Carry "Freddy" in your pocket for a chance at winning exciting prizes.
Participate with your class using one or more of the activities listed on our LEAP Day Choiceboard.
Consider using a spirited rendition of Kathryn Dauer's song featuring "Jump" by Van Halen for a movement break throughout the day.
Participate in the Student Council Spirit Day—check out the attached flyer for more information.
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.
Woot Woot Cart
The Woot Woot Cart will be coming around on L.E.A.P. Day - February 29, 2024. Please consider helping out by pushing the cart! If you haven't had a chance to do it yet, we can assure you it's very fun! Consider signing up as a group! Please let Claudia Scotti know if you have any availability on that day to push the cart!
Reading the Hopewell Way - Week
Read Across America the HES way is next week, March 4th - March 8th. To celebrate please join us in dessing up each day based on a book theme and charcters.
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.
Lend a Helping Hand for HES Family
As some of you may be aware, HES5SPED and HES2MDMD family members were involved in a tragic car accident earlier this month. While the family has told us that all family members are home and recovering, we felt we could put together a meal train and a small financial collection to purchase a few food gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. There is a collection envelope near Molly's desk and Scott's office door if you wish to give a small donation. Thank you as always! #TheHopewellWay
Staff Read Alouds - Book Fair
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
HVRSD Faculty Musicale is Back!
Ms. Pontani is looking to recruit the talented staff of HES!! Sign up on the link below!
Would anyone be interested in joining forces and collaborating on a piece for the Faculty Musicale? Please say yes!!!! The more, the merrier - and better!! Freddy can join, too - and even be the centerpiece!
At our last Musicale, maybe ten or so of us sang a song together with a little umbrella "dance". It was pretty awesome, and we were all coming together with different singing comfort levels - lip-syncing was included. Please consider joining! It will be fun, and it's always amazing to see all the talented and amazing staff from our district.
Sign up here if interested - please be interested!
CounSELor Comments
This week brings the end of our Honesty focus as we move to our focus on the trait of Cooperation. Let’s work together this month as we glide into our Spring Break. Why not start out by LEAPING into another Homeroom on HES's LEAP Day! More choices for this day will be shared later this week. Stay tuned!
As always, please let me know if you need any support – with CS implementation or other SEL concerns!
Yearbook Update
Draft Class Page
As we continue to craft the 2023-2024 Hopewell Elementary School yearbook, we kindly ask all homeroom teachers to review the sample copy of your class yearbook page in your mailbox. Please know this is a rough draft and we will work to correct issues as there may be several.
After reviewing, please note on your draft class page the following:
- Missing students and or staff (we hope to add paraprofessionals who support a particular homeroom throughout the entire day to their respective classes soon)
- Incorrect spelling of names
- Any students who are no longer enrolled in your class (who will need to be removed)
If there are no corrections that need to be made, please note that on your draft copy as well.
Once you have reviewed your draft copy please place it in Mike's mailbox by Friday, March 1st.
Yearbook Photo Dump:
Friendly reminder to add photos of your homeroom to the Google Drive linked here.
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
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
- February 26th - Faculty Meeting (3:45PM)
- February 27th - Voluntary Paraprofessional Meeting (3:45- 4:15PM)
- February 29th - HES Celebrates L.E.A.P. Day (see info above); Green Team Meeting (8:00AM); Woot Woot Cart RETURNS
- March 1st - HES Book Fair Setup & Class Preview
- March 4-6th - HES Book Fair; Read Across America Week
- March 7th - Hopewell Valley Night Off; Read Across America Week
- March 8th - Trimester 2 ENDS, PTO Meeting (8:45AM); Read Across America Week
- March 11th - Trimester 3 BEGINS; 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, Preschool AM ONLY