Cheetah Chronicles
August 8th, 2021
Important Dates
August 9th: First Day of School for Kindergarten Track 4; Tissues & Tea PTA event outside at main entrance from 8:50-9:30
August 13th: Tracks 1 & 2 - Quarter 1 Interims Go Home
August 25th: Tracks 1 & 3 Fall Yearbook Pictures
September 3rd: Tracks 3 & 4 - Quarter 1 Interims Go Home
September 6th: Labor Day, No School for Students
September 29th: Tracks 2 & 4 Fall Yearbook Pictures
Covid Protocols
Just a reminder that WCPSS will be meeting on Tuesday, 8/3, to discuss any potential updates to COVID protocols. In the meantime, schools, students, and staff must follow existing WCPSS guidance and requirements, including wearing face coverings inside schools when students are scheduled to be in the building, and students’ quarantining if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Lost and Found
There have been student items (water bottles, jackets, etc.) that have been left at school without being claimed. We will have lost and found items out in the main hallway area on Fridays of each week. If your child is missing an item, please encourage them to check the front lobby for what they are missing. If items go unclaimed for more than 2-3 weeks over a track in/track out, they will no longer be available to claim at school. Please remember to label items that you send with your child so that we can find the owner more efficiently.
PTA Reflections Contest
The National PTA Reflections contest wants you to create and explain how YOU will change the world! Just turn in your artwork and entry form, which includes your artist statement, by October 25th. The artist statement communicates what inspired the work, how it relates to the theme, and the content of the work. The statement must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words. The artist statement is worth 40 out of 100 points and is just as important as the artwork. Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the current year’s theme may be submitted. Each entry must be the original work of one student only. An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student’s work and help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed. You can turn these items in by Oct. 25.
Sign up here if you'd like to participate: 2021-2022 Reflections Sign Up!
PTA: HSES Spirit Days
RISE up and show off your CHEETAH PRIDE every Friday in August! Dress in your favorite HSES gear or rock our school colors of purple and yellow. You may even get SPOTTED for the yearbook!
You can order your spirit wear here: https://hsespta.memberhub.com/store#
PTA: Go Play Save Book Fundraiser
Tissues & Tea - Track 4
Carpool Reminders & Safety
As our students become more familiar and comfortable with the carpool procedures, our carpool process will be more efficient. To help ensure the safety of our students, as well as help us to efficiently get students to and from school, please remember the following items:
Students should load/unload from the passenger side only. Adults should remain in the vehicle.
Have students gather belongings and be ready to enter the building when you pull up to the stop.
Prominently display your carpool number during afternoon pickup. (For our younger students, also help them learn their number.)
Please do not allow cell phones or other items to distract your attention while driving on campus.
Please do not allow students to hang outside of windows, sunroofs, etc.
Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
MCLASS Formative Assessments for K-3
VOLUNTEERS
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Resources Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit currently requires schools to limit nonessential visitors.
At HSES, we will communicate with our families as we have a need for essential volunteers. There are no visitors/volunteers at this time.
Reactivation for Continuing Volunteers for 2021-2022
Reactivating volunteers may go to any WCPSS work site and register through wcpss.net by selecting the Community tab, and then selecting Volunteer.
Individuals previously approved to volunteer must reactivate by 4 p.m. on October 29, 2021.
Current volunteers, who provided a valid email address, will receive an email 15 days and 30 days prior to the expiration of their volunteer status reminding them to reactivate.
NEW Volunteers for 2021-2022
All new volunteer applicants must register and have an approved criminal record check prior to engaging in volunteer work.
New volunteer applicants may go to any WCPSS work site and register through wcpss.net by selecting the Community tab, and then selecting Volunteer.
Applicants will be notified by email once their application has been approved.
Applicants who are not approved will receive notice from Employee Relations.
New Registration Process for WCPSS Employees who Want to Volunteer
Although WCPSS employees do not have to go through a criminal record check to volunteer, they will now need to register.
New Registration Process for WCPSS Employees who Want to Volunteer
HSES Scrambled Legs Run Club!
The 2021 HSES Scrambled Legs Run Club Spring season will run for 7 weeks on the following WEDNESDAYS from 4:15-5:30 > October 6th, October 13th, October 20th, October 27th, November 3rd, November 10th and November 19th. November 19th will be practice & a team dinner. The season will conclude with the Apex Turkey Trot on November 20th.
IMPORTANT: Registration will begin at 6:00 AM on Monday, September 20th and will close on Friday, September 24th. Run club will be limited to the first 75 runners who register through the website.
The Scrambled Legs Run Club is for 3rd - 5th grade students at any ability level from walkers to competitive racers. Due to the limited number of spots, please only sign up if you are willing to put in your best effort at each practice.
VOLUNTEERS/COACHES ARE ALSO NEEDED! More information can be found on the website.
https://sites.google.com/wcpss.net/hsesslrc/home
Before and After School Care for 2021-2022
We are excited to announce that we are planning to have the Holly Springs Elementary School Before and After School Care Program again! HERE is the flyer for registration dates. NO CASH is accepted. Pricing each month is still be determined by WCPSS. .
Free lunch for all students continues in the 21-22 school year
Has Your Phone Number/Email Changed?
Positivity Project: Tracks 1 & 2 - OTHER PEOPLE MATTER-BEING PRESENT AND GIVING OTHERS MY ATTENTION
This week students will learn through our Positivity Project the Other People Mindset of being present. Students will work to understand the importance of giving your full attention when you are with other people. Students will learn about being an active listener and how that connects to being present.
“Nothing is more precious than being in the present moment. Fully alive. Fully aware.”
-THICH NHAT HANH
Positivity Project: Track 4 - Curiosity
This week students will focus on curiosity. Curiosity is a crucial component of one's character. Our innate urge for discovery and exploration is a key element of our human desire for wisdom and knowledge. It’s what keeps us intrigued in the plotlines of movies and books. It’s what pushes us to try new activities or travel to different places. All individuals experience curiosity, but differ in their willingness to experience it – behaviorally, intellectually, and emotionally.
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious...and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
-WALT DISNEY
P2 for Families
P2 for Families is an easy and effective way for families to discuss the importance of character strengths and positive relationships. It is differentiated for grades Pre-K – 2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Each character strength follows a 1-1-3 model: 1 quote, 1 video, and 3 questions to drive conversations around character at home.
Please choose your child’s grade level on the site linked HERE to be directed to all of the character strengths. CODE NEEDED: P2
Here Comes the Bus App
Transportation Changes
Counselor Connection
The HSES School Counselors provide a comprehensive program to support learning and the social/emotional health of all students. One of the components of our program is providing classroom lessons called SEL (Social/Emotional Learning). The topics we have most recently covered include: Intro to the Counselors, Respecting Personal Space & Learning Self-Control regarding interrupting. We also offer small groups and individual counseling. If you feel your child could benefit from our program, please contact us.
Martha Frank: mfrank@wcpss.net or
Shannon O’Neal soneal2@wcpss.net
Technology Tips & Resources
💧 Please do not pack full water bottles inside backpacks with Chromebooks. We have already had a few incidents this year with broken Chromebooks due to water bottle spills.
Some great alternatives: Carry your water bottle, use the outside pockets on your backpack if available, or bring an empty water bottle and fill it up at school.
ESL Updates
School Messenger Updates
You can opt-in to receive School Messenger updates via text message by texting YES to the shortcode 67587 or replying with a YES to the opt-in text message we will send to your phone.
More information on School Messenger, including how to manage the manner and devices you get messages delivered to you, can be found here.
Face Coverings Mandatory in North Carolina
North Carolina will require face coverings of your choice for all Central Office staff and school staff, adult visitors, and all school aged children when they are or may be within six feet of another person, including:
- inside school buildings
- while traveling on buses or other WCPSS vehicles; and
- at all WCPSS work sites.
Updates from the Parent Teacher Association
PTA: Amazon Wish List
Help us show our teachers and staff some LOVE! We have created an Amazon Wish List with snacks, treats, drinks, k-cups, and more. You can order and pay through Amazon and have it sent directly to the school. We strive to keep the teacher’s lounge stocked with snacks, coffee, and tea. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. - PTA
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Thank you to our sponsors: Blue Water Pediatric Dentistry and Mathnasium!
Become a PTA Member!
Why should you join the PTA?
- Get Involved: The #1 reason why every parent should join the PTA is for the benefit of your child! Research shows that children perform better when parents are involved both at home and at school.
- Advocacy: Power in numbers
Access resources: Free e-learning courses, e-newsletter Be in the know: PTA Takes Action Network provides updates on legislative issues Becoming a member of the PTA shows that you want to help support the programs and events that help enhance students' experiences at school. It does not obligate you to attend the PTA meetings or volunteer. You can join for $10 for an individual or $15 for a family here: https://hsespta.memberhub.com/store?category=Memberships or look for a form to come home with your child this week or when you track ba
Time to Relink your Grocery Cards!
This is an easy way to earn money for our school while you shop. If you haven't linked your grocery accounts from Harris Teeter, Lowes and Publix this school year please take a minute to do so. You have to do it every year. Fill out this form and the PTA will link your account for you: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13XF20vPRsc1Phx29UeE-7JQs--fBKCTSWEMyxPadznA/edit
Thanks you for supporting our school!!