Hawk Families,

I can’t believe that we are approaching the new year! As we enter 2020, we know that children become excited and sometimes easily distracted. Please help us keep your children focused on school by keeping consistent bedtime routines and continuing to read with your child each night. We understand the importance of working together with families to meet your child's needs. We ask for your continued support to keep academics the focus at this time. At Hampton Oaks, every second counts in educating and supporting our students.

I would like to congratulate our new teacher of the year Ms. Ashley Wright. Mrs. Wright is a 5th grade teacher. We are very excited for her. Also, our teacher of the year is Mrs. Kerri Pastwik. Mrs. Pastwik is a reading specialist that works with all grade levels. We are very proud and happy for Mrs. Pastwik

The weather is very unpredictable at this time of year. We as that you please make sure your child is dressed appropriately. Most days your child will have outdoor recess or Physical Education, so it is important that your child is dressed for the weather. If your child needs a warm coat please contact Mrs. Brande Reiter or Ms. Christie Jones, our school counselors, at 540-658-6280. They will be able to provide you with assistance. In the event of inclement weather, we ask all parents to please check the website.

The past few months have been very exciting here at Hampton Oaks.Just look at a few of the accomplishments for November and December:

• Conclusion of a very Successful Book Fair

• Selection of new House Leaders for our Hawks Houses

• House Leader presentations to our Hawks House

• Red, white, and blue day to support our veterans along with activities in classrooms

• Spirit nights at local restaurants to support our school sponsored by PTO

• Several classroom activities in honor of Thanksgiving

• SIR Hawks and Girl Smarts started sessions

• Staff continued to implement the “Golden Hawks” program. Classes demonstrating positive behaviors throughout the school are given a Golden Hawk sticker. These stickers are displayed outside classroom doors. This is another incentive for classes to work together to demonstrate positive behaviors.

• Staff continued to implement house medallions for individual students showing effort in behavior and academics. Medallions are incentives for students to gain points for their houses.

One of the most important pieces of education is the ability to have open communication between parents and teachers. Teachers can communicate with parents in many ways: phone, email, agendas, newsletters, notes, and conferences. When you have concerns or questions, please make an appointment to meet with the teacher and communicate your concerns. This way we can all be on the same page. Another good avenue for communication is social media. Please visit the Hampton Oaks School website. We also have a Facebook page and Twitter page. Addition, once a month I will post a podcast for all families to hear the great things going on at Hampton Oaks.

We wish all Hampton Oaks families a safe and enjoyable holiday season. As you spend time at home with your children please read to them and have them read to you. We continue to make progress with all students at Hampton Oaks and want to continue with that momentum. Remember at Hampton Oaks we believe in Strong Minds, Strong Hearts, and Strong Efforts.

Warm Regards, Allen Hicks

A reminder that automated calls regarding student absences now generate at Central Office. To eliminate receiving this call, please go to the Hampton Oaks Elementary School website or click this link to record your child's absence before 9:00 am. Reporting online serves as a "written notice", therefore it will not be necessary to send in a note with the child - unless the absence has exceeded three days. For those not reporting on our school website - you will still receive the automated call and you will need to send a note the day the child returns explaining their absence.

All you have to do is:

• Join Twitter if you haven't already.
• Follow our school at: @HamptonOaksElem
• Fill out the form we sent home in Friday folders (October 25th) or print it (click here to get form) and send it in.

Teachers will send forms to the front office and points will be awarded to your child's house.

Box Tops- Reminder

Box Tops is changing the way for our school to earn money. The new improved Box Top mobile app will scan your store receipt and instantly add Box Top to your school.

For more information go to www.Boxtops4education.com or download the app from the Google Play or App stores.