Hornet Herald
Henryville Elementary Newsletter
January 2022
Going on year three of the pandemic, we continue to navigate the uncharted and unknown waters of a new normal. So while there's no way to make every right decision considering all of the unknown, we do the absolute best that we can with the information that we have. Keep in mind that this information continues to update week by week, and day by day. Now, more than ever, we need to continue to support one another and look out for one another to continue providing a safe place for students and staff to come to.
Per the CDC, one in two people is presently struggling with a mental health issue being caused by the pandemic. If you need help, ask for it. There should be no stigma related to personal needs of any kind. The human brain is an organ, just like the heart, lungs, or stomach. If you seek medical care to treat illnesses related to these organs like a heart attack, pneumonia, or a digestive issue, then what makes treating an issue within your brain like anxiety or depression any different? In my most humble opinion, it isn't different. We can only get through this world with the support of those around us. Don't be afraid to seek that support if you need it.
Respectfully,
Shaun
The Dangers of Snapchat/Social Media: All Pro Dad content
The dangerous parking lot for tweens and teens is social media. There are risks everywhere and at that age, they do not have the maturity and thought process to navigate it safely. They need us to help them through it, but the problem is it changes so quickly it can be tough for parents to keep up. We've got you covered. The social media platform that most tweens and teens use these days is Snapchat. It's important for you to discuss with them the potential lurking trouble spots. Here are 4 dangers of Snapchat to discuss with your kids.
Positive Behavior Incentive
Wonder Novel study
Beginning next Monday, January 10th, I will begin reading aloud the novel Wonder as a way to connect our Henryville Elementary community. Through a private Youtube channel, I will share nightly reading recordings that will last approximately twenty minutes in length.
Research suggests that reading twenty minutes per day at home will result in tremendous academic growth for students. A student reading twenty minutes per day will read 1.8 million words during the course of a year, and will predictably score in the top 90% of standardized tests. Students reading five or less minutes per day will read a maximum of 282,000 words during the course of a year, and will score in the bottom 50% of standardized tests at best. That is why it is vital that we create a culture of reading here at HES.
If you're able, I encourage you to purchase a copy of the novel Wonder to follow along with me as we read through the story of Auggie Pullman. You can find a copy on Amazon for $10.00 or less. As a teacher, this was my favorite novel to study with students, and I'm very excited to share it with all of you. At the rate of twenty minute per night, we should be able to finish the entire book by the end of February. To celebrate the completing the novel maybe we can find a way to share in watching the film version of Wonder, together. You can discover more about the novel at wonderthebook.com. As a parent or guardian you are encouraged to review the content of the book prior to participating. The content is suitable for elementary students, but ultimately you should be an active participant as the adult.
BHSC Attendance Policy
BHSC E-Learning Attendance Policy
Borden-Henryville School Corporation E-Learning Attendance Policy
Defined by the IDOE as Virtual Instruction Policy
Elementary Students (Grades K-6):
During instances of remote learning, students must demonstrate the IDOE requirement of 5 instructional hours per day. The IDOE allows schools to reduce the amount of non-instructional time including lunch, recess, and transition time, from the total minutes required. For BHSC’s e-learning instruction to correspond with the brick and mortar instructional clock, students will adhere to approximately 210 minutes (3 hours and 30 minutes) per day of e-learning instruction, which must be completed by 11:59 PM of the same day as e-learning occurs.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Actively participate in teacher’s coursework. BHSC recognizes that some classes may take longer than others. BHSC encourages elementary students to engage in Math, Science or Social Studies, Writing/Language Arts, and Reading. BHSC encourages developmentally appropriate instructional time and cautions families from spending more than 45 minutes on one task. Teachers will provide example daily schedules and communicate age appropriate expectations that adhere to required instructional time.
Actively participate in each assigned special area class. Active participation encompasses teacher/student communication, assignment completion, and student participation via virtual delivery required by the teacher’s classroom policies for e-learning.
Complete and submit course assignments to Schoology according to due dates.
Communicate with BHSC teachers as needed via email, telephone conversation, or Schoology messaging system.
Check email at least once daily and respond to any teacher or staff inquiries by 11:59pm of the same school day.
Actively engage in synchronous and asynchronous lessons provided by the teacher of record. *If a student cannot attend the live lesson due to childcare, Internet disruptions, or other extenuating circumstances, it will be uploaded for students to view within 24 hours. Students must review within 48 hours and communication with the teacher regarding lessons must be documented in email.
Secondary Students (Grades 7-12):
During instances of remote learning, students must demonstrate the IDOE requirement of 6 hours of instruction per week. The IDOE allows schools to reduce the amount of non-instructional time, including lunch and passing periods, from this time. For BHSC’s e-learning instruction to correspond with the brick and mortar instructional clock, students will adhere to approximately 270 minutes (4 hours and 30 minutes) per day of e-learning instruction, which must be completed by 11:59 PM of that same day as e-learning occurs.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Actively participate in each assigned subject for approximately 270 minutes per week. For daily e-learning events, students will complete approximately 40-45 minutes per class. Active participation encompasses teacher/student communication, assignment completion, and student participation via virtual delivery as required by the course teacher’s classroom policies for e-learning.
Complete and submit course assignments to Schoology according to due dates.
Respond and communicate with BHSC teachers of record as needed via email, telephone conversation, or Schoology.
Check email at least once daily and respond to any teacher or staff inquiries by 11:59pm of the school day.
Actively engage in asynchronous and synchronous lessons provided by the teacher of record. If a student cannot attend the live lesson due to Internet disruptions, or other extenuating circumstances, it will be uploaded for students to view within 24 hours. Students must review within 48 hours and communication with the teacher regarding the lesson must be documented in email.
Definitions:
Independent practice: BHSC defines independent practice as any assignment and/or project that a student actively engages in for a course.
Minutes per course and total minutes required: BHSC recognizes the issues families face in the event of e-learning instruction. If a student cannot complete the work in the recommended allotted time, families should communicate with the teacher(s) to make arrangements to help the student. BHSC encourages families and teachers to work together to provide developmentally appropriate pacing and instructional time for students in the virtual setting for all BHSC students.
Academic Engagement:
Students must be actively engaged in BHSC remote instruction during times when BHSC is unable to attend traditional school. The Indiana Department of Education defines academic engagement as: Academic engagement is defined as “the quality of students’ participation or connection with the schooling endeavor and hence with activities, values, people, goals, and places that comprise it” (Skinner, Kindermann, & Furrer, 2009). Best practice for academic engagement should mirror the in-school experience of interacting with curriculum and resources aligned to the Indiana Academic Standards to introduce, maintain and extend learning. Authentic academic engagement ensures that students’ skills are pushed to the next levels of learning through rigorous and relevant learning activities (Indiana Department of Education, 2020).
Make-Up work:
BHSC will follow the traditional school handbook for all other instances of make-up work for e-learning. This includes one day to make up work for every day missed.
Dress Code:
Students should follow the school handbook policy on dress code.
Absences:
BHSC will follow the traditional school handbook policy on absences.
An absence is defined as inactivity during any e-learning time period. Inactivity includes, but is not limited to: failure to communicate with the teacher(s), failure to participate in online discussions, teacher meetings, failure to complete assignments, or any other lack of participation that demonstrates the student was not actively engaged in the course as defined by IDOE guidance.
Students who do not log in to Schoology and/or participate in required courses without communication with the teacher or who fail to meet the required minutes through points stated in the attendance policy for respective grade level may be marked with a full or half day unexcused absence.
Elementary school half day absences are defined as failure to complete 2 assignments (including special area classes) for the day including the homeroom and special area assignments. More than 2 missed assignments will result in a full day absence.
Secondary half days include not completing assignments in three out of seven classes.
Chronic Absenteeism/Truancy from instances of e-learning:
After 5 days of student inactivity, a letter will be sent home to parents.
After 10 days of no activity on e-learning the following action will occur: :
Student referred to Clark County Probation, Mrs. Kathie Miller.
Proper paperwork will be filled out and submitted to Ms. Miller.
Administrative team will have a meeting with the student, parents and Ms. Miller.
Reports will be filed with the Department of Child Services.
Students will be made aware of the home school option.
Administration reserves the right to pull student's Workers permits/Drivers license, should they have them.
After a case is referred to probation and if the prosecutor chooses to prosecute, the juvenile may be placed by the Court at Clark County Youth Shelter.
In the event of 15 days of absences, the student will be reminded of the home school option.
Students will be notified the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th absences from school will be changed to suspensions and on the 20th the student will be assigned to an expulsion hearing.
After 20 days of absences, there will be a suspension AND the student will be assigned to an expulsion hearing.
School Administration may follow up with additional measures to ensure students are attending school. These measures may include, but will not be limited to: emails, phone calls, home visits, virtual meetings, etc.
Not completing work specific courses during e-learning periods: Once a student misses seven periods of any course during a period of e-learning, the student will be counted absent for 1 day.
Henryville Elementary Community Needs
Angel Tree 2021 was successful because of YOU! Our community helped 157 students and 64 families. The Hornets Helping Hornets team was blown away by the donations and everyone that stepped up, especially in the final hours.
To continue supporting our community, please know that we are always looking for gently used clothes for the clothes closet. This closet gives us the ability to assist students in need as well as assist the clinic when students have accidents.
For the last several years we have been collecting empty aluminum cans for recycling. We have been able to pay off outstanding lunch accounts and book fees this way.
Teachers are going to be on the lookout for monthly collections that we will start to offset our angel tree. We are currently in need of plastic totes for storage (18 gallon) or larger.
Here at HES we are smiling into the new year! We are collecting toothpaste, brushes, floss, and mouthwash. These items can be dropped off at the front office, or you can send them in with your student to give to their teacher.
Educational Resources for Parents
Report Card Information
Spring Pictures March 9
Wednesday, Mar 9, 2022, 08:00 AM
215 North Ferguson Street, Henryville, IN, USA
Henryville Elementary School
MISSION OF HENRYVILLE ELEMENTARY
Whatever it takes, for every student, every day
VISION OF HENRYVILLE ELEMENTARY
We commit to individualized learning for every student while creating a positive and safe learning environment.
VALUES AND BELIEFS
We believe…
All students can achieve
All students can benefit from a challenging and hands-on curriculum
Student achievement can increase through assessments and data-driven instruction
All students are entitled to a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment that celebrates differences
Professional development should focus on student learning and be a process of continuous growth
Email: spennington@bhsc.school
Website: hes.bhsc.school
Location: 215 North Ferguson Street, Henryville, IN, USA
Phone: 812-294-4806
Facebook: facebook.com/henryvilleelementaryschool