Robert Hunter Report
January 8, 2023
Robert Hunter Elementary School
Mrs. Jessica Braynor, Principal
Mrs. Lindsay Shirvanian, Vice Principal
Website: https://www.frsd.k12.nj.us/Domain/381
Location: 8 Dayton Road Flemington, NJ 08822
Phone: (908) 284-7620
Twitter: @RobertHunterES
Dear Robert Hunter families,
We began 2023 at RH with a great whole school meeting this past Tuesday. All students and staff came together to enjoy tongue twisters, discuss our whole school book A Hat for Mrs. Goldman, and sing winter songs led by Ms. Alexanderson. Of course Robbie Raccoon joined in on the fun! Third grade students from Mrs. Smits and Mrs. Cross’ classes did an amazing job leading the meeting!
Third grade students also enjoyed a special grade level science assembly - Forces in Motion. Thank you to our PTO for supporting these special experiences for our students!
We can’t wait to see all the amazing things we will do at Robert Hunter this year, and we appreciate your continued support of our school.
Please note school is closed on Monday, Jan. 16th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Have a great week!
Warm regards,
Jessica Braynor and Lindsay Shirvanian
The Week Ahead:
Mon Jan 9- Day 5, Board of Education Meeting at J.P. Case, 7:00 pm
Tues Jan 10- Day 6
Wed Jan 11- Day 1
Thurs Jan 12 Day 2
Fri Jan 13- Day 3, Spirit Day- Wear RH Spiritwear
Save the Date:
Jan. 16 - School is closed
Jan. 19- 4th Grade Concert 7:00
Jan. 22 - RH Family Roller Skating 4:30-6:30
Snapshots from the Week
Getting an idea from the Random Act of Kindness Bulletin Board!
3rd Grade Forces in Motion Assembly
Technology challenges in 1st Grade
Whole School Meeting
4th Grade Concert
The 4th Grade Chorus will be performing a winter concert at Robert Hunter on Jan. 19th at 7:00. Participating students will need to report to the music room at 6:30. If you would like your child to participate in the winter concert, please complete the permission slip sent home with your child. 4th Graders will also be performing for all RH students at 2:45 on Jan. 19th. Families who are unable to attend the evening concert may join the afternoon performance; you will need to contact the office by Jan. 17th to make that arrangement.
From the Health Office: A Message from Mrs. Cunniff
Children need to be in school so they can learn. The best way to prevent the spread of infection is with good hand washing. Encourage your child to cough or sneeze into their elbow and wash their hands using the correct technique. This school year proves to be challenging since there have been many viruses and bacteria circulating around the community and through the state.
When is a child too sick for school? Here are some tips for deciding:
HOW SICK IS TOO SICK?
If your child tests positive for COVID or you have any other questions related to illness and exclusion, please contact the school nurse for guidance. You can reach Mrs. Cunniff at 908-284-7624 or susanna.cunniff@frsd.us
Counselor Corner: A Message from Mrs. Fontanez and Mrs. Severino
Hello families of Robert Hunter!
We hope you had a wonderful holiday break. After long breaks like this, it is typical for students to get used to not going to school, having a lack of routine, and being with their lovely families. These factors can lead to school avoidance. If your child is going through this phase we have a few tips for you that can help them get back on track!
1. Re-establishing routines is important. While children may resist routines, they actually crave them and really need them! Now that school is back in session, make sure to go back to the old routines you used to have and be consistent with them. Re-establishing their night routines, morning routines, and routines right after school that follow into homework time are all important in helping them feel comfortable getting back into the swing of things. Familiarity is key to comfortability.
2. Be firm, but supportive. Kids must understand that staying home is not an option. Giving them leeway in this will prolong their school avoidance and reinforce any challenging behavior exhibited to stay home. When you're at home and your child is calm, have a conversation about why they want to stay home. Here is a guide on supportive things you can say in this conversation that can aid in better understanding your child and the difficulties he or she is experiencing.
3. Plan to do something novel after school to motivate them to get them through the school day. For example, when they get home and after their homework is done, they can watch their favorite movie. *Make sure this novel activity doesn't interfere with routines.
4. If your child is dealing with separation anxiety and is emotional when leaving you in the morning, short and consistent goodbye rituals are key. It can be tough to do this short ritual when kids are emotional, but trust that they are in good hands at school and are usually ok by the time the day gets started. If they are not, they are always given some form of support. An example of a short goodbye ritual is giving two squeezes while hugging and then giving a kiss on the forehead. If this ritual goes on longer than established with your child due to their displays of emotion, this will only reinforce that behavior. Modeling deep breaths and gently encouraging them to follow suit can help de-escalate them (do not force them).
Substitutes and Teacher Assistants needed!
We are looking to hire substitutes and teacher assistants at Robert Hunter. If you are interested in applying, you can do so HERE. Please reach out to Mrs. Braynor or Mrs. Shirvanian if you have any questions or if you would like further information about the positions that are available!
PTO Updates and Reminders
Show your school pride, order your Robert Hunter Spiritwear today!
Place your order online all year round at http://roberthunterspiritwear.com