Cheetah Chronicles
December 18th, 2022
Important Dates
December 21st: Early Release Day (dismissal at 1:50) Last day for students prior to the winter break
December 22nd-January 2nd: Winter Break
January 3rd: Students on tracks 1, 2, & 3 return to school
What's New
Heartfelt Appreciation
Heartfelt Appreciation Google Form
With all that has been going on the past couple of years, we are making a special effort this year to express appreciation for all of our staff at HSES as we put a wrap on 2022.
We are putting on a BIG surprise during the month of December (includes ALL tracks) and we have a few ways we would love for parents/community to get involved:
EXAMPLE: Mrs. Jones, I’ll never forget the special teachers who taught and inspired me when I was in school, and I can tell you without a doubt that you will be one of those special teachers to my child. She especially would talk about the creative ways you taught history. Your work will stay with her long after she has grown up. Thank you for all you do! – Casey Smith
Beginning December 1st and continuing through December 21st (Track 1 will receive January 3rd), our school administration is doing a holiday game show with prizes and treats each day (it’s a surprise, so don’t let it slip!). They have creative ideas and special privileges for many of the prizes, but we also need gift cards. If you would like to donate one or two, ($5.00, $10.00, and/or $15.00) please drop them off at the office by December 16th or email any e-gift cards to hsesncPTA@gmail.com with the SUBJECT LINE: STAFF GIFT CARD. (These are cards we will use as prizes for the game, so please don’t let this take away from anything you might normally do for your individual staff members). Ideally, we would like ALL STAFF to “WIN” a gift card when we reveal the FINAL GAME SHOW MOMENTS!
Thank you, everyone, for helping us make 2022 memorable for all HSES Staff Members!
Warm Regards,
Holly Springs Elementary School PTA on behalf of the School Administration
Student Assignment Information for 2023-2024
We have received the assignment strips for students for their school assignment for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. You should have received this by now. Families with a Homebase PowerSchool account will be able to sign into their PowerSchool account starting 11/30 and access this information by clicking on the Next Year Assignment tab. If you have any questions about the student assignment information, please contact our data manager, Ms. Annette Ligons, at aligons@wcpss.net.
Holly Springs Elementary Teacher and Instructional Assistant of the Year!
Holly Springs Elementary Teacher and Instructional Assistant of the Year!
We are so thrilled to announce HSES Celebrations!
Ms. Kristen Nix, Kindergarten Teacher, Track 1, has been named Holly Springs’ Teacher of the Year!
Ms. Kaitlin Anani, Kindergarten IA, Track 2, has been named Holly Springs’ Instructional Assistant of the Year!
ACADEMICS
Wake County Indian Education Program
The Wake County Indian Education Program (WCIEP) is a federally funded Title VI grant open to any kindergarten through high school student enrolled in the Wake County Public School System (not charter or private) who is affiliated with any federally recognized or state recognized tribe. Some programs/events sponsored by the WCIEP include tutoring, cultural programming, ACT/SAT prep workshops, ACT/SAT guides and social activities. The WCIEP grant funding is directly related to the number of students with completed 506 forms on file and not with the number of students who self-identify as Native. Completion of this 506 form is vital to the continuation of the program. Please find the form linked below-
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RXuqjTz-GScRIolgWEBY1k9aXFixyqio/view
REMINDERS
Kindergarten Registration for 2023-2024
Kindergarten registration for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year is already underway! If you have a child that will be 5 by August 31, 2023, we encourage you to start the enrollment process early. For more information, and for the link to complete the online portion of the registration, please visit the following website: WCPSS New Student Enrollment
Immunization Reports and Health Assessments
To: all tracks and grade levels, this also includes our pre-K and CCK students.
Immunization Reports and Health Assessments were due within the first 30 days of school and all tracks reached their first 30 days. If you have not turned in your child’s health records, it is important that you do so as soon as possible. Remember, this is only done once, so if you have already turned yours in, there is no need to do it again, thank you!
Field Trip Chaperone Reminders
If you are planning on chaperoning a field trip this winter or next spring with your child’s class, please come in to register as a volunteer now. It is taking a couple of months for parents to be approved due to such high volumes in the district.
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.
Calendar Information
Calendar Information
Just a reminder that we have some changes in our school schedule coming up this week as well as future dates to pay attention to. Please note these dates:
Wednesday, 12/21: Early Release Day (dismissal at 1:50); Last day for students prior to the winter break
Thursday, 12/22 through Monday, 1/2: Winter Break
Tuesday, 1/3: Students on tracks 1, 2, & 3 return to school
MTYR Calendar Updates:
School Calendar Items-EARLY RELEASE DATES/TIME INFO
During the 22-23 school year, there will be early release days throughout the school year. This time is to provide teachers with an opportunity to complete professional development that is required for all elementary classroom teachers by the North Carolina General Assembly. On these days, dismissal will be 2 hours early - starting at 1:50. All Early Release dates are below so you can mark your calendars and plan for student pickup on those days:
Thursday, 7/28
Friday, 9/2
Thursday, 11/10
Monday, 12/5
Wednesday, 12/21
Friday, 3/24
Thursday, 4/6
Tuesday, 5/9
EVENTS
Spring Tennis Registration
Monthly Restorative Practice and Community-Building Circles for Parents and Guardians! (Nov. 2022 - May 2023)
This opportunity is designed to introduce you to one of the tools of Restorative Practices, the Circle Process. The Circle is a facilitated dialogue process that is invitational. It allows participants to share openly and encourages connections and deepening relationships. This experience is inclusive to all who have an interest in learning ways to better support children and families during these uncertain times through authentic connections
Please see all dates and times and sign up for a session on this link.
Additionally, Here is a flier you may use for parents/guardians/stakeholders - along with a link to sign up!
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During the months of November and December, we will begin our first community book study. Information can be found here:
PTA Updates
School Store
The School Store is BACK!
Students may bring money (CASH ONLY, please send small bills and change) to purchase items at the school store.
K-2nd students: January 12st 8:50-9:20am in the front lobby
3rd-5th students: January 19th 8:50-9:20am in the front lobby
“Cheetahs Got Talent” Show - Thursday, February 16th
CALLING ALL 3rd – 5th GRADE CHEETAHS! It’s SHOWTIME!
December 23rd AT 7am: Sign up by completing and submitting the google form: https://forms.gle/jehoZgDGZKjUq45RA
(Once spots are filled, we will begin a waiting list.)
January 6th: Applications/Google Form closes and all music selections must be turned in order to get approval. (Please submit at least 2 song options in order to avoid a duplication in performances. Please note that your child must be able to attend BOTH rehearsals before the show in order to perform.)
January 10th: Notification of students’ Cheetah’s Talent Show status sent out.
January 14th 8am or 7pm: Talent Show information Google meet
February 14th 4:15 pm - 6 pm: Rehearsal on Stage (mandatory)
February 15th 4:15 pm - 6 pm: DRESS Rehearsal on Stage (mandatory)
February 16th: Acts to Arrive by 5:30pm for 6:00pm Talent Show
O’Holly Night Feedback
Wish Our Teachers & Staff a Happy Holly-day!
HSES PTA Needs A CPA!
Yearbook Pictures
Parents please help create an amazing yearbook that features all of the amazing things our cheetah family does!
O’Holly Night: https://plicbooks.com/go/ET1M4B
Field Trips: https://plicbooks.com/go/89XPAC
Spirit Days: https://plicbooks.com/go/NJE569
Transportation
Carpool Reminder
Here Comes the Bus App
Transportation
Parents of registered bus riders should have received the following message from transportation on Friday, Aug 12, 2022:
“Dear Parent:
This is a message for families assigned to yellow school buses.
As our Transportation team finalizes school bus routes, we need to hear from you if your student does not intend to ride the bus this year.
If your student is not going to ride the bus, please let us know at www.wcpss.net/declinebus
It takes less than a minute, and all you need is your child's student ID number.
Thank you for your support of the Wake County Public School System.”
Transportation Behavior Referrals
Parents the following information was shared in the Wednesday community message, but we wanted to share it here as well. The information applies to both bus and cab riders.
A transportation code of conduct has been established to promote safe and orderly rides and to support drivers in addressing inappropriate student behavior.
The following steps will be taken to address any infractions:
First infraction - The driver will discuss any “rider expectations” infractions with the student and document the discussion with the student.
Second infraction - The driver will discuss the infraction with the student and document the discussion with the student. Transportation will send a letter to the parent describing the infraction.
Third infraction - Transportation will make a referral to the principal for intervention.
Bus Information:
Bus Routes for 22-23
Bus Routes for the 22-23 school year can be found HERE. Routes have changed so make sure you review this.
WCPSS Transportation
All bussing information and needs can be accessed from the WCPSS Transportation site linked HERE.
Bus Live Updates
Bus Route information (delayed, uncovered routes, etc) can be found at the site linked HERE. Be sure to refresh the site every 10-15 minutes. When the school is made aware of delayed or uncovered routes for our PM routes, we will share that information via Twitter.
Here Comes the Bus App
We are aware that the Here Comes the Bus app was not running properly last week. Once the school was informed, this information was shared through Twitter. The district is working with the service provider to have the app working by Monday morning.
Schoolwide Behavior
Holly Springs Elementary utilizes a schoolwide behavior system: SPOT (Safe, Polite, On-task, and Teamwork). SPOT expectations are shared with and modeled for students in all areas of the school. All classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and outside of the restrooms have posters that explain the SPOT Expectations.
Cafeteria Updates
Breakfast is served daily from 8:50-9:20
Apply for free and reduced-price school meals
All students currently receive free school meals supported by federal funding due to the pandemic. This funding is set to end on June 30, 2022. In order to receive free or reduced-price meals for next school year, families need to submit a meal benefits application.
All families must complete an application for the 2022-2023 school year starting July 1 in order to receive benefits. Please allow 10 business days for processing.
For every student that turns in the free and reduced meals application and qualifies, the school also receives federal funds that benefit the students and teachers at the school.
We need you to complete a 2022-2023 meal benefits application so our school can be eligible for extra funding next year. If you have not completed a free or reduced-price meal application and think your child may be eligible, pick up an application at your child’s school or apply online. Paper applications can also be requested by calling 919-588-3535 or 919-856-2920 or emailing cnsmealbenefits@wcpss.net.
K-5 Breakfast $1.50 and lunch $3.00
6-12 Breakfast $1.75 and lunch $3.25
Breakfast & Lunch Menu with Meal-Viewer
Monthly breakfast and lunch menu PDFs will no longer be posted on our district website.
Menus will now be available on our interactive website, MealViewer.
On the MealViewer website, families can:
- Set up multiple profiles at the schools of your choice
- See any menu changes posted by the manager at each site
- Choose menu items based on allergens
- View nutrients for each menu item
- Add nutrients for meals eaten, even partial meals
- Submit ratings on your favorite items
- Print menus
Front Office Reminders
Checking Students In/Out
HSES has a new system to check in/out students. The electronic system is Lobby Guard. Beginning Monday, March 14, 2022, we want parents/guardians to come into the reception area of HSES to check your child in/out of school.
You will still need to ring the outside visitor bell to be welcomed for entry & will need to have your photo ID with you to be buzzed into the building.
Come in! You will scan your ID and use the system to check your student in/out of our school!
Office Staff will be available to assist you.
There will be no student check-outs after 3:30 pm as the office staff must prepare for dismissal procedures.
Medications
If your child has medications that need to be administered at school, you are welcome to bring them to the office anytime during office hours (8:00-4:00). Be sure to bring the updated 1702 form completed by the doctor. If you have any questions, please call the school office at 919-557-2660.
Susan Mann is our school nurse should you have any questions about medical plans or health concerns for your child.
Volunteer Registration for 2022-2023 School Year
Volunteer or Guest?
Guests are visitors who are never left alone with students. They do not need background checks. Typical examples would include speakers, presenters and community members/parents attending a school event.
Volunteers are visitors who may or may not be alone with students at any point, including in a virtual setting. Volunteers do require background checks. There are no "levels" of volunteer status. Typical examples range from a community volunteer who reads with a child to an overnight chaperone, as well as field day workers, testing proctors, and volunteer coaches. The same background check is done for every type of volunteer.
Current Volunteers
Current volunteers who were approved for the 2021-22 school year do not have to register again this year.
Check with the front office to see if a current volunteer is on the list of eligible volunteers.
New Volunteers for 2022-2023
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.Has Your Phone Number/Email Changed?
Important: COVID-19 When to Return guidance updated
Important: COVID-19 When to Return guidance updated
The wcpss.net/whentoreturn webpage was updated to remove the section mentioning household and non-household exposures. This change is part of the recent update of the StrongSchools NC Toolkit by the NC Department of Health and Human Services.Positivity Project:
Tracks 2, 3, & 4 Optimism
Dear Families,
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Optimism. Optimism means you expect the best from the future and work to achieve it.
Optimism represents a state of hopefulness and confidence about the future (both short and long term). People with this strength are future-oriented. They have a positive vision of what the future holds and maintain confidence that they will get there. Despite setbacks, they keep a positive attitude and often find ways to convert what seems like an obstacle into a stepping-stone to achieving their goals.
Optimism is not about wearing rose-colored glasses and rolling over when the going gets tough. It’s about staying focused on the good in any situation -- allowing you to be aware of opportunities and accountable for your emotions. Optimists are strong leaders. They find meaning in hardship and can create a vision for the future. Optimists are inspiring; their example is contagious. And, by sharing and achieving their vision -- despite setbacks -- they help us all achieve more.
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
Counselor Connection
Wise Words from Love & Logic Institute, Inc.
Allowing children to struggle to succeed allows them to make deposits into their I’M CAPABLE ACCOUNT. It allows them to conclude:
I CAN THINK FOR MYSELF.
I CAN SOLVE MY OWN PROBLEMS.
I HAVE HEALTHY CONTROL OVER MY LIFE.
I CAN ACHIEVE IF I’M WILLING TO PUT FORTH EFFORT.
Technology Tips & Resources
ESL Updates
10 New Children’s Books by Native American & Indigenous Authors
By Book Riot on Nov 03, 2022 11:03 am
November is Native American Heritage Month, the perfect time to stock up on children’s books by Native American and Indigenous authors and to support Native American and Indigenous authors by buying, reading, and recommending their books, though to be clear, it’s always a good time to be reading children’s books by Native American and Indigenous authors. It is also so important to make sure the books you’re reading to kids with Native American characters are written by Native American authors. Too often, children’s books by non-Native and Indigenous authors depict stereotypes about Native and Indigenous cultures or suggest that Native and Indigenous culture is a thing of the past, not a living, breathing, growing present reality.
If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Rodgers.
Literacy News
Parents visit this site developed by The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Literacy at Home.
This digital resource provides literacy activities for all grades that specifically target the literacy skills of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and oral language.
Parent Teacher Association
Become a PTA Member!
Why 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 course, e-newsletter.
Be in the know: PTA Takes Action Network provides updates on legislative issues.
Deals: Special offers and discounts from corporate sponsors via our MemberHub site.
Be able to vote in general meetings, have access to minutes from monthly board meetings, as well as receive emails from the PTA about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
Becoming a PTA member shows that you want to support the programs and events that help enhance students’ and staff experiences at school. It does not obligate you to attend PTA meetings or volunteer. For more information, click HERE. You can join HERE for $10 as an individual or $15 as a family (2 adults).
Download the HSES PTA APP!
It’s never been easier to access archived Cheetah Chronicles, Teacher Websites, Teacher Like Forms, Cafeteria Menus, Volunteer and Fundraising Information and so much more! By installing the HSES PTA APP, you will receive important announcements and friendly reminders about what’s happening at school. Search our Holly Springs Elementary School in your App Store (iTunes and GooglePlay). Don’t forget to accept push notifications so that you receive text alerts!
PTA SpiritWear
Show your HSES school spirit with our variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, car magnets, bags, sticks, tattoos and so much more! The first Friday of every month will be Cheetah Pride Day! Show off your Cheetah Pride everywhere you go! Click HERE to view all our SpiritWear.
Rent the Rock
The HSES Spirit Rock is a great way to send a message for all to see! Congratulate your favorite student on an accomplishment, wish a student a Happy Birthday, celebrate a team win or let everyone know how much you love our school. The Rock is available for a weekly rental to families and staff of HSES for their use and enjoyment. Reserve the Spirit Rock for only $25.00 per week. All proceeds will go directly back to the HSES PTA. Click HERE to Rent the Rock!
MemberHub Givebacks
Paw Prints
Show your Cheetah pride and have your own Paw Print on the walk of fame. Reserve a paw print in front of the school to showcase your students, family, teacher, or business's name.
Amazon Smile & Amazon WishList
Help us show our teachers and staff some LOVE! We have created an Amazon WishList with snacks, treats, drinks, k-cups, items to stock our staff bathrooms, and much 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. Check out the WishList on Amazon. Make sure you shop with smile.amazon.com and make Holly Springs Elementary School PTA your charity. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to HSES PTA, at no cost to you!
Relink your Grocery Cards
Earn money for the HSES PTA while you shop! If you haven’t linked your grocery accounts from Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods and Publix this 2022-23 school year, please take a minute to do so (you must relink every year). Fill out this form and the PTA will link your account for you.
Box Tops for Education
Did you know that Box Tops is now digital? Download the Box Tops app and take a picture of your receipt containing participating products for our school to get credit. Learn how to scan your Box Tops with the mobile app HERE.
(It is my intention that this will always stay in the Cheetah Chronicles unless otherwise noted.)