Harding Elementary Newsletter
December 2023
December News from the Office
Thank you to all the families who attended parent teacher conferences. Whether you attended in-person or through zoom, our staff was very eager to share the progress of your child(ren) with you and maintain a positive line of communication between home and school. At Harding, we value the importance of two-way communication to keep the best interest of the students at heart. We are always looking for ways to improve, so if you have any feedback on parent teacher conferences, please reach out to our office.
As December approaches, festive traditions and celebrations arrive as well. Harding Elementary will be hosting its "4th and 5th Grade Holiday Concert" on Thursday, December 7th. During the day, all students will get a chance to hear the songs prepared by their schoolmates. In the evening, we are inviting all families to come and enjoy the musical performances. Please see the reminder below for important information. Also, Harding students and staff will be participating in our annual Holiday Spirit Week dress up themes (see below).
As the holiday break comes into view, the Harding staff and administration would like to wish you and your family a joyous holiday season and safe New Year. We are extremely lucky to have you as part of our Harding Elementary family!
Thank you,
Harding Elementary Administration
Harding's Important Dates
ELD Tea Party
Thursday, December 14th from 9:30-10:30. Families of ELD students may attend for a meet and greet with students, teachers, and staff.
No School - Winter Break
December 22nd - January 1st
Students return to school on Tuesday, January 2nd
A&M Fundraiser
For the entire month of December, anyone who "rounds up" their bill at A&M Pizza on Quentin Road (near the High School) will have their money donated right to Harding Elementary. Please help support a great local business and our Harding students at the same time!
Evening Holiday Concert
Harding's Holiday Spirit Week
Monday, Dec. 18th - Holiday Cheer Day
Wear red or green to spread Holiday cheer!
Tuesday, Dec. 19th - Grinch Day
Wear green, try out some Who-inspired hairdos, or wear antlers like Max, to name a few. Be creative!
Wednesday, Dec. 20th - Dress Your Best
We encourage the students to dress up in their Holiday best!
Thursday, Dec. 21st - Pajama Day
Wear your pajamas to school!
School Closing Notifications
Stay Connected
School closings can occur with bad winter weather. Please stay connected to remain updated on delays, early dismissals, or closings. The Lebanon School District and Harding Elementary will use the following methods to communicate changes in schedule:
- District and Harding Facebook Pages (please follow our Facebook page using the "Like us on Facebook" button)
- SchoolMessenger system: phone call/text/email will be sent out. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION IS UP-TO-DATE WITH OUR BUILDING OFFICE (717-675-2138)
- Messages through a Seesaw announcement
Morning Entry
Thank you, families, for assisting Harding Elementary with morning entry routines. As we shared in a letter in October, breakfast doors open at 8:05 daily (for K5 through 5th grades). If students arrive prior to additional doors opening at 8:50, students are highly encouraged to enter for breakfast. Even if students eat breakfast at home, they can enter through the cafeteria doors and wait in our auditorium until the start of school. In an effort to maintain a safe environment, we ask for your support and assistance. Students who do not have a parent/guardian present upon arrival will be taken inside the building to breakfast. If a problem arises, parents will be contacted and specific arrangements will be made for arrival. Thank you for your understanding in keeping our students and families safe each morning. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to our office.
Important Information
Breakfast
* K4 breakfast time and entry is 8:55 along the ramp on 6th Street.
Attendance
Arrival & Dismissal
Powerschool
As a parent, you are able to view your child's attendance record and most current grades in school. You will need a specific login that the school may provide for you. To access directions on how to set up your Parent Portal and view your student's information, click here.
PBIS
Harding teachers and staff continue to look for positive behavior in the classroom, cafeteria, hallways, and other areas in the school. Students can earn blue Standing Tall tickets by showing respectful, responsible, and safe behaviors. The tickets earn the student a chance to receive special recognition and prizes throughout the school year.
Breakfast/Lunch Menu
If you would like to know what is for breakfast and/or lunch, please view our calendar:
Read, Read, Read, and LOVE IT!
Winter Break Reading Challenge
Nightly Reading Homework
Steven Courtney Visit
Thank you to the families who attended Steven Courtney's show on November 16th. The students enjoyed his music with positive messages during the day and families came together with smiling faces at night. We look forward to having Steven back in the future.
Communication is Key
At Harding Elementary, we strive to stay connected with families through a variety of resources. Here are a few tips for the school year.
- Make sure phone numbers and email addresses are up to date. The forms to do this will be sent during the first week of school. You may also contact our school office to update information.
- Be sure to have the Seesaw Class app downloaded onto your smartphone (picture shown). The app can connect you to teachers and office staff. Specific class codes are shared by the teachers.
Mrs. Emerich's Counseling Website
Feel free to use the counseling website with students. The webpage also includes contact information for outside services to further support the students in our school. Our hope is that this webpage will become a useful tool for students and families in our school during times of stress and anxiety. Let’s make the future a bright one!
Attend, Achieve, Succeed!
At Harding, we continue to work with families when attendance becomes difficult. Please click the file below to read a "Quick Guide" of information regarding our attendance policy (file has English and Spanish). Also, feel free to download Excuse Notes you can use when your child is absent.
PTO
As mentioned above, the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) will meet on Tuesday, December 12th at 3:45, right after school. If you'd like to learn about ways to support the school, please come and attend. The meeting usually last about 30-45 minutes. If you have questions, please contact the office.
Harding's Shining Stars
Congratulations to Harding's October Shining Star: Safety Monitor - Mr. Klick!
To nominate a Shining Star, please use the form below.
WellSpan Group Services
Box Tops
Between the months of July and November, Harding has earned $83.50 in Box Top cash! Thank you for your support! Please view the flyer on ways you can help support our Box Top program.
Power Packs
We’re excited to announce that our 2023-24 Power Packs school year program registration is NOW OPEN for enrollments! We’ve notified via email families that have participated in our most recent programs (last school year and this past summer), but enrollment is open to ANY and all Lebanon County families with at least 1 or more children in grades K-12 who have a self-declared need for food assistance.
To sign up, use this LINK.
Join Our Team
Are you looking to start a profession with the Lebanon School District. Click here to find out how to apply for open positions within the district.
Resources for Families
CHIP
Health Insurance for children:
Student Accident Insurance
The 2023-2024 Student Accident Insurance form will be available on our website under the parent section if you want to purchase insurance. Injuries caused by accidents at school are only covered if the student accident insurance is purchased. Otherwise the parent, through your personal insurance, is responsible. A direct link can be found here.
Harding Elementary
Email: jalbright@lebanon.k12.pa.us
Website: https://harding.lebanonsd.org/
Location: 622 Chestnut Street, Lebanon, PA, USA
Phone: (717) 675-2138
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HardingCedars