Hornet Happenings
News and Updates from the Hollymead PTO
August 2023
Welcome from the Hollymead PTO Board
Welcome to the first edition of Hornet Happenings, your Parent-Teacher Organization newsletter, for the 2023-2024 school year!
Did you know that all Hollymead Elementary School caregivers, parents, teachers, and staff are automatically members of our PTO? You can be involved with the group that directly benefits the Hollymead community.
In the last few weeks alone, thanks to the help of our members, the PTO has
- contributed school and cleaning supplies to teachers,
- shared popsicles on the playground with new families,
- stocked the lounge with snacks and drinks for teachers and staff,
- "chalked the walk" to welcome back students, faculty, and staff, and
- communicated important school-wide updates.
We have much more planned, and the success of these activities depends on you. We rely on your help, passion, and donations to support our school community. Keep an eye out for fliers sent home with students, and look for more Hornet Happenings to hit your inbox to see how you can participate throughout the year.
Until then, we encourage you to
- consider joining our team! Open board positions include co-president, co-vice president, co-treasurer, and co-volunteer coordinator. Visit our website or email us at hollymeadptovolunteer@gmail.com for more information.
- attend our next meeting, scheduled for September 13 at 7 pm at Hollymead.
- follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
- complete our volunteer interest form to see the ways you can share your time and talents.
We look forward to working with you!
Sincerely,
The 2023-2024 PTO Board
Sarah Wilson (co-president); Marion Hight (co-vice president); Lindsay Nader (secretary); Meagan Gregory (co-treasurer); Crystal Pariseau (co-volunteer coordinator); Ann Livengood and Missy Tierney (co-communications); and Carrie Armstrong and Kara Guyton (co-hospitality)
Fall After-School Clubs
Club registration opens at 8 am on August 31! Please see closing dates below. Scholarships are available and confidential. Please contact school counselor Megan Kopley (mkopley@k12albemarle.org) for more information.
CHESS CLUB*
Second through fifth graders can join Mr. Loffredo every Monday from September 11 to October 9 to learn more about chess and play matches with other students. The club will run from 2:30 to 3:30 and costs $40. Learn more and register beginning August 31.
DRAMA CLUB*
Carrie Chapman is back to teach third- through fifth-grade students the fundamentals of theater between 2:30 and 3:30 each Tuesday, September 12 to October 31. The eight-week session costs $80. Learn more and register beginning August 31.
FRENCH CLUB**
Students in second through fifth grade can join Stephanie Hall to learn basic French vocabulary, greetings, and simple useful phrases. The club will meet on Wednesdays from October 11 to November 15. The cost will be posted on the website. Learn more and register beginning August 31.
CAMP4REAL PE CLUB**
Join Scott Williams (aka Mr. Dubs) on Wednesdays from October 4 to October 18. Kindergarteners through third graders will engage in fun games and PE activities in the Hollymead gym. Cost is $30. Learn more and register beginning August 31.
ART CLUB*
In Art Club with Mrs. Rapp, students in all grades (K-5) will use everyday objects and their own creative skills to practice new techniques and create beautiful art. The 5-week class will run each Thursday, September 14 to October 12, from 2:30 to 3:45. Cost is $65 and includes supplies. Learn more and register beginning August 31.
*Registration closes at 8 pm on September 6.
**Registration closes at 8 pm on September 27.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Once you have registered your student, please submit payment by the first day of the club.
- Cash payments can be sent to school with your student or dropped off in the Hollymead front office. Please indicate the club name and name of child participating.
- Checks can be made payable to Hollymead PTO; please include your student's name and club name in the memo line. Send check payments with your student or drop checks off in the Hollymead front office.
- Online payments can be made through our PayPal account. Please indicate the student's name and registered club.
- Please contact school counselor Megan Kopley (mkopley@k12albemarle.org) for more information about scholarships.
DISMISSAL INFORMATION
Please email Hollymead (hesattendance@k12albemarle.org) with your student's enrollment and the dates they will be dismissed to their club. Students will not be dismissed to clubs without notification of a change to their dismissal plans.
The Easiest Ways to Support the PTO
Even if you can't volunteer your time, you can still take a few simple actions to support the PTO:
- Participate in our guilt-free fundraiser and make a donation via PayPal! This year, we want to remove the hassle for families to buy or sell goods to support our fundraisers. Instead, you can make a donation, and 100% of your contribution will go directly to the PTO. Remember to note "donation" when completing the transaction.
- Update your grocery cards to benefit Hollymead Elementary (Kroger: Hollymead ID# 80574 and Harris Teeter: Hollymead ID# 5899). These must be updated every year.
Thanks for your generosity!
Upcoming Dates
- August 31: Registration for After-School Clubs Opens (8 am)
- September 4: No School (Labor Day Holiday)
- September 6: Registration for Chess, Drama, and Art After-School Clubs Closes (8 pm)
- September 13: PTO Meeting
- September 27: Registration for French and PE After-School Clubs Closes (8 pm)
- September 29: No School for Students (Professional Development)
Stay in Touch
Have information you'd like to share in Hornet Happenings? Please
email us at hollymeadptocommunications@gmail.com.