The HillTop Times November 2023
"We Believe...Success for ALL!"
From Principal Adams
First and foremost, I appreciate your support and condolences given to students and staff in the passing of our very own, Mrs. Tephanie Sumani. She joined our Eagle family this year and made a lasting impact in such a short time. She was a positive presence in and out of her classroom. Mrs. Sumani will truly be missed.
Second, it is hard to believe that we are in the eleventh month of 2023! It is even harder to believe that we are almost halfway into the second grading period. Our Eagles have been working hard to persevere as they continue to learn new skills outlined in the curriculum and adjust to the demands of a new grade level. Parents and staff have been geared up for the reigniting of our PTO/SIC. Students are super excited about our annual Fall Book Fair to shop for new books and gadgets! Furthermore, they committed to being drug-free during this year's Red Ribbon Week campaign. I guarantee that November will be just as exciting!
As we progress through this month, please continue to support us by ensuring your child is at school daily and on time. In looking ahead, the end of the second grading period end before Winter Break. That means that we will begin measuring students' academic growth by administering midyear assessments, some of which are predictive tests to gauge how students are projected to perform on SC Ready in May (grades 3-5). The 2023-2024 district calendar is in the Miscellaneous Files and Forms section to assist in planning for family trips/vacations aside from extenuating circumstances. As a reminder, there are protocols that have been established for students who are absent due to COVID to include students getting credit for attendance if they complete their work packet on the arranged date it is due following their return. As with other illnesses, a parent or doctor's note is necessary for the absence becoming unexcused.
Lastly, don't forget to complete the district's Strategic Planning Survey which can be found at https://forms.hcg.com/f/41683957/7bef/. The deadline is Wednesday, November 15th. This anonymous and confidential survey is designed to gather your insight about a variety of topics related to the district's educational priorities as we create our new strategic plan.
As always, I value your partnership and feedback you give to help our Eagles soar. If you have any questions, concerns, feedback, or suggestions feel free to contact me at shannon.adams@richlandone.org or 803-783-5545.
Upcoming Events
- Monday, November 6th - Thursday, November 9th - Math and Reading progress monitoring
- Friday, November 10th - Veterans Day Program at 8:30 a.m.; Early Release at 11:00 a.m.
- Tuesday, November 14th - PTO Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the gym
- Wednesday, November 15th - Last day to complete R1 Strategic Planning Survey
- Sunday, November 19th - Caroling & Tree Lighting at SC State House
- Tuesday, November 21st - Interims for 2nd grading period are published
- Wednesday, November 22nd - Friday, November 24th - Thanksgiving Break
- Wednesday, November 29th - Fall Picture Retakes
Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
PTO meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for you to hear information about the school, share ideas with other parents to help our Eagles soar, and share concerns with solutions as part of continuously improving how we serve our students, staff, and community. This year, one member of each grade level share instructional updates to inform of the great things happening. Our next meeting will be held Tuesday, November 14th. At this meeting we will reopen elections for the Treasurer and Parliamentarian. Congratulations go to the following officers who were nominated and elected at our first meeting in October.
Ms. Jessica Green, President
Ms. Jessica Belle, Vice President
Ms. Stacey McCutcheon, Secretary
Fall Scholastic Book Fair
Our annual fall book fair is underway. The last day to make purchases is Wednesday, November 14th. Visit https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/hhesbookfair for more information, to view the digital flyer, shop online, or to set up an e-wallet. All purchases benefit our school!
Parent Portal
It is very important for parents and guardians to create a Parent Portal account in PowerSchool. Annual student registration, transportation registration, attendance, and grades (for ongoing review) are located here. Contact the front office for assistance with getting the credentials for your child(ren) to create an account. Multiple chidren can be linked to one portal. Click the image to take you directly to the Parent Portal sign in page.
NOTE: As of October 26, 2023, report cards will be published in Parent Portal. Please contact your child's teacher if you continue to have difficulty accessing your child's report card for the first grading period. Printed copies are provided upon request.
Attendance
Illuminate Communities in Schools
Illuminate Communities in Schools on Sunday, Nov. 12th, 2023 on the front steps of the SC State House. Please join us and invite your friends and family to come as well as we light the way to brighter futures for students across South Carolina. Enjoy hot chocolate from the Kona Ice Truck and cookies, bundle up (be sure to bring your own chair and blanket too) and enjoy live music by Columbia’s very own Cola Jazz Foundation and local students. The program will begin at 6:00pm and conclude at 7:00pm, but Cola Jazz will be playing music from 5:30pm until the start of the program. Additionally, the Luminaries will remain up until 8pm for pictures.
Please also consider sponsoring a Luminary. Each luminary represents a CISSC student, and the event symbolizes how our program illuminates the path to equitable education and graduation. By sponsoring a luminary for $10, you are not just lighting up the night- you’re brightening the future for a deserving student. See QR code on flyer.
Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Drop
Over 20,000 pounds of FREE sweet potatoes will be available on Saturday, November 18th at 12:00 p.m. at Woodfield Park Baptist Church (1834 Morninglo Lane, Columbia, SC 29223). Bring your own bag, box, pillowcase, etc to collect as many sweet potatoes as you can. Call 803-787-0678 for more information.
Want to Keep up with School News and Happenings?
Join Class Dojo!
Click the link to join.
https://www.classdojo.com/ul/p/addKid?target=school&schoolID=53f3fe4d4b55216c57000423
Your child's teacher will connect you to their class and you will be able to see the School Story.
Scan the QR code on the flyer to register or call (803) 231-6914 if you have questions or need additional information.
The City of Columbia is accepting applications for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Keeper Scholarship Awards. Applications are available at https://parksandrec.columbiasc.gov/ or at the Columbia Parks & Recreation Department, 1111 Recreation Drive. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, December 1, 2023.
Miscellaneous Files and Forms
Stay Connected!
Email: shannon.adams@richlandone.org
Website: https://www.richlandone.org/Domain/20
Location: 517 Horrell Hill Road, Hopkins, SC, USA
Phone: (803) 783-5545
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hhes517
Twitter: @HHESEagles