HWE Weekly Reminders
2/27/22
Important Dates
February 28: Back to school
March 1: PTA Meeting - Media Center (7:00 PM)
March 3: School Board Meeting - Teacher of the Year Recognition
March 4: All-Pro Dads - Media Center (8:00 AM)
March 8: 5th Grade Visit to Geisler Middle School
March 9: Bonaventure Skate Night (6:00 - 8:30)
March 10: Half-Day of School - Staff Professional Development (Hawk Pick-up 12:10; Buses Depart by 12:25; SXI Dismissal 12:40)
Math Course-Skipping
Registration for this process is February 28 - March 25.
BINGO NIGHT at HWE - Save the date
HWE Mask Update
On Monday, February 28, the OCHD will rescind their order requiring masks in schools. This means that, as of February 28, universal masking is no longer required in WLCSD schools.
In preparation for this change, we will be talking to our students about how some students will be wearing masks and some students will not be wearing masks. Our class discussions will emphasize that, no matter what decision a family makes, we will show respect to all.
We had planned for all classrooms to watch the following video on Friday, February 18. With the snow day, that will now happen on February 28. We encourage you to watch it at home with your child, too. The video explains this change in kid-appropriate language to help our children understand the decision each family will make. We also hope it will create opportunities for discussions at home.
Wearing a Mask at School - February 28, 2022 (1:52)
We understand that there is a wide range of views on this topic but we are confident that our school community will respect each family’s decision and our differences. We appreciate your support and understanding.
Please see Mr. Gutman's message from February 17 for the most recent district update about the OCHD order.
As always, please contact us with any concerns so we can work together to find a solution.
Bus 163
Bus transportation will not be available to students on Bus 163 (February 28 - March 4).
Arrival: Drop-off begins at 8:50 a.m.
Dismissal: Hawk Pick-Up is from 3:45-4:05 p.m.
Click Here for more detailed information for our Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
Carpooling with another family is encouraged and will save you both time! If you need help, please contact our main office so we can work together to find a solution. We want all of our children IN school!
Annual Education Report
https://wlcsd.org/schools/elementary/hickory-woods/our-school/annual-education-report/
HWE Alumni Scholarship
If there is a high school senior in your life who attended Hickory Woods, please help them get this information:
Attention Seniors-if you attended Hickory Woods Elementary the following is the application for the 2022 HWE Alumni Scholarship. The application is due Friday, March 25, 2022. If you have questions please reach out to Kristie Rust- kristierust74@gmail.com or 248-730-3617.
Earth Day Poster Contest
See the picture for more information! Sheets of 11" x 17" paper is available in the office.
i-Ready Reports - REPEAT
Our students have been completing the second round of iReady Diagnostic testing. Teachers will be sharing score reports with families in the upcoming weeks. The data from iReady will be an additional set of information to aid teachers in helping to meet the needs to each student.
Please see this message regarding iReady from our Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Cathy Kochanski.
Families of students in kindergarten through third grade are asked to review this letter concerning the "Third Grade Reading Law" and our Individual Reading Improvement Plans (IRIP) for students who are not yet meeting grade level reading expectations.
Electronic Devices - REPEAT
Preschool Interest Survey - REPEAT
The Walled Lake preschool department is interested in hearing from families! Please consider taking a minute to share your thoughts using this survey. This information will greatly help in planning for the next school year. Thank you for your input!
2022 - 2023 Calendar - REPEAT
We are pleased to share with you that the 2022-23 school year calendar has been finalized! We know what an important resource this tool is for our families and we are pleased to share this with you in advance. This calendar reflects important dates such as the first day of school, half days, school breaks and more. Click HERE for the 2022-2023 school calendar.
Hawk Pick-Up - REMINDERS
- All drivers are expected to park ONLY in designated parking spots. Please DO NOT park anywhere that may block the path of another vehicle.
We have found that the parking lot is busiest from 3:35 - 3:55. If your schedule allows, you can plan to arrive at HWE at or after 3:55 and contend with much less traffic. Our staff is prepared to monitor our pick-up process through 4:05.
ALL drivers must use caution and drive slowly.
Avoid cell phone use in our parking lot.
Watch for pedestrians.
We all play an important role in making our arrival and dismissal routines efficient and safe.
To reduce congestion, please use bus transportation (if eligible and available).
Attention 2022-2023 Kindergarten Families! - REPEAT
Calling All Future HWE Hawks! We have started planning for the 2022-2023 school year and look forward to welcoming our incoming kindergartners.
Do you have a future Hawk at home? Please contact our main office so we can add you to our email list and start sharing information! Call 248-956-2600 or LauraTayon@wlcsd.org or CatherineDuFresne@wlcsd.org.
Do you know of a future Hawk in the community? Please spread the word and have them contact our main office. Thank you!
Save the Date! Kindergarten Orientation will occur on March 14, 2022.
Join our Team!
Hickory Woods is still looking for a lunchroom paraprofessional to help supervise and operate our lunchroom. We haven't had any applicants and hope to find a fun, reliable, and collaborative candidate to join our team in the lunchroom.
Please consider applying or help spread the word!
- Click HERE to create an account and apply online.
- Click Non-Certified, then sort by district and select Walled Lake Schools.
- Job Number: 4600241344
- Questions? Need Help Applying? Call our main office -(248) 956-2600.
We also have the following positions open at Hickory Woods. Please consider any of your family, friends, or connections who might be a good fit for these positions and for our HWE Team.
Permanent Building Sub
You can learn more HERE! (Sort by District, Select Walled Lake)
COVID-19 Update - REMINDERS
This week, the district updated our protocols based on recent guidance from the CDC, MDHHS, and OCHD. These changes are described below:
- IF ASYMPTOMATIC, the isolation period for students who test positive for COVID-19 is 5 days provided your child remains symptom-free. Day 0 is the test date if asymptomatic.
- IF SYMPTOMATIC, the isolation period for students who test positive for COVID-19 is 5 days IF after 5 days your child is symptom-free or symptoms are improving. Day 0 is the symptom onset date if symptomatic.
- In order to return to school, the following criteria must be met:
○ The 5 day isolation period is completed.
○ The individual is symptom-free or symptoms are improving. - If individuals meet the above criteria to return to school, they must be masked around others on days 6-10. If it is determined that your child is not properly wearing their mask on days 6-10, then your child will be sent home from school because they are not consistently following the mask requirement after testing positive for COVID-19.
- We have additional seating in our lunchroom for students returning after a 5 day isolation period to use on days 6-10. Those students are able to invite a grade-level friend to join them at the additional seating. If your family would like your own student to not join a friend at the additional seating, please talk to your student about that choice. You can also email your student's teacher, and they can help with lunchroom seating.
- Note: If your child’s symptoms are not improving or they need more time, then families should have their child stay home from school.
Please refer to the district email sent to all families on 1/12/22 for additional information.
We are grateful for the support of our families as we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic. We all have an important role in keeping our community healthy, particularly given the increase in cases across our country.
- All positive cases of COVID-19 must be reported to our main office. You can call our absence line (248-956-2690) or email LauraTayon@wlcsd.org or CatherineDuFresne@wlcsd.org.
- Please be specific and include symptoms, dates, and test result information (if available).
Schoolwide COVID-19 Data:
● Please refer to our district COVID-19 Dashboard to view our schoolwide data. The dashboard is updated daily. As individuals complete their quarantine, they are removed from our totals.
● Parents will continue to receive emails when there is a positive case of COVID-19 in their child’s class or grade. Parents can also monitor the dashboard for schoolwide
information.
Health and Safety Protocols:
Please continue to talk to your child about the importance of properly wearing masks, washing their hands (or using hand sanitizer), and staying home from school if they are not feeling well. Our custodial staff will continue to thoroughly clean our school on a daily basis and disinfecting wipes are used throughout the day by staff and students. Masks continue to be required inside our school and on our buses. Masks are not required outside or when eating/drinking.
Please monitor your child’s health closely. If they have any COVID-19 symptoms, they should stay home from school.
Wondering if your child is TOO SICK FOR SCHOOL? Please use our district health screener. This screener has been updated to reflect the five-day isolation period.
Thank you for your continued support. Together we can ensure our community stays healthy and that we mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Subs Needed!
If you or someone you know is interested in subbing, substitute teachers are needed throughout the district. Several weeks ago, our daily rate was increased, including an incentive for every 20 days of subbing!
You do not need to work every day and can choose sub jobs as your schedule permits. All substitute teachers must register with EduStaff and meet the district’s requirements. To learn more, please contact our HR department (248-956-2192) or start registering with EduStaff!
Winter Weather - Reminder
Students go outside for recess every day unless the temperature is zero degrees or below (including wind chill). Students must dress for the weather. Snow pants and boots are ESSENTIAL when there is snow on the ground. Please label items with your child's first and last name.
Update Contact Information - REPEAT
WL Food Services
HWE PTA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HWEPTA
HWE PTA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hwepta
Community & District News
Chance to win BIG & Support for OUR classrooms!
17th Annual Tuition Expedition 50/50 Scholarship Raffle
Someone will win BIG! It could be you! Purchase your Tuition Expedition 50/50 Scholarship Raffle tickets today! The raffle is hosted by the Foundation for Excellence-Walled Lake Schools and proceeds are channeled into the WL District’s classrooms, including ours, through the Foundation’s annual grant program (see list of grant awards per school). Tickets are $35 each (service fee included). Only a 1,000 tickets are available for sale! Grand prize winner will receive scholarship funds for postsecondary education (40% lump sum option available instead of scholarship). Plus, ticket purchasers have the chance to win a FREE raffle ticket courtesy of the WL Schools Federal Credit Union (raffle’s sponsor) and the opportunity to win secondary prize; Samsung Buds Galaxy Pro with water resistant cover donated by the Foundation. Grand and secondary prize drawings are set for March 21, 2022 at District’s Reflections Celebration; need not be present to win. Visit the Foundation’s Tuition Expedition Raffle website for details and to purchase tickets or contact the Foundation: Phone 248. 956.2116 | Email MichelleBianco@wlcsd.org. MI Raffle License# R62313)
Wellness Wednesdays
WLCSD will be putting on a Wellness Wednesday Series for families throughout the upcoming months.
Click here for more information!Arrival/Dismissal Information
1st Bell - 8:50 AM - Students Enter Building
Final Bell - 8:55 AM - School Day Begins
Dismissal - 4:00 PM
Buses Depart - 4:07 PM
SXI Program Arrival - 9:45 AM
SXI Program Dismissal - 3:35 PM
Communication is Key!
Laura Tayon - Principal's Secretary
Cathy DuFresne - Building Secretary
Cindy Kluz - Prime Time Care Supervisor
Important Phone Numbers:
Main Line: 248-956-2600
Attendance: 248-956-2690
Website: https://wlcsd.org/schools/elementary/hickory-woods/our-school/
Location: 30655 Novi Road, Novi, MI, USA
Phone: 248-956-2600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HWEPTA
Twitter: @HWE_Hawks