December 16

December 16, 2011

Dear Parents,

This week flew by in a combination of budget and board meetings, and concerts.  I am thankful for the talents of Ms. Bernstein and Ms. Wood, our music teachers.  The concerts were sweet.  I never tire of the excitement of the students as they perform, and of the incredible talent they display.  As a child, I was terrified of speaking or performing publicly, so I marvel at our students’ comfort on stage.

This year, three of our School Board members will complete their terms in office.  Debbie Carter, Tom Kennedy and Susan McGrath have served this community for years, and deserve thanks from the school and community for their hard work.  We now need to replace them.  Please seriously consider volunteering as a School Board member.  In order to do so, you need to be elected by the community on Town Meeting Day.  A petition must be picked up from the Town Clerk’s office and then returned with signatures from 25 residents of the town.  (This is quite easy and can be accomplished by spending a half hour in the lobby of the school on any morning or afternoon.) The completed petition must be submitted to the Town Clerk’s office by January 30 at 5:00 PM. 

Tom Christensen and the School Board have mapped out a process to search for a new HES Principal.  They are inviting and community members to a public forum on January 5 at 6:30 PM in our library.  The purpose of the discussion is to gather input on the characteristics that you would like to see in a new principal.  This information will help the search committee select applicants.  I hope that you will plan to attend.  I also hope that you will bring your children to participate in this process.

We had an exciting week in the library with author visits!  Two authors made visits via Skype.  The students thoroughly enjoyed talking in real time to an author on the big screen.  Todd Parr, author of I like to Read,, and It’s OK To Be Different, and Mary Amato, author of Chicken of the Family described how to become an author, what it is like to write books, and how they got their ideas.  Students loved it.  Today author Jan Reynolds visits in person!  Mrs. Hill has several additional authors scheduled to visit classes electronically during January and February. 

Have a wonderful weekend.  I will start baking in preparation of the holidays.  My children are both planning to visit over break and will actually overlap their visits for 24 hours!  It has been a long time since we have been together as a family.  Since this is the last newsletter before the holiday break, and the last newsletter of 2011, I wish you peace and happiness.  As always, give your child a hug for me.

Judy Callens

December 9 newsletter

December 9, 2011 Parent Newsletter

Dear Parents,

Having such mild weather is both a blessing and a bane.  I love the fact that the school is using less oil.  It is so much easier to get students out to recess without putting on layers of snow pants, etc.  It is nice to not worry about driving in icy conditions.  On the other hand, this feels a little strange. This is the first year that I can remember in which our pond has not been totally frozen.  We usually count on skating and skiing over the holiday break, but that does not seem to be on the horizon this year. 

We owe a huge thank you to the PTSF for another successful Breakfast with Santa.  If you receive the Vermont Standard, there was a wonderful article with beautiful photos in this week’s edition. 

Next week is very busy here at school.  We have a Budget Advisory Committee meeting on Tuesday at 5:00 PM, and evening concerts on Wednesday and Thursday nights.  Thanks to the community members who volunteered to serve on the Budget Advisory Committee. 

As for the concerts, I hope that you can all attend.  School concerts always put me in the holiday spirit.  The K – 4 students perform on Wednesday at 6:30 PM.  Older students perform on Thursday at 7:00 PM.  Further information about drumming groups, chorus and bands, will be sent to parents.

Mid term reports are about to be sent home to students in grades 6. 7, and 8.  

Winter

Snow blisters, frost bites

All kinds of stuff

Nothing is better than icicle crust

Snow is glittery, snow is cold

white skies

Everybody loves to drink hot cocoa

Children laughing, snowmen built

Pink cheeks

Come and get your cookies and milk!

By Ellie Jacobson-Goodue

Edited by J-G

Every year we arrange for a special assembly for our students as our holiday gift to them.  This year, we will host Dr. Quinton Quark’s Slapstick Science show on Flight.  Although Dr. Quark (actor Ted Lawrence) performs as a science clown, he teachers the physics of flight gliding, floating, gravity, force, and the Bernoulli Principle.  It is so much fun, the kids don’t even know they are learning some sophisticated science.  He will present two shows on December 21.  The K – 4 students will be entertained at 8:30, and the 5 – 8 students will watch the show at 9:45. 

Have a great weekend.  Put up the trees and string the lights.   Enjoy this special time of the year with your children, and as always, give them a hug for me. 

Judy Callens, Principal

Dec 2

December 2, 2011

Dear Parents,

As many of you know by now, I have decided to retire at the end of the school year.  The School Board is actively advertising my position in order to conduct the search for a new principal.  To that end, they are looking for parent representatives for the search committee.  If you are interested in participating in the search process, contact Tom Christensen at 674-2144.

This year has been challenging, but I want to make it very clear that my decision to retire is entirely for personal reasons.   I continue to believe in this school, the staff, students and the community.   It simply is time for me to change the direction of my life, spend more time with family, travel, play, and take stock of the things I would like to pursue next. 

Having said that, I think this is an exciting time for HES.  I have been a mentor for an Upper Valley Educator’s Institute administrative intern this year.  Through this involvement I have had the opportunity to work with principals throughout Vermont and New Hampshire, and meet all of the interns.  I know there are many, many highly qualified people who are eager to lead a school like ours.  Meeting these wonderful people helped me realize that HES will be in good hands.  So please, volunteer to participate in the search process.

I also need several volunteers to serve on the Budget Advisory Committee.  Our first meeting is Wednesday, Dec 7 at 5:000 PM.   I do not anticipate there will be many BAC meetings since the budget needs to be presented to the Board in December and approved no later than early January.   Please contact me if you can spare a few hours. 

There are so many exciting things happening in the school.  The halls are full of choral and instrumental music being rehearsed for our upcoming winter concerts.  Students in grades 5 and 6 are studying ecosystems and building small aquarium/ terrarium environments.  The new art displays are spectacular.  The fourth grade teachers are trying out new approaches to teaching science.  Basketball has started. Auditions for the play are taking place.  It is a good time.

Have a great, sun filled weekend.  As always, give your child a hug for me. 

Judy Callens

November 18

November 18, 2011

Dear Parents,

If you haven’t already, check out the staff pages on our website.  You will find that each teacher has developed a page for his/her classroom or content area.  Homework assignments, class information, curriculum outlines, and internet links for extended lessons or extra practice.

Please check out the lost and found racks.  They are chock full of clothing, shoes and boots. 

On Tuesday, November 22, we will have a student-led assembly at 12:10 in the MPR.  We have a large number of students eager to perform. Parents are welcome to attend. Cade Salzano and Ana Morse will announce each act.  The following students have signed up to present:

Mrs. Kamb’s class will sing Do-Re-Mi

Izzy Miller, Brooke Shambo, and Gabby Norwalk will do a skit.

Jasmine Wilson and Morgan Richardson will sing Naturally

Maddy Henning, Sophie Whynot, Gracie Pfenning,Bella Johnson and Jenna Jasmine will do a skit.

Caleb Sweet, Finn Seville and Alex Gray will do a dance.

Tiana Browen and Whitney Ladeau will sing Party in the USA.

Madison Withington and Sarah White will sing Firework with Casey Starr and Jeremy Emerson as back-up dancers.

Mason Archambeault and Holly Weglarz will do an oboe and flute duet.

Linden Oakes, Anthony and Kalem Boynton will tell jokes.

Samantha Gibbs and Daisy Johnson will sing Defying Gravity

 Izzy Miller, Gaby Norwalk and Brook Shambo will sing King of Anything.

Kiley Gallagher and Taylor Iseno4 will do a Skit

Emma Sawyer, Linzie Nichols, Haley Hathorn, Jamie Harkins, Sarah Kleber, Matthew Alibozek, Madison Sweeney will do a skit- Calling all Monsters.

Emma Kleber and Kayla Burnham will read a story

Logan Haley, Sadie Balch, Nevaeh,  Tatum Guitiere, Mae Erskine, Alex Gray, Kobe Peach will do a skit.

Haley Symonds will sing Lean on Me

Emily LeBlanc, Mollie Broder, Claire McFeeley, Belle Moutton, and Kayle Barret will do a skit.

Finally, Mrs. White and Mrs. Hitchcock’s classes will sing. 

Mrs. White and Jaimie Bernstein oversee the K – 4 student council.  They recently sent a package to Mrs. White’s brother, George Figueroy.  He is stationed in Afghanistan.  The package was filled with cards, letters, and pictures created by our students to give to soldiers for Thanksgiving.  Senior Chief George Figuroy of the Unites States Army wrote back to our students stating that their support and patriotism was overwhelming.  The cards and letters meant the world to his team. 

As we approach Thanksgiving, I reflect upon the many blessings in my life.  Working in such a kind, caring community, full of terrific families is certainly a true blessing.  The staff, students and their parents in this school inspire me daily.   I hope that you all enjoy family time next week, and can appreciate the greatest blessing of all, your children.  As always, give them a hug for me.

Judy Callens

November 4

Parent Newsletter November 4, 2011

Dear Parents,

I want to thank the many families that participated in the Empty Bowls dinner last night.  This was a fund raiser for hurricane relief, initiated by Janet Cathey, our art teacher. Not only did admission provide a beautifully crafted ceramic bowl made by one of our students, but the soups served were delicious.  Thanks go to Ms. Cathey, Kelly Meacham, the kitchen staff, and the many volunteers. 

We seem to be feeding a lot of people this week.  The annual Spaghetti Supper, a traditional eighth grade fund raiser will take place on Saturday here at HES.  In the past we have used the brick church for this event, but moved it to our own cafeteria this year. It opens at 5:00 PM.

On Saturday morning between 10:00 and 12:00, HES will host the Regional Spelling Bee.  This is sponsored by the Vermont Principal’s Association.  Mrs. Zeigler and her intrepid team will compete against other local schools.

Over 60 parents filled out our school improvement survey last week. Thank you for taking the time to do so.  We plan to summarize the results and will post them once we are finished. 

Grades will be final for the first quarter on Friday.  For students in grades 7 and 8, the final grades will be posted on Power School Friday.  I hope all parents are able to attend teacher conferences next week. 

The first Honor Roll assembly for students in grades 6, 7, and 8 will take place Monday, November 14 at 800 AM. 

Speaking of next week, please remember it will be a short one for students.  Thursday is an early release day so teachers can do curriculum work and Friday is parent teacher conference day, so there is no school for students. 

We are very pleased to announce that Marta Bartholomew, an eighth grade student, has been selected to serve as a page for he Vermont Legislature this winter.  This is quite an honor and we are certain Marta will serve her state proudly.

Since Monday is the first Monday of the month, Mr. Cox and I will serve coffee to parents who would like to spend  a little time talking about the school.  If you have questions about the budget, want to see results of the parent survey, or have any other questions, please stop by.

Have a great weekend,  After getting our first snow last weekend, it is supposed to be warm and beautiful  this weekend.   Enjoy your family time,. Come to HES and eat some spaghetti!  As always, give your child a hug for me.   Judy Callens

Oct 21

Parent Newsletter October 21, 2011

Dear Parents,

I have mentioned a few times that I am working on a three year plan for school improvement.  I have gained input from teachers and students.  This week I am asking for your opinions.  Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey: 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?pli=1&formkey=dEpfalpsNEJMalRoWG1JckFucDlnRkE6MA#gid=0

Halloween is just around the corner.  Several people have asked me to describe what the “rules” are about celebrations and costumes.  We do not dress up in costumes for Halloween.  Wearing a sweatshirt with Halloween figures or jewelry, crazy socks, etc is fine.  But costumes and masks are for trick or treat, not school.   The recreation department does a fabulous job with Pumpkin in the Park, and our students truly enjoy trick or treating in the community.  Therefore we feel the celebration of this day does not have to take place within the school.

We are in need of nursing substitutes.  If you are available, even one day per week, please contact Deb Christie-Maples. 

Students are beginning to show mastery of their basic computation skills.  Linden Oaks in grade 2 was the first students to do so.  We are so proud of him. 

The HES grade 5/6 spelling team won the Supervisory Union spelling bee earlier this month.  We are pleased to host the regional competition here at school on Saturday, November 5 between 10:00AM and 12:00 PM.  We hope you can attend.

Later in the day, November 5, I hope you will plan to attend the Spaghetti Supper.  This is an annual fund- raiser for the eighth grade.  This year, the spaghetti supper will take place in our cafeteria starting at 5:00 PM. 

Parents often wonder what happened during professional days when school is closed and students get a day off.  This past Tuesday we attended a presentation called Bridges Out of Poverty. This was offered by the Mount Ascutney Prevention Partnership to all teachers in the Supervisory Union.  I think the presentation was valuable in helping teachers understand the lack of resources, or lack of access to resources that many families face. 

This should be a quiet weekend.  I hope you enjoy your time with your children.  As always, give them a hug for me. 

Judy Callens

Letter to Parents of 7/8 students

Hartland Elementary School_____________________________

97 Martinsville Road, Hartland, Vermont 05048  (802) 436-2255  fax (802) 436-2091

                                                                                    October 14, 2011

Dear Parents of seventh and eighth grade students,

            We are writing to you to ask for your help.  We have recently experienced a spate of inappropriate behavior between students that may be considered harassment.  Although this word is commonly used to describe many irritating behaviors, we do not use the term lightly in these cases.  The legal definition of harassment is as follows:

            Harassment:  An incident or incidents of verbal, written, visual, or physical conduct based on or motivated by a student’s or a student’s family  member’s actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, gender identity, marital status, sex, sex orientation, or disability that has the purpose or effect of objectively and substantially undermining and detracting from or interfering with a student’s educational performance or access to school resources, or creating an objectively intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. 

            Bullying:  Any overt act or combination of acts directed against a student by another student or groups of students and which:

                        a.  is repeated over time

                        b. is intended to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the student, and

                        c.  occurs during the school day on school property, on a school bus, or at                                     a school-sponsored activity.

            Mr. Cox has been vigilant about responding to claims or reports of inappropriate behavior and has taken a very strict approach to these incidents.  I support him completely. Looking at individual incidents, one might ask if the school is taking too strict an approach. However taken as a whole, I believe we have a significant problem with the way in which students are treating each other and that the response has been appropriate. 

            Teachers and staff met with the boys and girls separately this week to clarify what behaviors they are seeing that are problematic.  They include writing inappropriate words on the bus seats, “scoop dunking” girls’ chests, calling each other gay, making comments of a sexual nature about each other’s bodies.  We need your help in reinforcing what is acceptable. We also need your help in teaching your children that there are different standards for acceptable behaviors in different environments such as school. 

            I ask that you all take a look at YouTube and some of the MTV shows that your children are watching.  Listen to the language used, check out the dress, (or lack thereof).  It is no wonder that students have difficulty understanding what is not OK.  Sex sells, which is why these venues are such money- makers.  Yet at school, we are bound by Vermont Statute to enforce very high standards of conduct.  Again, we need your help.  Thank you.

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    Judith Callens, Principal

                                                                                    Kevin Cox, Dean of Students

October 14, 2011 newsletter

October 14 Newsletter

 

Dear Parents,

When I was in junior high school, one of my teachers used to say “There is a time and a place for everything.”  What she was trying to teach us was that some kinds of behavior were OK outside of school, but not inside of school.  I can’t believe it, but that statement has been haunting me this week.  Parents of seventh and eighth grade students have been sent a letter regarding student behaviors that are inappropriate.  I have also posted the letter on my blog.  I ask all parents to be very proactive about what kinds of things their children are exposed to on television, the internet, and while overhearing casual conversation at home.  Many students are understandably confused about why something is acceptable in one environment, but not at school.  We ask for your help in teaching them where and when it is not OK.  Thank you. 

I am very pleased to announce that three students in sixth grade have been recognized by Omya, the Vermont Marble Exhibit, the Vermont Geological Survey, and the Vermont Geological Society for creating posters for Earth Science Week,  Kyle Postens won first prize, Anna Heise took second, and Ileana Sirois was awarded third place. These three students will be honored tomorrow at an awards ceremony at the Vermont Marble Exhibit  in Middlebury.  Congratulations to these students and Mrs. Cathey, their art teacher.

Mrs. Ziegler will host Linda Urban, author of A Crooked Kind of Perfect on Monday.  Her class has just finished reading this book.  This is a lovely opportunity for students to meet an author and learn about what motivated her to write. 

Please don’t forget that there is no school for students on Tuesday, October 18.  The entire teaching staff will be attending a professional development program in Windsor. 

Have a wonderful weekend.  As always, give your kids a hug for me.  

Parent Newsletter October 7, 2011

Parent Newsletter October 7, 2011

Dear Parents,

Our first Parent Coffee on Monday was a lovely success.  Mr. Cox and I enjoyed having a few minutes to chat with parents as they dropped children off for school.  We will continue to do this on the first Monday of each month.  We hope that you will join us on Monday, November 7. 

I want to thank two long term substitute teachers for their help this fall.  Barbara Barbour has taught science in grades 7 and 8 while Ms. Colby has been out on maternity leave.  We welcome Ms. Colby back on Monday and thank Mrs. Barbour for all of her hard work.  Lee Fotion subbed for Mr. Pogue while he was out on paternity leave.  Mr. Pogue is back in his second grade classroom.  Mrs Fotion has been subbing where ever there is a need.  We thank both long term subs for helping us get off to a healthy school start. 

Today’s Channel 3 news report included a story about a high school girl who is suing her former school for not protecting her from bullying and harassment.  We have two policies, #F1-B and F-1C that address these issues.  They can be found in the student handbook and on our website.  I mention them because parents often feel that we over react to “normal teenage” language and behavior.  However, by policy and by law we must address this behavior.  Behavior and language that may have been overlooked when parents were in middle school must be addressed today.  Schools cannot prevent bullying and harassment.  However, we have a responsibility to educate students about what it is, set standards for behavior, and respond to complaints. 

Once again, Janie White and Deb Joslin have earned a nearly perfect score by the Vermont Department of Health for the condition and management of the school kitchen.  They earned a score of 99 out of 100 points.  We are very proud of their record!

At our faculty meeting this week, Alicia Jenks led a discussion about venting.  We talked about the need for students and adults to occasionally vent when stressed or frustrated.  The danger is in making assumptions about schools, teachers, parents, or students based upon someone’s venting their frustrations.  Often after “letting loose”, the person who has just vented can put the issue into better perspective.  I mention this to parents because we hear of many students who regularly vent at home.  Parents then get only one picture of what is happening in their child’s day, and of course, want to make things better.  When talking to the teacher, both the teacher and the parent often find the true situation is different than described while the child is in venting mode.  Venting is important, but the follow up discussion is equally important.  After talking things through with your child you feel the problem really exists and cannot be solved by the child, by all means, contact the teacher for a conference.  We will do our best to solve the problem together. 

This weekend is supposed to be spectacular.  Enjoy it with your kiddos.  As always, give them a hug for me. 

Judy Callens

September 30 newsletter

September 30, 2011

Dear Parents,

Goodbye summer.  The first few weeks of school have flown by.

We need volunteers for two important committees. The first is the Budget Advisory Committee.  This committee will meet throughout the months of late October – December and will advise the Superintendent and School Board while developing next year’s budget.  The second committee is to serve on the Regional Education District, or RED committee. This committee will study the pros and cons of consolidating our WSSU into one legal entity, and consider issues such as school choice and local representation.  We need two representatives from Hartland on this committee.  If you are interested in serving on either committee, please contact Tom Christensen, Superintendent, at 674-2144.

• The first half of the semester is over.  Students in grades 7 – 8 will receive mid term reports next week.  If you have not been given a power point code, please ask your child’s advisor to provide it.  This allows you to access his/her grades throughout the marking period.  I will be meeting with students on Wednesday to discuss eligibility for sports and after school activities.
• Earlier this week I posted a student survey link on my principal’s blog.  The purpose is to gain the students’ input about our school programs.  I am writing a three year plan for school improvement and want to include the opinions of the students.  Next week I will post a similar survey for parents.  I would appreciate your input..
• Teachers across all grade levels are using a website called Xtra math to assess the basic computational skills of our students.  Collectively we are surprised by the lack of retention of these basic math skills.  Students are practicing them on a regular basis.  We have one student, Kyle Postens who has achieved a perfect score in all four computational areas!  We are sure he will be joined by many other students, soon.  Xtra math not only tests students accuracy, it tests fluency, or how quickly students can recall their facts.  This is stressful for some students, but really, it is no different than an Xbox computer game.  I know they can do it. 
• We will host the WSSU spelling bee on Monday in our library.  Believe it or not, this is the most intensely competitive event of the year!  Students in grades 5 and 6 will compete from 9:00 – 11:00 AM, while students in grades 7 and 8 will compete from 12:00 – 2:00 PM. 
• We have received our Science NECAP results, and our school did very well compared to the district and State results.  Yes, there is always room for improvement!  I will post a report on the school website soon.  Parents of fifth grade students will receive a report by mail. 

Overall, I am so pleased with the beginning of the school year.  You should be proud of your children!  As always, give them a hug for me. 

Judy Callens

Student Survey

Hey 7th and 8th graders- you have found my blog.  In order to fill out the student survey, click on this link:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHhhSjJ2TmFZc3R4RE01M2VHU0hEOGc6MQ 

September 23 Newsletter

Dear Parents,

It was wonderful to see so many of you at last night’s welcome back picnic.  It was nice to see parents and students enjoying each other on such a balmy evening.  Thank you to all who contributed food.  Special thanks go to Ray Sapp and John Leonard for being our grill masters. 

• NECAP Assessments begin the first week of October.  Grades K – 2 are not tested.  Grade 3 – 4 will have testing on Oct 4,5,6 and 11, 12, 13.    Grades 5 and 6 will have testing on Oct 11, 12, 13, and 17, 19, and 20.  Grades 7 and 8 will test on Oct 11, 12, and 13.  Please help us by ensuring that your children attend school during the testing window.  If you would like to contribute breakfast or snack items during the testing, we would appreciate your efforts. 

• We will be hosting the WSSU Spelling Bee here at HES on Monday, October 3.  Teams from Windsor, West Windsor, and Weathersfield will join us in our school library from 9:00 – 11:00 AM for grades 5 and 6, and 12:00 – 2:00 PM for grades 7 and 8.

                        Members of the 5-6 team are:  Cami Rediker, Bronwyn Smith, Devon             Beland, MollyThompson, Halsey Jones and Sara Kleber.

                        Members of the 7-8 team are:  Hunter Brooks, Miranda Sweeney, Emily                         Fortier, and Jacob Farewell.

• We are still in great need of Volunteers.  We could use someone for two hours per week in the office to some data entry, work with Mr. Cox on the bus schedule, filing, etc.  I will need 1 or 2 people (more are welcome) to review a three year plan for school improvement in early November.  I do not anticipate this to be a  long term commitment. Also, Mr. Cox is trying to organize after school activities and needs parent volunteers to supervise and run them.  If you can spare some extra time, please contact us.
• We have not yet hired a Part Time Kitchen Worker.  This is a paid position for two hours per day.  Send a letter of interest to me if you would like to be considered for the position.
• If you are planning a family vacation during regularly scheduled school days, you must write a letter to me detailing the days your child will miss. 
• Mid Term grades close on September 30, so it is important that 7^th and 8^th grade students be up to date with their class work. I have enjoyed watching the soccer games and feel it would be unfortunate for students to lose team time due to ineligibility due to poor grades.  Parents should check out Power School to determine which assignments are missing. 
• I want to thank all of the ELF Volunteers for their work this week.  The theme of this month’s lesson was spiders. Volunteers brought in living spiders to share with students.  The stories of capturing “the Beast” and “Fang” were hysterical.  I think the excitement of the parent volunteers made this an especially interesting lesson for the students.
• Finally, I want to honor Arne Wolz’s accomplishments in the Region 8 National dressage competition where he took three first place ribbons, and a second place and a third place. Arne belongs o the Green Mountain Horse Association.

Enjoy the first fall weekend.   It is supposed to be beautiful. As always, give your child a hug from me.

Judy Callens

Sept 9 newsletter

September 9, 2011 Parent Newsletter

Dear Parents,

The second week of school has run smoothly.  Bus routes, schedules, and classroom coverage have begun to run smoothly.  Our Kindergarten students are now here full time.

• One of the difficulties in creating accurate bus routes is that some students do not ride the same bus home as they ride to school each day.  Depending upon sports, day care needs, and parent schedules, some students ride different busses at the end of each day.  Teachers make a concerted effort to ensure that students get on the correct bus every day.  Please make sure that teachers have a note of which bus is to be taken.  If your plans change, you must provide a note.  It is common for a child to state that they are supposed to wait for a parent to pick them up when no notice was given to the teacher. Our protocol is that all children will be sent home on their regular bus UNLESS we have received a note, or in an emergency, a phone call.
• Our secretaries work from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.  If you call the school after 3:30 PM, you will hear a recording.  If you stay on the phone, you will be instructed about how to access a teacher’s direct phone line or voice mail.  A list of staff extensions has been included in this newsletter for your convenience. 
• Walmart has selected our school to receive $1000 in gift cards so that teachers can purchase classroom materials.  Each year, Walmart employees select an area school to honor.  We are very pleased to accept this gift to the school. 
• Micah Heaney is a former HES student working on his Eagle Scout designation.  This summer he and a cadre of volunteers built an access to the 17 acres adjacent to the school.  Stone steps, railings and bridges were erected.  We encourage you to explore this land with your families.  His work was a gift to all of us.  Our students and teachers are already using the 17 acres as a natural classroom.
• All court documents concerning custodial rights need to be filed in our main office. 
• Please don’t forget the Welcome Back community picnic scheduled for Wednesday, September 21.  Tom Christensen, our new WSSU Superintendent plans to attend and say a few words.  This is a great opportunity to meet him.

From time to time I feel it is important to review school policies with parents.  This week I want to review school attendance policies. Absences from school are considered “excused” as follows: (HES Policy F14) “ Illness, observance of religious holidays, a death in the family, family emergencies, or situations beyond the student’s control as determined by the School Board, or other circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent or guardian for the health or safety of the student and are confirmed in writing or verbally by the parent or guardian of the student.” All other absences are considered unexcused.  School attendance in Vermont is compulsory after age 6.  If a student accrues 5 unexcused absences, we are required to make personal contact with parents and document our concerns.  After 7 unexcused absences, we will meet to determine how the school can assist the parents in improving school attendance.  After 10 unexcused absences, the school must gather a team of social service agencies, the truant officer, and parents to create a Coordinated Services Plan.  If that is not successful, we must make a formal referral to the Department of Children and Families, who will refer the issue to the State’s Attorney

It is important that you call the school when your child is going to be absent and describe the reason for their absence. 

Have a great weekend.  After a week of rain and clouds, it feels terrific to know the sun will be shining again.  I hope that you have ample time to enjoy being out of doors.  As always, give your kids a hug for me. 

Judy Callens

  

September 2 Newsletter

September 3 Newsletter. 

Dear Parents,

With such devastation in our State, I am thankful that we were able to open school on time.  We had a wonderful first week of school.   Students returned rested, full of summer stories, and ready to learn.

I also feel grateful that damage to Hartland was minimal compared to so many other Vermont communities.  Conversations have started about getting students involved in either assisting neighboring communities with clean up projects, raising money for disaster relief, and food and clothing drives. 

We would like to welcome our 26 Kindergarten students and their families to a new school year.  In addition, we welcome 16 new students and their families to HES.

• First my yearly plea:  Please do not drop off children before 7:30 AM.  Supervision is available only after this time.  After school students are expected to go home unless they are attending homework club or sports.  PARENTS MUST SEND NOTES TO THEIR CHILDREN’S TEACHERS STATING WHERE THEY SHOULD GO AT THE END OF THE DAY.  If students intend to go to the library at the end of the day, we need a note from parents.  Accounting for the whereabouts of each child is difficult to manage.  Please keep us informed.  Thank you. 

• Now that students, staff and parents are back in the routine, we are returning to our security protocols.  The front door will be locked after 8:00 AM.  Visitors after that time will be “buzzed in”.  All visitors need to sign in outside of the office and wear visitors badges. 
• We have ordered staff identification name tags as well as substitute and volunteer badges. 
• Homework club for students in grades 5 – 8 begins next week on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:45 – 4:00 PM in the HES library.
• The 5 – 8^th grade student council members for 2011-12 were elected on the last day of school last June.  They are:  Lexie Urase, President, Daisy Hutt, Vice President, Cammie Rediker, Secretary, Jakob Farewell, Treasurer, and Camden Moffit, 5^th grade representative. 
• Peter Driscoll called Thursday morning from Vietnam to wish us all a terrific first week of school.  He and Jennifer started teaching several weeks ago. They are still settling in to their new school, learning the language and customs, and deciphering the rules of driving, which apparently make absolutely no sense.  …Something about not making eye contact….
• If your family is in a custody dispute and you wish to limit access to your child by a non- custodial parent or relative, please meet with me.  We will need legal documents showing that you have full custody in order to prohibit access by anyone else.  We also need photos of those who should not be allowed to see your children.  
• Children from homeless families are automatically qualified for free lunch and breakfast.  If you have moved in with a parent, relative, or friend because you have been unable to find housing, you may qualify.  Again, please contact me to discuss how our school can support you. 

Enjoy the long weekend.  It feels good to be back among students again.  As always, give them a hug for me. 

Judy Callens, Principal

welcome back to school

Only one more week before we welcome you all back to HES.  I hope your summer has been as fabulous as mine.