Blackhawk Newsletter

Dear Blackhawks, I hope this newsletter finds you well after the week of homecoming. What a great week it was. I was really impressed by our students' school spirit. Blackhawk pride is alive and well.

At our last school board meeting, the board approved its annual goals and I provided the board with my goals for the year and how they are tied to the board goals. I look forward to working with our staff to meet these goals. Each school building has set goals as well. Now it's about working the process to meet the goals. Our strategic plan is available on our Simbli website which you can access through our website/school board/planning or by clicking the following link: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/StrategicPlan/PlanDetail.aspx?S=36030981&PID=365

Dirt Work:

The board approved a contract with Beck Engineering to develop a grading plan of the land to the west. Our plan is to start moving dirt off the hill to prepare the land for future use. We also contracted with Liebers Construction and Udell Construction to move the dirt. Our cost for this will be $6,450 for the Beck Engineering work plus the cost of silt fences. We don't have a timeline for the project but we expect the dirt will start moving in the spring.

Annual Board Goals

1. Student Growth and Achievement
2. Safe and Collaborative Culture
3. Employee Excellence
4. Community Engagement
5. Facilities and Infrastructure
6. Fiscally Responsible

Superintendent Goals

Goal 1 - Implement High-Reliability Schools Instructional Framework with a focus on LEVEL One and ensure we have a Safe and Collaborative Culture. (BG 2)

A. Implement Professional Learning Community (PLC) process (BG 1 & 3)

B. Review and Update Emergency Operations Plan

C. Collect Data from Students, staff, parents, and community regarding level one leading indicators. (BG 4)

Goal 2 - Recruit, Retain, and Develop Quality Teachers and Staff (BG 3)

A. Study and potentially implement compensation system to provide competitive wages and salaries for Hinton staff while staying fiscally responsible. (Board Goals 3 & 6)

B. Review and Study Employee Benefits and Leave System (Board Goal 6)

C. Utilize PLC process and mentoring process to improve and develop teachers and staff. (BG 1,3)

D. Highlight Staff and what they do through social media. (BG 1, 3 & 4)

Goal 3 - Be highly visible campus-wide and at school events (BG 1, 2 & 4)

A. Visit every classroom at least three times

B. Attend at least 80% of home games and events along with post-season events.

Goal 4 - Maintain effective equitable resources to support the mission and vision of the school district (BG 1, 5 & 6)

A. Develop a Short Term and Long Term Facilities Plan (BG 5 & 6)

Goal 5 - Improve Community Engagement (BG 2 & 4)

A. Needs Assessment - provide the community an opportunity to provide input on the function of the school and how it can improve

B. Communicate and inform the community regarding High Reliability School Instructional Framework

Hinton Schools Advisory Committee

The Hinton Community School District is conducting a needs assessment to help us determine how we can continually improve on behalf of our students, families, and community. This process will be led by a committee made up of parents, staff members, students, alumni, and community members. Please let me know if you have interest in serving on this committee by clicking on the form below and entering your information.

The first meeting will be Thursday, October 21, at 5:30 p.m. at our library in the Hinton Middle School/High School. The second meeting has been tentatively set for November 9 at 5:30 p.m.

The State of Iowa requires school districts to take part in this process every five years. For HCSD, it represents an opportunity for us to seek the feedback of our community members as we plan for the future.

Pick Up/Drop Off

Parents, you are doing a great job of observing the “No Parking 8 to 4” parking areas in front of the school. Thank you! The bus drivers greatly appreciate arriving to find clear lanes when dropping off in the mornings and picking up after school.

To increase safety in the south parking lot, we ask that TK-3 parents dropping off their children either park in the lot and walk their child to the sidewalk or pull up as far as possible next to the curb to drop off children. Please do not stop directly across from the door when there is room to move forward. If each parent does not move as far forward as possible, traffic gets backed up into the bus lane and frontage road.

Parents choosing to drop off their child on the east side of the building MUST walk their child across the walkway. Please do not send your child alone to walk across the road. TK-3 students are too small to be seen over the hood of the buses they must cross in front of. Parents wanting to drop off without walking their child to the door should drop off at the south door.

Preschool parents should use the north lot for drop off and pick up after 8:00 a.m. and prior to 4:00 p.m. Please park in a parking spot when walking your child into the building. Several of our bus drivers turn around in the east lot after drop off. When parents choose to park in the driveway instead of a designated parking spot, the bus cannot maneuver through the limited space in the drive. Parking in the driveway is never appropriate or safe.

Hinton Parent Association

The Hinton Parent Association (HPA) is a group focused on providing safe opportunities for our students to socialize outside of school and raising funds for additional support of TK-12 education needs. We meet three to four times each year to plan and organize activities. Parents interested in joining HPA or volunteering to help with events should call any school office providing their name, e-mail, and phone number to receive HPA communications. Meetings will also be posted on Seesaw for TK-3 and the district website for all.

Therapeutic Classroom

Last month I shared about our therapeutic classroom and the grant we received to pay for the teacher, training, and equipment. This month I’d like to explain how students qualify for this program.

When students have difficulty with reading, writing or math and all the interventions the teacher has tried in the classroom are not enough, we often request observation and testing. This helps us determine if adding Title I assistance or writing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for special education assistance is needed to bridge the gap between this child’s skill deficits and the grade level expectations. We follow a similar process with students who are struggling and/or below grade level expectations with social and/or behavioral skills. The classroom and specials teachers first try implementing individual or small group interventions in their setting. If that does not help bridge the gap, they request assistance from our problem solving team. That team looks at the data and determines if a Functional Behavior Assessment is needed. The Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) provides the data to help the team determine if a Behavior Intervention Plan (BPI) is needed to provide individualized instruction on social and/or behavioral skills. Once a BIP is developed, the child qualifies for instruction through our therapeutic classroom. Although students may spend part or all of their day in the therapeutic classroom, the goal is always to teach, practice, and learn to apply necessary skills so the child can be successful in their regular classroom.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on October 26 and 28. We will dismiss one hour early on both days. Conferences can be scheduled between 3:30 and 7:30 each evening. There will be no school for staff or students on Friday, October 29. Parent-Teacher conferences will be scheduled on-line again this year and then held in person. Staff will be contacting parents with directions on how to sign up for a conference time.

Fall Songs and Costume Parade

Our elementary students will again perform fall songs prior to Halloween. We will do this along with our October Student of the Month awards on Wednesday, October 27 at 2:45 p.m. Families are welcome to join us in the elementary gym. For family members that are unable to join us, the students’ performance will be recorded and shared with families via the Hinton Elementary Facebook page. We will not be having a costume parade this year due to the early dismissal on Thursday when students will have their parties and wear their costumes. Classroom teachers will share class pictures of students in costume via Seesaw.

We try to keep our Halloween celebration child friendly. Costumes should represent positive, fun characters and should be free of blood/gore. If costumes contain weapons/look-alike weapons, that part of the costume should be saved for home use and NOT brought onto school property. Students do not wear their costumes to school on Thursday. They bring the costume with them and change into it prior to their party.

Fundraising Labels

The TK-3 building collects Country Hearth bread proofs of purchase which can be redeemed for cash to help support the educational needs in our building. Please send these proofs of purchase to school with any TK-3 child or drop off in the elementary office. Tell your friends and family to save these too. We appreciate the time and effort taken to support our school! Working together, we can make great things happen!

Our preschool raises funds by collecting HyVee receipts. Please send in any and all HyVee receipts dated between September 1, 2021 and May 1, 2022 to help us earn extra money to purchase needed items for our preschool program. Receipts can be dropped off at the elementary office between the hours of 7:45 and 3:45 or sent to school with any of our students.

We collect pop tops for the Ronald McDonald house as our building service project. You or your child can put them in the bucket in our front entryway.

Thank you!

PBIS

You may have heard someone mention that their child received a tracker and wondered, “What is a tracker?” Hinton Elementary is a PBIS school. This means that every child is taught and has practiced the expectations for every area in our school. When a child does not follow the expectations that have been taught, the adult fills out a tracker. The tracker is a form that communicates the behavior exhibited, the day, the time, the location, the perceived motivation, and the consequence. Our child assistance team then analyzes the data each Tuesday afternoon to see if there is a certain behavior that needs to be retaught schoolwide, if we need to look more closely at a certain day of the week or time of day to see why so many behaviors are happening on that day or time, or to identify those students that need additional positive interactions with adults to encourage the child to focus on consistently following the Blackhawk Code. So you see, a tracker is not a “bad” thing, it is a way for us to collect data and continually improve our services to children.

How to Deescalate or Avoid Heated Moments

Do you feel there are days when there's more tension in your home? Maybe some of your family members are on edge? I completely get it! I sometimes wonder what has changed from going to bed happy and peaceful to waking up to a bit of grumpiness and uncertainty of how the day will roll!

Which is why I am sharing a few phrases to ward off those potentially heated moments! I have used these phrases and approaches SO many times, I bet our children will be REALLY good parents and spouses when that day comes! (shuddering thinking about this!)

Here's my top 5 comments to avoid heated moments- Enjoy!!!

1. "You’re frustrated. And you’re angry."
When our children get frustrated, they will sometimes erupt like a volcano! AHHHH...we want to keep them at the base of the volcano NOT the top! In my group, I use the phrase "simmer down" because we don't want an eruption of emotions.

When you say "you're frustrated," you are validating them. You see what’s going on and you understand. Frustration happens when we are misunderstood- don't we as parents feel frustrated when we feel misunderstood? It's the same for our children!

2. "What happened?"
I use this phrase in situations where I've left the room and all you-know-what has broken loose. The key is to be curious and not accusatory. When you take the curiosity approach, you avoid coming from a place of judgement.

3. " I don’t want to argue with you." "I don’t want to have a fight." "I don’t want to be upset with you.”

OK, there are 3 here, but sometimes I can't help myself and share more than I say! In all honesty, I use these more with my husband than my children! Maybe that's why we rarely fight! It's great for bringing down defenses. When I say this to my hubby or boys, they know I have no desire or intention to argue!

4. "What do you need right now?"
I use this often (sometimes daily) with my children. I am quite aware I may not always know what they need and I don't presume too!!! By asking what they need, you allow them to be in control of the situation. Quick hint: this also builds self awareness, which is key!!

5. "I believe in you."
And one final one for the win: Tell your children you believe in them! "I believe you can work through this math problem." "I believe you can figure this out." " I believe you can get the grade you want on this test." These are just a few affirmations my teens hear me say frequently. It builds their confidence, self-esteem, and resilience, even when they are in that frustrated mode.

With much GrADDitude, (and a peaceful home), Kelly Biltz (You can follow Kelly’s posts for parents of students with ADD by searching Loving GrADDitude)

Dates to Note

October 1: Homecoming Day

2:30 Homecoming Parade

October 2 - Custodian Day (Thank you to Randy, Keith, Dave, and Scott who clean/repair/deliver for us in the PK-3 building)

October 5: Clover Kids

3 yr old preschool to 185th Air Refueling Wing

October 6: PK-3 Intruder Drill, Iowa Healthiest Walk

October 7: TK attends play at Northwestern

4 yr olds to pumpkin patch

October 8: Fire Station Tours

Kindergarten to pumpkin patch

3 yr old preschool to pumpkin patch

October 11: 3:30 Cub Scouts

October 12: 2nd Gr. attends play at Northwestern

October 13: 2 hour Early Dismissal for staff professional development

October 14: School Picture Day

October 15: Kindergarten learning experience at Hillview

October 18: 7:00 p.m. School Board Meeting

October 21: 3rd Gr. attends play at Northwestern

October 22: End of 1st Quarter

October 26: 1 hr Early Dismissal for P-T Conferences

3:30-7:30 Parent Teacher Conferences

October 27: 2:45 Student of the Month Awards and Halloween Songs

October 28: Class Halloween Parties

1 hr Early Dismissal for P-T Conferences

3:30-7:30 Parent Teacher Conferences

October 29: No School

Hinton Elementary & Upper Elementary

Blackhawk Students of The Month

September 2022

Preschool-3rd Grade

• Casper Moser

• Noah Wright

• Kaden Meyers

• Sara Hagestrom

• Adriana Goetstouwers

• Daniel Smith

• Buzz Jauer

• Owen Palsma

• Jackson Wingert

• Cj Hanks

• Knox Rentschler

• Wyatt Livermore

• Connor Douglas

• Cheyenne Smith

• Evie Hertenstein

• Isabel Himes

4th-6th Grade

• Kaylie Mahaney

• Katelyn Hodgson

• Lexi Burns

• Ellie Friessen

• Stone Hall

• Joey Gordon

• Averie Vondrak

• Addy Geddes

• Carlee Holmes

• Layla Meylor

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Understanding ACEs

ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) are serious childhood traumas that can result in toxic stress. Prolonged exposure to ACEs can create toxic stress, which can damage the developing brain and body of children and affect overall health. Toxic stress may prevent a child from learning or playing in a healthy way with other children, and can cause long-term health problems. To learn more about ACEs, please see the pdf link below.

Application Season -

This fall it is post-secondary application season! Colleges and tech schools will be able to get more individualized help for your student in areas regarding programs, housing, and financial aid related assistance once you are officially admitted into their school. Nearly half of the senior class has applications and acceptance letters already completed as we gear up for the next step which will be the FAFSA application. Keep it rolling, Blackhawks!

Transcripts to Post-Secondary Schools -

There are two ways to have your transcript sent to your school of choice. Students can ask Ms. Fay to U.S. mail the transcript or students can ask Mrs. Clausen to email or use SENDEDU to send the transcript to the school.

Red Flag Feelings -

Students may be noticing the new red flag feelings posters around the hallway. This is a reminder for students to say something when they are uncomfortable with in person and/or online situations. Please let adults know if they encounter an awkward or threatening situation, so we can work together to build strategies to help build confidence and stay safe.

Hello! It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I write this informative article. After 15 years working in the Special Education department, I am excited to open a new chapter as the TK-8 Physical Education teacher. Although I have enjoyed my time in Special Education, I am very excited to get back to my initial degree of study and work with students to increase their excitement for movement and developing lifelong skills.

The expectation is to continue to develop motor skills so the students will enjoy safe, successful, and satisfying participation in Physical Education. We will also work with positive peer relationships. Physical Education can help students in socializing with other students successfully, along with opportunities to learn positive people skills. Teamwork skills will be developed to help them work together towards a common goal.

We have many activities planned and look forward to implementing them with our students. We look forward to watching them be active and learn new skills. The number one goal is to have fun and develop excitement about being active!

Students in grades 4-6 were rewarded with a trip to Hillview for lunch and recess for earning 800 code cards. Students can earn a code card when staff members see them modeling the Blackhawk Code, “Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, and Be Prepared.” When all 4-6 grades earn 100 code cards, a school-wide celebration takes place. It was a beautiful day to eat and play at the park. Keep up the good work on modeling the Blackhawk Code!

Hello everyone,

I hope that the first month of the school year is treating you well. I know it is an extremely busy time here at Hinton! Students are working hard before, during, and after school hours.

With that being said, I just wanted to talk a little about the exciting things that we have to offer this July.

In case you missed out on this past summer's adventure to Washington D.C., we had such a great time and learned so much, we will be going there once again this July 17-20, 2022. I will hand out information to the current 6th and 7th grade classes on October 15 and there will be an informational online meeting on October 25 at 7pm. The information to the meeting will be included in the packets that get sent with your child on the 15th.

It is truly a wonderful time, and have heard nothing but positives from the students and parents who went this past summer. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at ryan.gillaspie@hintonschool.com

The goal of junior high is to give students all the tools they need to be successful in high school. One way that we are doing that is by implementing WIN time this year. WIN (What I Need) is a time devoted to helping students work on areas in which they may be struggling or behind grade level.

The small group structure of WIN time allows for students to get more individual attention and ensures that the content is focused on the skills they need to improve. Every day, selected students work with Mrs. Reid on either reading comprehension, math facts, or language skills. We even find time to play a couple hands of “Spoons” - using reducing fraction cards of course!

National School Bus Safety Week is held during the third full week in October. This year it will be October 18-22, 2021. It is a way for parents, teachers, motorist, school bus drivers, and school administration to get together and address the importance of school bus safety. The slogan for this year’s bus safety week is: Be Safe-Know the Safety Zone!

Each year more than 250,000 ride a school bus in Iowa. It is important to keep school bus safety in the forefront. Here are some tips to keep your children safe at the bus stop.

• Stop and look both ways before crossing a street.
• Make sure you’re bus driver can see you when you are crossing in front of the bus. (5 giant steps ahead).
• Never cross behind the bus.
• Do not run, push or shove when waiting at the bus stop, and always arrive a few minutes early.
• When getting on or off the bus, never cross the street until the bus driver signals it’s OK to cross.
• If you drop something near the bus, do not pick it up. Instead, tell the bus driver what you dropped, and let the driver instruct you on what to do.

School bus safety on the road starts with YOU! Listed below are some reminders when you come upon a school bus.

When the flashing yellow lights are on it means:

• The school bus is preparing to stop.
• When following the bus, it is illegal to pass from behind when the yellow lights are flashing.
• When approaching the bus from the opposite direction, slow down your vehicle.
• Be prepared to stop from any direction.
• Be watching for children at all times!

When the flashing red lights and stop arm is out it means:

• Kids are getting on or off the bus.
• It is illegal to pass from any direction on roads with fewer than four lanes.
• Stop your vehicle at least 15 feet from the bus.
• Remain stopped until flashing red lights end and the stop arm goes in.
• NEVER pass a stopped bus on the right side.
• Be watching for children at all times!

Hinton School District has a great group of school bus drivers. Shown below is the

daily route drivers that serve our district. Left to right back row: Scott Tiesler, Bruce

Held, Wade Hamil, Arlo Swalve, Dave Attrill, Warren Lahrs. Left to right front row:

Amy Kimbell, Sheila Smith, Warren Knapp, Kim Pope, Kori Smith.

Website: hintonschool.com
Facebook: facebook.com/HintonSchool
Twitter: @HintonSchool