HES Parent & Family Newsletter

This week, we're recommending The Heart and the Bottle, a heartfelt story about a young girl who locks away her heart in an effort to protect it. Over time, she learns that true strength comes not from guarding her heart, but from allowing it to be open and vulnerable, experiencing both love and loss. Through courage and kindness, she discovers the healing power of sharing her heart with others.

This connects beautifully to our CharacterStrong traits this month—kindness and courage. Kindness is shown in the way the girl opens up to others, sharing love and warmth. Courage is found in her willingness to face vulnerability and let her heart be free again.

Ask your child: How can you show kindness and courage in small ways this week? 💕

Encouraging regular reading at home helps build strong literacy skills and a love for learning! If you're looking for more books to enjoy with your child over the weekend, check out Unite for Literacy. This free website offers a variety of books for young readers, with options to listen to the stories as well. Happy reading!

Math Wizards Competition Results! 🧮✨

Our 5th and 6th grade Math Wizards wrapped up their final competition on February 13th, competing against 19 fifth-grade teams and 16 sixth-grade teams—about 175 students in total!

We’re proud to recognize our Houston Elementary students for their achievements:

🏆 5th Grade Fact Drill:
📌 Caleb Evanson – 9th place
📌 Ethan Kruse – Tied for 15th place

🏆 6th Grade Overall Individual:
📌 Easton Kildahl – 13th place

Congratulations to all of our Math Wizards for their hard work and dedication this season! 🎉👏

Outside Mrs. McCormick’s classroom, students reflected on the question: What is love? Their heartfelt responses are displayed in the hallway, showcasing their unique perspectives and understanding of this powerful emotion. Be sure to take a look and see how our students define love in their own words!

Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences at Houston Elementary

Join us for Spring Conferences on Thursday, February 20th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Conferences will be held in-person, virtually, or via phone. Times may vary by teacher. This is a great opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, goals for the rest of the school year, and any input for the following school year.

Families with students in grade 2,4,& 6 : Conferences will be held in an "open house" style—no sign-up required. Drop by during conference hours to meet with your child’s teachers.

5th & 6th grade families-If you can’t attend conferences or would prefer an email or phone call to receive an update on your child's progress, please contact your classroom teacher directly to arrange an alternative conferencing option this spring.

For assistance, contact Angela McQuinn at Angela.McQuinn@hsd294.us or (507) 896-5323, ext. #1203.

At Houston Elementary, we are excited to recognize Heart Health Month this February and invite you to join us for a special event!

📅 American Heart Association Assembly
📍 Houston Elementary Gym
🕝 Wednesday, February 19th at 2:30 PM

We will be celebrating heart health and honoring a local Heart Health Hero who has made a difference in our community. This event is a great opportunity for students and families to learn more about the importance of keeping our hearts healthy through movement, nutrition, and overall well-being.

Heart disease remains one of the leading health concerns nationwide, but small lifestyle choices—like staying active, eating nutritious foods, and knowing the signs of heart conditions—can make a big difference!

If you’d like to support the American Heart Association, donations can be made using the QR code below. Your contributions help fund research, education, and support for those affected by heart disease.

Thank you for being a part of our Houston Elementary community and helping us spread awareness about heart health!

• Monday, February 17th
• No School
• Tuesday, February 18th
• Today is the 99th day of school!
• Lunch today is Salisbury Steak
• The alternative this week is pretzel bites with cheese
• Wednesday, February 19th
• Happy 100th day of school!
• Heart Health presentation in the gym at 2:30
• Lunch today is Cheeseburgers
• The alternative this week is pretzel bites with cheese
• Thursday, February 20th
• Conferences tonight
• Lunch today is Chicken Strips
• The alternative this week is pretzel bites with cheese
• Friday, February 21st
• Hurricane FORCE positive office referrals 3rd grade
• Lunch today is chicken back ranch melts
• The alternative this week is pretzel bites with cheese

In an effort to reduce milk waste and manage costs more effectively, we are making some changes to our milk distribution at snack time for students in grades 1-6. Moving forward, we ask that families who wish to purchase milk for their children at snack time complete the attached form. This will allow us to distribute milk more accurately and ensure that funds are collected appropriately.

Please take a moment to fill out the form and indicate which of your students you would like to receive milk during snack time It's important to note that students receive a free carton of milk each day during school breakfast and lunch. However, milk is only free at lunch if the student takes the school meal. Otherwise, students in grades K-6 will be charged $0.60 at lunchtime for their milk.

Milk distribution at snack will begin September 9th, 2024. We will add students to the list and milk will be delivered to students during their scheduled snack times.

Cost per milk $0.60:

• Quarter 3- 1/21/25-3/21/25 (42 school days)= $25.20
• Quarter 4- 3/31/25-5/28/25 (40 school days) = $24.00

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work to make this process more efficient.

Snack Break Milk Request

Kind regards,
Angela McQuinn
Assistant Principal, Houston Elementary School

🌟 Mr. Hoff – Mr. Hoff was nominated this week for his calm, patience, and kindness toward students. His steady and supportive presence creates a positive learning environment, and his care and dedication do not go unnoticed. Thank you, Mr. Hoff, for the impact you make each day!

As part of this recognition, Mr. Hoff will receive:

✨ A handwritten award from the Student Leadership Committee
🎁 A small gift
🚗 A special parking spot for the week

Congratulations, Mr. Hoff! Thank you for all you do to make Houston Elementary a welcoming and supportive place for all! 🎉

Hurricane F.O.R.C.E. Positive Office Referrals of the Week

This week, we are celebrating two outstanding 2nd-grade students who have demonstrated the values of our Hurricane F.O.R.C.E.!

Max & Jacob were nominated by their teachers, Mrs. Martin & Mrs. Kinstler, for their kindness, respect toward others, hard work, and effort in their learning. What great leaders!

Thank you both for being outstanding role models and for strengthening our Hurricane F.O.R.C.E.! Keep up the great work!

• February 11th- Safer Internet presentation grades K-4 @ 9 am in the gym
• Families are welcome to join in this presentation to hear about keeping kids safe on the internet, on devices, and while gaming.
• Additional information will be sent home with students from the PTA.
• February 12th- Safer Internet presentation grades 5-6
• Monday, February 17th: Teacher InService, NO School for Students, Hurricane Watch available.
• Wednesday, February 19th: American Heart Association presentation 2:30 in the gym.
• Families are welcome to join as we recognize a local heart health hero.
• Thursday, February 20th: Spring Conferences, 3:15-6:00 PM.
• Sunday, March 9th: Daylight Savings Time Begins, Remember to set your clocks ahead 1 hour!
• March 21st: Kindergarten Open House, Current kindergarten students will not have school this day (due to the Open House) Hurricane Watch will not be available as the elementary school will remain in session for grades 1-6, HW will be open before and after school only.
• March 24th & 25th: Teacher InService, NO School for Students, Hurricane Watch available.
• March 26th, 27th, 28th: NO School for Students, Hurricane Watch available.

Please check the school website calendar for more information as well as other events/opportunities.