Elementary Newsletter 📰

Dear Elementary Families,

As we embrace the month of December, it’s hard not to feel the excitement and joy of the holiday season. The halls of Hershey Public Schools are alive with festive decorations, the anticipation of winter break, and the cheerful spirit of our students and staff. From twinkling lights to the sound of holiday music, this time of year reminds us of the importance of community, togetherness, and gratitude.

December brings with it the magic of the Christmas season and the quiet beauty of snow-covered mornings. It’s a time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year while looking forward to the opportunities that a new year brings. At HPS, we are so proud of what our students have achieved and are eager to see their continued growth into 2025.

As we prepare for holiday concerts, classroom celebrations, and special events, I want to take a moment to thank our staff, parents, and community members for your unwavering support. Your dedication to our students’ success is truly what makes Hershey such a wonderful place to learn and grow.

Let’s take the time this season to celebrate not just the holidays, but also the small, everyday moments that make this community so special. Whether it’s cheering on our Panthers at a winter sports event, enjoying a hot cup of cocoa on a snowy evening, or spending quality time with loved ones, let’s cherish this season of warmth and joy.

Looking ahead, January will bring fresh starts and new opportunities. But for now, let’s savor the spirit of December and all the wonderful things it has to offer. On behalf of Hershey Public Schools, I wish you and your family a safe, happy, and joyous holiday season.

Happy Holidays and Go Panthers!

Jared Thomsen

Elementary Principal

(308) 368-5572

jared.thomsen@hpspanthers.org

Empowering All Students to Reach Their Full Potential.

“Learn, Grow, Thrive - Hershey Public Schools”

12.03.24 - Elementary Music Program (K-3 6:00 PM | 4-6 6:45 PM)

12.2-12.11 - Canned Food Drive

12.09.24 - Present December Student of the Month Nominations

12.09.24 - Fire Drill 2:30 PM

12.09.24 - December Board Meeting (6:00PM)

12.09 - 12.12 - AIMS Web + Testing (Grades TK-6)

12.16.24 - LOCKDOWN SRP Drill (1:35 PM)

12.19.24 - Pajamas + Popcorn + Movie; Christmas Party

12.20.24 - End of Q2

01.06.25 - Floydene Dressel Retirement Party (11:00-2:00 PM)

01.07.25 - Start of Q3 (Students Back to School)

01.15.25 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

01.31.25 - 6th Grade Wax Museum

02.07.25 - Lincoln Co. Spelling Bee (5th-8th)

2.17.25 - Presidents' Day

2.14.25 - Valentine's Day

TBD - 100th Day of School

03.14.25 - Pi Day

03.02.25 - Read Across America Day

03.17.25 - St. Patrick's Day

Hershey Student Council will kick off their annual canned food drive on Monday, December 2nd and will run it through Wednesday, December 11th. All items are being donated locally to the Sutherland Food Pantry.

The student council has raised the bar this year and are looking to attain 8,000 points to earn a half day of school out on December 20th OR 12,000 points to earn a FULL day of school out on December 20th.

The breakdown for food items (based on need from food pantry) is as follows:

5 point items

• Cereal

• Canned Fruit

• Canned Chili Soup

• Canned Chicken

• Paper Towels

3 point items

• Kleenex

• Spaghetti Noodles

• Spaghetti Sauce

• Dry Egg Noodles

• Spaghetti O's

• Manwich

1 point items

• All Other Items

The teams for the event will be according to the following with the WINNING TEAM getting a root beer float party prior to Christmas Break!!!

Team 1: 12th - 5th - 2nd - KJ

Team 2: 11th - 6th - 3rd - KM

Team 3: 10th - 4th - 1st

Team 4 - 8th - 7th - Pre K - TK

Mark your calendars for a magical evening filled with festive cheer! On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, our elementary students will dazzle and delight as they bring the holiday spirit to life in the HPS Activity Center.

Here’s what you need to know:

• PK-3 Performance: 6:00 PM

  • Students should arrive in their classrooms by 5:45 PM.
  • Their performance will feature the beloved classic, “The 12 Days of Christmas”—sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer to all!
  • Special Visitor: Santa Claus himself will stop by after the performance to hand out candy canes to our youngest stars.

• 4-6 Performance: 6:45 PM

  • Students should arrive in their classrooms by 6:30 PM.
  • They will take us on a musical journey with “Christmas Around the World”, showcasing songs and traditions from various cultures.

This event is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season and celebrate the hard work and talent of our students. Bring your family and friends to enjoy an evening of joy, music, and holiday spirit!

We can’t wait to see you there! Go Panthers! 🎶🎄

Panther Stakeholders, please choose ONE PK-6 TEACHER to nominate for the December HPSEF Teacher of the Month!!! Thank you for your support of our amazing staff here at HPS!!!

#PANTHERMOJO #LGT

As we enter December, the chill of winter is settling in, and colder temperatures have become part of our daily routine. With outdoor recess being an important part of the school day, it’s crucial to ensure that your child comes to school prepared for the winter elements.

Now is the time to start dressing in warm winter coats, gloves, hats, and long pants to keep your child comfortable and cozy during outdoor activities. To prioritize safety and ensure all students are appropriately dressed for the conditions, we will continue to monitor "real feel" temperatures during recess.

Here are our guidelines for winter weather:

• Indoor Recess: If the "real feel" temperature drops below 0°, all students will stay indoors for recess to keep warm and safe.
• Coat Requirement: When the temperature falls below 40°, students will be required to wear a coat to stay protected from the cold.

Your help in following these guidelines ensures that our students can enjoy their time outdoors while staying warm and safe. Thank you for your continued cooperation as we navigate this winter season together.

Let’s make this a safe, warm, and festive December for all! 🌟

Dear Parents,

Our school will be conducting AIMS Web+ testing from December 9 to December 13, with make-up sessions as needed. AIMS Web+ is a research-based platform designed to assess your child's progress in critical areas like reading and math. The data helps teachers tailor instruction to meet each student’s individual needs. Below is a brief overview of the testing schedule and helpful tips to prepare your child for success.

What is AIMS Web+?

AIMS Web+ is a nationally recognized assessment tool used to measure student progress in key skill areas:

• Early Literacy: Focuses on foundational reading skills for Grade 1.
• Early Math: Evaluates core math skills for transitional kindergarten (TK) and Grade 1.
• One-Minute Probes: Quick assessments in math and reading for Grades 1-6.
• Online Assessments: Comprehensive reading and math assessments for Grades 2-6.

Testing Schedule:

• Dec. 9-13: Testing for literacy, math, and online assessments.
• Dec. 13: No scheduled testing.
• Make-Up Sessions: Students who miss their assigned testing day will complete their assessments during this time.

How Teachers Use AIMS Web+ Data:

• Identify Strengths & Gaps: Teachers analyze results to understand each child’s strengths and areas for improvement.
• Guide Instruction: The data helps create targeted lessons to address specific skills.
• Track Progress: Ongoing assessments monitor growth throughout the year.

Parent Tips for Testing Week:

1. Ensure a Good Night’s Sleep: A well-rested child is more focused and ready to learn.
2. Provide a Healthy Breakfast: Nutritious meals help with concentration.
3. Encourage a Positive Mindset: Remind your child that testing is a chance to show what they know and grow.
4. Arrive on Time: Punctuality reduces stress and ensures your child starts the day calmly.
5. Support at Home: Encourage reading and math practice, as it helps reinforce foundational skills.

Thank you for supporting your child during this important week of testing. If you have any questions about the schedule or AIMS Web+ testing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or the school office.

🍎 A Heartfelt Thanks to Our HELP Club and Parents! 💙

As we reflect on American Education Week, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support and generosity shown by our HELP Club Members and parents. Your thoughtful contributions of delicious food and treats made this week truly special for our teachers and staff.

From savory dishes to sweet indulgences, every bite was a reminder of the wonderful partnership we share with our school community. These acts of kindness fueled not just our bodies but also our spirits, showing just how much we are valued.

To our parents and HELP Club members, thank you for taking the time and effort to celebrate the hard work of our educators. Your generosity is deeply appreciated and a testament to the strong connection we have as a Hershey Panther family.

Together, we make Hershey Public Schools a great place to learn, teach, and grow!

🦃 A Thanksgiving to Remember at Hershey Public Schools! 🍂

November 21, 2024, was a truly special day as we came together to celebrate our annual TK-6 Thanksgiving Meal! This heartwarming event brought students, staff, families, and our community together to share in the spirit of gratitude and connection.

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who played a role in making this day so successful:

• Our LunchTime Solution Kitchen Staff for preparing the delicious Thanksgiving meal!
• Our custodians for ensuring the space was welcoming and ready.
• Cashiers who kept things running smoothly.
• IT staff for supporting logistics.
• Paraprofessionals and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Your teamwork and dedication ensured everything flowed seamlessly, from preparing meals to welcoming our guests with kindness and warmth.

Here’s a look at the incredible impact of the day:

• 221 elementary students served.
• 169 guest lunches shared.
• Over 207 extra meals prepared compared to a typical day!

The joy in the room was contagious—smiles, laughter, and cherished conversations made it a day to remember. To all our visitors, thank you for joining us and making this celebration so meaningful for our Hershey Panthers.

We’re grateful for this amazing community and look forward to more opportunities to come together!

Lincoln County Spelling Bee Set for February 7, 2025

Mark your calendars for the Lincoln County Spelling Bee, taking place on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Mid-Plains Community College (Theater), 601 N State Farm Rd, North Platte, NE.

Six schools will be participating in this exciting event:

• Hershey
• Wallace
• Brady
• North Platte St. Patrick’s (NPSP)
• Our Redeemer
• Sutherland

Tentative Schedule of Events:

• Check-in: 8:30 AM
• Welcome Ceremony: 8:50 AM
• 5th Grade Competition: 9:00 AM
• 6th Grade Competition: 9:30 AM (tentative)
• 7th Grade Competition: 10:00 AM (tentative)
• 8th Grade Competition: 10:30 AM (tentative)
• Final Round: 11:00 AM (tentative)

Each school may send up to two spellers per grade, representing 5th through 8th grade students. The competition promises to showcase the hard work and talent of students across the county.

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on the Hershey Panther YouTube Channel, ensuring family and community members can tune in to support their students from anywhere.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate academic excellence and cheer on our young spellers!

It is very important for you to be involved and knowledgeable about your child's digital footprint. Check the amount of time that they are spending on their cell phones. Log into their social media accounts with them and have them show you who their friends are and what groups they belong to and their posting history. Be present in their online activities.

It is a common misconception that snapchat posts and social media posts are temporary, they are not. Even if deleted, they can be found, they do not just go away. Everyone needs to THINK TWICE about posting.

Supporting your child’s learning at home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are some simple, practical ways to reinforce math and reading skills, foster responsibility, and promote mindfulness and positivity that fit naturally into your daily routine. These small steps can make a big difference in their overall learning and personal growth!

1. Reinforcing Math Skills

Math can be a fun part of everyday life. Try these activities to keep math skills sharp:

• Play Math Games: Card games like "War" or board games like "Monopoly" can build basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication skills.
• Real-World Math: Involve your child in activities that require math, such as measuring ingredients for a recipe, managing a small budget for shopping, or calculating travel time for a family outing.
• Counting & Patterns: Practice counting objects at home or spotting patterns in nature. These skills strengthen understanding of numbers and sequences.

2. Building Reading Skills

Reading at home reinforces skills they’re building at school and strengthens their vocabulary and comprehension:

• Read Together: Choose a few minutes each day to read together. Let them pick out books they enjoy, even if it’s the same one multiple times!
• Ask Questions: After reading, ask questions like, “What was your favorite part?” or “Why do you think the character made that choice?” to boost comprehension.
• Encourage Storytelling: Ask them to tell you a story about their day or make up one of their own. This develops creativity, language skills, and confidence.

3. Fostering Responsibility

Helping your child build responsibility can make them feel more capable and independent:

• Daily Routines: Involve them in age-appropriate tasks like setting the table, feeding a pet, or organizing their homework space. These small tasks teach them about managing their time and taking ownership of responsibilities.
• Create a Calendar Together: Mark important dates, school assignments, or family events on a calendar they can help manage. Seeing responsibilities laid out visually can encourage accountability and organization.
• Celebrate Progress: Recognize their efforts, whether they complete chores or stick to a routine. Positive reinforcement motivates them to keep building good habits.

4. Promoting Mindfulness and Positivity

Learning how to stay calm, focused, and positive can help your child handle school challenges more effectively:

• Set Intentions: At the start of the day, talk about one thing they’re excited about or one goal they want to achieve. This helps them focus on positives and set small, meaningful goals.
• Encourage Gratitude: Take turns sharing one thing you’re each grateful for during dinner or bedtime. This builds a positive mindset and helps children appreciate the good things around them.

Supporting your child’s growth is all about making learning a natural, enjoyable part of daily life. By reinforcing skills, nurturing responsibility, and encouraging mindfulness, you’re not only boosting their academic success but also helping them grow into confident, resilient individuals. Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s learning journey!

We’re thrilled to remind all kindergarten through 6th-grade families about the exciting opportunity to kickstart your child's savings journey! The Panther Branch is open every Thursday morning from 7:50-8:05 AM in the cafeteria/commons area.

This program offers a fantastic way for our young Panthers to develop healthy saving habits early on. Whether it’s spare change from allowance, birthday money, or a small weekly deposit, every contribution helps teach the value of saving for the future.

Why participate?

• Build Essential Skills: Your child will learn budgeting, goal-setting, and financial responsibility.
• Plan Ahead: Saving even a little can add up quickly, teaching the importance of preparing for both exciting goals and unexpected needs.
• Fun & Engaging: The Panther Branch makes saving an enjoyable experience for students!

It’s never too late to start. Encourage your child to join us and take the first steps toward building a strong financial foundation. Let’s make saving a part of their routine—one deposit at a time!

🐾 Go Panthers!

As the school year progresses, maintaining regular attendance is key to your child’s academic success. Consistent attendance not only helps students stay on track with their learning but also allows them to fully engage in classroom activities, build strong relationships with their peers, and develop essential social and academic skills. Missing just a few days can create gaps in understanding, making it harder for students to catch up.

This year, we've implemented a new procedure where all students head outside for recess before going to lunch. Research shows that recess before lunch can lead to better behavior in the cafeteria, improved focus in the classroom, and students eating more of their lunch. To ensure a smooth transition, students arrive at recess in a 10-minute staggered timeframe, starting with transitional kindergarten at 11:00 AM and ending with 5th and 6th grades at 12:00 PM. This staggering not only reduces the number of students on the playground at one time but also allows for more adult supervision, as both teachers and paras are actively involved. Students have 20 minutes scheduled for lunch but can take up to 30 minutes to finish eating, ensuring they don’t feel rushed. As we continue to settle into this routine, I'm confident that it will become even smoother as the week goes on.

K-6 Lunch Times

Hershey Public Schools utilizes Rooms, a tool for parent-teacher chat and classroom announcements. If you weren’t able to link your child, please email your teacher and they can get you added. Parents are encouraged to download the HPS Panthers App; once downloaded, parents will be able to toggle between the school app & rooms.

https://www.hpspanthers.org/