Hembree Highlights

Greetings Hembree Families,

We had a very busy week here at Hembree Springs, and it's great to see our students getting back into the swing of things after a long break and a surprise snow day. I hope you all had fun playing in the snow!

Please check your child's backpack today for three reports that were sent home: the Semester One Report Card, the iReady Mid-Year Data Growth Report, and the data sheets completed by your child and their teacher. Please take the time to discuss these reports with your child and help them identify learning goals for the Spring semester. iReady is the district's platform used to measure progress, and we are working hard as a staff to ensure that our students are completing their lessons with fidelity. Thank you for partnering with us to help our students succeed.

STEM and Star Night was a huge success! It was the perfect night to view the sky, with Saturn, Jupiter, and many moons visible. It’s always so great to see our families enjoying our events.

Please remember that Monday, January 20th, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so school will be closed. We will see everyone on Tuesday, January 21st.

Below, you will find important dates—please mark your calendars. We hope to see you at our future events!

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Nancy Lahey

Principal

1/20 MLK Jr. Day - No School

1/22 Spirit Night @ Marlow’s Tavern 5pm until close

1/28 Math Night @ Tres Hermanos from 6:00-7:00pm

2/6 General PTA Meeting on TEAMS @ 6:30pm

2/11 Title I Assessment Workshop (Donut Stress About the Test!) @ 7:40am

2/13 Soaring to New Heights Learning Celebration

Dear Parents and/or Guardians,

We all share a common and critical goal for our children to be safe and protected from all harmful things. In support of this goal, students at Hembree Springs Elementary will soon receive annual lessons designed to increase their personal safety & protection. The Think First & Stay Safe™ program is a research-based program that teaches specific personal safety education by way of interactive classroom lessons, classroom posters, role-plays and corresponding activities. Think First & Stay Safe™ enables students to take an active and necessary role in protecting themselves from harassment, abduction, bullying, exploitation, and various forms of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional). The Health Advisory Committee reviewed and approved this program and selected components will be implemented as part of the elementary curriculum.

Due to the importance and sensitivity of this topic, you are being informed that this material will be presented to your child's class during the second semester of the 2024-25 school year. Please contact your child's School Counselor, Shannon Reynolds at 470-254-9456 or reynoldssn@fultonschools.org if you have any questions. The materials can be made available for preview if needed. Think First & Stay Safe™ prevention lessons will be implemented for all Fulton County Schools K-5 students, unless an opt-out response is sent to Shannon Reynolds.

You can also learn more about the detailed lesson plans and research behind this program at www.childluresprevention.com. Please be aware that more information is provided on the website than is actually used in Fulton County Schools. The plan for Fulton includes: key concepts taught at all grades; each grade reviews what was learned in the previous grade(s) and then builds upon that knowledge.

Your instincts help keep you safe.

If you prefer that your child NOT participate in the program, please send an email to the School Counselor, Shannon Reynolds at reynoldssn@fultonschools.org. Unless written opt-out documentation is received by January 31st, 2025, your child will be a participant in the Think First & Stay Safe™ program during this semester.

As always, our administration and counselor(s) are available to discuss any questions you may have about the Think First & Stay Safe™ curriculum.

Estimados padres y/o tutores,

Todos compartimos el objetivo común y fundamental de que nuestros hijos estén seguros y protegidos de todo lo dañino. En apoyo de este objetivo, los estudiantes de la escuela primaria Hembree Springs pronto recibirán lecciones anuales diseñadas para aumentar su seguridad y protección personal. El programa Think First & Stay Safe™ es un programa basado en investigaciones que enseña educación específica sobre seguridad personal a través de lecciones interactivas en el aula, carteles en el aula, juegos de roles y las actividades correspondientes. Think First & Stay Safe™ permite a los estudiantes asumir un papel activo y necesario para protegerse del acoso, el secuestro, la intimidación, la explotación y diversas formas de abuso (físico, sexual y emocional). El Comité Asesor de Salud revisó y aprobó este programa y los componentes seleccionados se implementarán como parte del plan de estudios de primaria.

Debido a la importancia y sensibilidad de este tema, se le informa que este material se presentará a la clase de su hijo durante el segundo semestre del año escolar 2024-25. Comuníquese con la consejera escolar de su hijo, Shannon Reynolds, al 470-254-9456 o reynoldssn@fultonschools.org si tiene alguna pregunta. Los materiales pueden estar disponibles para una vista previa si es necesario. Se implementarán lecciones de prevención Think First & Stay Safe™ para todos los estudiantes K-5 de las escuelas del condado de Fulton, a menos que se envíe una respuesta de exclusión voluntaria a Shannon Reynolds.

También puede obtener más información sobre los planes de lecciones detallados y la investigación detrás de este programa en www.childluresprevention.com. Tenga en cuenta que en el sitio web se proporciona más información de la que realmente se utiliza en las escuelas del condado de Fulton. El plan para Fulton incluye: conceptos clave que se enseñan en todos los grados; cada grado revisa lo aprendido en los grados anteriores y luego desarrolla ese conocimiento.

Conceptos clave

Puede utilizar su computadora incorporada y tomar decisiones seguras.

Las personas son como el clima. La mayoría son seguras, pero pueden cambiar.

Los señuelos son trucos que se utilizan para alejar a los niños de los adultos seguros y de los lugares seguros.

Las leyes ayudan a proteger a los niños y hay adultos que pueden ayudarle.

Tus instintos te ayudan a mantenerte a salvo.

Un extraño es alguien que no conoces.

Alguien puede incluso utilizar amenazas para engañarte.

Nadie puede quitarte tu dignidad.

Si prefiere que su hijo NO participe en el programa, envíe un correo electrónico a la consejera escolar, Shannon Reynolds, a reynoldssn@fultonschools.org. A menos que se reciba la documentación de exclusión por escrito antes del 31 de enero de 2025, su hijo participará en el programa Think First & Stay Safe™ durante este semestre.

Como siempre, nuestra administración y nuestros consejeros están disponibles para discutir cualquier pregunta que pueda tener sobre el plan de estudios Think First & Stay Safe™.

Ebenezer Church is hosting a CANNED SOUP DRIVE to support North Fulton Community Charities. Both organizations help Hembree Springs each year. Tag students are organizing a canned soup collection to bring as many cans of soup as possible. The grade level (students/ staff) bringing in the most cans will get to hold the desired SOUP DRIVE CHAMPION TROPHY along with bragging rights until next year. Students should bring cans to their homerooms. Mrs. Anderson will collect and deliver all cans. The LAST day to donate is Friday January 31st. Which grade level will become our 2025 SOUP DRIVE CHAMPION?

There's no place like Hembree because our teachers and staff are Wicked OZ-some!

The theme of Teacher and Staff Appreciation this year is "Wicked" -- and our PTA is putting together an incredible lineup of food and treats each day that Glinda and Elphaba have put their stamp on! But we need YOUR help with some donations for raffle gift baskets we will be giving out Feb. 13. These baskets are the highlight of their week.

Here is the Sign Up Genius link with items we'd love to have to make these special gifts.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FADAD2FAAFD0-54428672-teacher.

Please place donated items with the school's front desk or have your student bring them in. Write "Teacher Appreciation Giveaway" -- and we'll try to keep it a surprise! Please turn all items in prior to Feb. 1 so that we have time to organize the baskets.

No time to shop? Donate directly and we'll use these funds to support additional activities during the week -- inclusive of a luncheon, breakfast and more.

https://hembreespringselementary.memberhub.com/store and select Annual Campaign Donation.

Thank you! We appreciate YOU ALL for the support.

We are just weeks away from our largest event and fundraiser of the year — The Together We Soar Silent Auction and Family Dance Feb. 28. And this year, we're going BIG with a Glow Party. Our party planners have some fun things in the works.

To make this silent auction fundraiser so successful, we rely on donations from the local community.

Do you own a small business? This is a great way to promote it.

Don't have a business that lends itself to product donation? You can sponsor an item like a gift card. We'll put your logo on the listing!

Aside from items being shown in person at our event, the auction continues online for 10 days. We're looking for vacation stays, Braves tickets, other season ticket-style entertainment and unwanted gift cards from the holidays you don't plan to use.

Proceeds from this auction fund teacher grants, teacher appreciation, our giving closet, STEM and Star Night, grocery store math night, parent workshops and keeping our events free so all families can attend.

To donate or for any questions, contact PTA VP of Communications Janet Pelletier at janetr2626@hotmail.com.

We need volunteers for our Glow Party on February 28th, 6 - 7:30 pm. Sign up here!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FADAD2FAAFD0-54477494-glow

We are excited to offer our PTA sponsored book clubs again this January for third, fourth, and fifth graders! The sign-up below is by grade and class. We need (1-2) parent volunteers to facilitate in each classroom. Discussion questions will be provided. This is a wonderful classroom volunteer opportunity. We are looking forward to having some great conversations as well as encouraging our students to be lifelong readers.
*Please note that book club takes place during student lunch. Students will be in the classroom, eating lunch, during book club.
You must be registered as a Fulton county schools volunteer in order to moderate book club! More info here: https://www.fultonschools.org/volunteer

Sign up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FADAD2FAAFD0-54477176-january

In reviewing the data from our survey and listening sessions, we determined the YOU (our families) are interested in obtaining more information regarding assessments such as the Milestones. Please see the infographic below on accessing last year's Milestone scores for your student. Reach out to Lucy Gilbert, Title I Parent Liaison, gilbertl2@fultonschools.org with any questions.

We'll also be hosting (2) Assessments workshops next semester. The first is on 2/11 in person at 7:40am and the second will be online on 4/9 @ 6:30pm. Mark your calendars!

Have you heard your child mention anything about an app called Beanstack? It was introduced in the Media Center. Beanstack is a digital reading log that students can use to log the number of minutes they are reading. They can earn badges and rewards along the way. If your child is reading at school, home, daycare, etc. they can log their minutes and help us get closer to our goal. The following is a video explaining how to use Beanstack from home. You can always find your child's lunch number/student number in infinite campus or email Mrs. Soberanis: soberanis@fultonschools.org. Happy Reading!

How To Video: https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cZQTbzVSAkv

Each week the PE department will choose 4 All Star Athletes (2 students & 2 staff members). If your student enjoys hiking, swimming, baseball, softball, football, biking, etc. Please email a picture to marzetti@fultonschools.org.

Thanks,

Ms. Marzetti

Family Engagement Thursdays

Families! YOU are your child’s first and most influential teacher. As such you have so much to offer your student! To encourage family engagement at home, we are offering family engagement Thursdays. Each week there will be (1) activity to do at home to be completed prior to Friday. We’ll list the activities for the month in Hembree Highlights and offer reminders via social media. Your student will have the opportunity to receive a *bonus* Hawk’s ticket for participating (look out for more details from your teacher) We’ll include tips and tricks to get the conversation started and reinforce learning from the school day. Please spend anywhere from 10-20 minutes with your child engaging with them around their day at school and encouraging their social and emotional skills. We’ll also encourage you to practice other skills inclusive of Math and ELA. Please feel free to reach out to me Lucy Gilbert, Title I Parent Liaison (gilbertl2@fultonschools.org) with any questions.

Del Título I

Jueves de Participación Familiar

¡Familias! USTED es el primer y más influyente maestro de su hijo. Como tal, ¡tiene mucho que ofrecer a su estudiante! Para fomentar la participación familiar en casa, estamos ofreciendo participación familiar los jueves. Cada semana habrá (1) actividad para hacer en casa que se completará antes del viernes. Haremos una lista de las actividades del mes en Hembree Highlights y ofreceremos recordatorios a través de las redes sociales. Su estudiante tendrá la oportunidad de recibir un boleto * extra* de Hawk's por participar (esté atento a más detalles de su profesor). Incluiremos consejos y trucos para iniciar la conversación y reforzar el aprendizaje de la jornada escolar. Pase entre 10 y 20 minutos con su hijo, involucrarse con ellos durante su día en la escuela y fomentando sus habilidades sociales y emocionales. También te animaremos a que practiques otras habilidades, como las matemáticas y Arte del Lenguaje en Ingles. Por favor, siéntase libre de comunicarse conmigo Lucy Gilbert, Enlace de Padres del Título I (gilbertl2@fultonschools.org) con cualquier pregunta.

We will begin to welcome lunch visitors the week of September 9th. Due to limited capacity, we ask that you sign up using the links below. Please do not sign up for the year to allow the opportunity for many families to visit. Thanks for understanding.

Pre-K

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080548AAAE2BA31-50052915-preklunch

Kindergarten

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080548AAAE2BA31-50053187-kindergarten

1st grade

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080548AAAE2BA31-50053307-1stgrade

2nd grade

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080548AAAE2BA31-50053385-2ndgrade

3rd grade

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080548AAAE2BA31-50053488-3rdgrade

4th grade

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080548AAAE2BA31-50053597-4thgrade

5th grade

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080548AAAE2BA31-50053662-5thgrade

Website: https://www.fultonschools.org/hembreespringses
Location: 815 Hembree Road, Roswell, GA, USA
Phone: 470-254-2902