Explorer Echo

Welcome to the November 1st, 2024, edition of Explorer Echo.

Important Morning Car Rider Information

Happy Friday! It is district policy that the building opens at 7:30 a.m. and school begins promptly at 7:40 a.m. (please see district handbook at the end of this newsletter). We begin letting students into the building at 7:30 am. Our staff can stay outside to greet car riders until 7:45, but they need to come into the building because the school day has already begun, and staff are needed in the classrooms. If you choose to drive your student to school, and no staff is outside to greet students, please park and walk your student into the building and sign them in on the clipboard inside the first set of doors. Please know that anyone coming into school after 7:45 a.m. will be marked late/tardy in their Skyward account. District policy on elementary tardies is listed below:

TARDY TO SCHOOL - If your child is late to school, please sign them in at the front office. Do not, for any reason, drop your child off at the front door. If students are tardy due to circumstances beyond the family’s control (power failure, late bus, weather conditions) no tardy report will be filed. Students are marked tardy when a student arrives between 7:45AM – 8:40AM.

If you choose to drive your student into school in the morning, we cannot have cars sitting on Cyntheanne Road blocking traffic. If you are waiting to pull into the school, the overflow route is Cyntheanne Park (directly across the street from SES). Please pull into the park and wait there until our School Resource Officer directs you to cross the street into the SES parking lot. We cannot block traffic on Cyntheanne Road; it is a huge safety hazard.

Also, please be mindful and aware of our School Resource Officer who stands in the street trying to direct traffic. Please follow his directions only and do not pull past him and drive directly into the SES parking lot. His safety and the safety of all our SES families is of the upmost importance.

We have had students dropped off at the curb with no adults outside and it is a huge safety concern, especially when it is dark outside and we have inclement weather. The bus is always an option. Buses regularly run on time. In the rare case that buses run late, a ParentSquare is sent to families, the front office is notified, and these students will not be marked late.

If you choose to drive your student to school, the line will move faster if all cars pull forward as far as possible, students are ready with coat, backpack and shoes already on and all goodbyes are shared prior to stopping in front of the school. This way, students can get out of the car immediately. Questions? Please refer to the district handbook which is listed on the district website at hseschools.org. You also can access the handbook at the link below. You can call our front office at (317) 594-4340.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Kaminski and Mr. Heeter

Holiday Assistance

As the holiday season approaches, we understand it can be a challenging time for some families. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy and warmth this season brings. With that in mind, Hamilton Southeastern High School's National Honor Society is offering assistance with holiday gifts for families who may need a little extra support this year.

If you would like to participate, I kindly invite you to reach out to me (by Nov. 8th at the latest) so that I can send you a form to fill out with specific items your child(ren) may need or wish for. Each school can submit no more than 5 families, so assistance will be provided on a first come first served basis.

All information you share will remain confidential, and we are here to assist in any way we can.

Wishing you and your family peace and joy this holiday season.

Body Safety Presentations

As in years past, HSE Schools has partnered with The Indiana Center for Prevention to provide presentations that cover cornerstone topics of child safety. This year, our SES presentations will be on November 13th and 14th . Please take a few minutes to review the information provided below.

Letter to Parents 2024-25

Grade Level Overview
Parent Information Session PowerPoint 2024-25

This information is also available on our website – www.hseschools.org/counseling - then navigate to “Parent Information Sessions” tab.

SEL at Southeastern

KINDERGARTEN:

Week of Oct 21-25

Zones of Regulation and MindUp Curriculum

Lesson 4: Zones and MindUp Connection

Summary:

In last week’s lesson, your child reviewed part of the brain, then identified strategies or “tools” to reset the brain and body in moments of big feelings and get back to the Green Zone.

Try This at Home:

Ask your child to share one strategy they learned to reset their brain and body to feel calm.

Week of Oct 28-Nov 1

Digital Citizenship-Common Sense Media Curriculum

Lesson 1: Safety in My Online Neighborhood Home Link

Summary:

In last week’s lesson, students discovered that the internet can be used for visiting faraway places and learning new things. Students also learned rules for traveling safely on the internet.

Try This at Home:

Discuss with your child how going on the internet is much like going on an actual trip or adventure. We always have a trusted adult with us to help, we stay in safe places and on safe websites, and we never talk to strangers.

FIRST GRADE:

Week of Oct 21-25

Zones of Regulation and MindUp Curriculum

Lesson 4: MindUp and Zones Connection

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child will review parts of the brain, then identify strategies or “tools” to reset the brain in moments of big emotions to get back to the Green Zone.

Try This at Home:

Ask your child to share some strategies that can reset their brain (ask for a hug, get a drink, smile, stretch, listen to music, take a screen free break, etc.)

Week of Oct 28-Nov 1

Digital Citizenship - Common Sense Media Curriculum

Lesson 1: Pause and Think Online Home Link

Summary:

In this week’s lesson your child will begin to understand the importance of being safe, responsible, and respectful online.

Try This at Home:

Listen and watch with your child this video about Digital Citizenship. After, ask your child about the video. For example, ways they can act how some of the characters in the video did and what might be difficult about that.

Pause and Think

SECOND GRADE:

Week of Oct 21-25

Zones of Regulation and MindUp Curriculum

Lesson 4: Zones and MindUp Connection

Summary:

In last week’s lesson, your child reviewed parts of the brain, then identified strategies or “tools” to reset the brain in moments of big emotions to get back to the Green Zone.

Try This at Home:

Ask your child to share some strategies that can reset their brain (ask for a hug, get a drink, smile, stretch, listen to music, take a screen free break, etc.)

Week of Oct 28-Nov 1

Digital Citizenship - Common Sense Media

Lesson 1: Device Free Moments - Home Link

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child learned to recognize the ways in which digital devices can be distracting. They should be able to identify how they feel when others are distracted by their devices and will be able to identify ideal device-free moments for themselves and others.

Try This at Home:

Discuss with your child the family-device free rules that they created and discuss how these rules may help everyone in the family be safer, more respectful, have better concentration, and get better sleep.

THIRD GRADE:

Week of Oct 21-25

Digital Citizenship - Common Sense Media Curriculum

Lesson 1: The Power of Words Home Link

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child will understand that it is important to think about the words we use, because everyone interprets things differently. They will identify ways to respond to the mean words online using S-T-O-P and will learn how to decide what kinds of statements are OK to say online and which are not.

Try This at Home:

Discuss with your child how they would use the S-T-O-P method if someone online was using mean words. Discuss with your child how words can be misinterpreted when said online and the importance of always using nice words.

Week of Oct 28-Nov 1

Digital Citizenship - Common Sense Media Curriculum

Lesson 2: Is Seeing Believing? Home Link

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child learned to recognize that photos and videos can be altered digitally, identified different reasons why someone might alter a photo or video, and analyzed altered photos and videos to try to determine why.

Try This at Home:

When you see advertising on TV or a billboard, ask your child to figure out what the ad is selling. Help them explore why certain pictures, sounds, or words are used to sell certain products.

FOURTH GRADE:

Week of Oct 21-25

Zones of Regulation Curriculum

Lesson 1: Zones of Regulation

Summary:

In last week’s lesson, your child learned how to name their feelings and fit them into categories or zones with other feelings that are similar.

Try This at Home:

Ask your child to share with you about the four Zones of Regulation (Red, Blue, Green, & Yellow) and which is the best to be in for learning (Green). Have your child describe what being in the Green Zone looks and feels like to them.

Week of Oct 28-Nov 1

Zones of Regulation Curriculum

Lesson 2: Managing Stress and Using Coping Skills

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child learned about stress and ways to manage stress or intense emotions by creating a Zones of Regulation reset toolbox.

Try This at Home:

Ask your child to share with you what they would include in their reset toolbox. (Ex: mindfulness, deep breaths, stretching, positive self-talk, etc.).

Jennifer Smith, SES School Counselor

jensmith@hse.k12.in.us

Injury

If your student has an activity restriction/injury, please let the us know and send in a copy of the doctor's note so we can provide the proper accommodations.

Illness Policy

Please keep your child at home if ill. They must be 24 hours-free from the following symptoms before returning to school: fever, vomiting, diarrhea. Contact the school/clinic for any clarification or further guidance needed.

Carissa Firmand, RN

cfirmand@hse.k12.in.us

(W-TH-F)

Sharon Hughes, RN

shughes@hse.k12.in.us

(M-T)

November 7th is Dominos day! Dominos cheese and pepperoni pizza will be the hot lunch and available for extra purchases. Please note the pepperoni contains pork.

November 11th lucky tray day! Buy a lunch and have a chance to win a small prize.

Thanksgiving meal will be Thursday, November 21st, (more details to come).

Ice Cream

Ice cream day is every Wednesday for all grades- cost is $1.25 (must have money in account or bring cash/check)

Lunch Accounts

Funding your student's lunch account is done through eFunds. The link for eFunds can be found on our website at ses.hseschools.org. To make a payment to your student's lunch account, please access eFunds here. Student lunch is $2.80.

Snacks

The cafeteria offers snacks for purchase (.90-$1.25) to KG-4th grade students. If you would like to put restrictions on purchases please email cafeteria manager, Kim Lemburg.

Menu

Elementary lunch menus are posted on the district website at hseschools.org, (also posted below)

Kim Lemburg, SES Cafeteria Manager

• Friday, Nov. 1st, Explorer Day, wear school colors of navy and gold.
• Monday, Nov. 4th, Spell Bowl Practice, 2:15 pm to 3:00 pm.
• Wednesday, Nov. 6th, School Picture Retakes.
• Wednesday, Nov. 6th, Spell Bowl Practice, 2:15 to 3:00 pm.
• Wednesday, Nov. 6th, International Festival, 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
• Friday, Nov. 8th, Veteran's Day Program, 9:00 am.
• Monday, Nov. 11th, Fall Book Fair begins.
• Monday, Nov. 11th, Spell Bowl Practice, 2:15 to 3:00 pm.
• Monday, Nov. 11th, PTO meeting, 6:30 pm.
• Wednesday, Nov. 13th, Spell Bowl Practice, 2:15 to 3:00 pm.
• Wednesday, Nov. 13th, Body Safety presentations.
• Thursday, Nov. 14th, Body Safety presentations.
• Thursday, Nov. 14th, Book Fair Family Night, 4:30-7:00 pm.
• Friday, Nov. 15th, Fall Book Fair ends.
• Friday, Nov. 15th, PTO Glow Party.
• Monday, Nov. 18th, Tennis Club, 2:15 to 3:15 pm
• Monday, Nov. 18th, Spell Bowl Competition, Fall Creek Intermediate, 5:30 pm.
• Wednesday, Nov. 20th, Student Council Meeting, 2:15 to 3:15 pm.
• Wednesday, Nov. 20th, Tennis Club, 2:15 to 3:15 pm
• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Nov. 27-29, Thanksgiving break, no school.
• Monday, Dec. 2nd, Tennis Club, 2:15 to 3:15 pm.

School day start/end times, 7:40 am to 2:10 pm

Get ready—the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! This is a great opportunity to connect with your child over the thrill of bringing home new books.

The Book Fair details:

Dates: November 11 - 15

Location: SES Gymnasium

Family Night: November 14, 4:30-7:00

More info can be found on our school’s Book Fair homepage:

While you’re there, set up a Book Fair eWallet, the digital payment account that allows your child to shop for books at the Fair without cash.

If you are interested in volunteering at the bookfair, please sign up here.

Thank you!

Lori Cushman

SES Teacher Librarian

Beautiful learning happens in our related arts classrooms. Please read below to discover what your student is learning.

Southeastern Elementary retake/makeup picture day is Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Please read through this retake information if your child needs a retake or a makeup photo.

RETAKES: If you need a retake of your original image, you MUST turn in your packet with all contents to the photographer even if you did not place an order. If a packet is not turned in, we will NOT be able to do a retake. No longer have your packet? Please email us here: Customer Service Contact Form

MAKEUP PICTURES: If you missed the original photo day, ordering for Southeastern Elementary makeup/retake day is now open! To order with a debit or credit card, please follow the link below. Make sure you are ordering under the RETAKE button. You do not need to turn in any receipt or form for an online order.

https://www.cripephoto.com/southeastern-order-page-1

If you have any questions or concerns please fill out our Customer Service Contact Form

INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION WEEK is November 4 - 8. This week celebrates the importance of all people, communities, and societies around the world. It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to join together and learn about the many different backgrounds, traditions, customs and cuisines shared by our Explorer families. Please join us for our 2nd annual SES International festival the evening of Wednesday, November 6th, in the SES gym and LGI space. If you are interested in sharing information about your country, please scan the QR code above for more information. Bring your family to witness and enjoy the many exhibits displayed by SES families.

The SES library would like to join in on the celebration. Do you speak another language in addition to English? We are looking for volunteers to read aloud a picture book in languages from around the world to help celebrate International Week. A book will be provided.

If you have any interest, please fill out the form below.

https://forms.office.com/r/1bFjC9V4Mf

Veterans and third grade families, please join us for a Veteran's Day program on Friday, November 8th, at 9 AM in the SES gym.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools is seeking public input on a Title IV Ed-Flex Waiver. To learn more about this waiver, how it will be used by the district, and to provide public comment please visit hseschools.org/publicnotices and click on IDOE Title IV Ed-Flex Waiver.

• 1st and 2nd graders 4:30-6:00 PM
• 3rd and 4th graders 6:30-8:00 PM

Join us for glow-in-the-dark fun and games and music by DJ Jason from DJ Sound Solution. Students are welcome to wear neon and glow-in-the-dark clothing and shoes to the event.

Tickets are limited to the first 200 to sign-up for each age group. This is a student-only event. Students must sign up in advance via CheddarUp. Ticket sales will close once 200 tickets have sold per age group. SIGN UP: Goes Live 11/1/24 at 6:00pm via Parent Square.

A separate ParentSquare will be sent at 6:00 pm today with the sign-up link.

$20 Admission includes: Photo booth, Face painting, Snacks (Kroger chocolate chip and sugar cookies, Nabisco Cheez-its,) Bottle of Water Glowsticks

*Dietary restrictions will be considered.

Parents must check-in when dropping off. Pickup will be in the back of the school at the recess doors, door #12. Please note students are expected to behave and follow SES rules. A warning will be given for misconduct and parent/guardians will be called for immediate pick up, with a second offense.

• For financial assistance please reach out to Jen Smith (school counselor). All sales are final, and no refunds will be issued.

Volunteers are needed to make this event a success. Please access this Glo Party volunteer link to sign up.

Thank you!

Did you know that you can use School Dismissal Manager to report student absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals? It is very easy. Log in to your SDM account, select your student, click on the date, select "add late arrival" or "report absence," type a reason in the notes section, and click update. If leaving early, click on "add exception" and select "leaving early" from the drop down menu. A report will be generated and the front office will be notified. Questions? Call the front office at (317) 594-4340.

Congratulations to third grade teacher Kelly Wolf on being the recipient of an Educator Innovation Grant. Mrs. Wolf received the Educator Innovation Grant from the town of Fishers to support a Lego stem lab for students at Southeastern Elementary. The third-grade students will be using the Legos for hands-on learning and the engineering design process.

First grade friends researched animals. They created posters and masks and wrote speeches about an animal of their choice. Parents were able to join the classroom to listen to their presentations and learn about their animals.

Third grade friends dressed up for "Idiom Day" on Thursday. Try to guess their idiom.

Second grade friends spent time working with volunteers on math lessons made fun with pumpkins.

Top Explore-A-Thon earners enjoyed Breakfast with the principals last Friday.

Please access the latest PTO newsletter at this link.

SES has an amazing PTO! Our PTO organizes many activities and events that help raise much-needed money for our school. Resources raised through our PTO activities each school year help to support teachers' classrooms with supplies, books and curriculum materials. Our PTO produces a newsletter with regularly updated information about events happening in our building. These newsletters will be sent to families via ParentSquare, and will also be posted to our website at ses.hseschools.org.

Learn more about our PTO.

Instagram: @Southeastern PTO
Twitter: @Southeastern PTO
Linktree: linktr.ee/sespto

Email: info@sespto.org

president@sespto.org

vp@sespto.org

Facebook: Southeastern PTO

The Southeastern Elementary handbook has answers to many of your questions regarding policies and procedures for our building. The handbook can be found on our website at ses.hseschools.org, or by clicking below.

Anyone wanting to spend time in the school or chaperone a field trip must have a SafeVisitor ID badge. If you have not yet completed the background check, please click below to get started.

If you are interested in tutoring opportunities for your student, please access the attached list. If you have a student that stays after school for tutoring, you much change dismissal manager so that the teacher knows where to send your student at the end of the day. Please log in to dismissal manager, make an exception for the day, and select "Tutoring with Teacher," and list the teacher's name in the notes section.

Submit A Tip 24/7

HSE Report It! is a school safety mobile reporting app that allows students, staff, and community members to provide anonymous information about concerns for their own safety or the safety of others. It’s anonymous and reports are made exclusively through the mobile app. HSE Report it! has no length limitations or the need to remember a short code. Reporters can attach photos, screenshots, videos, documents and/or audio recordings to their concerns and they can engage in a two-way

Website: https://ses.hseschools.org/
Location: 12500 Cyntheanne Road, Fortville, IN, USA
Phone: 317-594-4340
Twitter: @SoutheasternEl1