The Hiawatha Buzz!
December 20, 2019
Growing hearts and minds for a better today and tomorrow: every day, every way, every one.
Principal's Messages
Dear Hiawatha families,
As we enter the holiday season, I wish for you and your family peace, joy and good health. We are so lucky to be part of such a supportive community.
Cheers to a New Year!
Katherine
Upcoming Events
- Winter Vacation Break: December 23 to January 1, 2020 NO SCHOOL
- Martin Luther King Day: January 20, 2020 Early dismissal at 11:45AM
- Annual International Potluck Dinner: January 24, 2020 at 5:30 to 7:00PM
PreK Snowflakes
Kindergarten Mixed Media Snow Folk
3rd Grade Mixed Media Landscapes
The Learning Center needs your help!
If you can help, please send them with your child or stop by the library to drop them off
by January 10.
Many thanks!
Annual International Potluck Dinner
We will be having our Annual International Potluck Dinner on Friday, January 24th, 2020 at 5:30 to 7:00 PM in the Hiawatha Gym!
Theme: Art & Culture of Europe.
Please join us and bring a dish to share!
There will be a free craft for children!
Mixed Media Snow Penguins!
Wellness Classes with Mr. Evans
Happy Holidays everyone!
During this round of Wellness classes, I am reading books and having discussions based on diversity and celebrating differences, with the goal of increasing empathy, understanding of others, and social awareness. The books I'm reading are One Green Apple, The Other Side, I Am Jazz, and King and King.
I've included a definition below of Social Awareness from the CASEL website, which guides our Social/Emotional Learning goals.
Thanks and have a peaceful holiday break!
Scott Evans
Social Awareness: The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The ability to understand social and ethical norms for behavior and to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.
- Perspective-taking
- Empathy
- Appreciating diversity
- Respect for others
A holiday gift to Mr. Caforia from his class
Martin Luther King Day
We will be having an early dismissal on Martin Luther King Day, January 20, 2020. Dismissal will be at 11:45AM, please plan accordingly.
Our lunch schedule will be:
Third Grade: 10:40 - 11:05
Second Grade: 10:45 - 11:10
First Grade: 11:10 - 11:35
Kindergarten: 11:15 - 11:40
PTO News
Hiawatha’s Inform & Inspire Speaker Series
In 2020 Hiawatha PTO and school will be hosting and supporting educational conversations for parents, guardians, and community members led by area experts, some parents from the school. The goal is to help us learn how to be better and more nurturing caregivers, learn about our neighbors, and support our greater community. Come join us in our efforts!
The Basics:
Free Childcare provided (RSVP - TEXT the word “care” to 31996 for the 1/9 event)
$1 per slice for pizza (sugg. donation)
Free pizza for teachers
All events start at 6 p.m. unless noted, and take place at
Hiawatha Elementary School, 30 Hiawatha Ave., Essex Junction, VT 05452
The first one is on Thursday, January 9 - Healthy, Affordable Food for Kids, and Local Food Insecurity and Resources in VT
Time: 5:45 p.m. - 6:15 for Food for Kids; 6:15-7:30 Food Insecurity
Hannaford Dietitian Joanne Heidkamp, MS, RD will present ideas on putting together snacks for kids that provide the energy and nutrients they need without breaking the budget. She'll also discuss how involving kids in planning and preparing snacks can help them develop self-confidence and kitchen skills.
Tim Morgan, the Child Nutrition Initiatives Specialist, and Olivia Peña, the Food Security
Hunger Free VT's Tim Morgan, a Child Nutrition Initiatives Specialist, and Olivia Peña, a Food Security Specialist, will present on hunger and food insecurity in our community, the important programs that work to improve food security, and how communities and families can support and get access to healthy, affordable foods.
RSVP for childcare by TEXTing 31996 with “care” in your message.
Save the Dates:
- Wednesday, January 29 - Raising Inclusive Kids: Talking to Kids on Race at 6 p.m with Dr. Marissa Coleman is a clinical psychologist and fellow Hiawatha parent.
- Wednesday, March 25: Raising Inclusive Kids: A Parent’s Toolkit for LGBTQIA+ Issues with Amber Leventry
- Thursday, April 16: Trauma-Informed Parents: What are adverse childhood experiences and how can we help our kids become resilient? with Betsy Ferry, LICSW, Howard Center
More details go to http://www.ewsd.org/hiapto
Hand to Hand Sale 2019!
Attendance & After School Plan Changes
Please be sure to contact Michelle by 8 AM if your child is going to miss school during the day.
You can call the Attendance line at 802-857-7007(for Attendance only), call Michelle at 802-878-1384, or email her at mailto:mmurphyertle@ewsd.org. You can also go to our website and use the Report an Absence tab on our Home page.
If you have a change in your child's after school plan on any given day, contact Michelle BEFORE 2:00 PM, and 1:00 PM on Tuesdays.
***When sending emails to a teacher regarding your student's attendance or a change in their after school plan, PLEASE include Michelle to the email in case the teacher doesn't have time to read your email or there is a sub...Michelle takes care of all attendance and after school plans for all teachers.***
Winter Outdoor Gear Reminder
During the winter months, please send your student to school with a hat, a pair of gloves or mittens, a coat, snow pants, and boots. If students do not have boots and snow pants, they will need to stay on paved areas of the playground during recess. This is done to keep them dry.
Also, please pack shoes for your student to wear inside the school building. Wearing wet snow boots is not only uncomfortable but makes for wet floors, which can lead to injury.
If you need assistance with obtaining winter gear, please contact me or Mrs. Grykien (kgrykien@ewsd.org).
Thank you,
Reyna Maher, RN
857-7740
Community Happenings
Holiday Fun - Get Into The Spirit Essex Parks & Rec!
Events are free and open to all!
Winter Lights in the Park: Enjoy the lights at Maple Street Park accompanied by festive music. November 29-January 2, 5-8pm.
Annual Essex Community Tree Lighting & Sing-Along: Join us at the Essex Town Green and afterward for refreshments at the Essex Elementary School. Fri, December 6, 6:15pm
The Train Hop/Tree Lighting: Grab a map and tour train hop stations at local businesses to see model train displays. Catch the shuttle to Maple Street Park to view the lights. Fri., December 13, 5:30-8pm at Maple Street Park/Village Center.
Hiawatha Elementary School
Email: mmurphyertle@ewsd.org
Website: www.EWSD.org/HIA
Location: 30 Hiawatha Avenue, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: 802-878-1384