Hodge Family Newsletter

📚🎉 Hodge Elementary Storybook Character Parade! 🎉📚

Our Storybook Parade was a hit! From creative homemade costumes to fun classroom themes, everyone went all out! Huge thanks to our amazing families for their support and making this event unforgettable. Loved celebrating our favorite characters together! 🎭✨ #StorybookParade #HodgeElementary #ReadingFun #FamilySupport

Happy Weekend!

Please note the GOAL games scheduled for this weekend have been rescheduled to Saturday, November 16 at Strickland Middle School.

Last chance to provide feedback: Please make sure you have completed the Family Engagement Surveys that was emailed to you from Gallup. You will have only received one if you are the PRIMARY GUARDIAN. If you are the PRIMARY GUARDIAN and you are having difficulty locating the email, please reach out so that we can support you can contact Gallup for technical support at survey@gallupmail.com or 1-888-332-9454. Survey open through the weekend. Closes on Sunday evening.

Parents, please remember that any and all medicine that students bring to school must be turned into Nurse Asay with a prescription or Doctor's orders. This includes over the counter medications as well. Students are not permitted to carry medications, not even over the counter medications, on their person or in their backpack. Please reach out to Nurse Asay or our Front Office Team for clarification or questions.

This past week at Hodge, we had lots of fun while we learned! We ate delicious In and Out Burgers and raised money for our school. We sold over 850 burgers, raising roughly $5,000 for our school and roughly $1000 to support victims of child abuse! We also had a Storybook Character Parade! The students were so cute in their costumes and the teachers got lots of great book recommendations in the process! We also had our half day assemblies where we celebrated students and all their accomplishments over the past month, as well as celebrating November birthdays, and we also did a little dancing!

This coming week at Hodge, please remember:

• THERE IS NO SCHOOL ON TUESDAY - Election Day!

Denton ISD has worked to establish a process for parents to communicate concerns with our school and district personnel to ensure your concerns are addressed efficiently. DISD has also established Communication Commitments for our Denton ISD Learning Community to support building strong Family-School partnerships that support student success. You can click the links below for all the details and information:

DISD Communication Process (English) DISD Communication Commitments (English)

DISD Communication Process (Spanish) SDISD Communication Commitments (Spanish)

New in this issue of the newsletter, you can find more information about the following in the Parent Information section below:

• “Crucial Conversations About Keeping Your Kids Safe” Presentation
• Bilingual (Spanish) Homework Help Line

Have a great week!

Andrea Hare

Principal

Hodge ES - Denton ISD

New or Returning?

Check out this new Parent Information Flyer below. Click the Green Button.

You can also pick up a pamphlet of the same information from our front office.

🍔 In-N-Out Fundraiser Success! 🎉

Thanks to our amazing families and generous supporters, our school enjoyed delicious In-N-Out together! Our school community came together for some delicious burgers, laughter, and family time, all thanks to our generous benefactors and donations. ❤️ Seeing families share meals, and students enjoying their time together, made this event a heartwarming success!

A huge thank you to Huffines Subaru of Corinth for your incredible generosity and support through the Subaru Loves Learning initiative! ✏️📓💜 Your back-to-school gifts allowed our teachers at Hodge Elementary to stock their classrooms with essential supplies and fun, engaging tools for their students. Here’s a look at some of the purchases they made! Your dedication to supporting Denton teachers and students makes a world of difference, and we’re so grateful for your commitment to education. Thank you, Subaru, for helping our classrooms shine!

Hodge Hawk 5's are students who have been recognized by other students for demonstrating the character traits we are learning about in RISE or the traits listed in our Hodge Student Creed.

Students in K - 2!

Students in 3 - 5!

Parents, here is a Virtual Calming Room that you could use at home or one the go to support your children in regulating their emotions. This amazing resource was shared with us by MHMR and they asked us to share it with everyone. It is in both English and Spanish!! We hope that you find this tool helpful for your families!

Next week we will continue our Character Strong topic: Gratitude and continue the 2nd 9-Weeks Essential 8 topic: Relationship Skills. Choosing to appreciate the people in our lives is a wonderful piece in building positive relationships. Let's grow our gratitude through our relationships with others.

For ideas and information about how to talk about the importance of Gratitude at home, check out these CharacterStrong Parent Newsletters:

Character Strong Newsletter - Gratitude

Character Strong Newsletter - Gratitude (Spanish)

In the next few weeks, the counselors will be joining classrooms to cover our Emotional Wellness, Bully Prevention, and Healthy Choices topics for this year. All topics are mandated topics from The State of Texas and parents have the option to preview these lessons. Please click on this link to preview the information for these lessons. Thank you!

November

11.01 Early Release Day - Dismissal at 12 NOON

11.05 Election Day - No school For Students

11.14 6-7:30 “Crucial Conversations About Keeping your Kids Safe” presented by the Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas (CACNT)

11.16 GOAL Games (rescheduled from 11.2)

11.25 - 11.29 Thanksgiving Break

Decemeber

12.19 Half Day of School: Dismissal is at 12 noon.

12.20 Half Day of School: Dismissal is at 12 noon.

12.20 Last Day of the 2nd 9 Weeks

12.23 - 12.6 Winter Break for Students: No Classes

1.07 Classes Resume/First Day of the 3rd 9 Weeks

The "Crucial Conversations About Keeping Your Kids Safe" Presentation is provided by the Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas (CACNT.) All Hodge families welcome. Translations into Spanish will be provided. Child care will also be provided.

We have a homework help line available through Zoom with the help of Denton ISD, TWU, and UNT for free. This is a great opportunity for Bilingual students and families to get some extra support with their schoolwork!

See flyer above.

How it works:
Students can easily schedule a time to meet with a tutor, who will reach out to help them with any homework questions they might have.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and we would love for you to celebrate with us! We are including some free resources, videos, and fact sheets so that you can learn more about Dyslexia.

Dyslexia Videos:

• K-5 - See Dyslexia Differently - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11r7CFlK2sc&t=35s
• Grades 3-5- Dr. Binocs: What is Dyslexia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65psPXWzNic

Helpful Websites and Trainings for Teachers and Parents:

• Nessy Website - https://www.nessy.com/en-us/dyslexia-explained/understanding-dyslexia - This is a great website that has resources to help teachers and parents learn about Dyslexia.
• Free Dyslexia Teacher Training - https://www.nessy.com/en-us/product/understanding-dyslexia-for-schools-free-for-dyslexia-awareness-month-2024 - Free for 2 Months if you sign up by Oct. 31st.
• For Dyslexia Parent Training : https://www.nessy.com/en-us/product/understanding-dyslexia-free-for-dyslexia-awareness-month-2024 - Free for 2 Months if you sign up by Oct. 31st.
• Free Upcoming Dyslexia Simulation for Teachers and Parents (12/2/24) - https://kendorelearning.com/store/workshops-trainings-c-4/free-virtual-dyslexia-simulation-online-december-2-2024-p-600.html

The First 9 Weeks Report Cards will become accessible to parents on Friday, October 18 through the Home Access Center (HAC). Please review these instructions for how to access that information:

English

Spanish

Please know that due to Hodge piloting a new reading and writing resource, the students may also have a report card insert sent to you (by email, dojo, etc.) in addition to the report card in HAC. If you have questions or concerns about your child's grades, or need additional help in accessing them, please reach out to your child's teacher or our front office.

The classes are only available in English. This start date will be determined after they get a few parents who show interest. The classes will be at Hodge (6 weekly classes) from 8:00-10:00 a.m. Our goal is to get at least 3 parents to sign up. Also please include this link so parents can sign up.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3xs9iySwZSrUyfhI-CMIiDHzrkwaZSYPXS-fQqkmsUjKlVQ/viewform

We have opportunities for parents and community members to mentor on a weekly basis, as well as volunteer on a regular basis or for one-time events. Volunteer opportunities could include attending field trips, assisting in classrooms, helping in the lunchroom, working with student clubs and organizations, and helping with STEM or Reading Nights, Fall Festivals, and Field Days. Please click on the volunteer application icon to start the application and background check.

Here is a link to the volunteer website:

https://www.dentonisd.org/volunteer

Here is the link to the application:

https://forms.dentonisd.org/Forms/volunteerapplication

Please watch this Parent Information and Awareness video for an overview of the assessment procedures and services for gifted and talented students in Denton ISD. If you would like to know more about the gifted and talented program, you access additional information on the district EXPO website: https://www.dentonisd.org/expo . Here you find detailed information about the EXPO program including the identification process, forms, testing dates, etc.

SPANISH NOW AVAILABLE! On the district EXPO page, a short “tutorial” demonstrating how to change the captioning to be in Spanish (or other languages as well) has been added. Look for this:

This year looks a bit different in the Library. Mr. Boyd has had a helper in the library in the past years and unfortunately this year he does not. There is a big need for volunteers in the Library. PTA has created a sign up for the year to get some volunteers to assist with Book repairs and special projects.

Things may change and more needs may be asked.

If you can, please take the time to review the sign up and help out!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AABAE22A4FCC07-51696327-library#/

Per Denton ISD, Volunteers must have a Volunteer background check completed each new academic year. https://www.dentonisd.org/volunteer

We also ask that you log your volunteer hours here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrsmXsYqSfcny-O6kipoVETjQq7UcMLbdaoUAZWfKF7pSmeQ/viewform

For Spanish Translation of Image: 2024 Denton County Toy Store

Ages: Infant - 12 years old

Registration Dates:

• Saturday 11/9/24 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Thursday 11/14/24 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Thursday 12/5/24 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Required:

• Photo ID
• Utility Bill
• Pay Stub
• Proof of Age
• Report Card and Birth Certificate for Each Child

Toy Store Day: Saturday, December 14, 2024

Asbury United Methodist Church

117 Hercules Ln. Denton, TX 79207

Email: toyshotre@asburydenton.org

See flyers below.

Please be informed of our campus telecommunication device policy, including cell phones and smart watches:

• Students are not allowed to use telecommunication devices while on campus, except when a school staff member gives explicit permission to do so while the staff member closely monitors the student’s use.
• Students must keep all telecommunication devices turned off and/or on silent and stowed away in their backpacks at all times. Students may wear their watches on their wrists while on campus as long as they do not use it to make phone calls, text, access the internet, or any other telecommunication features.
• The first time a student does not adhere to our telecommunication device policy, the device will be confiscated by the school and it will remain in the office until a parent or guardian comes to pick it up.
• The second time a student does not adhere to our telecommunication device policy, the device will be confiscated by the school, it will remain in the office until a parent or guardian comes to pick it up, the parents will be charged a fee of $15, and the student will be required to keep their device at home or check it in and out with their homeroom teacher at the beginning and end of each school day.

This policy is congruent with our district policy and the Denton ISD Code of Conduct.

Be sure to join the Hodge PTA at our Meet the Teacher event on Monday (8/5), from 6 to 7. The PTA will be selling T-shirts for $10, and you will be able to buy one for half price, only $5, if you join the PTA as well! Here are some other amazing perks to being a Hodge PTA Member throughout the school year:

• Preferred Seating for Grade Level Performances, End of Year Ceremonies and Graduation
• Quicker Sign Ins for Party Days and During the Day School Events
• Ability to Attend Exclusive During the School Events, such as Half day Assemblies, the Holiday Singalong, and Hodge Podge (Field Day)

So, it will definitely be worth the $10 membership fee to join!

In case you don't know, The Family Center is a counseling center that provides Denton ISD students, their families, and Denton ISD staff members with 10 free counseling sessions per semester. Did I mention that it's FREE?! Our center is run by graduate-level interns that are currently getting their master's in a counseling-related field. We operate at two locations: Braswell High School and Strickland Middle School. You do not have to go to/work at those schools to qualify for services. The Family center provides services to those 4 years old and up.

RESOURCES

• A link to the Denton ISD Family Center Website (click here)
• Flyer for the Family Center (Below)

Check out the flyers below.

For Denton ISD Employees and Families: If your child needs a Sports Physical for the upcoming school year, please keep the Employee Health & Wellness Center in mind. To schedule an appointment, please call 940-369-1380. The clinic is located at 1006 Fulton Street, Denton, TX, 76201.

Center Hours
Monday through Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The cost for the physical is $30 regardless if you and your dependent(s) are on a Denton ISD Medical Plan. Credit Cards, HSA Cards, and FSA cards are the only forms of payment accepted at the clinic. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Benefits Team at 940-369-0028.

The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation-Medical History Form that you will need to complete prior to your child's examination is attached below this paragraph.

Do you have concerns about your child’s development? If so, please contact the special education department at your child’s school. Special education and related services are available to all eligible individuals ages three through 21 years of age. Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) agencies provide services to children ages from birth to their third birthday for learning, speech, behavior, or other delays. Your child’s school and ECI agencies provide services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, have visual impairments, and/or have deaf blindness.

Early intervention is key to children's future successes!

For more information click here: English Spanish

DISD has partnered up with ParentGuidance to offer the following FREE parent resources:

• On-demand courses
• "Ask a Therapist"

Denton County created a navigator to assist residents with mental health resources. It is available in English and Spanish. Residents can complete the DCPH Links Intake Form that you can find here for assistance.

Please know that all families are expected to follow our school procedures for pick up and drop off:

• Drop Off: No students are permitted to be dropped off before 7:15. Please use the front car line to drop off. However, please know that we ask that no cars pull into the circular drive prior to 7:15. This is to assure that once cars are driving on campus, we have staff present to ensure everyone's safety. Once staff are present, please be sure to pull all the way up and leave space in the cross walk. Staff will open the car door or students can get out on their own--you do not have to wait for a staff member. If you want to park and walk your child to the door, you can. Children are not permitted to cross the crosswalk without a parent. Our staff is not permitted to allow students to cross the crosswalks without parents. Parents must walk them across the crosswalk. Students must be entering the building at 7:38, to get to class by 7:40, to be on time. If students arrive after 7:40 they will be considered tardy which can result in truancy issues. If your child is tardy, please park and walk them into the building and sign them in with the front office staff.
• Pick Up: Dismissal is at 3:00. All parents must have a car tag and use the designated car lane (Front Lane for Grades K - 5 and the Back Lane for PreK, PABS, and COMS) to pick up their child in a car. Parents may park and walk across the crosswalk to pick up their child with a car tag. Or parents can check their child out of the office with a photo ID. Parents who are picking up their child without a car tag will be asked to check them out of the office. If the child walks home, our staff will walk them across the street in the front of the building and at the back of the building, but they will not walk them any further. It is not permissible for walkers to be picked up by car on the other side of the street.

If you have questions about our procedures, please contact your child's teacher or the front office.

All changes in transportation (how the child is getting home) or early pick ups must go through the office. Please do not tell your child's teacher or send a note to the teacher. Parents are required to call or email the front office prior to 2:00 PM to make changes to how their child is going home. This is very important so that we can make sure that all changes are communicated to all the staff that need to know before the dismissal process begins. Similarly, if you are picking your child up early, please pick them up before 2:00. This is important so that we can communicate the change to all staff that needs to know before dismissal systems begin.

All adults will need to provide a government issued photo id in order to enter the building during school hours. No exceptions will be made. This is for any and all events that occur on campus during school hours.