Families,

We were thankful this week for an uninterrupted and dry week of school. We were thrilled to welcome back Track 1 and I noticed that they didn't forget the expectations and have been SOARing all week! Please check below for updates about our upcoming family event: Trunk or Treat. One update is that the canned goods donations for this event will go directly to support families in Western NC affected by Tropical Storm Helene. Our hearts and minds are with our neighbors to the west who have experienced this tragedy and we will be making efforts to support those communities. Thank you for partnering with us for Western NC community support. Upcoming opportunities to contribute include:

• Bring items to Book Fair evening hours Monday October 14th 4:30-7pm
• Bring items to Trunk or Treat Thursday October 24th 5:45-7:15pm
• PTA-sponsored Coin Collection effort at school - coming soon

Some suggested items for donation are: water, canned food, baby formula, pet food, hygiene products, batteries, and flashlights.

Today and always, thank you for your continued support of your children and our school. Together, we will help our children SOAR to reach their greatest potential!

Email: thuber@wcpss.net
Website: https://www.wcpss.net/harriscreekes
Location: Harris Creek Elementary School, Forestville Road, Raleigh, NC, USA
Phone: 919.217.5100
Facebook: facebook.com/HarrisCreekPta

UPDATES October 4th: We have added a Rain Date for this event which is Tuesday, October 29th from 5:45-7:15pm. In addition, please be aware that the canned goods donations will be sent to support the needs of families in Western NC affected by Tropical Storm Helene.

Our fall family engagement event: the 2nd Annual Harris Creek Trunk or Treat is coming soon! Mark your calendars for October 24th and plan to bring a canned goods donation. If able, please consider clicking the image below to see our Amazon wish list for items needed (especially candy!) for this event. Items will be shipped directly to the school so it's super easy for everyone to contribute! Although event is still awhile away, please consider purchasing items well in advance. Thank you!

The Fall Book Fair is scheduled for October 14th-25th. All families, including Track 4, are invited to attend the Book Fair Evening Open Hours on Monday, October 14th from 4:30-7pm. The PTA meeting will take place at 6pm in the Media Center. Please make plans to attend both!

Click the button below to sign up. Thank you!

We are grateful for the outreach from many of our parents and community members asking how they can help support school meals and alternative food distribution efforts.

Individuals or organizations that want to donate to the Districtwide Angel Fund to help students who don't have enough money to purchase their school meals can complete this form to send with their donation, and those that want to engage others in their community in this effort can use this flyer for outreach.

The volunteer RENEWAL form deadline has been extended to October 14th. The renewal process is for those who signed up last school year. It is very quick!! After October 14th, all volunteer applicants will have to start the process over and a new background check will take place.

You can complete the application from home and on any device!

Click the button below to access the application form. Thank you in advance for registering to be a volunteer!

District policy regarding volunteers can be accessed here.

Saturday October 19th from 9am-12pm we will have our Fall Beautification Day. The goal will be to make the Harris Creek campus as beautiful as possible to include litter cleanup, tree and bush pruning, and more! Your help is needed to ensure we can accomplish the most in the 3 hour timeframe.

We are in need of multiple pressure washers to help wash chalk off the brick walls. Please bring one if you have it along with as much length of hose that you have. We have many water hookups around the school's exterior. In addition, if you know someone who is able to help with large scale bush/brush removal especially with heavy duty equipment, please see if they can help and let us know!

October 1st is the kickoff to Breast Cancer Awareness Month! As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to take a moment to educate ourselves and our school community about this significant health issue. Located here you can find information and local resources. Raising awareness can save lives through education and early detection! We would also like to include additional awareness activities for our families staff to participate in. One of which includes “Pink Out” Fridays for the entire month of October. Let’s come together to raise awareness, support those affected, and promote healthy practices within our school community. Thank you for your commitment to this important cause!

Have an awesome school related photo you think would be best for the yearbook? Field trip pics? First day of school? Pics from Spirit nights at our community partner restaurants? ALL submissions should be sent for consideration directly to Jostens using this link!

Please consider uploading photos periodically rather than waiting until later in the school year.

Thank you in advance!

• Sep 15-Oct 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
• October: Disabilities Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Oct 12: PTA Spirit Night at City BBQ
• Oct 14-25: Fall Book Fair
• Oct 17: Picture Makeups Tracks 1&3
• Oct 18 - Number Drummer Assemblies Tracks 1&3
• Oct 18: Track 3 Last Day Before Track Out
• Oct 19: Fall Campus Beautification Day 9am-12pm
• Oct 21: Track 4 returns
• Oct 24: Number Drummer Assemblies Tracks 2&4
• Oct 24: Trunk or Treat Family Event 5:45-7:15pm
• Oct 29: If Needed: Trunk or Treat RAIN DATE
• Oct 31: Halloween
• Nov 3: Daylight Savings Time ends
• Nov 5: Election Day - No School For Students All Tracks

Apply for Free and Reduced Price Meals 🍕🍴🍌

• Even if you were eligible last year, you need to re-apply each school. Applications submitted online will be processed quickly.

• Click this link for full details: Free/Reduced Meals. Please allow 10 business days for processing. For every student that turns in the free and reduced meals application and qualifies, the school also receives federal funds that benefit the students and teachers at the school. If you have not completed a free or reduced-price meal application and think your child may be eligible, pick up an application at your child’s school or apply online.

The WCPSS annual school progress reports are intended to provide parents with logical and detailed information about their schools. Click below to access the 23-24 HCES progress report. The short video below is helpful to understanding the progress report.

As shared previously, the PTA , Ms. Demartz, and Mr. Huber have been working together to schedule Cultural Arts Experiences for our students throughout this school year. So far, we have booked the return of the Number Drummer in October for his part 2 experience: Breaking Beat! We have also scheduled Matt Sandbank's Shadow Factory to perform for all students in February. We are currently working to schedule possible artists-in-residence for projects with 4th and 5th grade students. More to come! Thank you so much for your donations and for sharing the opportunity to donate with your family and friends.

WCPSS offers the Family Academy Parent Workshops to the WCPSS school and community to provide parents with the tool to help their children with their academic success.

Harris Creek Elementary is now recruiting tutors for our Parent and Community Team (PACT). PACT will be coordinated by Intervention Team Lead Dawn Zuccarini and will support the academic growth of students at Harris Creek during the 2024-25 school year. Are you already a WakeTogether HELPS trained tutor? Then this is a perfect opportunity to help your own school community! Did you know that many companies in our area (including WCPSS) offer "Community/Volunteer Leave" days/hours to employees? Be sure to check if your employer offers this type of leave which you can use to volunteer as part of PACT. Thank you for considering!

Did you know that our school has an online spirit wear store? Our school colors and logo can be found on items of all sizes and types at this online store. Check it out today!

HCES Carpool Expectations (updated for 24-25)

Please read the linked document in it's entirety.

ID Checks Take Place in The Front Office

Family members who do not have a carpool tag will be required to park (disabled spots) and come into the front office to have their ID checked to verify they are a student contact. This is a return to pre-pandemic procedures and to address staffing shortage. In addition, cars without carpool tags will remain in the carpool line rather than advance past the cones. If you need a new carpool tag, please come to the front office anytime during school hours. Thank you!

Students May Not Be Dropped Off Until 8:45am

Please be reminded of the expectation that students may not be dropped off until 8:45am. Students may not line up at the front door. (except while Tracks 1,3,4 are tracked in together and an adult is present - until September 6th)

Carpool Efficiency Reminders

Please remember to pull forward as far as possible in both AM and PM carpool, have your student(s) open their own door, and put on your hazard lights if assistance is needed (AM). If needing to help your child get in the seat, please pull forward and into a parking space so that the line can keep moving. Thank you!

Please Display Carpool Number Tags Every Afternoon

In order to ensure an efficient carpool process, please remember to hang carpool number tags to display clearly from your vehicle's rearview mirror. Please reference the image below for proper placement. This is a critical step to ensure students leave their classrooms and come outside to the correct location on the sidewalk to be picked up. Thank you!

Bus Tracking App

Please use the Here Comes the Bus app (App Store or Google Play Store) to monitor the location of your student’s bus and when it is approaching his/her stop. To sign up: https://herecomesthebus.com/parents/get-started/ . The WCPSS school code for school bus tracking is 67500. You will need to use your child's student ID number as well.

You can also follow @HCESBuses on Twitter to confirm when your child's bus leaves campus each afternoon.

If your family needs more than 2 carpool tags or you have lost one, please use the link below to submit payment for additional tags. Tags may be picked up in the front office after payment has been processed.

If you are a first time carpool user, you can stop by the front office to get 2 carpool tags for free.

Some areas for attention for all families as we establish routines:

• Please drive slow (less than 15mph) at all times through carpool lanes
• The carpool loop fills up early and usually around 3:15pm or sooner. Please do not park and expect to get out of your spot after this time. Other options include parking in a higher row or parking in the bus loop parking lot
• During afternoon carpool, always WAIT until the car in front of you starts moving. Families may not pull out and go around the car in front of them even if their child is already in the car as it creates unsafe conditions
• After 3:45pm when the carpool line has started moving, drivers should not use their phone to ensure they are always ready to drive forward when it is time

The online school payment system starting next month is called School Cash Online. Here is the description of the new service:

SchoolCash Online is an easy to use and safe way to pay for your children’s school fees. Now, with a few clicks, you can pay for your child’s yearbook, class trips and so much more from your own home. All you have to do is register an account, attach your children and in no time you will be able to make payments online. We accept many different payment forms so come in and check us out!

Families can register now by clicking the image below. When it comes time to pay for field trips and other needs, you'll be all set up!

Although opportunities to attend meetings and to volunteer are available and will be offered, it is not a requirement for PTA membership. Please consider joining the PTA and supporting our school in whatever capacity you are able.

• Book Fair Volunteer Sign Up
• September PTA Newsletter
• Upload Yearbook Photos
• [AMAZON WISH LIST] Help Stock The Teacher's Lounge! 😋
  
• Join the PTA
• Upcoming PTA Meeting Dates: 10/14, 1/28/25, 4/1/25
• Teacher Breakfasts/Lunches: 10/18, 12/2
• PTA Angel Fund: Please consider a donation to fund field trips for other Eagles! Click the link to donate: all donations go towards funding individual students for future field trips
• Check out the School Spirit Wear Online Store!
• Follow the Harris Creek Elementary PTA Facebook page

YEARBOOKS ARE ON SALE NOW!

We are changing how we handle pre-orders and want to be sure EVERYONE hears the news!

1) PRE-ORDERS END MARCH 28th 2025 and are processed directly via our printer Jostens. You get all sorts of personalization options via the link below.

2) LIMITED GRADE 5 special graduation AD sales END FEB 13th 2025!!

Those purchasing grade 5 celebration ads will work directly with Jostens on their ads. Don’t miss out as space is limited. Once they are gone they are gone for good!

3) ALL pre orders will be processed and delivered when we receive the yearbooks. A SMALL amount of overages purchased for new students will be placed on sale via our pta site at the END of the school year.

We do not guarantee a specific delivery date of these so please choose the pre order option. Limited PTA staff have jobs and responsibilities and do their best to handle last minute orders. With this much advanced purchase time we hope to avoid a last-minute scramble!

HCES School Counselors Jessica Krauss and Mark Speight have created this excellent resources for parents and caregivers to support their child's and their own mental wellness. Use the links below to access the video and attachments. The goals of the workshop are:

1. Understand why mental wellness is important for Elementary School Children
2. Identify mental health warning signs and how to address them early on
3. Learn ways to support your child’s mental health and wellness

The second half of the school year can be a time of exponential academic growth for students! When it's time to help your child at home, be sure to use the below linked Google Site to support you.

Families: please use the below linked Google Site to access math curriculum information and resources for all grade levels K-5th. Information and resources are grouped by unit and lesson. To find out which unit and lesson your child is currently learning and/or which unit/lesson they need more practice with, please contact your child's teacher.

• Apply for Free and Reduced Price Meals 🍕🍴🍌

• Click this link for full details: Free/Reduced Meals. Please allow 10 business days for processing. For every student that turns in the free and reduced meals application and qualifies, the school also receives federal funds that benefit the students and teachers at the school. If you have not completed a free or reduced-price meal application and think your child may be eligible, pick up an application at your child’s school or apply online.

• Cafeteria Menus: Menus are available on the interactive website, MealViewer.

• School Cafeteria Angel Fund: Our school cafeteria maintains a special account for when students forget to bring money for school meals on a day here and there. If you would like to contribute to this fund, please send cash or check in with your child or drop it off at the school with Cafeteria Manager Rachel Shepard. Thank you for your generosity!

• MySchoolBucks App: With a MySchool Bucks account paying for school meals is easy. Go to www.MySchoolBucks.com or call (855) 832-5226 to enroll. You'll need your child's Student ID number, available in your registration materials or at your school. Once your account is established you may:
  

• Securely deposit funds to your child's account
• Check balances
• Set spending limits

• Questions about applying for free and reduced meals:

  (919) 856-2920 (English)

  (919) 588-3535 (English and Spanish)

  cnsmealbenefits@wcpss.net

REPLACEMENT CHARGER POLICY

Each student is issued a charger with their Chromebook. If that charger breaks, or goes missing, we will replace it at no cost to you ONE time. After that, Media and Technology Committee along with HCES Administration, has determined it is necessary to pass along replacement costs to the students.

At this time, if your student loses or breaks their second charger, they will need to see the tech office. They will be advised to have you pay a $20 replacement fee on our payment portal (School Cash Online) to receive a new charger. Use the button below to order

For safety reasons, it is not advised to order your own replacement as standards must be met for wattage, manufacturing guidelines etc. Once paid for, we will handle securing a charger for your student.

Please note: we have a running record of all replacements that have been made to date that will be used to determine eligibility for a replacement charger.

WCPSS Technology Webpage: Acces information regarding:

• Smartphone/Device Safety
• Consent For Technology And Digital Resource Use
• Technology Related Policies
• Student Device Program
• Online Safety at School
• Online Safety at Home
• Digital Wellness

Reminder: Students should restart their WCPSS devices once per week.

Restarting also can resolve many other common issues impacting student devices. Always restart a WCPSS device before contacting the Help Desk. Thank you!

Parents Helping Parents (PHP) prevention philosophy is grounded in a self-help model based on the belief that parents are capable of developing their own solutions when given the space, encouragement, and community resources that they need. Thus, it is the parents themselves who decide the direction a conversation will take during a Parent Support Group meeting or Parent Stress Line.

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Through a combination of trust, mutual support, honesty, and collective wisdom, involvement with PHP can become the foundation for a parent's own personal growth and change.

General health guidance can be viewed here: https://www.wcpss.net/Page/168

We recognize that you may be receiving a large volume of communication and we want to make sure you always see the information you need the most!

Set your SchoolMessenger message preferences by creating a SchoolMessenger Parent account. With this account you can select what information you receive and how you would like to receive it. You can create your account by downloading the SchoolMessenger app on your mobile device or go to https://go.schoolmessenger.com/.

Notes:

• Use the email address entered for your student in PowerSchool to sign up.
• Most messages from Mr. Huber and WCPSS are sent as email and text using the General School Info broadcast.
• To receive text messages, text YES to 67587.
• For more information and instructions on how to create an account, visit: https://www.wcpss.net/schoolmessenger.

As Harris Creek Eagles, we SOAR!

Website: https://www.wcpss.net/harriscreekes
Location: Harris Creek Elementary School, Forestville Road, Raleigh, NC, USA
Phone: 919-217-5100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarrisCreekPta
Twitter: @harriscreeekelem