HES Shark Scoop

Dear HES Caregivers,

It's hard to believe I'm writing the final Shark Scoop of the school year. Thank you for a fantastic year! Your partnership in educating your children, your support for Allyson and me, and your dedication to our community have been incredible.

June is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time for children. They may feel a mix of emotions as they face the end of this school year, the uncertainties of the next, and a summer break from their routines. Take small moments with your children to reflect, express their feelings, and celebrate.

This week was outstanding, highlighted by the best field day I’ve experienced as an educator. Coach D organized a fantastic variety of events for our Sharks. A heartfelt thank you to every parent, grandparent, sibling, neighbor, friend, Mariner’s player, police officer, and firefighter who volunteered their time and energy. The pictures below capture the amazing fun our Sharks had; one of my favorite parts was seeing the teachers playing with the students.

On Tuesday, we will have Step Up Day, a cherished tradition for grades K-3. All students will meet their new teachers and classmates. Please trust us with your children’s placements, knowing we’ve taken great care to create balanced classes for everyone.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our Harwich Elementary School educators. They have had a tremendous impact on your children this year. Every day, I am reminded of their expertise and commitment. I am especially amazed at how they meet students where they are and prioritize their academic, social, and emotional growth.

We have one retirement at HES this year. Mrs. Betsy Robinson has been at the helm in the front office for 26 years. Her expertise with systems, patience with all of us, and friendly, calm demeanor will be greatly missed. Our Sharks have begun to share the HES love with her, visiting with pictures, flowers, and cards.

I also want to thank our PTO, which operates at an exceptionally high level in supporting our students, teachers, and school. They consistently create unique opportunities for families to come together, and we are truly grateful for this year’s board and every volunteer.

As you transition into summer, I hope you find joy in spending time with your children. I encourage you to prevent the “summer slide” by reading with and to your children. Ms. Idman, our school librarian, has compiled a reading list for students and caregivers. Reading consistently over the summer will prepare our Sharks to hit the ground running in September.

Mrs. Joy and I will be in and out of the office all summer, so please reach out if you need anything. We will have everything ready for another fantastic year at HES!

All my best,

Christie

I hope that everyone has a wonderful and safe summer vacation. Please continue to send in any physicals, or other medical information to the school over the summer. I will be checking in and updating records periodically.

If your child has medication at school, please be sure to pick it up on Tuesday, the last day of school (June 18th). If you have a problem getting here that day, please contact me and we can figure out an alternative plan. If a medication is not picked up it will be discarded.

Monday, June 17 -- Fourth Grade Graduation 9:30 am

Tuesday, June 18 -- HES Step Up Day K-3

Tuesday, June 18 -- MRSD Last Day of School 10:50 am Dismissal

The Bureau of Special Education Appeals, which derives its authority from both federal and Massachusetts statutes and regulations (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; "IDEA"; MGL ch.71B; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) conducts due process hearings and renders Rulings and Decisions concerning eligibility, evaluation, placement, individualized education programs (IEP), provision of special education and procedural protections for students with disabilities.
To join an Informational Session: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/mediation-and-facilitation-informational-sessions
To learn about BSEA Mediation: https://www.mass.gov/mediation-at-the-bsea
To learn about Hearings at the BSEA: https://www.mass.gov/due-process-hearings

Did you know? Past issues of the HES Shark Scoop can be found on our website at https://hes.monomoy.edu/news/hes-shark-scoop.

Ms. Allyson Joy, Assistant Principal

Email: ccutone@monomoy.edu
Website: https://www.monomoy.edu/Domain/9
Location: 263 South Street, Harwich, MA, USA
Phone: 508-430-7216
Twitter: @monomoyschools