October Newsletter
October Newsletter
Haymarket Elementary School
Hello Cub Family,
As October approaches we will be focusing on fostering a sense of community. We have several large events taking place this month. We will be starting our Den System which is design to develop a sense of belonging, collaboration and school spirit. We will also have our annual Boosterthon. Our PTO does an amazing job organizing this event, which is our schools number one fundraiser throughout the year. Currently we are collecting for both a Lego Drive for Childhood Cancer Awareness and a Fall Food Drive. Our Robotics team, Musical performers, and School News Crews are continuing to work on their craft. Lastly, our Advisory Council will be meeting in a collaboration between families and school staff, ensuring we continue to keep our focus on providing the best opportunity for our students and their success! Our Haymarket community is what makes this such a special place. Thank you for your continued help and support.
Dr. Jesse L. Rivera
Important Dates
- October 1st - Advisory Council Meeting at 6:30PM on Zoom
- October 3rd - Rosh Hashana (No School)
- October 7th - Den System Kickoff
- October 8th - 17th - Boosterthon
- October 8th, 9th & 10th - 5th Grade Field Trip to Cedar Point
- October 10th - 4th Grade Field Trip to Jamestown
- October 11th - All SCA Applications Due (5th Grade)
- October 17th - Fun Run
- October 21st - Fall Food Drive Ends
- October 29th - Picture Day
- October 31st - End of 1st Quarter
- November 1st - Diwali Holiday (No School)
- November 4th & 5th - Parent Conferences (No School for students)
- November 11th - Veterans Day (No School)
- November 14th - Report Cards available on Parent View
- November 27th - December 2nd - Thanksgiving Break (Schools & Offices Closed)
Advisory Council
community to participate in the decision-making process at the local school level. A primary
function of the council is to serve as an advisory body to the principal and school leadership
team. Members fulfill both representative and advisory roles. While the council does not create
a school policy, they play a critical role in helping to shape the continuous improvement plan
through feedback and recommendations from the community.
Please join us for our first Advisory Council Meeting on Tuesday Oct 1 on Zoom at 6:30pm.
https://pwcs-zm-edu.zoom.us/j/86773833131?pwd=UWCaaUAXvO2ubaJsd3DigbDG3YG55H.1&from=addon
Our Advisory Council dates for the 2024-2025 school year are as follows:
October 1, November (pending), February 4th, March 4th, April 1st, and May 6th
Meet our Morning News Show Team
Morning announcements at Haymarket Elementary School are a source of pride for the 36 students who produce them! This popular show is eagerly anticipated and loved, especially by the celebrity students who host it. The student news crews consist of six teams, each made up of 4th or 5th graders.
Every school day, the designated crew members gather in Ms. Lelito’s room, located in the back of the library. Each day’s team of six students includes three who manage the "behind the scenes technology" and three news anchors who are featured on the News Show. The students switch roles and take turns being on camera or off, allowing them to experience a variety of jobs and become familiar with every part of the production process.
The news show team at Haymarket Elementary School is not only talented but also incredibly responsible and a pleasure to work with. Their dedication and teamwork shine through in every broadcast, making the morning announcements a highlight of the day. We are immensely proud of their hard work and commitment!
Boosterthon 2024
Our annual Boosterthon will run from Oct 8th - Oct 17th culminating with our Haymarket Fun Run on Oct 17. This is an exciting event that raises funds for our school while promoting team work, fitness, and school spirit. Donations directly support classroom resources and programs. Help make this year the best yet!!!!!
Robotics
Our Robotics team is looking for anyone with expertise in the field of oceanography, marine biology, etc. Our team is working on a research project and is looking for some expert feedback. If so please reach out to Mrs. Seaman at seemanmc@pwcs.edu.
Attendance Counts!
Student attendance is vital to their success in school. When students are present in school they have access to a variety of resources to help their educational as well as social-emotional growth. Throughout the year we will share facts about the strong correlation between student attendance and academic success. (Attendance data from: attendanceworks.org)
Research shows that missing 10 percent of the school, or about 18 days in most school districts, negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month and that’s known as chronic absence. Read more...
Students who live in communities with high levels of poverty are four times more likely to be chronically absent than others often for reasons beyond their control, such as unstable housing, unreliable transportation and a lack of access to health care. Read more...
When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating. Read more...
Attendance improves when schools engage students and parents in positive ways and when schools provide mentors for chronically absent students. Read more...
Most school districts and states don’t look at all the right data to improve school attendance. They track how many students show up every day and how many are skipping school without an excuse, but not how many are missing so many days in excused and unexcused absence that they are headed off track academically.
Den System Kickoff!
Exciting News: Introducing Our New Den System!
Den System Kickoff Monday October 7th!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Den System! This exciting initiative is designed to foster a sense of community, teamwork, and school spirit among our students. Here’s everything you need to know about this fantastic new program:
What is the Den System?
The Den System is a way to divide our school into smaller communities, or “dens,” each with its own unique color. Every student and staff member will be assigned to one of these dens, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Den Points: Students can earn points for their den through good behavior, academic achievements, participation in school events, and more.
Benefits of the Den System:
•Community Building: Students will have the opportunity to interact with peers from different grades, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork.
•Positive Behavior: The Den System encourages positive behavior and academic excellence through a fun and engaging reward system.
•School Spirit: With den colors and friendly competitions, school spirit will be at an all-time high!
We are incredibly excited about the positive impact the Den System will have on our school community. We look forward to seeing our students grow, learn, and have fun together in their new dens!
Elf The Musical JR: Save the Dates!
December 12th, 13th and 14th at 7:00P.M.
Save the Date for Elf The Musical JR.! Presale tickets will go on sale on October 15th. Tickets will be $5. The best way to spread holiday cheer... is singing loud for all to hear! The students in the musical are so excited to perform for our HMES families!
Lost and Found
The Lost and Found is overflowing! Please take a moment to check for any missing items. Any unclaimed items will be donated over Winter Break.
Watch Dogs
We are thrilled to announce that our Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) program is off to a fantastic start this year! Our dedicated volunteers have already made a significant impact, providing positive male role models for our students and enhancing school security.
Thank you to all the dads and father figures who have stepped up to support our school community. Your involvement is making a difference! And thank you to Mr. Sweeney for helping us organize this fantastic program at our school!
Picture Day
Express yourself!
Picture Day is Soon...
Haymarket Elementary School Yearbook Picture Day
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
martes, 29 de octubre de 2024
All students are photographed for your school’s student identification & yearbook. Wear solid, bright colors to enhance your portrait. Avoid reflective jewelry.
Todos los estudiantes son fotografiados para la identificación y el anuario de su escuela. Lleva colores sólidos brillantes para mejorar su retrato. Evitar la joyería reflectante.
Prepay for your pictures online!
¡Pague por adelantado sus fotos en línea!
Scan the QR Code
Escanea el código QR
Or visit www.candidcolor.net Your prepay code is: HAYEPREPAY Follow the on-screen instructions.
O visite www.candidcolor.net Tu código prepago es HAYEPREPAY Sigue las instrucciones en la pantalla.
Picture day is a school fundraiser!
¡El día de fotos es una recaudación de fondos para la escuela!
Questions? customerservice@candidcolor.net • 703.590.0187
Family Engagement Series
About the Family Engagement Series:
- Virtual & In-Person Weekly Sessions
- Various Topics & Resources for Families
- Simultaneous Interpretations
- Virtual Sessions are available for on-demand viewing
703-791-8001
For more information, scan the QR code on the flier.
LEGO drive for Childhood Cancer Awareness
Childhood Cancer Awareness LEGO donations. Thank you to all who have donated to the cause. The last day to bring in your LEGO donation is Friday Oct. 11. They will be personally delivered to Inova Children's Hospital by #Nikostrong and fellow Haymarket Cub. Help us raise awareness and bring smiles to the kids undergoing treatment. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RSMEOBEDTH8X?ref_=wl_share
Fall Food Drive
Northern Virginia Family Service presents Fall Food Drive
Help stock the shelves at the Hunger Resource Center to ensure we’re ready to meet the heightened demand for resources during the holiday season.
nvfs.org/support/fall-food-drive
For general inquiries, contact Lacy Hurst: LHurst@nvfs.org or 571.748.2672
DONATIONS NEEDED!
canned fruit, applesauce, canned vegetables, canned meat/fish, canned potatoes, Instant mashed potatoes, box beans (all types)/lentils, soup broth/stock, pasta sauce, pasta rice, coffee/tea, one-box meals (like Hamburger Helper), peanut butter, jelly, cereal, oatmeal, pre-made baking mix, flour, sugar, shelf-stable milk, cooking oil/spray.
Grocery gift cards - NVFS suggests Giant
Gluten-free, low sodium and low-sugar items needed!
Donations are picked up at the school on Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Donate Funds Online or by Check
Donate online: nvfs.org/support/fall-food-drive
Donate by check: Please make checks payable to “Northern Virginia Family Service”
Attn: Fall Food Drive, 3110 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22042
Volunteer
Friday, October 18th – Friday, November 1st, 2024
For volunteer opportunities, contact Navara Cannon: ncannon@nvfs.org or 571.748.2536
Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families to improve their quality of life, and to promoting community cooperation and support in responding to family needs. Fall Food Drive donations benefit families in Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. Please note, should contributions for Fall Food Drive exceed our budgeted need, gifts will be directed to where they are needed most to help children and families living in poverty throughout Northern Virginia.
These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by Prince William County Schools.
(Download this flier below)
(Descargue este folleto a continuación)
Library Materials
Our library circulation system provides the option for parents to restrict access to specific titles in circulation in our school library, if they choose that option for their child. While the school shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the student is not provided with access to such materials, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that the student understands the restriction and does not attempt to access the materials.
If you are interested in restricting specific library titles for your student(s), please visit the “Parent Library Controls” webpage for more information.
Restriction of library materials using the “Additional User Type” is a parent's responsibility. Librarians and school administrators can provide access to the link but cannot provide support within the system.
Cell Phone/Smart Watch Policy
- All functions within personal wireless communication devices must be silenced and stored away during the school day.
- While wearing smart watches is discouraged dual-purpose watches may be worn at school, but wireless/cellular features must be turned off during the school day (e.g., must be placed in airplane mode).
- Cell phones and wireless communication devices may be used on school buses provided the device does not distract the driver, compromise safety, or violate the Prohibited Content and Use for All Students.
Student Drop-off & Pick-up
- Left turns onto Somerset Crossing Drive are prohibited during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal. Specifically, no left turns between 8:50-9:30 AM and 3:50-4:20 PM.
- Student drop-off is not permitted in the staff parking lot (left lot). Upon entering our lot, drivers must turn right to enter the car rider line. Please do not park and walk your child to the building unless the bell has rung and no school personnel are outside.
Reminders
- Please be mindful in taking pictures of only your child while on campus.
- Parents will be welcome to join their children for lunch after Labor Day.
- Sending food for birthdays is discouraged, however if you do so, it must be store bought and pre-arranged with the teacher at least a week in advance. Small party favors are preferable.
- Upon entering our lot drivers must turn right to get into the car rider line. Parents are not permitted to make a left into the side lot and walk their children to the building.
Special Shout Outs
- Thank you to our AMAZING PTO for organizing our Cold Stone Creamery Spirit Night and our upcoming Boosterthon.
- Special shout-out to Karla Chavarriaga for leading our Lego Drive and our upcoming Fall Food Drive.
- Thank you to Renee Croisetiere and Emily Shapiro for organizing and starting our Den System program (more info to come)
- Another shout-out to Mrs. CW and Mrs. Benardis for their time, dedication and commitment to our inspiring actors and actresses in the upcoming musical.
- And finally, here's a special shout-out to Mr. Sweeney and all of our volunteers for our Watch D.O.G.S. program.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
Nelson Mandela