HES Parent & Family Newsletter

This month, we’re highlighting the power of kindness and courage—two traits that work together to inspire growth, connection, and strength in both individuals and communities. Students are encouraged to practice empathy and compassion while also finding the courage to stand up for what is right, even in difficult situations.

Key Messages:

• Kindness – Small acts of care and compassion can create ripples of positivity.
• Our student leaders will be helping out with this one update below for more details.
• Courage – Bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but the willingness to act with integrity despite it.
• Together – When kindness and courage come together, we create stronger, more inclusive communities.
• Courage Newsletter for families

Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences at Houston Elementary

Join us for Spring Conferences on Thursday, February 20th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Conferences will be held in-person, virtually, or via phone. Times may vary by teacher. This is a great opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, goals for the rest of the school year, and any input for the following school year.

Families with students in grade 2,4,& 6 : Conferences will be held in an "open house" style—no sign-up required. Drop by during conference hours to meet with your child’s teachers.

5th & 6th grade families-If you can’t attend conferences or would prefer an email or phone call to receive an update on your child's progress, please contact your classroom teacher directly to arrange an alternative conferencing option this spring.

For assistance, contact Angela McQuinn at Angela.McQuinn@hsd294.us or (507) 896-5323, ext. #1203.

At Houston Elementary, we are excited to recognize Heart Health Month this February and invite you to join us for a special event!

📅 American Heart Association Assembly
📍 Houston Elementary Gym
🕝 Wednesday, February 19th at 2:30 PM

We will be celebrating heart health and honoring a local Heart Health Hero who has made a difference in our community. This event is a great opportunity for students and families to learn more about the importance of keeping our hearts healthy through movement, nutrition, and overall well-being.

Heart disease remains one of the leading health concerns nationwide, but small lifestyle choices—like staying active, eating nutritious foods, and knowing the signs of heart conditions—can make a big difference!

If you’d like to support the American Heart Association, donations can be made using the QR code below. Your contributions help fund research, education, and support for those affected by heart disease.

Thank you for being a part of our Houston Elementary community and helping us spread awareness about heart health!

• Monday, February 3rd
• Lunch today is Chicken & Gravy
• Alternative today is breakfast munchable (pancakes & Gogurt)
• Tuesday, February 4th
• Lunch today is BBQ pulled pork sandwich
• Alternative today is the breakfast munchable (pancakes & Gogurt)
• Wednesday, February 5th
• PTA parents if you are interested we could use a few volunteers for Bingo for Books today at 2:30-3:00
• Lunch today is chicken nachos with cheese
• Alternative today is the breakfast munchable (pancakes & Gogurt)
• Thursday, February 6th
• Lunch today is a Sloppy Joe on a bun
• Alternative today breakfast munchable (pancakes & Gogurt)
• Friday, February 7th
• Positive office referrals 1st grade
• Lunch today Hotdog on a bun
• Alternative today breakfast munchable (pancakes & Gogurt)

In an effort to reduce milk waste and manage costs more effectively, we are making some changes to our milk distribution at snack time for students in grades 1-6. Moving forward, we ask that families who wish to purchase milk for their children at snack time complete the attached form. This will allow us to distribute milk more accurately and ensure that funds are collected appropriately.

Please take a moment to fill out the form and indicate which of your students you would like to receive milk during snack time It's important to note that students receive a free carton of milk each day during school breakfast and lunch. However, milk is only free at lunch if the student takes the school meal. Otherwise, students in grades K-6 will be charged $0.60 at lunchtime for their milk.

Milk distribution at snack will begin September 9th, 2024. We will add students to the list and milk will be delivered to students during their scheduled snack times.

Cost per milk $0.60:

• Quarter 3- 1/21/25-3/21/25 (42 school days)= $25.20
• Quarter 4- 3/31/25-5/28/25 (40 school days) = $24.00

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work to make this process more efficient.

Snack Break Milk Request

Kind regards,
Angela McQuinn
Assistant Principal, Houston Elementary School

We are excited to announce that Mr. Hoskins has been selected as our Teacher of the Week! Mr. Hoskins was nominated by our Student Leadership Committee for his positive attitude, dedication to teaching important character skills, engaging students in fun and meaningful games, and being a great teacher to all students in grades K-6. His enthusiasm and commitment make him an invaluable part of our Hurricane FORCE community.

As part of this recognition, Mr. Hoskins will receive a handwritten award from the Student Leadership Committee, a small gift, and a special parking spot for the week.

Congratulations, Mr. Hoskins! Thank you for all you do to make Houston Elementary a positive and welcoming place for our students!

Congratulations to Jaxon S. and Lainey T., who were nominated by their classroom teachers, Mrs. Weisbrod and Mrs. Levenick! Jaxon and Lainey consistently demonstrate kindness, respect, helpfulness, and responsibility in their classrooms and throughout the school.

Thank you both for being outstanding role models and for strengthening our Hurricane F.O.R.C.E.

• January 31st: Professional Development, No School for Students, Hurricane Watch available.
• February 11th- Safer Internet presentation grades K-4 @ 9 am in the gym
• Families are welcome to join in this presentation to hear about keeping kids safe on the internet, on devices, and while gaming.
• Additional information will be sent home with students from the PTA.
• February 12th- Safer Internet presentation grades 5-6
• Monday, February 17th: Teacher InService, NO School for Students, Hurricane Watch available.
• Wednesday, February 19th: American Heart Association presentation 2:30 in the gym.
• Families are welcome to join as we recognize a local heart health hero.
• Thursday, February 20th: Spring Conferences, 3:15-6:00 PM.
• Sunday, March 9th: Daylight Savings Time Begins, Remember to set your clocks ahead 1 hour!
• March 21st: Kindergarten Open House, Current kindergarten students will not have school this day (due to the Open House) Hurricane Watch will not be available as the elementary school will remain in session for grades 1-6, HW will be open before and after school only.
• March 24th & 25th: Teacher InService, NO School for Students, Hurricane Watch available.
• March 26th, 27th, 28th: NO School for Students, Hurricane Watch available.

Please check the school website calendar for more information as well as other events/opportunities.