Families,

Today's Eagle's Call is the first since September 6th as I was on leave for a portion of last week. While I love featuring unique events and news from our school community, the Eagle's Call is just one of many ways we keep families informed each week. Be sure to follow our PTA Facebook page linked below to stay informed throughout each week. In addition, be sure to check your child's folder each week and your TalkingPoints messages for information shared by your child's teacher.

This week's featured and unique event is the installation of a Social-Emotional skills based project recently completed by students of Special Education teacher Kathy Jannotta.The goal of the project was for the students to contribute to the wellbeing of our students and staff by providing public affirmations in a prominent location for all to see. The affirmation rocks are a beautiful addition to one of our garden beds. Check out the photo below!

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

International Dot Day is named for the classic Peter H. Reynolds storybook The Dot. Available in English and many other languages, the book shares the story of a girl who begins a journey of self-discovery after a caring teacher challenges her to “make her mark.”

Art Teacher Ms. Demartz led students in creating beautiful, collaborative artwork pictured below to celebrate and recognize our diversity and creativity!

The volunteer RENEWAL form deadline is October 1st. The renewal process is for those who signed up last school year. It is very quick!! After October 1st, 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.

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.

It is time for students to start thinking about participating in Science Olympiad, which is a competitive, academic team for students in grades 3-5. Students who are interested should complete the form (with their parent/guardian) at this link https://bit.ly/hces25so and rank the events that they think they might be interested in. Depending on interest level, we may need to hold tryouts (we are limited to 30 participants). The interest form must be completed by September 20th, and we will send more information about tryouts and registration to the email address you provide on the form .

Meetings will begin in October and will be held after school on Wednesdays. Our tentative competition date is Saturday, February 15th, 2024. There are no fees to participate, other than travel to the local tournament and purchasing a team t-shirt for your student. Families should help their student complete the form and make sure students understand the commitment to the team, should they be selected to participate. Please contact Mrs. Roberson at sroberson1@wcpss.net with any questions. Thank you!

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!

Dear Harris Creek Elementary School Families,

My name is Rebecca, I am a senior in high school at Rolesville High School, and I am helping to build 2 sensory paths for your child's school. These pathways are part of a project I am doing to earn my Stars And Stripes award in a scouting troop called American Heritage Girls. This award is the most prestigious award a member can earn in the organization. For those who don't know, a sensory path is similar to an obstacle course and can help kids when they need a structured brain/movement break. Sensory paths are usually permanent wall or floor stickers/pain and have elements such as jumping, skipping, or wall push-ups.

This online raffle is to help raise the money for the supplies needed to build these paths. Each ticket is $5, and there are 4 prize baskets to choose from. The drawing for the winner will be on September 25th. When you go to the QR code you will be led to a form where there are further instructions on how to purchase a ticket. Here is a direct link to the form if that is more convenient. https://forms.gle/CiZEdqbPKb5qizVu7. This fundraiser will be closed on September 20th.

Thank you for your support!

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
  
• Sep 27 - Track 4 Last Day Before Track Out
• Sep 30: Track 1 returns
• October: Disabilities 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

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.

• [NEW] 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: 10/8, 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