Hathaway Happenings - Home
September 15, 2023
Golden Apple Winners
Family Fun at Open House
HPTA Meeting
Abound APP/Newsletter
Start With Hello Week
Superintendent Update
The PSD School Committee met on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Highlights from the meeting can be found in the links below and include:
The Committee recognized close to 30 new PSD staff members
In Dr. Kenworthy’s District Updates, a new PSD initiative for middle and high school students called Rachel’s Challenge was discussed; Rachel’s Challenge is a program that attempts to address the root causes of school violence, bullying, prejudice, and self-harm through student wellness programs that build connection, hope, and resilience; All PSD parents/guardians are invited to an informational session on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 6:00-7:00pm in the PHS Auditorium
During the business portion of the agenda, the Committee discussed Dr. Kenworthy’s goals for 2023-24 which will be finalized at the next meeting; a virtual instructional day plan (to be used if needed in case of emergency) was approved to be sent to the Rhode Island Department of Education; and, the April 2024 regular meeting date was moved to April 9th
The next PSD School Committee meeting will take place on September 26, 2023, at Town Hall beginning at 7:00pm.
Parent Survey
A Note From Our Student Services Coordinator
It has been an honor to serve as the student services coordinator for the elementary schools in Portsmouth. I have the children, families and district personnel in Portsmouth to thank for the truly positive experiences I have had here.
I have resigned from my position here in Portsmouth in order to pursue the opportunity to serve as the early childhood coordinator in the district where I reside and my children attend school. My last day in Portsmouth will be October 6, 2023.
Until my departure date, I will continue to fulfill the responsibilities of the student services coordinator, while beginning to transition some of those responsibilities to colleagues. During this time, I will continue to be the main point of contact for special education and Section 504 referrals. Special Education case managers are the primary contacts for parents of students who have current, active IEPs.
Beginning October 7, 2023, Charity Shea, Director of Student Services, will be the primary contact for new special education referrals/ eligibility. Nelia Almeida can be contacted regarding Section 504 referrals and current plans. Thank you for a wonderful eight years in Portsmouth. I wish nothing but continued success for Portsmouth students and the district.
Sincerely,
Deana
Nurse Updates
Hello Parents!
Below are the recently updated protocols for COVID, as well as when to keep your child home from school due to illness. If your child is ill, please complete the absence notification online. If you would like to provide more information you can email or call me directly at habershawk@portsmouthschoolsri.org or ext 4911. Thank you!
Stomach Bug - student can return after being vomit-free for 24 Hours.
Fever - Students can return after being fever free for 24 Hours WITHOUT the use of Tylenol or ibuprofen.
Strep Throat - Students can return once on antibiotics for 24 hours.
Pink eye - Student can return to school after 24 hours of antibiotic (topical or oral)
Lice - Students can come to school with lice however we STRONGLY recommend students be treated prior to returning to school.
COVID - we are following RI Department of Health and CDC regulations, please see info below for COVID recommendations:
In preparation for the 2023-24 school year, RIDOH expects increases in COVID-19 this fall and winter season. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control’s (CDC) COVID-19 guidance for schools remains largely the same. The goal remains to prevent students and staff from getting very sick from COVID-19 and to minimize disruptions to school and families.
RIDOH encourages you to review the following COVID-19 information and updates:
COVID-19 Key Recommendations
Students and staff should continue to take preventive actions to avoid getting very sick and/or spreading COVID-19 including:
• Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccine;
• Staying home when sick and getting tested when you have COVID-19 symptoms;
• If exposed to someone with COVID-19, monitoring symptoms; testing after day 5; and
wearing a mask through day 10;
• If you have COVID-19, isolating at home for 5 days and wearing a mask through day 10;
• If at higher risk of getting very sick, have a COVID-19 plan.
Krissy Habershaw, RN
Hathaway Elementary School Nurse
(401) 683-0500 ext 4911
Flu Clinic
Principal Read Aloud
Grades 1-4 have all heard about The Energy Bus for Kids! Please ask your child about the energy bus rules. They will help us have a wonderful year!
Kindergarten heard The Magical Yet. Please ask them what the magical yet is helping them with at this time!
1. Create a Positive Vision - Please consider having your child create a picture of a goal for the week, month, year, etc.
2. Fuel Your Ride with Positive Energy - I asked all students to think of a success from their days in school - one thing that made them smile and feel great - and share that with someone at home. Remind them that they have the power to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. Smiles, laughter, gratitude, faith and positive beliefs and thoughts are all it takes!
3. No Bullies Allowed - We continue to encourage our students to be kind and support one another. Ignore or confront bullies and ask for help when needed.
4. Love Your Passengers - We encourage the students to show kindness and love to others.
5. Enjoy the Ride - Need I say more?
Drill Information
Fire drills occur on a regular basis. State law requires each school to conduct eleven fire drills, two lockdown drills and two evacuation drills each year. Shelter in Place drills are conducted throughout the school year. Children are given instruction on all procedures. Children are expected to behave in a calm, orderly manner during these exercises. Please review the importance of such exercises with your child and emphasize the need for appropriate behavior.
A lockdown is an alert to a school community that students and staff should not leave the classroom and should gather in one area of the room until provided with further direction.
An evacuation requires all students and staff to exit the building and meet at a designated safe place.
A shelter in place is an alert to a school community that movement outside of classrooms is being restricted for a brief period of time. It is typically used when a student or staff member is requiring some sort of attention (sometimes medical) and the school is trying to keep that area clear and/or protect that person’s privacy. If there were a serious safety concern the school would not issue a shelter in place.
We will send notification of lockdowns, evacuations, and shelter in place drills and events via email.
Here is the presentation that was shared at a Parent Safety Forum that was hosted in conjunction with the Police and Fire Departments. The Run, Hide, Fight FBI philosophy guides our safety training.
The P3 Sandy Hook Promise Anonymous tip line is a resource that we encourage anyone to use if there is ever an immediate safety concern.
A Message From EBCAP Headstart
EBCAP Head Start is enrolling children 3-5 years old for center-based classrooms in Tiverton, Middletown and Newport. The program provides high quality education & family services to children and families. Please call 1-401-367-2001 for more details.
Here is a link to a one-minute youtube video, which gives a quick snapshot about our program.
Hathaway Notification Form
Please complete the Hathaway Notification form to let us know!
Arrival and Dismissal Map
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Lunch Information
How to Apply for Free and Reduced Price School Meals
Apply through the online application at MySchoolApps.com.
Chromebook Tips for Grades 3 and 4
New Entrance System
During the school day, we are responsible for keeping all students safe as well as protecting their privacy. For this reason, we have limited guests in the building during school hours and we require anyone working directly with children to go through our Volunteers in School Process. This year we have a new security system.
Visitors who are entering the building for a meeting, volunteering, or an event etc...
When you arrive:
- Enter the vestibule.
- Approach the platform and tap the button on the screen that aligns with the purpose for your visit.
- Follow the cues on the screen. All visitors must have their license with them to enter the building.
- Once complete, then ring the buzzer.
- Our office staff will verify that you are ready to enter the building and will unlock the door for your entry.
*There is also a QR code on the screen that you can scan with your cell phone's camera and it will bring you through this same process.
If you are dropping something off for the school, class, or a particular child, then you do not need to sign yourself in on this system.
- Ring the buzzer and the office staff will respond.
- Notify the office staff of the purpose for your visit.
Thank you for your support in keeping our community safe.
Positions Available
School Meals Program
Breakfast, lunch, and milk are available to purchase for all Hathaway School students. Students order lunch each morning through their teacher that day. Breakfast can be picked up by students in the cafeteria as they arrive at school.
Full price Breakfast is $1.00 and Lunch is $2.60. If your family qualifies for reduced prices, breakfast is $ 0.30 and lunch is $0.40. Milk is offered for $0.55 as a stand alone item.
Please apply for free or reduced lunch online by visiting this site: https://www.myschoolapps.com. Or, paper applications will be sent home the first week of school.
Payment for breakfast, lunch and/or milk can be made online at www.myschoolbucks.com. A student LASID number will be needed to create and make payments online using your “My School Bucks” account. Here is how you can access your student’s LASID number in ASPEN:
Payment can also be made by sending cash or a check in an envelope to school labeled with your student’s name, teacher’s name, LASID number and amount included. If paying by check, please make it payable to Portsmouth School Department with your child’s LASID number noted on the memo line. Send a separate check for each child in your family as payments cannot be split between accounts. KEEPING YOUR BALANCE PAID IN FULL IS VERY IMPORTANT.
Please refer to the family portal navigation below to access your child's LASID number.
AlphaBEST
A Letter From the HPTA
Hello Hathaway Families,
The HPTA is busy working on some great events for the upcoming school year. Check out the flier below for upcoming events!
Monthly Meetings
We have meetings monthly in the school library, generally the third Wednesday of the month.
We encourage the Hathaway community to attend.
Becoming a Volunteer in School
Visit the district volunteer page for information if you would like to become VIS approved to volunteer in school.
VIS Authorization Form: A background check must be completed annually, by law in Rhode Island. You must fill out the authorization form for the background check and have it notarized. It also needs to include a copy of the front and back of your driver’s license, and a $5 check made out to ‘BCI.’ This form can be turned in at the school’s main office or at the school department building.
If you have any questions, please email us at Hathawaypta@gmail.com. And as always, we thank you for your continued support!!
Save the Dates
Celebrations and Recognitions
Nut Free Facility
Thank you for your support in keeping all of our students safe in our Hathaway community.
Securly Home
Securly Home is an app that allows parents to monitor their child’s Chromebook activity at home and add rules for home use. Please take some time to review the slideshow and recording of the parent meeting that took place on 9/16.
We encourage you to sign up now for Securly Home!
Hathaway Notification Form
Please complete the Hathaway Notification Form.
Thank you in advance for helping us to keep things organized and safe in our Hathaway community.
Accessing Aspen
If you are having issues accessing Aspen, you will have to email familyportal@portsmouthschoolsri.org with your child's name, date of birth, grade level, and your name. The system administrators will be able to restore access to your account and make sure that you can login.
Where Can I Find Past Parent Newsletters?
Important Dates
Important Dates
2023-2024
September 18th - 22nd - Start With Hello Week
September 25th - Yom Kippur, No School
October 9th - Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day (No School)
October 10th - Staff Professional Development Day (No School for Students)
October 17th- Grade 2 Audubon Field Trip, 2M and 2H
October 19th - Grade 2 Audubon Field Trip, 2P and 2M
November 2nd - Vaccine Clinic, 4:00-7:00 PM
November 13th - Veterans’ Day Observance (No School)
November 22nd- 25th – Thanksgiving Recess (No School)
November 30th - End of Trimester One
December 4th - Dental Screening
December 8th - Family Portal Open
December 22nd - 31st – Holiday Recess (No School)
January 7th - Hathaway P Bruins Game, 1:30
January 12th - Staff Professional Development Day (No School for Students)
January 15th – Martin Luther King Day (No School)
February 19th-23rd– Winter Recess (No School)
March 12th - End of Trimester 2
March 20th - Family Portal Open
March 29th– Good Friday (No school)
April 15th-19th– Spring Recess (No School)
April 23rd– Presidential Primary/Staff PD Day (No School for Students)
May 27th – Memorial Day (No School)
June 14th - Last Day of School
Howard Hathaway Elementary School
Email: littlel@portsmouthschoolsri.org
Website: https://www.portsmouthschoolsri.org/Domain/10
Location: 53 Tallman Avenue, Portsmouth, RI, USA
Phone: (401)683-0500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hathaway.principal/
Twitter: @HathawaySchool