HES Parent & Family Newsletter

This week, we’re recommending The Day It Rained Hearts, a sweet story about a little girl named Cornelia Augusta who catches hearts as they fall from the sky. She thoughtfully turns each heart into a unique valentine for her friends, showing kindness and care in a special way.

This connects beautifully to our CharacterStrong traits this month—kindness and courage. Kindness is shown in how Cornelia thinks about others and creates something meaningful for them. Courage is found in the way she embraces the unexpected and finds creative ways to share love and appreciation.

Ask your child: How can you show kindness and courage in small ways this week? 💕

As we enter the week of Valentine’s Day filled with all things hearts, chocolates, cards, and flowers, I wanted to ask that you please help your students with the correct pronunciation of this holiday. Many students say ValenTIME’s Day with the letter M instead of the letter N.

You can help them correctly produce this word by showing them the N in Valentine, saying it correctly for them, and then having them say it back to you using the N. You may need to separate the word into syllables VAL-EN-TINE. It may also be helpful to explain to them that this is a holiday named after a man by the name of Valentine.

Happy VALENTINE’S Day!

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

Encouraging regular reading at home helps build strong literacy skills and a love for learning! If you're looking for more books to enjoy with your child over the weekend, check out Unite for Literacy. This free website offers a variety of books for young readers, with options to listen to the stories as well. Happy reading!

Houston Elementary showcased their math skills at the Math Wizards Competition on January 28th!

🏅 Individual Awards:
🔢 Caleb Evanson – 10th Place
🔢 Claire Srock – 11th Place

🏆 Fact Drill Awards:
✏️ Ethan Kruse – 5th Place
✏️ Caleb Evanson – 7th Place

We are proud of our students for their hard work and problem-solving skills. Way to go, Math Wizards!

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 10th
• Lunch today is Chicken Potstickers (Menu change)
• The alternative option this week is a Turkey Sub Sandwich
• Tuesday, February 11th
• Today is Safer Internet Day
• Safe Internet presentation grades K-4 @ 9 am in the gym.
• Families are welcome to join in and learn about internet safety for kids
• Lunch today is Chicken Alfredo with Pasta (Menu change)
• The alternative option this week is a Turkey Sub Sandwich
• Wednesday, February 12th
• Safe Internet presentation grades 5-6
• Lunch today is Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwich
• The alternative today this week is a Turkey Sub Sandwich
• Thursday, February 13th
• Lunch today is a BBQ rib sandwich
• The alternative this week is a Turkey Sub Sandwich
• Friday, February 14th
• Positive office referrals 2nd grade
• Happy Valentine's Day!
• Lunch today Crispy Chicken Nuggets
• The alternative this week is a Turkey Sub Sandwich
• Monday, February 17th
• No School Day (Teacher In-Service)
• Hurricane Watch Available
• 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

This week, we are thrilled to recognize Mrs. Vix as our Staff Member of the Week! As our incredible Elementary Office Manager and Community Education Coordinator, Mrs. Vix is the heart of Houston Elementary. She was nominated for her kindness, her willingness to help everyone, and for being the go-to person for just about everything—including stepping in as the nurse when needed. Her dedication and care make a huge difference for our students, staff, and families every day!

As part of this recognition, Mrs. Vix will receive:
✨ A handwritten award from the Student Leadership Committee
🎁 A small gift
🚗 A special parking spot for the week

Congratulations, Mrs. Vix! Thank you for everything you do to make Houston Elementary a welcoming and supportive place for all! 🎉

This week’s Hurricane F.O.R.C.E. Positive Office Referrals go to first-graders Emmie K. and Arlo W., nominated by their teachers, Mrs. McCormick & Ms. Reinert. Emmie and Arlo were recognized for their perseverance, kindness toward others, and helpful nature. Way to Strengthen the Hurricane, Emmie & Arlo! Keep up the great work!

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

• 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.