HOD Family Newsletter

Hello HOD Families,

It’s incredible to think we are already beginning the 2024/2025 school year! As I embark on my second year as principal of HOD, I am thrilled to continue our journey together. Last year, we made significant progress in helping our students become their very best selves, and I am excited to build on that momentum.

This Year’s Theme: "Friendship Grows at HOD"

Our theme for this school year is "Friendship Grows at HOD." This year, we will explore the many facets of what it means to be a good friend. Students will have opportunities to delve into friendship through various activities and lessons, and we’ll celebrate those who exemplify great friendship at our monthly school meetings.

New Traffic Pattern for Afternoon Dismissal

To improve the flow of our campus and reduce congestion on Main St., we are introducing a new traffic pattern for afternoon dismissal. Please review the new plan and have your dismissal cards visible in the window if you are picking up your child. Your cooperation will greatly assist in keeping our dismissal process smooth and efficient.

(See more information below)

Universal Breakfast Program

We are excited to offer a Universal Breakfast program this year, allowing all students to enjoy a free breakfast each morning at school. Many students have already been taking advantage of this wonderful state-funded initiative, and we encourage everyone to make the most of it.

(See more information below)

Enhanced ELA Curriculum

Over the summer, our staff has been diligently preparing for the rollout of our new English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum. Teachers have participated in extensive professional development to ensure they are fully equipped to support your child’s success in ELA this year. Our goal is to foster a love of learning, celebrate each child’s strengths, and address areas for growth. We will focus on both academics and character development to help our students become well-rounded, positive role models in our community.

(Family letters are attached below)

Here’s to another exciting year of making magic happen each and every day! We are eager to welcome you back and continue our journey together.

Welcome home, families!

Warm regards,

Ms. Rebello

AFTER SCHOOL DISMISSAL

Flagpole Circle in Front of the School

(K-2: 3:00 p.m.)

****New Traffic Pattern Procedure****

• Please display the colored dismissal sign in the passenger side window of your vehicle. *Colored dismissal signs will be provided to students on the first day of school.*

• When you enter the HOD driveway from Main Street, bear hard right. The far right roadway (main entrance to school building) will be a one way entrance during dismissal time (3:00-3:20).

• As you get closer to the school building, please stay straight and follow the carline all the way around the back of the building. You will not be allowed to turn left into the flagpole circle.

• When you get to the back of the building, there will be a staff member present to direct you around the bus circle. The bus circle must stay clear of traffic.

• Follow the carline back around the way you entered to the front of the building. Be aware that there will be cars moving both directions.

• As you arrive at the front of the building, turn right into the flagpole circle and stop at the farthest colored cone.

• A staff member will read the information from the dismissal sign in your window and relay it to another staff member who will send your child to the car. An adult will make sure that your child gets safely into the car. Please drive away as soon as it is safe in order to keep the line moving. For children who are old enough to do so, having them practice ahead of time how to get into a booster or car seat and how to buckle up will be very helpful. The driver must remain in the vehicle.

• Exit out the main entrance

• Please do not pass other cars in the circle unless signaled to do so by a staff member.

Here is a map and a quick video explaining our new DISMISSAL procedures for Grades K-2

HOD DISMISSAL VIDEO

We are excited to announce that Norfolk will be participating in our state’s free breakfast program! Starting on the first day of school, every student in grades K- 2 will have the opportunity to enjoy a small breakfast each morning at no cost.

Program Details:

Breakfast Time: 8:35 AM - 8:55 AM

Procedure:

• Students should enter the building and head directly to their classrooms.
• Two breakfast stations will be set up in the hallways for students who wish to grab a breakfast on the way
• The breakfast will be served as a “grab and go” option.
• Students will need to enter their 4-digit pin number to collect their breakfast.
• Kindergarten students will receive assistance with their pin numbers until they learn them.

Breakfast Options:

• Students can enjoy a piece of fruit and a drink or eat the entire breakfast—both options are perfectly fine.
• After picking up their breakfast, students will proceed directly to their homerooms for a working breakfast.:

Additional Information

A breakfast menu, along with the lunch menu, is provided below.

Your child may bring their completed picture form to school on picture day with a check payable to O'Connor Studios or may select their package and pay online.

Click on the Picture Day icon to access O'Connor Studios website and enter access code 24324FI.

Prekindergarten through Grade 2 Parents, Families, Friends and Students

are invited to come to visit our classrooms and meet our Teachers and our Specialists.

This year we will be hosting members of our community in the gymnasium to help you learn more about our Norfolk community! We will also be hosting our PTO bake sale in the gymnasium.

Please come and discover for yourself the reasons we are so proud

of our SCHOOL, STAFF and our STUDENTS!

Visitation Schedule

Due to the limited parking at our school, PLEASE use the following schedule for your visit:

Session 1: 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm

and all students in preschool to grade 2 with

last names beginning with letters

M-Z

Please note that people who visit during the FIRST session

MUST LEAVE by 6:15 pm.

This will ensure those visiting during the second session space to park in our very limited parking area. We ask that you adhere strictly to the time schedule. If possible, please bring one car per family ... or car pool with a friend or neighbor.

Session 2: 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm

All students in preschool to grade 2 with

last names beginning with letters

A- L

We understand that there may be a few families who are not able to visit during the scheduled time due to work schedules or the fact the family has more than one child in our school. You are, of course, invited to visit at the time that is possible for you. If EVERYONE ELSE adheres to the posted schedule, it will help to alleviate the parking problem that we have encountered in the past.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Remember that parking is not allowed at any time in any of the fire lanes around the school. This will be strictly enforced.

Tuesday, August 27th

First Day of School

Wednesday, September 11th

School Picture Day

Photo Packets to go home on Thursday September 5th

Thursday, September 26th

HOD Open House - see information above

Wednesday, October 9th - Early Dismissal (Noon)

Teacher Professional Development

Monday, October 14th - No School

Columbus Day

Hello HOD Families,

I am delighted to introduce myself as the new school adjustment counselor at HOD. My name is Andrew Drogan and I am excited to join the HOD community. Mrs. Kelley, the previous school adjustment counselor, was a great resource for students and I hope to be that as well.

My role as the school adjustment counselor involves supporting all students’ social-emotional needs and fostering a positive school environment.

I look forward to collaborating with teachers, families, and students to ensure each child’s success and well-being. Please reach out to me with any questions.

Thank you and I look forward to getting to know your student and family.

Sincerely,

Mr. Drogan

School Adjustment Counselor

adrogan@norfolk.k12.ma.us

508-541-5475 ext. 2010

Important Information:

Last week the Norfolk Public Schools sent out several electronic documents that included links to important information such as the Family Handbook and Code of Conduct, details about how to access student insurance, as well as a summary of several privacy policies including the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Please take time to review the documents and sign and return them electronically. We are working hard to reduce paper waste in our district and to improve efficiency. If you have not received the electronic paperwork, please reach out to our office. We are happy to assist if you have any questions or need support.

Annual School Privacy and Permission Forms

Please review and sign by Friday, September 6th.

.

PTO Raffles and Bake Sale at Back to School Night

Thursday, September 26

Donate to the PTO through fun raffles and a bake sale at Back to School night at HOD on 9/26! Raffles include a ride to school in a fire truck and much more!

Winter Photoshoot Fundraiser (see flyer)

We are grateful to partner with Kate Carlson Photography for a Winter Photoshoot Fundraiser. Check family photos off your to-do list while supporting our schools! Spots are limited, sign up today!

If your child is not feeling well, your pediatrician is the best person to consult about whether they can go to school. Common sense, con­cern for your child's well-being, and the possibility of infecting classmates should all contribute to the decision about whether your child should stay home. As a general guideline, keep your child home if:

Lunch Menus for September

Click on the apple for the September lunch menus

Breakfast Menu

Click on the sun for breakfast menu

Click on the calendar for next year's 2024- 2025 School Calendar