The Harris Herald
May Edition 2024
Reflecting on a Year of Growth!
Hello, Harris!
As we approach the final stretch of the school year, it's with both pride and nostalgia that we reflect on the wonderful journey we've shared together. This year has been filled with growth, laughter, and countless memorable moments, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate our achievements as a school community.
Upcoming Events in May:
Early Release Day - May 3rd, 12:50pm On May 3rd, we have an Early Release Day scheduled. Students will be dismissed at 12:50 PM, providing our dedicated staff with valuable time for professional development and planning. Today is also "Cafeteria Worker Appreciation Day" Say a big thank you to our cafeteria ladies!
PTO Teacher Appreciation Week: May 6-10th Be looking for communication from our PTO about how you can help out! Let's show our teachers some love and appreciation for all of the hard and "heart" work they do each day!
School Nurse Apprecaition Day May 8th
Let's let Mrs. Stratton know how much we appreciate her TLC each day!
KHC Field Trip May 13: This is for students who have heard from Mrs. Meyer regarding their Kids Heart Challenge participation.
PTO Meeting May 14th 6:30pm: The PTO warmly invites the Harris community to join us in supporting our end-of-year initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to get involved and discover how you can contribute to next year's activities!
Jefferson Transition Day May 15: Our 4th graders will get their first peek at Jefferson as they are introduced to their new teachers, staff, and school.
BIG 3 Assembly May 15: We'll celebrate the achievements and hard work of our students at the Trimester Awards Assembly on May 15th at 2:30pm. It's a special moment to recognize their dedication to learning.
Speech/Language Pathologist Appreciation Day May 17: Thank you to Ms. Best and Mrs. Giganti for the amazing services they provide our students! We appreciate you!
4th Grade BBQ: May 17 Our fourth graders will celebrate their last days at Harris with a BBQ. If you plan to attend you'll need to check in at the office. Please bring your photo ID.
PTO Sponsored Field Day/Day of Fun!: Be on the look out for information from PTO regarding volunteer opportunities for this fun and memorable day with our students.
Last Day of School Early Release Day - May 24th, 8:50-12:50 PM The school year concludes on May 24th with an Early Release Day. Students will be dismissed at 12:50 PM as we bid farewell to this academic year. Report cards will be emailed. Please pick up any end of the year items as soon as possible. We will not be able to keep items (ie: yearbooks, personal items) in the office beyond June 1st.
Thank you, Harris families, for your unwavering support and commitment to our school and the trust you place in us to educate your child. It's through our collective efforts that we've created a nurturing and inspiring learning environment for our students.
Mrs. Michelle Whitrock, Principal
Mrs. Kristi Litton, Assistant Principal
By request: Here's a list of our teacher's favorite things!
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DN7RyXN5fnuXr8VZGgo3ieVMpwGZgPDRozRn5Wjjr1U/edit?usp=sharing
Computer and Technology Update
Music Update
PE Update
Art Update
Library Update
Language Update
The School Year Marathon: The MAP Test is the Final Sprint
As the school year unfolds, it often feels like an endurance race, a marathon of learning, growing, and challenges. Just like a marathon, it demands determination, consistent effort, and a clear goal. And, when the finish line approaches, we find ourselves in the final stretch—the standardized testing season. This crucial phase serves as a reminder of the progress and achievements students and educators have worked diligently to attain throughout the year.
The Start of the Race: The First Day of School Much like a marathon begins with that initial step across the starting line, the school year commences with the excitement and anticipation of the first day of school. Students and teachers embark on their journey together, setting academic goals and envisioning the milestones they aim to reach.
The Long and Winding Course: Navigating the School Year As the school year unfolds, it mirrors the marathon course, with its ups and downs, twists and turns. There are days of smooth sailing, where everything clicks, and progress is evident. Then there are days when obstacles and challenges seem insurmountable. But, just as marathon runners persist through fatigue, students and educators persist through difficult times, drawing strength from their commitment to learning and growth.
Aid Stations: Support Along the Way In a marathon, aid stations provide runners with water, encouragement, and the sustenance they need to continue. In education, these "aid stations" come in the form of supportive families, dedicated teachers, and a nurturing school community. They offer guidance, motivation, and the resources necessary to keep moving forward.
The Final Push: Standardized Testing As the school year progresses, the final push approaches—the standardized testing season. This phase is like the last few miles of a marathon, where runners give their all, drawing upon their training and endurance to achieve their best performance. Similarly, students showcase their growth, knowledge, and skills through standardized tests, providing valuable insights into their progress.
Just as marathon runners celebrate crossing the finish line, the the end of the school year is a time to celebrate achievements and growth. Standardized test results reflect the hard work and dedication put forth by students, educators, and families throughout the year. They serve as a testament to the collective effort of the school community. We know everyone will be doing the best they can as they persevere through the testing season. -Mrs. Litton
Testing Tips
1. Establish a Consistent Routine: Maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure your child gets adequate rest before the test day. A well-rested mind performs better.
2. Healthy Eating: Provide a balanced breakfast on the morning of the test. Nutritious foods help sustain energy levels and improve concentration.
3. Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the test format and content, as well as any specific instructions or requirements. This knowledge can help you prepare your child effectively.
4. Reduce Stress: Encourage your child to stay calm and confident. Remind them that the test is just one way to assess their skills and abilities.
5. Practice, But Don't Overdo It: Review sample questions or previous test materials to help your child become comfortable with the format. However, avoid excessive test prep, as it can lead to burnout.
6. Time Management: Teach your child to pace themselves during the test. Encourage them to answer the easier questions first and come back to challenging ones later.
7. Positive Reinforcement: Offer words of encouragement and praise for their efforts. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation.
8. Stay Hydrated: Ensure your child is well-hydrated on test day. Dehydration can affect cognitive performance.
9. Arrive Early: Plan to arrive to school with ample time to spare. Rushing can increase anxiety.
10. Relaxation Techniques: Teach your child relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualizationto manage stress during the test.
11. Post-Test Discussion: After the test, engage in a positive discussion about your child's experience. Focus on their effort rather than specific results.
12. Long-Term Perspective: Remind your child that standardized tests are just one part of their academic journey. They don't define their worth or future success.
13. Open Communication: Keep the lines of communication open with your child's teacher. They can provide valuable insights and additional support.
Keep the Learning Going:
Check out this website for some practical summer learning tips!
Summer Workbook Practice
Dear Parents,
We all look forward to summer—a time for our students to recharge, explore, and grow. However, we want to keep their minds engaged and prevent the summer slide. Recent research indicates that students in grades K-8 can lose between 17-34% of their learning over the summer break. (Atterberry 2019)
You may wish your child could catch up, stay on track, or get ahead, so we wanted to share a vetted resource that could be beneficial: Summer Bridge Learning Workbooks. Priced at about $10, these offer an affordable way to help your child maintain and advance their skills throughout the summer. They are standards-based and tailored to reinforce the curriculum they've learned throughout the year and prepare them for new challenges ahead.
Please note that using these workbooks is entirely optional, and we are not receiving any incentives for recommending them. We believe in the value of continuous learning, however you choose to have your child practice.
Atteberry, Allison, and Andrew McEachin. "School's Out: The Role of Summers in Understanding Achievement Disparities." EdWorkingPaper: 19-82, 2019, Annenberg Institute at Brown University,