February 2024 Hawk Talk

Hello Maple Hill Hawk Families,

I hope this message finds you well and full of joy as we dive into the second month of 2024! February is packed with excitement, and I can't wait to share some wonderful updates with you all.

Celebrating Black History Month: February is not only the month of love; it's also a time for us to come together and celebrate the rich tapestry of Black history. Our students will engage in various activities and lessons that highlight the contributions of African Americans throughout history. Let's use this opportunity to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the incredible individuals who have shaped our world.

Lunar New Year Festivities: As we celebrate diversity, let's not forget to embrace the traditions and cultures that make our community unique. This month, we're thrilled to recognize Lunar New Year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. Our students will have the chance to learn about the customs and traditions associated with this vibrant and joyful celebration. We encourage you to share your family's traditions, adding to the richness of our school community.

Leap into Learning: Did you know that 2024 is a leap year? That means we get an extra day of excitement and learning this month! Our teachers have some special activities planned to make the most of this bonus day, ensuring that our students have a blast while exploring new concepts and ideas. It's an excellent opportunity to leap into knowledge and embrace the joy of learning.

But the fun doesn't stop there. We also will be spreading Kindness during our Kindness week and participating in the Kids Heart Challenge with the help of our amazing PE team.

Thank you for being partners in your child's education and for contributing to the positive and inclusive environment we strive to maintain. Wishing you all a February filled with warmth, love, and the joy of discovery!

Warm regards,

Ms. McNeil

Principal at Maple Hill

February 2nd- TK/K Minimum Day for benchmarking dismissal at 11:30 am

February 6th- Virtual ELAC Meeting (see below)

February 7th- Recycling before school

February 7th- Kids Heart Challenge during PE class

February 10th- Lunar New Year Begins

February 12th -16th- Kindness Week (see below)

February 14th- Recycling before school

February 14th- Valentine's Day

February 15th- Hawk Walk (see below)

February 16th- School Wide Minimum Day Dismissal- TK/K 11:30 am and 1st-5th at11:35 am

February 19th- NO School- Presidents' Day

February 20th- Virtual MHCC Meeting (see below)

February 20th- Fire Drill

February 21st- Recycling before school

February 22nd- 5th Grade Panoramic Picture

February 28th- Recycling before school

Join Ms. Adishian and Ms. McNeil for our English Language Acquisition Committee to learn about ELPAC testing. We will be covering our testing dates, what families need to know to support their child, and share how families can learn more about what is covered on the ELPAC test.

ELAC Meeting #3

Tuesday, February 6 · 8:30 – 9:30am

Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/wjx-oyuc-cdc

Join the Maple Hill Community Club Exec Board, Ms. McNeil, and Mrs. Rovira as we discuss the great things happening at Maple Hill in 2024.

MHCC Virtual Meeting

Tuesday, February 20 · 8:30 – 9:30am

Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/eyv-ouem-cui

We are excited for our annual Hawk Walk Event coming soon. On Friday February 3rd, students will be taking home envelopes and flyers that explain our fundraiser in more detail. This year we are "wild About Learning," so students are encouraged to come to our Hawk Walk dressed in their favorite animal print or animal themed clothing. See the flyers below for more details!

Our SEL Enrichment lessons this month will be on Kindness. We will be learning about caring for others and ourselves, ways to show kindness, and the language to use. Lessons will include engaging activities and thoughtful discussions such as the power of words, and completing a kindness calendar challenge. My hope is that your child will develop an understanding of how to be kind to others and how one kind act can change someone’s entire day. I would love for you to talk to your child about kindness at home too.

Family Book Guide:

Reading books about kindness is a great way to have discussions with your child about identifying ways we can be kind to others as well as why being kind would make them and someone else feel good. It is also great to point out the way people feel when others are kind to them.

Here are some literature suggestions:

TK/K: Be Kind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjYOPNthEMQ

1st-3rd: The Invisible Boy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDMFX1__K2U

4th-5th: I Walk With Vanessa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9U_11iF4c

Book Discussion Ideas:

• Each act, big or small, can make a difference. What does it mean to be kind?

• How does feeling left out and alone affect a person's sense of belonging?

• Explore ways to stand up to bullying and inspire others to do the same.

• What do kind people say (and not say?)

Family Kindness Activity Ideas:

Kindness is a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, helping someone in need or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return. Here are some activities you can do as a family that show and promote kindness to ourselves and the community. Each activity can be modified to suit your personal needs:

• Kindness mail: Create a card for someone you know. Write inside why they are important to you or draw a picture that would put a smile on their face. Mail it to them as a surprise!

• Volunteer at the animal shelter, food bank, elderly home or donate time/items to charitable organizations.

• Create a family kindness chain. Write down acts of kindness on strips of paper and link them to create a chain. Each day, take one off and complete that random act of kindness.

This year we will embrace our wild side with our theme of "Wild About Learning!" We are planning fun animal-themed activities throughout the school year to get our students excited about coming to school. Get ready for animal-themed dress-up days, fun assemblies, and great lessons about animals around the world!!

This year students will have the opportunity to receive a free brunch and a free lunch at school. Brunch will be served during recess. Students need to know their lunch ID numbers or scan a lunch card provided by their teacher to receive lunch.

Please visit our nutrition service website link below to find out more information. Families may also fill out a meal benefit application form to determine eligibility for school funding, computer network access, discounted fees on college applications, and discounted fees on standardized tests.

Email: kmcneil@wvusd.org
Website: www.maplehillschool.org
Location: 1350 Maple Hill Road, Diamond Bar, CA, USA
Phone: 909-861-6224