HES Parent & Family Newsletter

As we approach the month of December, we’re focusing on the CharacterStrong trait of Responsibility. This month, we’re challenging students to reflect on their experiences and take responsibility for how they choose to learn and grow from these moments. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the playground, or at home, embracing responsibility helps our students grow into confident, accountable individuals who understand that their actions have a lasting impact.

In the book What the Road Said by Cleo Wade, there’s a beautiful message that resonates with this theme: “The road is yours to choose. Take it, and make it your own.” This reminds us that, just like the road, our choices define our path. Responsibility means recognizing that we hold the power to choose our reactions, to learn from mistakes, and to create the future we want.

We encourage you to partner with us this month by discussing the importance of responsibility with your child. Help them reflect on their actions, choices, and the steps they can take to grow stronger each day. Together, we can support your child's development into a responsible and thoughtful individual.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to build strong, responsible leaders for tomorrow.

Character Strong Parent & Family Newsletter Responsibility

As the cooler temperatures approach, please remind your student to bring a long sleeve shirt or light jacket for recess when the temperature is below 50 degrees. Once temperatures drop below 30 and snow is on the ground, the 'magic 5'—a hat, jacket, snow pants, gloves/mittens, and boots—will be needed to keep everyone warm and ready for outdoor fun!

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 2- 11/5/24-1/17/25 (41 school days)= $24.60
• 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
• Total cost for milk = $96.00

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

• Monday, December 2nd
• Lunch today is soft beef Tacos
• Alternative today is Chicken Potstickers
• Tuesday, December 3rd
• Lunch today is Cheese Pizza
• Alternative today is Turkey & Cheese Sub
• Wednesday, December 4th
• National Cookie Day
• Lunch today is Sloppy Joe on a Bun
• Alternative Today is Turkey & Cheese sub sandwich
• Thursday, December 5th
• Lunch today is Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Alternative today is Turkey and cheese sub
• Friday, December 6th
• Positive office referrals Grade 1
• Lunch today is Cheeseburgers
• Alternative today is Meatball Sub

This week’s Hurricane FORCE Positive Office Referrals of the Week come from 6th Kindergarten! Congratulations to Piper H. & Diogenes H. who were nominated by their teachers, Mrs. Weisbrod & Mrs. Levenick. Both students consistently bring positive energy, kindness, and helpfulness to their classmates, keep it up Piper & Dio!

Our morning preschool students had a deliciously fun time today learning how to make pumpkin pie in a bag! Each child got to participate in this hands-on activity, helping to mix and create their own tasty snack. This activity not only nurtured their culinary skills but also encouraged teamwork and learning through play. We’re excited to see our youngest learners engage in such creative, real-world experiences that promote growth in both cognitive and fine motor skills!

Our 2nd-grade students showcased their creativity and critical thinking during the Turkey Disguise project. Students designed and decorated turkeys to help them blend in for Thanksgiving, incorporating lessons on problem-solving and artistic expression. This fun activity emphasizes the importance of creativity in learning while allowing students to engage in hands-on experiences that foster growth in both academic and personal skills. We’re proud of their hard work and look forward to seeing even more creative projects in the future!

This week, our Winona State University Field Experience Social Studies students wrapped up their visits, bringing valuable learning experiences to our classrooms. Each grade level explored different aspects of Native American life and culture, engaging students in real-world applications of social studies. We are grateful for this partnership, which provides our students with meaningful connections to history and cultural understanding. Thank you to our Winona State students for their dedication and to our teachers for fostering these enriching learning opportunities!

• November 25: Red Cross Blood Drive at the Hurricane Hub.

• November 27-29: No School - Thanksgiving Break. Thanksgiving break - No School - Hurricane Watch will NOT be available.
• December 9: HHS Concert at the Houston High School, 7:00 PM
• December 12: 4th-6th Grade Band and 5th & 6th Grade Choir Winter Concert at 6:30pm, matinee at 2:00
• December 16: K-4th Grade Mini-Musical at 6:30pm, matinee at 2:30 PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE
• December 17: Preschool Programs, 9:00 for the AM class and 12:45 for the PM class at the elementary gym.
• December 23-January 1st: No School, Holiday Break. Hurricane Watch will NOT be available.
• January 2 & 3: No School, Holiday Break. Hurricane Watch will be available. Students attending HW must bring sack lunch.

Please check the school website calendar for more information as well as other events/opportunities.