Principal Nolan's Notes

We've had a great start to the week after Thanksgiving break! With only twelve days left in the second quarter, students and staff are hard at work to maintain high levels of learning. In the days and weeks ahead, your student(s) will participate in i-Ready testing, as well as grade level summative assessments, in order to showcase their learning. It’s important to ask questions and engage in conversations with your child(ren) about these assessments. These will help you gauge how your child(ren) is feeling and encourage a strong effort. Your child(ren) will feed off of your positive attitude and energy!

Thank you for taking time to recognize the efforts of our amazing staff at HES by utilizing the submission form in Superintendent Smith's Note of Appreciation section of the District update. I wish you were able to witness the incredible talents and consistent work of our staff each day. Everyday I am privileged to witness staff members going above and beyond their regular duties to support our students. If you missed your chance to recognize a staff member, use the link below.

Click HERE to recognize any staff member of HES!

HES 1st graders hosted an in-house field trip from Rockford's Discovery Center this week. The Discovery Center's portable planetarium served as their ticket to the moon and stars. Students were able to explore the wonders of the universe and witness the transformation from day to night while learning about the constellations and planets visible in our local sky. They also learned about our Solar System and had an in-depth look at neighboring planets. Thank you to Mrs. Bloomberg, Mrs. Elliott, Mrs. Galyon, and Mrs. Schwab for organizing this special learning experience for our students!

Going outdoors provides a healthy and necessary break for students. Please know that students will be outside for recess unless the temperature is below 10°F (real feel). Thank you for sending your child(ren) to school with the appropriate winter gear to go outside and enjoy their time. When there is snow on the ground, students need snow pants and boots in order to leave the blacktop area and play in the snow. Please label all items with your child's first and last name as many items tend to get lost in the transition from outside to inside. Thank you!

All HES students will be taking the i-Ready Diagnostic test during the weeks of 12/2-12/13. During the diagnostic testing window, students are unable to access i-Ready lessons in Reading and Math until the diagnostic is complete. Once a student has completed his/her diagnostic assessment, targeted lessons that are aligned to his/her ability will be available again. We will pause our Top Banana Awards until i-Ready testing is complete.

Students and staff have the option of participating in our Holiday Spirit Week during the final week before winter break. Encourage your child(ren) to join the fun!

• Monday, 12/16 - Wear a holiday hat
• Tuesday, 12/17 - Wear RED
• Wednesday, 12/18 - Wear Green
• Thursday, 12/19 - Wear your holiday best!
• Friday, 12/20 - Wear pajamas

In a little over two weeks, HES will participate in a food drive with a goal of collecting 1,000 items for the Hampshire/Burlington Food Pantry. Please see THIS FLYER for more information and join us at Hampshire High School on Friday, 12/20 for a Pack-the-Place event to support the basketball teams! Students get in free by bringing in a food item to donate to the Food Pantry.

Don't forget to sign your student(s) up for the winter session of Young Rembrandts! HES will host this drawing program again on Wednesdays from 2:20-3:20 PM from 1/8/25 through 3/26/25. Click HERE to gather more information about the program.

12/11 - Late Start Day 10:00 AM

12/11 - HSO Wacky Wednesday (Beach Day)

12/11 - HSO Bingo Committee meeting 6:00 PM (Resource Center)

12/16 - Band/Orchestra/Chorus Concert 6:30 PM (HHS)

12/18 - HSO Meeting 6:30 PM (HES Resource Center)

12/20 - End of Quarter 2

12/20 - Pack the Place Basketball event & Food Drive 6:00 PM (Hampshire High School)

12/23-1/3 - NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)

1/6 - School resumes

Thank you for your continued support of HES students and staff. This is an extraordinary school to be a part of!

Sincerely,

Jen Nolan

Hampshire Elementary School Principal

jennifer.nolan@d300.org