HES Parent & Family Newsletter

Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences at Houston Elementary

Join us for Spring Conferences on Thursday, February 20th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Conferences will be held in-person, virtually, or via phone. Times may vary by teacher. This is a great opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, goals for the rest of the school year, and any input for the following school year.

Families with students in grade 2,4,& 6 : Conferences will be held in an "open house" style—no sign-up required. Drop by during conference hours to meet with your child’s teachers.

5th & 6th grade families-If you can’t attend conferences or would prefer an email or phone call to receive an update on your child's progress, please contact your classroom teacher directly to arrange an alternative conferencing option this spring.

For assistance, contact Angela McQuinn at Angela.McQuinn@hsd294.us or (507) 896-5323, ext. #1203.

• Monday, January 27th
• Lunch today is a Burrito bowl chicken or beef (This is a menu change)
• The alternative today is a Ham sub
• Math Wizards meet on Monday.
• 5th & 6th grade math wizards will board the bus between 2:30-2:45.
• Tuesday, January 28th
• Lunch today is Goulash
• The alternative today is a Ham sub
• Wednesday, January 29th

• Lunch today is popcorn chicken
• The alternative today is a Ham sub
• Thursday, January 30th
• Hurricane positive office referral (Grade K)
• Lunch today is cheese bosco sticks
• The alternative today is a Ham sub
• Friday, January 31st
• No student day

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 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

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

We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Keehner has been selected as our Teacher of the Week! Mr. Keehner was nominated by our Student Leadership Committee for his kindness, helpfulness, positive attitude, and always having a smile on his face. His uplifting energy and dedication have made him an incredible addition to our Hurricane FORCE community this school year.

As part of this recognition, Mr. Keehner will receive a handwritten award from the Student Leadership Committee, a small gift, and a special parking spot for the week.

Congratulations, Mr. Keehner, and thank you for all you do to make Houston Elementary such a positive and welcoming place for our students!

We are excited to recognize 6th-grade students Mara K. and Sully K., nominated by their teachers Mrs. O'Hare and Mr. Hoff. Both students have demonstrated exceptional responsibility, integrity, positive role modeling, and kindness to others. Their actions are a true reflection of the strength and spirit of our Hurricane F.O.R.C.E. community.

Congratulations, Mara and Sully, for your continued efforts to strengthen our school!

Have you ever wondered why the word F.O.R.C.E. is displayed outside each of our classrooms? It's there for an important reason! Our students work together as a class community to demonstrate the qualities of being Safe, Kind, Respectful, and Responsible members of their classroom family. Some classrooms set specific goals, such as maintaining quiet hallways during transitions or receiving positive feedback from other teachers and staff, to earn each letter of F.O.R.C.E..

This week, we are celebrating Mrs. Martin's 2nd-grade class for earning all the letters of F.O.R.C.E.! As a reward for their hard work, they are having a party this afternoon. They get to bring their favorite stuffed animals, enjoy some popcorn, and celebrate their success as a class community.

These celebrations are a wonderful reflection of our pillar for continuous improvement and student achievement. By working together and setting goals for positive behavior and community building, our students are not only growing in their social and emotional skills but also in their academic achievement. When we create a supportive, respectful environment, our students are empowered to focus on their learning and become the best versions of themselves.

Keep up the great work, Houston Elementary students, and continue showing what it means to be part of our F.O.R.C.E. community!

• January 31st: Professional Development, No School for Students, Hurricane Watch available.
• February 11th- Safer Internet presentation grades K-4 @ 9 am in the gym
• Families are welcome to join in this presentation to hear about keeping kids safe on the internet, on devices, and while gaming.
• Additional information will be sent home with students from the PTA.
• February 12th- Safer Internet presentation grades 5-6
• Monday, February 17th: Teacher InService, NO School for Students, Hurricane Watch available.
• Wednesday, February 19th: American Heart Association presentation 2:30 in the gym.
• Families are welcome to join as we recognize a local heart health hero.
• Thursday, February 20th: Spring Conferences, 3:15-6:00 PM.
• Sunday, March 9th: Daylight Savings Time Begins, Remember to set your clocks ahead 1 hour!
• March 21st: Kindergarten Open House, Current kindergarten students will not have school this day (due to the Open House) Hurricane Watch will not be available as the elementary school will remain in session for grades 1-6, HW will be open before and after school only.
• March 24th & 25th: Teacher InService, NO School for Students, Hurricane Watch available.
• March 26th, 27th, 28th: NO School for Students, Hurricane Watch available.

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