HOD Family Newsletter
SEPTEMBER 2025
Principal's Message
Dear HOD Families,
Here at HOD, we have had a very successful opening. The first weeks of school have been buzzing with excitement! đ Our students are learning new routines, building their classroom hives, and showing what it means to be part of one big school family. It has been a joy to watch them reconnect with old friends and open their wings to meet new ones.
This fall, as the leaves change and we settle into a new season, we are carrying forward our theme: Whatâs the Buzz⌠BEE Responsible, BEE Respectful. Already, students are taking flight with responsibility by showing care for their learning and their school community, and sprinkling respect like pollen.
We are looking forward to keeping this energy humming as the year unfolds. Mark your calendars for Open House on Thursday, September 25th. This will be a wonderful evening to meet your childâs teacher, learn more about the school day, and take part in our community resource fair where local groups will share opportunities to help families thrive here in Norfolk.
Thank you for partnering with us as we begin this new season of learning. Together, we will keep the buzz going strong all year long!
Best,
Kristen Giffune
HOD News to Know
Arrival and Dismissal
Please take a moment to review our HOD arrival and dismissal procedures. These routines are essential to keeping everyone safe and ensuring a smooth start and end to each school day.
A friendly reminder for our preschool families dropping off in the back: the bus circle must remain clear of cars at all times.
During dismissal, the front circle is reserved for preschool families only until 3:00. Kindergarten through second grade cars should stop at the side of the building by the traffic cone and wait to be welcomed into the front circle by a staff member.
Thank you for your review and support as we all work together to make arrival and dismissal safe, smooth, and efficient for every student.
Click the yellow bar below for more details.
Our Lost and Found is already beginning to pile up!
To help us return items quickly, please label sweatshirts, jackets, lunchboxes, and other belongings with your childâs name. This is also a great opportunity to remind students about BEE-ing responsible by keeping track of their things.
Mark Your Calendar - HOD Events
~Thursday, September 25th
HOD OPEN HOUSE
see more information below
~Wednesday, October 8th
Noon Dismissal
HOD Open House
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
Visitation Schedule
:
Session 1: 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm
and all students in preschool to grade 2 with
last names beginning with letters
A - L
***Please note that people who visit during the FIRST session MUST LEAVE by 6:15 pm***
Session 2: 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm
All students in preschool to grade 2 with
last names beginning with letters
M - Z
Parents, Families, Friends and Students
are invited to come to visit our classrooms
and meet our Teachers and our Specialists.
This year we will be hosting members of our community in the
gymnasium to help you learn more about our Norfolk community!
We will also be hosting our PTO bake sale.
Please come and discover for yourself the reasons we are so proud
of our SCHOOL, STAFF and our STUDENTS!
Click the yellow bar below for more details.
Active Kids Before School Program
Brought to you by the Norfolk PTO, Active Kids (formerly BOKS) is an exciting program designed to improve children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being through active play. More than just fun, Active Kids helps kids thrive in school and life!
H. Olive Day School - (grades 1 and 2 only)
8 sessions: Tuesdays 7:55 - 8:35 am
September: 23, 30.
October: 7, 21, 28
November: 18, 25
December: 2
Limited to 50 students
Click the yellow bar below for more details.
Curriculum Updates
Curriculum Accommodations For Sincerely Held Religious Beliefs
Consistent with Massachusetts regulations, 603 CMR 26.05(1), the Norfolk Public Schools, through its curricula and materials, encourages respect for the human and civil rights of all individuals, regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.
This summer, the United States Supreme Court ruled that public schools must provide parents with the opportunity to opt their child out of participating in lessons that contradict their sincerely held religious beliefs. Parents who wish to request curriculum accommodations, including the right to opt out, should contact their childâs building principal.
Freeman-Kennedy School - Mrs. Lisa Altham-Hickey, Principal
althamhickey@norfolk.k12.ma.us
508-528-1266
H. Olive Day School - Mrs. Kristen Giffune, Principal
508-541-5475
ELA Curriculum - Into Reading Family Letters
Click the yellow bars below for more details.
New Math Curriculum - Amplify Desmos Math
HOD Highlights
Check back next month for some great photos from our classrooms!
Resource Corner
Lunch Menus
Click on the bee for September menu
Notes from our School Nurses
When to Keep your Child Home Sick from School
If your child is not feeling well, your pediatrician is the best person to consult about whether they can go to school. Common sense, conÂcern for your child's well-being, and the possibility of infecting classmates should all contribute to the decision about whether your child should stay home. As a general guideline, keep your child home if:
- They have a fever of 100 degrees F or higher. They should remain at home until fever-free for 24 hours without using fever reducing medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
- They have had episodes of vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours.
- They have been diagnosed with conjunctivitis(Pink Eye). They may return 24 hours after the first dose of prescribed medication.
Below is a list of common health issues for your reference
Fever
A temperature of 100 degrees or higher is a fever. Children should remain at home fever-free for 24 ours without takeng Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Children should remain at home symptom free for 24 hours and are able to ingest fluids and food comfortably.
Coughs/Cold
If your child has discomfort from their cold symptoms, consider keeping them home. A continuous cough and/or continuous or green nasal drainage may need to be evaluated by your child's physician.
Conjunctivitis
Your child may need to be on an antibiotic for 24 hours after the first dose before returning to school or a note from your student's physician with other guidance.
Strep Throat
Children cannot return to school until 24 hours after the first dose of antibiotic is taken. They should feel well enough to return to school.
Suspicious Rash
Children with rashes that are suspicious should have them evaluated by a physician and be cleared to return to school.
District News
The Special Education Department is Hiring!
We are currently looking for a part-time instructional assistant to work Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you know anyone who may be interested, please have them reach out to Anna Tupper at tupper@norfolk.k12.ma.us.
Norfolk PTO News and Events
PTO Meetings
Parents and caregivers are invited to participate and share ideas. Please visit the website for the latest PTO meetings and events.
Wednesday, September 10 at 7pm at the Freeman Kennedy Library
Wednesday, October 1 at 7pm at 9 Thomas Mann Circle/ Zoom
Click on the button below for more information about the PTO!