WEEK 4

Greetings Hawthorne Elementary Families,

We are officially stepping into Week 4 of the 2025–2026 school year, and our Hornets are buzzing with excitement as they continue to learn, grow, and shine!

Thank you to the parents who joined us for the Community Mural Painting Party last Monday, as well as those who continue to support our school in so many meaningful ways. Whether through volunteering, attending events, or staying closely connected with our teachers, your partnership makes a lasting difference. Thank you for being such an important part of our Hawthorne community!

✨ Important Updates & Reminders:

• 🐝 This week, we're kicking off PBIS Spirit Week, leading into our PBIS Day celebration next week! Let’s show our school spirit and encourage positive choices together.

• 📚 HES Annual Title I Meeting
  Join us Wednesday, August 27th!

  • 8:30 AM (Virtual)

    • HES Title 1 Meeting AM

  • 5:15 PM (Curriculum Night, In-Person)

  We’re required to hold two sessions so all families have a chance to attend. Same info will be shared at both—This is a key opportunity to hear about our school goals, programs, and ways we can collaborate to ensure every student’s success.

• 🚫 No School on Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend with your loved ones!

Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission of academic excellence, student well-being, and strong family-school partnerships. Together, we are building an environment where every child can thrive.

Here’s to another week full of teaching, learning, and growing—Hornet Strong! 🐝💛

Upcoming Events

-Grandparents Day - September 8th

-Fall Picture Day -September 11th

-International DOT Day - September 15th

-DCSD School Expo - September 27th

-Fall Teacher Conferences - Starting September 29th

Proud to Serve,
Principal Henley
#OneTeamOneDream #WeAreALLIN

TWITTER

Reminder that Wednesday, August 27th is our Curriculum Night, an important evening to kick off the school year and set your child up for success.

What is Curriculum Night?

It’s our educational open house, held by grade level, where parents receive essential information that will support their child’s learning all year long.

AGENDA

5:00–5:15 – Introduction of HES Staff

5:15–5:45 – Annual Title I Meeting PM

5:45–6:15 – School-Wide PTA Meeting

6:20–6:50 – 1st Classroom Session

7:00–7:30 – 2nd Classroom Session

**** It is Important to Note: Times may adjust slightly if our general meeting ends early sessions will begin immediately after.****

During Curriculum Night, you can expect:

*Teacher presentations on the DCSD curriculum

*An overview of classroom routines and expectations to help students thrive

*Information about school-wide resources and supports available to your family

We look forward to your presence and partnering with you to make this an amazing year for your child!

This form includes critical information regarding your child’s dismissal plans and any medical needs, both of which are essential to ensuring your child’s safety and well-being on the first day and every day after.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter, we appreciate your partnership in keeping our Hawks safe and supported!

The drop-off times in front of the school are below:

7:00 am

Tardy bell 7:45

Morning announcements begin at 7:40

Car riders:: When picking students up, parents should have the Hawthorne ES Car Rider Tag visible in their car. If the Car Rider Tag is not visible, parents are required to park, come into the building and provide Identification. Thank you for your patience as we simply want to keep your students' safe.

The pick-up times for dismissal are below:

Bus riders-2:25:pm; Car riders 2:35 pm (front of building after buses) & walkers (Side door)

Walker Dismissal Protocol Update
The dismissal process for the Walker group is being slightly adjusted to ensure a smoother and more secure experience. Students will continue to dismiss from the side door; however, we will now be implementing a numbered tag system.
Each walker will be assigned a unique number. Parents or guardians must walk to the designated walker door and visibly display their child’s assigned number. This number will correspond to the student’s walker tag, which will be attached to their backpack.
For safety and accountability, students will only be released once the matching number is presented at the door.

Attendance & Dismissal Procedures Update

To ensure accurate attendance records and to maintain a safe and orderly school environment, we are updating our arrival and dismissal procedures:

• Late Arrival: Students arriving after 7:45 AM must be checked in by a parent/guardian inside the school office.

• Early Check-Out: If a student needs to leave school early, parents/guardians must come into the building to sign the student out prior to the start of dismissal.

These updates are in place to support accurate attendance documentation. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to helping us ensure that your students are safe during arrival and dismissal from school. 😊Thank you!

BUS ROUTES

DCSD bus routes can be found on the district website: https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/bus-routes/. Hawthorne ES morning bus routes are below along with the district

🚗✨ Arrival & Dismissal Reminders ✨🚶‍♀️

Reminder: As we kick off a successful school year, please review and follow our arrival and dismissal expectations to ensure a smooth and safe day for all students:

🌅 Morning Arrival:
🕖 7:00 AM – School doors open and breakfast begins.
🍽️ After breakfast – Intervention & Enrichment starts. This is a critical time for academic support and acceleration—please ensure your child arrives on time.
⏰ 7:40 AM – Breakfast service ends.
📣 7:40 AM – Morning announcements begin.
📘 7:45 AM – Instruction begins promptly.
🏁 Afternoon Dismissal:
🕝 2:15 PM – Dismissal begins & typically follows this order:
➡️bus riders
➡️ van riders
➡️ car riders

➡️ walkers
➡️ aftercare
Please remember that our buses must be in line first.
🕝 2:35 PM-2:40 PM – All students should be fully dismissed from classrooms.
🕒 2:45 PM – Students not picked up by this time will be sent to aftercare, and a drop-in fee will apply. Communication is key!

Late Pick-Up Procedures

In order to ensure the safety and supervision of all students, Hawthorne Elementary has established the following late pick-up procedures:

• Dismissal ends at 2:45 PM.

• Any student not picked up by 2:45 PM, upon arrival -parents will need to complete the Late Pick-Up Roster.

• Three (3) late pick-ups may result in a referral to the school’s social worker for additional support and follow-up.

Your partnership helps us create a safe and focused environment for all hornets. Thank you for your attention and cooperation!

Please complete Meal Application Information 2024-2025. Only 1 Application Needed per Family:

Please ALL complete this application process even if you plan to bring lunch for your child daily or believe that you will not qualify. This is very important, this impacts funding for Title 1.

Please click link for English/Spanish application.

https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/featured-news/free-reduced-meal-applications-sy-2024-2025/

⚽ Ready to KICK OFF the season? ⚽

Attention #DCSD parents! Registration is OPEN for the 2025 Elementary Soccer season!

All 4th and 5th graders can join this FREE program, perfect for building teamwork, skills, and fun with friends on the field.

🗓️ Season: September 22 – December 13, 2025
✅ Requirements: Sports Physical

📲 Registration is open NOW through September 12, 2025. Don’t miss out! Sign up today below

The DCSD School Expo is coming up on Saturday, September 27th from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM!

This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase all the amazing things happening at our school. 🌟 Come out, bring your Hawk pride, and help us REP OUR SCHOOL at this exciting district-wide event!

Let’s show the community why our school is the best place for students to learn, grow, and thrive. 💙💛
#DCSDExpo #WeRepOurSchool #TeamHawks

Afterschool Clubs that still have spots available!!!

Opportunities include:

• EIM Dance (Various grade levels)

Use the link below to explore and sign up today, spots may fill quickly!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer for the DeKalb County School District! By signing on as a volunteer, you become a member of our team of professionals that proudly provides educational services to more than 93,000 students in our DeKalb County School District.

Steps to Complete the Volunteer Process:

1. Complete the Volunteer Application and Release Form:

• English Application
• Spanish Application

2. Review and Complete the DCSD Volunteer Code of Conduct:

• English Code of Conduct
• Spanish Code of Conduct

3. Complete the Mandated Reporter Training:

• Watch the Mandated Reporter Video and complete the quiz before attending a training session.
• Steps to complete the training:
• Create a free account
• Select State: GA
• Click on Child Abuse and Neglect Course: Mandated Reporter
• Start the course and complete the quiz
• Save or print your certificate and email a copy to DCSDvolunteer@dekalbschoolsga.org
• Training link: Mandated Reporter Course

Upcoming DCSD Volunteer Training (via Zoom):

Join a Zoom Session That Fits Your Schedule

Fall 2025 Volunteer Training Dates

Please select the Zoom session that works best for you from the options below:

• August 27 – 12:00 PM

• September 10 – 12:00 PM

• September 17 – 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM

• September 24 – 12:00 PM

• October 1 – 12:00 PM

• October 8 – 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM

• October 22 – 12:00 PM

• October 29 – 12:00 PM

• November 5 – 12:00 PM

• November 12 – 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM

• December 3 – 12:00 PM

• December 10 – 12:00 PM

Join the DCSD Volunteer Training Zoom Meeting:

🔗 Join Zoom Meeting
📌 Meeting ID: 857 5784 5773
🔑 Passcode: 598219

Thank you for your dedication to supporting our schools! We look forward to your participation!

DO you know someone passionate about education and leadership? Encourage them to declare candidacy for the 2025–2026 Principal Advisory Council (PAC)! We need 1 parent to join us!

Candidate declaration is open now through Friday, September 5, 2025.

PAC members:

• Promote transparency & shared decision-making

• Review the Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP)

• Help shape the school’s vision

• Serve as liaisons between school and community

👉 Declare candidacy here: Candidate Declaration Form

https://form.jotform.com/electionbuddy/2025-dekalb-fall-pac-declarations.

Questions? Contact schoolgovernance@dekalbschoolsga.org or (678) 676-0718.

Let’s build strong parent and staff leaders across DeKalb!

There are also additional resources for potential candidates on our website (https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/principal-advisory-councils/) and below:

Additional Resources for Council Elections

• Campaigning Guidance
• Voting FAQ

Hawthorne ES has the BEST events—hands down! From unforgettable family nights to, spirit wear, staff appreciation, and more… our PTA is behind it all!

But we can’t do it without YOU.

Whether you can volunteer your time, share your ideas, or simply stay connected, your involvement makes a huge difference in our school community. Every parent is welcome and every voice matters!

🦅 Why join the PTA?
✔️ Help plan amazing events
✔️ Support teachers and students
✔️ Build community
✔️ Stay in the loop

Let’s work together to make this the best year yet at Hawthorne ES!

**** DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE ****

At DCSD, we are committed to continuous improvement and value your perspective. Reflecting on the first week of school, what went well for you and what could we improve to better support students, families, and staff?

Email: kia_henley@dekalbschoolsga.org
Website: https://www.hawthornees.dekalb.k12.ga.us/

Location: 2535 Caladium Drive NE Atlanta, GA 30345
Phone: 678-874-2802