A Piece From The Principal's Puzzle

First grade has had the exciting opportunity to witness the miracle of life by hatching chicks this year! A total of 20 healthy, strong chicks hatched in our classrooms, bringing joy and wonder to our students.

Throughout this experience, our young learners discovered how to care for, treat, and gently handle their fluffy new friends. The chick hatching project offered rich, hands-on learning across the curriculum—from science and math to reading and writing—and created special memories that our first graders will never forget!

We’re so proud of how our students nurtured these little lives with such curiosity, compassion, and care.

April

24 - PTA Program with Grades 3, 4, & 5 performing

May

2 - K for A Day

6 - Chapman Day at BES - Classes/Grade levels from Chapman will visit BES for a tour.

6 - PTA Meeting at 5:30 pm to Welcome Chapman Families - Please try to attend.

End of Year Awards Schedule (See your child's teacher for additional details)

Tuesday, May 13

- 9:00 am -Grade K (Cafeteria)

- 1:00 pm -Grade 1 (Cafeteria)

Wednesday, May 14

- 11:00 AM - Grade Pre-K (Auditorium)

- 1:00 pm - Grade 3 (Cafeteria)

Thursday, May 15

- 9:30 am - Grade 2 (Auditorium)

- 1:00 pm - 4th Grade (Cafeteria)

Monday, May 19

- 9:00 am - 6th Grade (Cafeteria)

- 1:00 pm - 5th Grade (Cafeteria)

Special thanks to our very own Blossomwood Garden Club! This group of ladies that live near our school continue to quietly devote hours making sure that the flower beds at our front entrance look fantastic! If you know one of these wonderful ladies, please tell them thank you as well as beautiful it looks!

In an effort to improve school and system practices, we want to hear from you! Please complete a brief, anonymous parent survey. Click on the link below to access the survey.

https://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/279735/12846

With the weather turning warmer, it is an appropriate time to remind students and families of the dress code found on pages 21 and 22 of the HCS Code of Conduct.

Shirts, Tops, Blouses, T-Shirts, Hoodies:

• Oversized shirts must be tucked in
• Hoodies and sweatshirts must fit appropriately. Hoods may not be worn in school buildings
• Shirts may not bare midriffs when arms are raised
• Halter and spaghetti strap tops and dresses are not permitted, unless covered
• Undergarments must be completely covered
• Sleeveless shirts with revealing armholes are not permitted

Pants, shorts, skorts, skirts and dresses

• Yoga pants, leggings, or jeggings are permitted. However, the top must cover the student’s bottom.
• Hemlines of all shorts, skorts, skirts, and dresses (including slits) must not be higher than the middle of the thigh
• Pants or jeans that have holes above the middle of the thigh may only be worn if opaque tights, leggings, or shorts are worn beneath. Holes in pants may not reveal the student’s hips, bottom, or undergarments
• Students may not wear pajamas (except for special events and/or circumstances that receive administrative approval)
• Pant legs may not drag on the floor
• Pants must be secured at the waist

Use this link to find the new student or returning student tabs: https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/departments/strategy-and-innovation

1. If you live in the same residence, as the previous year, you will only need to provide a Utility Bill for that particular residence. Please make sure that the uploaded picture clearly shows your name, address, a date within the last 30 days.
2. If you have moved, you will need to provide 2 Proofs of Residency. Please upload the Utility Bill as stated above AND a copy of your new lease, deed, mortgage, or rental agreement showing your name, address, date, and signature.

• Note: Uploading the Proof of Residency is very important! This will ensure that your student's enrollment & Registration is complete.
• Also note: while completing your student's registration, please make note of the portion including contacts. Make sure that the contacts that you desire to add, match what is asked of you. Additional Custodial Contacts would include Mother, Father, or Legal Guardian. Additional Contacts would be the area to add a simple authorization for pick up, emergency contact, etc.
• Please email our office manager, Mrs. Cottrell, with any questions. Her email address is sherri.cottrell@hsv-k12.org

HCS Special Education Department is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. As part of our commitment and continuous efforts to enhance the educational experience for your child, we are excited to invite you to Parent Training Sessions.

Parent Training Sessions:

• April 30, 2025 (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) - Empowering Parents: Understanding and Supporting School-Based Occupational Therapy (OT) & Physical Therapy (PT) for Sensory Wellness
  

Learn more and register for a session on the Parent Connections Newsletter.

After registering for a session, a link will be sent to your email address one day before the training.

The main function of the house system is to develop a sense of identity or belonging and to celebrate achievements. Schools with a structure or system like this cite the positive impact it has on the educational experience and school culture. Students report how it helps them form friendships and closer bonds with peers, and teachers share that students seem to enjoy seeing a connection with students in other classrooms as well as other grade levels. As a school, we also believe our new House System supports our school mission statement and vision.

During the first week of school or upon enrollment, all of our students and staff have the opportunity to digitally "spin" the wheel to randomly sort each student into one of four groups or houses — Emerald, Garnet, Onyx, or Sapphire.

Our House System is designed to:

1. Create school-wide community by creating opportunities for students to connect to staff and students in other classes and grades that share their house. Older students become natural leaders by mentoring and supporting younger students. Mentoring also extends to teachers and school staff members who are also assigned to a house.
2. Create a culture of belonging as students are recognized for accomplishments both academically as well as their choices related to behavior.
3. Emphasize building character through a reward system that goes beyond earning a piece of candy for doing something good. Each individual achievement adds to the collective house/group, making the reward hopefully more meaningful and social.
   
4. Provide opportunities to praise and accentuate positives for both individual students and collective groups of students.