Hanover Herald
March 2026
Class Assignments for 2026-2027
Dear HES Families,
It’s hard to believe, but we will soon begin the process of making classroom assignments for the next school year. As we begin the process of classroom assignments, I wanted to take the opportunity to explain the process at HES. First, it is our goal to place students in a classroom that will best meet their needs. To do so, there are several factors we look at when making class lists. We want each class to have a wide range of ability levels. Balancing class sizes as well as the number of boys and girls in a class are goals. Behavior and other special needs are also considered. Finally, social needs and learning styles are also taken into account.
Even though class assignments are the responsibility of the teachers and principal, we recognize that parent input is also an important factor. Because of all the factors we must consider when making class lists, we will not be accepting specific teacher requests. However, we still welcome parent input on your child’s learning style, academic and social/emotional needs, and personality traits that will help us find the best possible fit for your child. If you would like to provide us with this input, you can complete the HES Classroom Placement Form, which is available on our school website or in the front office.
Requesting a specific teacher that an older sibling previously had is one exception that we will take teacher requests for. Again, we can’t promise we can honor these requests in all cases, but we will do our best. We don’t keep track of who older siblings had for teachers, so if this is something you want us to consider, you will need to note it on the HES Classroom Placement Form.
Our rationale for not taking specific teacher requests are the following:
Children will have many teachers throughout their educational careers and need to learn how to adjust to different personalities and environments.
We can’t accept teacher requests so that children can be with their friends. Each year provides new opportunities to make new friends. Besides, grade levels do have lunch and recess together each day so they have plenty of time to see their friends.
Requesting a certain teacher just because someone recommends them is often not the appropriate fit for your child. You really need to experience a school year with a teacher before you make any judgments.
We can’t ensure that all teacher requests will be able to be honored. We want to create equity for all of our students and maintain balanced classrooms that are optimal for learning.
Our grade level teachers collaborate with one another constantly and are always sharing ideas, strategies, and supporting students as a team. This means that each child is benefiting from the knowledge and ideas of all of our teachers, not just one.
I am very confident in all of our teachers here at HES and would feel fortunate having any of my own children in their classrooms. If you have any questions or want to talk more about the classroom placement process, please feel free to contact me at bkoltes@bhmschools.org or call at 763-682-0823. The deadline for turning Classroom Placement Forms into the office is Friday, March 26th. Again, thank you for all of your support. Your partnership ensures that our students at Hanover Elementary School find success!
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We truly appreciate all you do to help our students thrive.
Warmly,
Brad Koltes, Principal
HES Elementary School
763-682-0823
Winter Reminders
With the colder weather upon us, please take note of a few important reminders to help keep everyone safe and comfortable:
Weather Alerts: Families will receive automated calls, texts, and emails regarding school closings, delays, or early dismissals. If you have not been receiving messages from HES or did not receive the test message from BHM schools on Thursday, October 23rd, please contact the main office at 763-682-0800 to confirm your contact information.
Early Dismissal Plans: In the event of an early release (typically around 12:30 p.m.), please make sure your child knows what to do if no one is home. It’s also helpful to inform your child’s teacher and the office of your family’s plan.
Winter Gear: Students will go outside for recess unless the temperature or wind chill drops below -5°F. Please ensure your child comes prepared with a hat and gloves or mittens. Snow pants and boots are required for grades K–2 and strongly encouraged for grades 3–5. Students will not be allowed to play in snow-covered areas without this winter gear. If your child needs to stay indoors due to a medical condition, please send a note to their teacher.
Thank you for helping us keep our students safe, warm, and ready to enjoy the season!
Volunteers!
If you are new to volunteering at Hanover Elementary, please start your Background Check here.
Volunteer Background Check Investigation
Thank you!
Jill Mischke
Hanover Elementary Principal's Secretary
(763)-682-0824
Only have a couple hours a day to spare here and there?
We have positions at Hanover for Supervision Substitutes. You would be helping with 🏃🏻♂️recess and 🍱lunch supervision. This is an hourly paid position, hours vary between 10:10-12:45.
Please inquire with Jill Mischke @ 763-682-0800 or email at jmischke@bhmschools.org
Accepting all Kindergarten and new student registrations for 2026-2027.
For questions or concerns about enrollment contact Jill Mischke at jmischke@bhmschools.org or (763) 682-0824.
Saying goodbye to this school community is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. As the school secretary, I've had the privilege of seeing this place from every angle-welcoming families at the door, helping students through their big and small moments, and supporting staff in the beautiful, messy, wonderful rhythm of each school day. This front office has been my home, and all of you have been family.
To the families: thank you for your kindness, your patience, your trust, and the countless conversations that brightened my days. I've loved watching your children grow, hearing their stories, and being part of their world-even if it was just helping them call home, find a missing mitten, or get a band-aid for the world's most dramatic paper cut. Your support meant everything to me.
To the staff: you are the heartbeat of this building. Thank you for the laughter, the teamwork, the "Do you have a minute?" moments that turned into twenty, and the shared understanding that the copier has a mind of its own. I will miss the camaraderie, the inside jokes, and the way we always managed to pull together no matter what the day threw at us.
And to the students: you are the reason this school feels alive. Thank you for the smiles, the chaos, the hugs, the questions, and the joy you bring into the office every single day. You've made my job meaningful in ways I'll carry with me forever.
Leaving is not easy, because this isn't just a workplace-it's a community that has shaped me, supported me, and filled my days with purpose. I am forever grateful for the friendships, the memories, and the love I've found here. As I step into a new chapter, please know that pieces of my heart will always stay in these hallways, at this front desk, and with all of you.
Mindy Day
Hello! My name is Jill Deglmann and I am the new Office Secretary here at Hanover Elementary. I am well aware I have big shoes to fill replacing Mindy Day 💗
I live in Corcoran with my husband and two sons, Bennett and Connor who attend Hanover Elementary. I began working as a substitute teacher here at Hanover in 2025 and know many of your amazing children already! HES is such a special community and I feel very fortunate to be here fulltime. I look forward to meeting many of you throughout the remainder of the school year 😊
Jill Deglmann
jdeglmann@bhmschools.org
📣Last call to purchase through Friday, March 6.📣
Buy your Yearbook today! We will distribute them at the end of the schoolyear.
Please use the link below to purchase ONLINE! If it asks for school code: 729911
Envelopes were also sent home to purchase with cash or check.
🎵What's Happening In Music This Month?🎵
It’s hard to believe that March is here already! Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 are finishing up units with recorder. Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders have been exploring rhythms and melody using their classroom instrument bags as well as musical stations.
Kindergarteners, 1st and 2nd graders will begin discovering the instruments of the band and orchestra by listening to “Carnival of the Animals”.
2nd graders are preparing for their 🌷Spring Musical, “Pandamonium” that they will perform on Thursday, March 19th at 6:30 p.m. in the Hanover Cafeteria.
In March, our 3rd , 4th and 5th graders will also prepare for a ukulele unit by practicing note names with activities and assessments on our Quaver Online.
March is Music in our Schools Month. Looking forward to another wonderful month of music making!
Mrs. Bolton
mbolton@bhmschools.org
🌟 PE at Hanover Elementary
March is all about movement, teamwork, and skill development! As we move toward spring, students continue building confidence, improving fitness, and practicing positive sportsmanship in every lesson.
👟 Grades K–2 Physical Education
This month, students in grades K–2 are working on:
Overhand Throwing and Catching using implements and hands.
Spatial awareness and safe movement in shared space
Cooperation and teamwork through partner and group activities
Students are building coordination while learning how to move safely and support classmates.
🏀 Grades 3–5 Physical Education
This month, students in grades 3–5 are focusing on:
Bowling skill development (proper stance, approach, aim, and controlled rolling technique)
Game strategy and teamwork concepts
Continued emphasis on collaboration and sportsmanship
Students are applying skills in lead-up games and small-sided gameplay.
🎳 5th Grade Bowling Field Experience
As part of our bowling unit, 5th grade students will have the opportunity to participate in a bowling field trip to Huikko's in Buffalo on Friday, March 20th. This experience allows students to apply the skills they’ve been practicing in PE in a real-world setting while demonstrating proper technique, sportsmanship, and bowling etiquette. More information, details, and permission slips will be shared soon.
❤️ Fitness & Health Focus
This month’s focus: Skill Development
Students are practicing proper technique, improving coordination, and building confidence as they develop fundamental movement and sport-specific skills. Emphasis is placed on effort, improvement, and applying skills in game situations.
👟 PE Reminders
Please wear tennis shoes on PE days
Comfortable clothing helps students move safely
Water bottles are encouraged
📅 Looking Ahead to April
Grades K–2: Introduction to striking skills and spring movement games
Grades 3–5: Striking skills and cooperative team challenges
💡 Family Fitness Tips:
Take advantage of warmer weather by going for a family walk or playing outside together — even 20 minutes of movement makes a difference!
Thank you for supporting Hanover Elementary Physical Education!
— Mr. Joe Turner
Actively yours,
Mr. Turner
(763)-682-0865
Greetings from the art room!
This month all art students get to look forward to Art Adventures from the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The theme for this year's artwork is Artists’ Inspirations. We will look at a variety of art from well known artists like Pablo Picasso and Georgia O’Keeffe. The coolest part, in my opinion, about Art Adventures is that after learning about these pieces in the art room students can go see them for themselves in person at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
4th Grade : 4th graders will look closely at the Georgia O’Keeffe work from the MiA curriculum to enhance their learning on their still life flower study. Students will have the opportunity to either paint or draw a flower or plant of their choice.
2nd Grade : Students in 2nd grade art starting their unit on folk art. We study the art of Heather Galler as inspiration for our own folk art still life. Our folk art artwork will be a painting of a still life composed of a vase with flowers. Although this might sound simple, everyone's art always turns out unique.
1st Grade : Our first graders are going to use “A Fishing Party Off Long Island” from the MiA curriculum as inspiration for storytelling art in the month of March. After studying and learning about the painting done by Junius Brutus Stearns, first grade students are going to choose a story of their own to tell in picture form.
Kindergarten : We have started to study a unique and fun creature in the art room, the llama. Kindergarten students are making colorful and vibrant llama portraits this month. After learning about these creatures, we are drawing them with pencil, tracing them in Sharpie and will also be painting them with watercolor.
Take care,
Mrs. Rausch
Art Integration
(763)-682-0867
Hanover Elementary Recess/Lunch Schedule
Kindy Recess 10:15-10:35, Lunch 10:35-11:05
Gr. 5 Recess 10:45-11:05, Lunch 11:05-11:25
Gr. 4 Recess 11:05-11:25, Lunch 11:25-11:45
Gr. 3 Recess 11:25-11:45, Lunch 11:45-12:05
Gr. 2 Recess 11:45-12:05, Lunch 12:05-12:25
Gr. 1 Recess 12:05-12:25, Lunch 12:25-12:45
Health Update:
Greetings from the health office!
Parents of Preschoolers and soon-to-be Kindergarteners
If you have a child who is 3 ½ to 4 years old or one who is entering kindergarten in September and you have not been contacted for Early Childhood Screening, please visit https://www.bhmschools.org/early-childhood-screening and click the green Registration button to choose a screening date/time. If you have any questions, please call 763-682-8408. Early Childhood Screening is a mandated early intervention program for all children entering kindergarten in the public schools, but is targeted for all children ages 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 years old.
Parents of Kindergarten Students Starting ’26-’27 school year: If you have a child beginning kindergarten in September, please consider taking care of their immunization needs now. It is the law that all students must submit an updated immunization status before starting kindergarten. Please submit one of the following: immunization record, notarized non-medical exemption form or physician signed medical exemption form.
Required vaccinations for students include:
5 DTP
4 Polio (IPV or OVP)
3 Hepatitis B (HBV - not to be confused with Hib, which is the Haemophilus Influenza)
2 MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)
2 Varicella (Chicken Pox) – If your child has had the chicken pox illness, the school will need a statement from your health care provider indicating one of the following:
The signature of a provider along with the date of the child’s varicella illness
The signature of a provider along with a statement that the parent’s or legal guardian’s description of the child’s varicella disease history is indicative of past varicella infection.
If you have questions, please contact Timarie Leahy, RN, at tleahy@bhmschools.org or 763-682-8818.
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🍀Seasonal Health Reminder from the Health Office🍀
Cold and flu season is in full swing during the winter months. We kindly ask families to keep students home if they have a fever of 100.4°F or higher, vomiting, diarrhea, or are feeling too unwell to participate in school activities.
***Students should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school.***
Frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and getting enough sleep are simple but effective ways to help prevent the spread of illness.
✅Check your student to make sure an itchy scalp is just a dry scalp. Occasionally it can be head lice-which is very treatable, but needs to be addressed with a lice shampoo treatment and the removal of the white nits. **For more information, contact the Health
Office for handouts on what to look for and how to go about treating head lice.**
Thanks for making HES a very safe and healthy place to be.
Best line of defense against illness - wash hands, wash hands, wash hands one more time!
Timarie Leahy, LSN K-5 -763-682-8818
Tammy Bjorklund, HES Health Office - 763.682.0864
Hi Everyone!
On Sunday, February 15, Mr. Boldt and I came to the School Forest with two different goals: Mr. Boldt wanted to thin some of the brush right in front of the observation deck so that students could better use the tower viewer without nearby brush blocking their sights and I wanted to take advantage of the warm weather to tap one of our sugar maple trees near the playground area.
It didn't take me long to tap the tree and attach the sap bucket, so I walked out on the frozen marsh to check out the wetland area while Mr. Boldt continued to work. I had never walked in the marsh in the winter, and it had some pretty cool views of our observation deck from a different perspective as well as some different types of lichens, which will be an upcoming unit of study!
We had Monday off for Presidents' Day, but the School Forest was ready on Tuesday for visits with great views of the wetland area through the tower viewer and possible maple sap to see!
Our trail cameras caught a few members of the community this week! One family walked their dog, while a couple of teen girls (one in shorts!) took advantage of the warmer temperatures at the beginning of the week to take a walk.
Wednesday night into Thursday we received so much snow that Thursday was deemed a 2-hour late start day! That did not keep our forest friends from visiting! I was VERY HAPPY to see that one of our trail cameras captured a male pileated woodpecker on one of our suet feeders AND the cameras also caught a FEMALE pheasant, which I haven't seen for many months!
The suet feeders have been favored by many woodpeckers this week: downy, hairy, red-bellied, and the ginormous pileated woodpeckers!
My class continued to learn about animal signs in our School Forest and this week, they were tasked with finding and writing down different animal signs that they observed onto Post-It notes so that we could chart how many of the different kinds of signs we found when we got back into our indoor classroom. While we were looking for signs, one student found a "weird" type of trail in the snow. We all gathered around and I led them with some questions so that they could discover 1.) what animal made the trail and 2.) why did it look so weird? Even though they were more accustomed to seeing trails in the form of deer prints, they knew that this was not an animal with hooves. They then figured out that a bird of some sort made the prints. They again started with a wild turkey (just like last week - deja vu) but I shook my head. When they said "pheasant," I smiled. "Now, why are they weird looking?" When they said that a line was drawn in the snow the whole way along the animal's trail, I asked what could have made that line. Many remembered Marmalade, the injured doe, dragging a leg as she walked. I told them that that was wonderful thinking and using prior knowledge from another animal, but that this wasn't the case here. I then heard a voice from a boy, an avid angler and hunter, say, "It's the tail." I asked him to say it louder for all to hear and he did, standing a little taller when he said it this time. He got it! The snow was deep and the poor pheasant had to walk, dragging tail (haven't we all felt that way at the end of a busy week?? LOL)
We had a little time to check out the much better views from the tower viewer on the observation deck before heading in to reflect on our Post-It observation activity.
When we were back inside, students took turns sticking their Post-It notes to a poster listing the different animal signs from animal tracks, to food caches, to nests, to poop (scat). We discovered that most of the signs that we observed were of animal tracks and trails. We discussed that in the winter, it is much easier to find animal tracks and trails, but I asked which other time of year might the tracks be more visible? They figured out that in the spring, tracks could be made in mud, but that in the fall, it might be harder to see because of leaf litter on the ground.
It was a great way to round out the week! I added some 5th grade art to our Forest Report made with Mrs. Gutknecht's tutelage. Mr. Kyllonen put these on his students' lockers and I was stunned at how great they were! Three animals of the School Forest caught my eye: a raccoon, a back-capped chickadee, and a bald eagle!
Also capping off the week with a generous donation was Jenny Wykle, former Hanover teacher, who donated a BIG book called Bird Songs Bible to our School Forest. In it, students will be able to read about a bird and then HEAR what that bird sounds like! It will be a great resource in the spring when we learn all about birds. From one Jenny to another, THANK YOU!!
I may have jumped the gun on collecting maple sap with this return to (grumble grumble) cold weather, but I heard some cardinals singing their spring song, and I think they have a better pulse on the coming season than we do!
Over and Out(side),
Jenny Boldt
4th Grade Teacher
Hanover Elementary School
(763) 682-0858
Hanover School Forest @facebook.com
📞 Reporting an Absence
If your child will be absent, please do one of the following:
- ✅ Call the Attendance Line - 763-682-0822
Leave a message with:
- Your child’s name
- Reason for absence
- If sick: list symptoms
- ✅ Use the Parent Portal-by clicking on Absence Request
- ✅ Email: hesattendance@bhmschools.org
🚌 Changes to End-of-Day Transportation
If your child’s transportation will change:
- 📞 Call the Office: 763-682-0800
- 📅 Please call before 1:00 PM
Teachers may not see emails in the afternoon.
✅ Always copy hesattendance@bhmschools.org on any change.
If you would like to review our parent/student handbook,
it is available online at
https://www.bhmschools.org/hes-studentparent-handbook-25-26
It is an excellent resource to see what our policies and
procedures are.
🐝 Show Your Hornet Pride with New Spirit Store Styles! 🐝
Hanover families,
Get ready to show your school spirit in style! Our Online School Spirit Store just got an exciting update with brand-new apparel options that make perfect gifts for the holidays!
What you need to know:
1. New Designs & Gear
We’ve added two fun, modern designs featuring updated styles and comfy, brand-name apparel your whole family will love. Plus, explore new merchandise, including zip-up and crew neck hoodies that are sure to become fast favorites.
2. A Touch of Purple
Several designs now come in the color purple as a nod to our Buffalo School District. It’s a small touch with big meaning, helping Hanover feel more connected to the larger district community while keeping our Hornet identity front and center!
3. Order
Shop Now: https://jjathletics.chipply.com/buffalobison/store.aspx?eid=329623&acid=1629714
🐝Shop now and show off that Hornet pride 🐝
Dear family, friends, and community,
We are collecting aluminum pop tabs to honor the life and memory of our precious daughter, Gracie Heinz, who passed away at just 11 years old. Her beautiful spirit and giving heart continue to inspire us every day.
💖Why Pop Tabs?
Pop tabs may seem small, but when collected in large amounts, they help support families through organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities—which provide a home away from home for families with hospitalized children.
The Ronald McDonald House supported and cared for our family during Gracie’s time at Children’s Hospital, and we are forever grateful.
📦How You Can Help:
Please save your aluminum pop tabs from soda cans, soup cans, and similar items throughout the year.
🏫Have your child bring the pop tabs to the Hanover Elementary office, where there will be a collection bin during your child's school hours.
OR
🎪Bring them to the final collection during the Hanover Harvest Festival on August 1st, 2026, where all donations will be weighed before being brought to the recycling center.
️✋You may also give your pop tabs to the Heinz Family anytime throughout the year anytime before August 1st, 2026.
✨Last Year’s Impact (2025):
Thanks to our family, friends, and communities incredible generosity, we collected 567 pounds of tabs, totaling over $400 donated to the Ronald McDonald House!
This will be an annual collection in Gracie’s memory, a way to turn love into action and keep her light shining in our community.
Thank you for your continued support and love—especially over the past two years since Gracie went to be with her Savior.
Your kindness means more than words can say.
With gratitude,
The Heinz Family
Brent, Missy, Vivian, and Norah
Interested in being a substitute teacher or ESP? The district is looking to hire substitute teachers and ESPs (health office, special ed or instructional/supervision) for the school year. If you are interested, go to the BHM Website to see the qualification requirements and to fill out an application. Feel free to contact the HES office at 763-682-0800 if you have any questions.
🔎 LOST & FOUND! 🔎
Missing a mitten? Jacket? Water bottle?
Have your student check the Lost and Found boxes across from the Health Office — there’s lots of good stuff in there!
📍 Parents: You’re welcome to stop by too!
🕒 Office Hours: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Mon–Fri)
Let’s reunite those lost items with their owners! 🧥🧤👟
Hanover Elementary School
Hanover Hornets