Dear Holliman Families,
Math RICAS testing will continue for students in grades 3&4. Students in grade 4 will test on Monday and Wednesday. Students in grade 3 will test on Thursday and Friday. Please make every effort to have your child attend school on these days unless there is an illness.
It is extremely important that your child arrive to school each day with their Chromebook fully charged.
Thank you for your continued support as we continue testing season 2023! Our students certainly have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to perform well on these assessments!
Below are two incidents that I, as the principal of Holliman have been reflecting on. As in any practice, I believe in consistently reflecting on all aspects of my role. These reflections consist of analyzing went went good, what could be improved, and what plans need to be put in place to make the next possible situation or instance better.
On Friday, April 21st several of our students and their families observed the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. On that day a Holliman grounds clean up day was scheduled in observance of Earth Day. My sincere apologies for approving a school event on the same day as a religious holiday that several of our Holliman families observe. This did not create an equitable opportunity for all students to take part in a school event. In the future, no events will be scheduled on the same day as any holiday. Thank you for understanding and accepting my sincere apologies.
On Monday of last week, it was reported to me by several 3rd graders that a suspicious individual was spotted on Holliman grounds near the tennis courts. Upon this report, I rang the recess bell 3 times and notified all of the lunch aides and other staff members to bring all 4th & 5th grade students inside from recess. The students quickly entered the building rather orderly and reported to their classrooms where they waited for their teachers who were still at lunch. The building was put on a temporary lockdown followed by a shelter in place while Officer Marano and Officer Maggicacomo were contacted and consulted. It was determined that the individual the students saw was Officer Marano doing his daily rounds of the Pilgrim and Holliman grounds. Video footage confirmed this.
I visited all 4th and 5th grade classrooms following the incident to applaud them on their response to this incident. Students were assured that they were safe and that the 3rd graders had done the right thing in reporting an unfamiliar person near Holliman.
Mr. D’Aiello and Nurse Razza were made available to any student who was upset as a result of this incident.
I am extremely proud of all teachers, staff and especially the students who ALL responded appropriately.
On Friday, April 28th, our entire faculty and staff attended a school safety meeting with our District Safety Officer Daniel Maggiacomo. This meeting included a training that had already been scheduled and a debrief of the incident that occurred on Monday.
Please know that can make myself available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have within a timely manner. Please continue to reach out via email and/or phone call/text at 401-871-4145.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Cabana, Principal
