HES Family Newsletter
October 19, 2026🎃
A Note from the Principal
October is a busy time of year, and as we settle into the routines and expectations of school, both students and teachers can begin to feel the challenges that come with hard work and full schedules. At HES, we believe these moments are opportunities to practice perseverance, strengthen relationships, and continue growing together. Our dedicated teachers and staff are working hard each day to provide meaningful learning experiences, maintain high expectations, and help every Hornet reach their full potential.
Families play an important role in this journey! A little extra patience, encouragement, and consistent routines at home—including plenty of rest and regular attendance—can make a big difference in helping children stay focused and motivated. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together to build a culture of pride, excellence, and success. Together, we can help every Hornet learn, persevere, and succeed!
We Build Champions: Every Student. Every Day.
📚 Bluebonnet Learning: Building Confidence & Perseverance!
Learning something new isn't always easy, and that's a good thing! Through our K–5 Bluebonnet Learning curriculum in Reading Language Arts and Math, students are being challenged to think deeply, solve problems, and explain their reasoning. Lessons and assignments may look a little different from what families are used to, but these learning experiences help students develop important skills and confidence. Our teachers are working hard to support students as they tackle new challenges and celebrate their progress.
How can you help at home? Encourage your child to keep trying when learning gets difficult, and ask questions like, “How did you figure that out?” or “Can you explain your thinking?” Remind them that making mistakes and working through challenges are important parts of learning. At HES, we believe perseverance leads to growth, and every Hornet is capable of success!
🌟 Explore the Bluebonnet Learning Curriculum — View K–5 Reading Language Arts and Math materials by grade level.
⏰ Early Checkouts Add Up — Every Minute Matters!
At HES, valuable learning takes place throughout the entire school day! Core academic instruction occurs from 7:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., and students who leave early regularly miss important lessons, practice, and learning opportunities. Even leaving just 30 minutes early each day adds up to 2½ hours of missed instruction each week! We understand that appointments and unexpected situations arise, but we encourage families to schedule appointments outside of school hours whenever possible and limit early checkouts. Thank you for partnering with us to protect instructional time and give every Hornet the best opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed!
Upcoming Events
9/20 Scout Sign Ups in HES Cafeteria 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
9/23 Report Cards go home for 1st nine weeks
10/23 End of online Big Kahuna Sales (purchases can still be made online 10/19-10/23)
10/26-10/30 Red Ribbon Week (see dress up days below)
11/5 Kona Ice on Campus during recess
11/10 Class Picture Day & Fall Retakes
11/11 Veterans Day Program @ 9:00 am
Hornet Spirit Days @ HES
Help us cheer on the Huntsville Hornet Football team this season with these weekly themes for HHS Hornet Football:
Family Friendly Events
Hornet Drama Presents....Alice
Looking for a fun family outing? Our talented HHS Hornet Drama students invite you to experience the magic of live theatre with their production of Alice! Even better, children under 10 receive FREE admission with the purchase of a general admission ticket! This is a wonderful, affordable opportunity to enjoy quality family time while supporting our Huntsville Hornets. Don't miss the chance to make some special memories together!
Click on the links below to purchase tickets:
Alice General Admission October 22nd 7PM
Alice Student Admission October 22nd 7pm
Alice General Admission October 24th 2pm
Alice Student Admission October 24th 2pm
Alice General Admission October 24th 7pm
Alice Student Admission October 24th 7pm
Link To HHS Drama Facebook page:
7th Annual Fall Festival
Fun for the whole family!! Saturday, October 24 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Free food, prizes, gifts, toys, games and candy!
717 FM 2821 Walker County Sheriff's Office & Justice Building
HES Office Staff💀
Administration
Principal: Natalie Barrett - nbarrett@huntsville-isd.org
PK-2nd Grade Assistant Principal: Toxie Oliphant - toliphant@huntsville-isd.org
3rd-5th Grade Assistant Principal: Kerri Thorp - ktthorp@huntsville-isd.org
Counselor: Tantanisha Laymon: trlaymon@huntsville-isd.org
Front Office
Administrative Assistant: Vanetta Mills-Furr: vmills@huntsville-isd.org
Receptionist: Pharra Williams: pswilliams@huntsville-isd.org
ARD Facilitator: Rachel Foy: rfoy@huntsville-isd.org
RTI/504 Coordinator: Tami Elliott: telliott@huntsville-isd.org
Nurse: Julie Shelby: jcshelby@huntsville-isd.org
Resources for Families
👪ESC Region 6 Parent Series - Supporting Transitions, Tolerance, and Schedule Changes in Home and Community Settings November 12, 2006
All sessions are virtual via Zoom from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Free registration. Session ID 578076
📲2-1-1 Texas — Find Local Help
Families needing assistance with food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, or other basic needs can contact 2-1-1 Texas. This free, confidential service helps connect families with programs and organizations in their community. Call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905.
**Specific assistance may depend on eligibility, availability, or program schedules.