Hawk Happenings: Parent Newsletter

Dear Families,

We are finishing up math testing next week- thank you for supporting your learner and encouraging them to give their best effort!

Looking ahead, October will be a busy and exciting month at St. Helena ELC. We have several special events planned, including Homecoming and other activities to celebrate our learners and school community. More details and reminders will be shared soon so your family can stay connected and involved.

Thank you for your continued partnership!

Best regards,

Mrs. Smith

The mission of the St. Helena Early Learning Center is to foster a culture of literacy and numeracy through small group and multi-sensory learning experiences that support learner success and promote strong community engagement

• Prioritize phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

• Use CKLA, DIBELS, and Amira to monitor and support reading growth.

• Build number sense and problem-solving using Zearn and hands-on strategies.

• Emphasize conceptual understanding with math talks and models.

3. HQIM Implementation

• Teach CKLA and Zearn with fidelity and consistent lesson internalization.
• Align instruction to standards and curriculum pacing guides.

4. Data-Driven Instruction

• Use assessment data to group learners and adjust instruction.
• Monitor progress through iReady, DIBELS, and classroom checks.

5. Developmentally Appropriate Practice

• Integrate academics with play, movement, and SEL.
• Support learner engagement through routines and interactive centers.

6. Differentiation

• Scaffold instruction to meet individual needs.
• Use flexible groups, visuals, and supports for all learners.

7. Vocabulary & Oral Language

• Teach key vocabulary daily.
• Provide frequent opportunities for structured conversation.

8. Clarity & Ownership

• Use child-friendly learning targets and success criteria.
• Encourage goal setting and self-reflection.

Our District Vision is to create an equitable, productive school culture that increases learner success, develops educator effectiveness and builds public confidence.

Learners who scored below benchmark on DIBELS are eligible for extra support through the Steve Carter Tutoring Program. This program provides free, high-quality tutoring to help strengthen reading skills.

If your child qualifies, we encourage you to apply using the link below:
👉 https://www.louisianatutoringinitiative.com/s/

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure every learner succeeds!

Picture Day will be held on Wednesday, October 8th. Please note that learners must be in uniform for school ID photos.

Thank you for your support in helping us prepare for a smooth Picture Day!

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 9th. This is a valuable opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher, discuss progress, and partner together for continued success.

Please use the link below or the QR code provided to reserve your conference time:
👉 Click here to schedule your conference

We encourage all families to sign up early to secure the time that works best for you.

We are excited to celebrate Homecoming Spirit Week at SHELC from October 13th–17th! Learners can show their school spirit by participating in each day’s fun theme:

• Monday, Oct. 13: Tie-Dye vs. Camo

• Tuesday, Oct. 14: Sports vs. Sparkle

• Wednesday, Oct. 15: Nickelodeon vs. Disney

• Thursday, Oct. 16: Black vs. Gold

• Friday, Oct. 17: No School – Homecoming Parade 🎉

We can’t wait to see our learners showing their spirit and creativity all week long!

Our school is participating in the Community Coffee Cash for Schools Program! ☕️ Please collect Proofs of Purchase from Community Coffee products and send them to school with your child. Every label helps us earn money for resources that directly benefit our learners. Thank you for your support!