NHES NEWS

The following words can be found from the section of our school website that talks about the history of New Hope School:

At the close of World War I, the people of New Hope decided to build a modern school building. At great sacrifice to themselves and their families, they accomplished the feat. Those who could not give money gave labor. Children were charged an incidental fee in the early 1900’s and some parents paid their fee by cutting and hauling wood for the pot bellied stoves that were used to heat the school (written by Ms. Bernice Dilworth, compiled by Ms. Sara Burleson).

This passage is a reminder that local schools only exist because of the families that support them. This is still true today. I would even go one step further. Great schools, schools like New Hope Elementary, successfully navigate our ever-changing world because of the partnerships we have between community, home, and school.

Last week, I talked about our two-pronged mission when it comes to reading. We not only want students to LEARN to read, we ALSO want them to LOVE reading. This can only be accomplished when our community, our homes, and our local school collectively make this a priority by carving out times for students to put down digital devices (this includes reducing Chromebook time at school) and allow students to read for enjoyment at least a few minutes each day.

With an E-Learning Day this Wednesday, it's my hope that we will limit the "E" for electronic, and together, teachers and families will encourage students to read books they enjoy. As we also look ahead to Read Across America Week next week, consider the graphic I shared with our teachers.

This Week (PE Fundraiser Strawberry Orders Extended to 11AM this Monday)

• February 28 - E-Learning/Collaboration Day (Students at Home)

Dates for the Remainder of the School Year

• March 4 through 8 - Read Across America Week (see dress up days below)
  
• March 7 - NHES Pre-K Random Drawing
• March 11-15 - Spring Break (Schools Closed)
• April 8 - E-Learning/Collaboration Day (Students at Home)
• April 25 - Yearbook Order Deadline
• May 21-22 - Graduation Ceremonies
• May 22 - Last Student Day
• May 23 - Teacher Work Day

Thanks to those that not only came to the Boys Bingo Brunch this past Saturday, thanks to all those that volunteered to make it a success. Quite a few of our dads stepped up so the moms could enjoy some special mother and son time. Way to go dads!

I am so excited to be joining The Enrichment Center by playing in the 2nd Annual Charity Classic Softball Game at Toyota Field on April 6th! This event will work to spread awareness and support for youth mental health services. Thanks to support from the community and partnerships with local schools, The Enrichment Center is able to provide mental health therapy sessions at no cost to students or their families! If you want to cheer me on and support youth mental health, buy your tickets today and consider donating to me, as a player - links below!

Link to purchase tickets: https://theenrichmentcenter.kindful.com/e/charityclassic24

Link to support me as a player (just enter my name): https://theenrichmentcenter.kindful.com/campaigns/1285789?cause_id=19601

Pre-K Registration for the 24-25 school is currently open. Scan the QR code for additional information. Should we have more applicants than open spots available, our random drawing for NHES is tentatively scheduled for March 7, 2024.

Along with class pictures, feel free to order this year's New Hope Elementary School Yearbook. We work hard to gather pictures throughout the year that capture the many great things that happen at our school.

Our school counselor and two therapists continue to find articles they hope will support our families with just a few of the challenges some our students are experiencing. Feel free to use the QR codes below to access information to the topics listed.

Email for Transportation Notes

If you need to make the school aware of a transportation change, in addition to turning in a note to the teacher, please email our front office at NHESoffice@madison.k12.al.us. This new email will help us track and monitor transportation changes more effectively.

New Hope Spirit Wear

Consider checking out our New Hope Spirit Wear Store. This is your one shop stop for school-related spirit wear. Great gifts for students, staff, and family members that are proud of our school and community.

Updated Code of Conduct & Discipline

Our district has created a Back to School Dashboard with a number of useful links. Along with the MCSS Calendar, you'll also find a Parent & Student Handbook as well as a Student Code of Conduct.

Bus Information

Each bus has an animal magnet to help our younger students remember which bus they ride.

• 14-80 Mike Carpenter - LION
• 24-125 Johnna Mann - BIRD
• 22-09 Julia Stapler - BEAR
• 18-09 Bobby Cheyne - PUPPY
• 21-09 Misty Quick - COW
• 11-67 Donnie Meeks - TIGER
• 19-15 Edwin Childers - CHICKEN
• 24-134 Vicki Tolliver - HORSE
• 20-12 Lorrell Vann - BUTTERFLY (no PM route)

In addition to the buses identified above, several OCR bus drivers help transport our fifth and sixth grade students that live in the Owens Cross Roads community. Mr. Carr has been experiencing difficulty with sixth grade students misusing phones on the OCR transfer bus. Students have been asked to keep phones put up and off on the bus just as we ask them to do at school. Bus drivers are permitted to make this request when phones become an issue and prevent safe transportation due to safety concerns.

As always, we want thank to families that continue to help us keep our bus exit area clear by accessing the car-rider line via Oak Grove Road. In the mornings, our buses use the exit area on the map below from 7:05 to 7:30. In the afternoons, the buses usually exit between 2:35 and 2:40.

New Hope PTO continues to do great things for our students and school. Please join the PTO and sign up for their newsletter if you haven't already done so.

New Hope Recreation Center continues to be one of our closest community partners. Please check their Facebook page often for the latest news.

New Hope Children's Clinic is located on our school campus across from the Rock Gym. To make an appointment call 256-723-4673.

The CARE Center is one of the reasons our school is so special. Families can apply for their child or children to receive Bags of Blessings (weekend food support) and/or participate in our 21st Century Learning Center Clubs Program. For information on one or both of these programs:

• Visit www.thecare-center.org
• Call the Business Office at 256.723.2273
• Contact Molly Mullinax (molly.mullinax@thecare-center.org)

Email: jburton@mcssk12.org
Website: https://www.mcssk12.org/newhopeelementaryschool
Location: 5300 Main Drive, New Hope, AL, USA
Phone: 256-851-3260
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newhopeelementaryschool
Twitter: @NHESPK6