Hawk Happenings: Parent Newsletter
November 17th
Principal's Message
Good evening SHELC families,
We have a busy and exciting week ahead!
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Tuesday, Nov. 18th – Thanksgiving Lunches
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Wednesday, Nov. 19th – Literacy Fair
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Thursday, Nov. 20th – Fall Fest
Please remember that all learners must be checked in at the front desk after 8:00 a.m. Learners cannot be dropped off at the door. This is for everyone’s safety—thank you for helping us keep our campus secure.
We look forward to a great week of learning and celebrations. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at SHELC!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Smith
Mission Statement
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
Instructional Priorities
- 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.
District Information
Our District Vision is to create an equitable, productive school culture that increases learner success, develops educator effectiveness and builds public confidence.
Ready... Set... Grow!
November Calendar
Scholastics Book Club
Next Order Date 12/1/25
Here’s how it works: I’ll send home flyers like these throughout the year. If you decide to place an order, you can do that through our class ordering page. Your books will arrive at school about 10 days after I submit our order.
By teaming up with Scholastic, we’ll help your child become a more confident, independent reader—and we’ll build a classroom library.
Order due date: 12/01/25
Shop our class page: https://orders.scholastic.com/Z6KTH
Happy reading!
TEMPEST SMITH
Class code: Z6KTH
Steve Carter Tutoring
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!
Louisiana Accountability
Parental Involvement Data
Families, your involvement matters!
This month, we encourage you to stay engaged—attend school events, check folders daily, and talk with your learner about what they’re learning. Your partnership helps us create the best learning experience possible. Thank you for supporting SHELC!
At Home Resources
Are you signed up on our Apps?
Upcoming Events
Thanksgiving Lunches, Nov. 18th
Literacy Fair, Nov. 19th
Fall Fest, Nov. 20th
Community Coffee Fundraiser
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!