PES Pirate News

Important Dates!

March

Mar.3-6 PES Book Fair

Mar. 4 PES Got Talent 6:00 in the cafeteria; Picture Day;

Mar. 7 1/2 day for students

Mar 10 -14 Spring Break - Schools Closed

Mar. 17 St. Patrick's Day

Mar. 20 Report cards go home

Mar. 21 Zoodles Animal Program

We are so grateful for the incredible success of our Black History Program! A huge thank you to our amazing PTA Board for organizing such a wonderful event. Our students were excited to perform, and it was truly heartwarming to see so many parents and families come out to support both their children and this important celebration of history.

Your dedication and participation made this event meaningful and memorable for everyone. Thank you for helping us honor and celebrate Black history in such a special way!

Providence Parents,

We have been given a great opportunity to learn from the Zoodles Animal Education Program. Our students will have the opportunity to see a live Kangaroo. Your chld's teacher will be sending home the permission slip below. Every student will need to have one signed to participate.

HCS Pre-K Applications Now Open, Pre-Registration Sessions, and Random Drawing

Applications Now Open

The 2025 - 2026 Pre-K application is now open! Visit the School Readiness Department on the Huntsville City Schools website to apply. If you would like further information about the application process or the Pre-K program, please join us for one of the Pre-K Pre-Registration Sessions.

Random Drawing

Due to limited availability, the HCS School Readiness Department will host a random drawing March 5-6, 2025 where schools will draw names for their pre-k programs. Families who apply will receive more information prior to the drawing regarding how to view the selection process.

HCS Special Education Department is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. As part of our commitment and continuous efforts to enhance the educational experience for your child, we are excited to invite you to Parent Training Sessions.

Parent Training Sessions:

• February 21, 2025 (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) - Supporting Student Well-Being: A Parent Training on Behavioral Health Counseling in the School Setting

• March 19, 2025 (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) - Unlocking Potential: Parent Training on Extended School Year (ESY) Services

• April 2, 2025 (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) - Preparing for the Future: A Parent Training on Transition and Post-Secondary Outcomes in Alabama

• April 30, 2025 (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) - Empowering Parents: Understanding and Supporting School-Based Occupational Therapy (OT) & Physical Therapy (PT) for Sensory Wellness

Learn more and register for a session on the Parent Connections Newsletter.

ACAP is coming up and Geometry and Measurement will be important topics for your student to master on these tests.

Here are some tips to help build proficiency at home!

Geometry

• Fold a sheet of paper in half and have your child draw a shape along the fold; cut out the shape and unfold the paper to create a symmetrical shape
• Look around the house for different geometric shapes, such as triangles, squares, circles, and rectangles
• Use common household items, such as toothpicks, marshmallows, empty toilet paper rolls, twist ties, sticks, and paper, to construct shapes
• Help your child recognize and identify real-world examples of right angles (e.g., the corner of a book) and parallel lines (e.g., railroad tracks)
• While driving together, direct your child to look for objects with the same size and shape

Measurement

• Teach your child how to set the kitchen timer when you’re cooking
• Draw an analog clock face with the hour and minute hands showing eight o’clock. Ask your child to write the time shown
• Arrange various objects (e.g., books, boxes, and cans) by various size and measurement (e.g., length, weight, and volume) attributes. Talk with your child about how they are arranged using comparison words like “taller,” “shorter,” “narrower,” “wider,” “heaviest,” “lightest,” “more,” “less,” “about,” and “same”
• Use a standard measuring tool to measure objects located in your home
• Gather a tape measure, yardstick, ruler, cup, gallon container, and scale. Discuss the various things you can measure with each
• Review equivalent names for measurements. For example, “How many cups are in a pint?”
• Encourage your child to incorporate terms such as “whole,” “halves,” “thirds,” and “fourths” into their everyday life

As we begin 2025, it's the perfect time to reflect on our students' reading progress and set new goals for the months ahead. As your child’s reading specialist, I want to share a few updates, strategies, and tips to help your child continue growing as a confident and passionate reader in the coming months.

1. Mid-Year Check-In: January is an excellent time to assess your child's progress in reading. Take a moment to reflect on their growth. Are they reading with greater fluency? Are they comprehending the material more deeply? Let me know if you have any questions or concerns about their reading progress. I'm always here to support you.

2. Set New Reading Goals: Encourage your child to set a new reading goal for 2024! Whether it’s reading a certain number of books, mastering a new level, or reading a variety of genres, having a goal can motivate them to stay focused and engaged. I recommend talking with your child about the books they would love to read next!

3. Here are a few simple strategies you can use to support your child's reading development at home:

• Read together: Even if your child is reading independently, make time to read together. Take turns reading pages, and discuss the book afterward.
• Make connections: Help your child make connections between what they are reading and their own experiences, other books they've read, or current events.
• Ask questions: Encourage comprehension by asking questions before, during, and after reading. For example, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character acted that way?”
• Expand vocabulary: Introduce new words in context. When you come across an unfamiliar word, try using it in different sentences to help your child understand its meaning.
• Create a reading routine: Establish a quiet reading time each day. Whether it's before bed or during the afternoon, setting aside a dedicated time for reading helps make it a habit.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful new year filled with reading adventures!

If you’re looking for resources to enhance your child’s literacy skills, reach out to your child’s teacher or I can be reached at Lindsay.Madden@hsv-k12.org. We’re here to support you in nurturing a lasting love for reading in your child.

Warm regards,

Lindsay Madden

If your child has a medical condition the school nurse needs to be aware of and/or your child will need medication(s) at school, Please contact catherine.bruce@hsv-k12.org for specific concerns or questions.

ALL medications to be used at school MUST be registered with the health office. A parent/guardian must bring in the medication (medications cannot be sent with the student) with an updated doctor’s form. If you have any questions, please call Nurse Cathy at 256-428-7134.

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Good News Club is putting final touches on our program for your children. We cannot accept kindergarten students at this time, unless they have older siblings also attending the club. We will be starting after school Monday, September 16, and running on consecutive Mondays when school is in session. This attached registration form must be received before your child can attend. Please return one form for each child to Angela Boyd at baboyd11@gmail.com or turn into the school office by August 30. Blank forms are also available in the school office if needed.

Blessings to you and your families,

Angela Boyd

Good News Club Teacher