HMK's Monday Message

We are excited to share some wonderful news about a recent, important visit to our school!

On Thursday November 20th, we had the distinct honor of hosting Lt. Governor Deidre M. Henderson along with her Senior Advisor of Education, Rich Nye, as part of her state-wide tour focused on literacy instruction and the implementation of SB 127.

The visit was a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the successful work happening in our classrooms every day.

• Policy & Data Discussion: The Lt. Governor and her team, along with Superintendent Matthew Keyes, Principal Holly Harris, Assistant Principal Libby Bailey and HMK's Literacy Specialist and Title 1 Coordinator Raye Lyne Roberston, sat down to review our school's literacy data and discuss our strategies. We highlighted how we are using the Science of Reading as required by SB 127 and utilizing diagnostic assessments to track student progress.

• Classroom Observations: The Lt. Governor was able to pop into our K-3 classrooms to see our evidence-based literacy instruction in action. This included observing the teaching of foundational skills like phonics and phonemic awareness in the lower grades and how reading fluency and comprehension are being developed in the 3rd grade.

• Teacher Panel: A highlight of the visit was a discussion with a panel of our dedicated teachers, including Melissa Roy (Kindergarten), Sarah Henderson (1st Grade), Shelia Nelson (2nd Grade), and Kelly Hansen (3rd Grade). They were able to share what is working well and articulate specific challenges students face , as well as offer thoughtful recommendations for state policy to further support literacy efforts.

This visit validates the incredible effort our teachers and students put in every day to achieve high literacy proficiency. Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education!

Our fourth graders had the wonderful opportunity to participate in Native Hoop Dancing with the nationally-recognized Diné (Navajo) dancers Patrick Willie and Joseph Secody.

This special event was presented as part of the Friends of the Moab Folk Festival and allowed students to engage directly with the cultural storytelling and healing traditions of Navajo hoop dancing.

What the Students Experienced:

• The presentation focused on using multiple hoops to create intricate shapes and tell stories.

• The dancers shared the educational components of this tradition, teaching both children and adults about the significance of the dance.

• It was a truly engaging and memorable way for our students to learn about a vital aspect of Native American culture.

We are proud of our students for their enthusiastic participation and for embracing this unique learning opportunity!

Calling all parents and guardians! Our next PTA meeting is on Monday, December 8 from 4:00pm-5:00pm in the HMK Library. Join us to help support our students and teachers this year! Have questions? hmkpta@gmail.com

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I'm writing to share an exciting opportunity to support our students and our school's Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program (BTS Arts).

We are fortunate to participate in this statewide initiative, which integrates the arts into core classroom instruction, providing our students with creative and engaging ways to learn and deepen their understanding. Through this program we have a certified teacher Ms. Nissen as well as multiple opportunities for integrated arts programming throughout the year.

The attached letter from the Executive Director of the Friends of BTS Arts explains how you can make a difference. As the legislative session approaches, they are working to build a network of parent voices who value arts education.

By signing up to become a Friend of BTS Arts and sharing your child's stories, you help show Utah's legislators the real and lasting benefits of this program. Every voice matters in ensuring that the arts remain vibrant in our schools.

Please find the official letter attached. It contains a link to sign up to become a Friend of BTS Arts.

Thank you for considering this and for all you do to support your children's education and our dedicated BTS Arts Educator.

🔎QUICK GLANCE AT IMPORTANT INFO/DATES:

• Monday, December 1st -
• Normal Monday
• Tuesday, December 2nd -
• Normal Tuesday
• Wednesday, December 3rd -
• Normal Wednesday
• Thursday, December 4th -
• Normal Thursday
• Friday, December 5th -
• Normal Early-out Friday
• Christmas Tree Ornament Decorating at Swanny City Park

🔎QUICK GLANCE AT IMPORTANT INFO/DATES:

• Monday, December 8th
• Normal Monday
• Winter Testing begins ~ please be sure that students show up ON TIME, and are here everyday to ensure that we get all testing completed between now and the break.
• PTA Meeting in HMK Library 4:00-5:00 pm
• Tuesday, December 9th
• K-3 Assembly - Plan B Theatre Presents: Eb & Flow ( a production about the Great Salt Lake)
• Wednesday, December 10th
• Normal Wednesday
• Thursday, December 11th
• Normal Thursday
• Friday, December 12th
• Normal Early-Out Friday
• 5th Grade Poetry Slam 8:30-9:45

We understand that schedules can change quickly, and communication is key! To ensure the safety and smooth transition for all our students at the end of the school day, we are asking for your help with an important logistical request.

Calling the office to change a student’s transportation plan (bus, car rider, walker, etc.) or checking a student out early less than 15 minutes before the final bell creates significant challenges for our staff. This is a critical time when classes are wrapping up, final attendance is being taken, and various after-school programs are starting or ending. Last-minute changes can lead to confusion, delays, and occasionally, safety concerns.

To allow our office staff and teachers adequate time to process these changes, notify students, and ensure accurate dismissal lists, we kindly ask that all transportation changes or early checkout requests be communicated well in advance.

Please communicate any changes with the school office by these hard deadlines:

• Monday through Thursday: Before 3:00 PM

• Friday (Early Release Day): Before 12:15 PM

Your cooperation in planning ahead and observing these deadlines ensures a calm, efficient, and safe dismissal process for every student. Thank you for your partnership!

We are currently working to recruit and hire more substitute teachers, and we would love your help. If you or someone you know is interested in working with students, enjoys a flexible schedule, and wants to make a positive impact in our school community, this is a great opportunity. Training and support are provided, and substitutes play a vital role in keeping our school running smoothly.

How you can help:

• Consider applying to be a substitute teacher yourself.
• Share this opportunity with family, friends, neighbors, or community members who may be a good fit.
• Contact our school office for more information about how to apply or direct interested individuals to the district’s substitute application page [CLICK HERE].

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students. Together, we can ensure that every classroom has the support it needs every day.