WEEK 31
Welcome Back, World-Class Parents and Guardians!
We hope your Spring Break was filled with rest, joy, and special moments with loved ones. As we return refreshed and ready to embrace the final stretch of the school year, we want to express our deepest gratitude. Your support, partnership, and encouragement throughout the year have been instrumental in creating a nurturing environment where our students continue to grow, learn, and shine.
Celebrating Mrs. Denson during National Assistant Principals Week (April 7-11).
We joined schools nationwide in celebrating National Assistant Principals Week (April 7-11). We are thrilled to honor our own Mrs. Denson for her dedication and excellent leadership at Hawthorne Elementary School. Mrs. Denson plays a pivotal role in fostering a positive learning environment, supporting our students, staff, and families with compassion and professionalism. Her commitment to teaching/learning and her tireless efforts contribute significantly to the success of our school community.
Thank You for Attending Parent/Teacher Conferences & Spring Concert
A heartfelt thank you to all the parents who attended the recent Parent/Teacher Conferences for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Your active involvement plays a crucial role in your child’s academic success and fosters a strong home-school connection. Additionally, thank you to all the parents and guardians who attended the Kindergarten and First Grade Spring Concert. Your presence and support made the event truly special for our young performers. Seeing the joy and pride on the children’s faces as they showcased their talents was a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Upcoming Event: Exceptional Children’s Week (April 14–17)
We are excited to celebrate Exceptional Children’s Week with the theme “Bridging Gaps: Building Futures.” This special week will focus on student storytelling that highlights both our differences and commonalities.
To show our spirit, we invite students and staff to participate in our color-themed dress-up days:
• Monday: All About Us – Wear Red
• Tuesday: Kindness Chain – Wear Yellow
• Wednesday: What Are Your Strengths? – Wear Blue
• Thursday: In My Shoes – Wear Green
• Friday: Better Together – Dress in all the colors of the rainbow
Let’s celebrate what makes us unique—and what brings us together!
Spring Reminder: Student Dress Expectations
As the weather warms, please ensure that student attire aligns with DCSD guidelines to maintain a focused learning environment. Key reminders include:
• Shorts and skirts must be no more than 2 inches above the knee.
• Hats are not permitted inside the building unless for designated spirit days, medical, or religious reasons.
• Inappropriate attire includes short shorts, mini-skirts, biker shorts, spaghetti straps, tube tops, midriff or backless tops, tank/halter tops, flip-flops, bedroom shoes, clothing with holes above the knee, or items with inappropriate images or language.
Parents or guardians will be contacted on behalf of students not adhering to the dress code
for a change of clothes, which may disrupt their instructional time. Let’s work together to ensure all students represent themselves and Hawthorne Elementary with pride and respect.
Free Virtual Reading Classes for 3rd Graders
The Georgia Department of Education has partnered with Tutored by Teachers to offer free virtual reading classes for 3rd graders and young readers in preparation for the Georgia Milestones. These engaging sessions will take place from April 14–17, with two evening options available at 5 PM and 7 PM. To sign up, visit: https://tutored.live/gadoe-reading/
Maintaining a Safe and Respectful Campus
We are committed to providing excellent opportunities within a safe and respectful environment. Please remind your children of the importance of positive behavior at all times. Additionally, during carpool hours, kindly follow staff instructions to ensure everyone’s safety.
The Importance of Consistent Attendance
Regular attendance is crucial for academic success. Our goal is for no student to miss more than 18 days of school, aiming for a 95% attendance rate this year—up from 93% last year. Your support is key to achieving this target, as consistent attendance lays the foundation for providing the best education possible for every student.
Let’s Finish Strong!
As we continue this journey together, let’s keep up the fantastic work and momentum. Together, we can make the remainder of this school year a resounding success. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Let’s make this week count—on purpose as we continue to Go for G.O.L.D - Growing Our Learners Daily!
Proud to Serve,
-Principal Henley
#OneTeamOneDream
#Going for the G.O.L.D. (Growing Our Learners Daily)
Important Upcoming Dates
APRIL
- Monday, April 14th- Friday, April18th, 2025-Exceptional Children's Week
- Wednesday, April 16th - DCSD Stress Test (Milestones Practice)
- Thursday, April 17th - Lakeside Cluster Art Show (See Flyer Below)
- Saturday, April 19th -Spring Festival 3pm-6pm
MAY
- Thursday, May 1st- GMAS Math Section 1
- Friday, May 2nd- GMAS Math Section 2
- Friday, May 2nd - School Nutrition Appreciation Day
- Friday, May 2nd Grades due
- Saturday, May 3rd-Spring Festival -RAIN MAKE-UP DATE
- Monday, May 5th – Friday, May 9th -Teacher Appreciation Week
- Monday, May 5th- GMAS MAKE UP DAY
- Tuesday, May 6th- ELA Section 1
- Wednesday, May 7th- ELA Section 2
- Wednesday, May 7th- PBIS/KONA ICE DAY
- Thursday, May 8th- ELA Section 3
- Friday, May 9th – Science Section 1 and 2
- Monday, May 12th- MAKE UP DAY
- Tuesday, May 13th - MAKE UP DAY
- Wednesday, May 14th - KIDS RULE THE SCHOOL
- Thursday, May 15th- Planting Day during STEM Specials
- Friday, May 16th - Planting Day during STEM Specials
- Friday, May 16th - Hawthorne Hive Benefit Basketball Game 5:30 pm
- Wednesday, May 21st - Lakeside Senior Walk -8 am
- Friday, May 23rd -Field Day & Classroom Parties
- Tuesday, May 27th - Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Graduation
- Wednesday, May 28th -Awards Ceremony 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, HES Sports Banquet
- Wednesday, May 28th -3pm - Years of Service Celebration – Retirement
- Thursday, May 29th - Last Day of School
- Thursday, May 29th- Grade posting ends
- Thursday, May 29th 6pm- 5th Grade Bridging Ceremony (at Lakeside High School)
Reading Lexile Support
As we continue to work more on Lexile levels, here are some resources that you can utilize.
Morning Arrival & Afternoon Dismissal
The drop-off times in front of the school are below:
7:00 am - Buses
7:05 am - Car Riders
7:45 am - Tardy bell
Morning announcements begin at 7:45.
Car riders:: When picking students up, parents should have the Hawthorne ES Car Rider Tag visible in their car. If the Car Rider Tag is not visible, parents are required to park, come into the building and provide Identification. Thank you for your patience as we simply want to keep your students' safe.
Early Check Out: should occur prior to 1:50 pm.
The pick-up times for dismissal are below:
Bus riders-2:25:pm; Car riders 2:35 pm (front of building after buses) & walkers (Side door)
BUS ROUTES
DCSD bus routes can be found on the district website: https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/bus-routes/. Hawthorne ES morning bus routes are below along with the district
HES will have free lunch this year however, we still need your support with completing the Meal Application Information 2024-2025. Only 1 Application Needed per family:
Please ALL complete this application process even if you plan to bring lunch for your child daily or believe that you will not qualify. This is very important, this impacts funding for Title 1.
Please click link for English/Spanish application.
https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/featured-news/free-reduced-meal-applications-sy-2024-2025/
Email: kia_henley@dekalbschoolsag.org
Website: https://www.hawthornees.dekalb.k12.ga.us/
Location: 2535 Caladium Drive NE Atlanta, GA 30345
Phone: 678-874-2802