Notes from the North Park Hive

Dear Families,

This past week was a bit unexpected and next week looks to be very unpredictable as well. I hope that each of you stay safe, have a warm place to go and that the storm isn't as impactful as some predictions we are hearing. If your family has an emergency, please do not hesitate to email me (laurabeth.hayes@hardin.kyschools.us) or Ms. Ivy (ivy.taylor@hardin.kyschools.us). We are happy to help if we can.

There is a STRONG LIKELIHOOD that part of next week will include NTI days. We will not have NTI all 5 days, but I do not know which days we could potentially utilize that option as a district. Please just be prepared as much as you can to expect NTI at some point. I also want you to know that we understand that NTI is sometimes very hard with students in preschool and kindergarten. We understand and feel your pain. Many of us have children or had children in school during Covid and it is certainly not ideal for this age. However, we try to make it very fun, meaningful and age appropriate - as much as we can! I just want you to know that I am a principal, but also a mother. If you are anxious about next week, I do understand. We are here to support your family and help everyone through the process. It is important for students to participate either through the packet/choice board OR the google meets (or both!). We try to provide options, clear communication and an easy website to keep it manageable.

The snowy weekend is a good time to have your child complete the handwriting challenge packet so he/she can earn their prize!

Save the date - our early REGISTRATION DAY is March 6th. More details to come! Please tell EVERYONE you know to come register for kindergarten! Preschool screeners will take place that day, too! If your child is a CURRENT preschooler heading to kindergarten, make plans to come that day (there is no preschool that day) as we will have a fun themed event with free prizes for your kids, a screener with kinder staff and more! It's a very important day and we want a huge crowd to show up!

Please call the NPES office at 270-351-4464 or email laurabeth.hayes@hardin.kyschools.us if I can help you with anything!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Hayes (principal)

The Kids Heart Challenge (formerly Jump Rope for Heart) is part of the American Heart Association and a tradition here at NPES! Each year we have been able to raise $5000-$10,000 for the AHA through your support and sharing! Our kids earn TONS of cool prizes from AHA, we have a BIG event with stations, music and snacks in the gym, and kids love it! Our event is February 13th to coordinate with Valentine's Day. However, we kick off the event on February 2nd and will be sending out more information to share with you. Our school does receive some funding for PE equipment through the donations as well. Most importantly, the program helps save the lives of kids with heart conditions through research support/funding! It is an organization near and dear to my heart/family. More info to come. I have attached a video from Coach Ace and Mrs. Morgan!

The 100th Day of School is currently January 28th now. However, each day we miss pushes it back. So, stay tuned!!! Each teacher will communicate their 100th day plans. MANY students wear a special shirt, dress like a 100-year old person, etc. Some teachers do activities and may send out a wishlist for grocery supplies. Be sure to check Rooms to stay updated on each teacher's plans!

This week we will send home a HANDWRITING CHALLENGE packet to all kindergarten students (it is not developmentally appropriate for our preschoolers just yet). This packet will include practice pages for writing uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, your child's name AND some of our frequently used red words (sight words). Handwriting is a VERY important skill that we do focus on each day in kindergarten. However, it takes muscle memory and PRACTICE to become better at fine motor activities, like handwriting. Many of our students simply do not get enough practice at school and need the extra practice at home. Handwriting is a core foundational skill that students use throughout all of school, so it is important to learn to form the letters correctly and not develop bad habits. Once your student completes the packet, he or she will earn a plush ocean animal bracelet!! Thank you for helping us give our students some extra support on this skill.

Help NPES receive money to help our students at no extra expense to you. You are already purchasing the items. Just scan your receipt and if there are any Box Top items NPES will receive $0.10 per qualifying item. Download the app and help us help your children!

In the month of December we earned $20.90 with your help. Let's see how much we can earn in January!

February 16th and March 13th are now MAKE UP DAYS due to the snow days this past week. This was communicated on the district calendar upfront.

Please note that our lunch menu will sometimes differ from what is listed due to availability of items and delivery dates to our school sometimes being different. All students may eat breakfast and lunch for FREE.

We LOVE seeing students reading at home with their families!!!! The January reading tree leaves should be coming home ASAP, and you can print out from the link below as well! If you need more, just let your teacher know. READ TOGETHER AS A FAMILY! Your student earns a cool winter-themed sticker. Reading at home is one of the BEST things you can do to support your child's literacy growth!