PES Pirate News

Important Dates!

March

Mar. 17 St. Patrick's Day

Mar. 18 Talent Show 6:00pm cafeteria

Mar. 20 Report cards go home

Mar. 21 Zoodles Animal Program

***ACAP Testing

Important: ACAP State Testing Schedule

Dear Providence Parents,

We want to inform you that PES will be administering the ACAP State Testing from March 24 – April 25, 2025, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m.

Testing will take place in the following order:
🔹 2nd and 3rd graders will test on March 25, 26 ELA and Math on April 8 & 9
🔹 4th and 5th graders will test on April 1 & 2 ELA and Math on April 15 & 16

To help your child perform their best, please ensure they:
✅ Arrive at school on time.
✅ Get a good night's sleep.
✅ Come prepared to focus and do their best on the test.

Your support is greatly appreciated as we work together to ensure a successful testing experience for all students.

Huntsville City Schools (HCS) is taking another step forward in promoting the safety of students and staff by introducing advanced weapon detection systems at all elementary schools across the district.

We want to inform you that PES will begin using the new Opengate system starting March 17, 2025. This system will be in place at the gym entrance and bus entrance to enhance school safety.

To ensure a smooth process:
🔹 Front door walkers will be escorted to the bus entrance for entry.
🔹 Carline use is essential to help reduce congestion at the front of the school.
🔹 Walkers should not be dropped off—they should walk to school as intended.
🔹 The front entrance will not open until 7:30 AM. However, for your convenience, carline will open at 7:15 AM.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and efficient arrival process. Let’s work together to make the 2024-2025 school year a great one!

Thank you for your support,

Laura Worshim, Principal

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 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

As ACAP testing season approaches, many parents wonder how they can best support their children at home. While testing can be stressful, the key is creating a balanced environment that fosters both confidence and preparation. Here are a few strategies parents can use to help their child feel ready and at ease:

1. Establish a Consistent Routine
   A consistent daily routine helps children feel secure and organized. Encourage your child to go to bed early, eat a healthy breakfast, and prepare in advance for test days. A well-rested child will perform better than one who is tired or rushed.
   
   

2. Practice with Sample Questions
   Familiarize your child with the format of the test by practicing with sample questions or past papers. This will reduce any anxiety they might have about the unknown and help them understand the types of questions they’ll encounter.
   
   

3. Encourage Breaks and Downtime
   Studying for long periods can lead to burnout. Encourage regular breaks to help your child recharge. Whether it’s a short walk, a snack, or a quick game, these breaks can help maintain focus and prevent stress.
   
   

4. Focus on Critical Thinking
   Instead of simply memorizing facts, encourage your child to think critically about what they’ve learned. Ask open-ended questions and engage them in discussions that help them apply their knowledge to different scenarios.
   
   

5. Create a Stress-Free Environment
   Test anxiety can impact performance. Set up a quiet, distraction-free space for study and ensure your child feels supported, not pressured. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in building confidence.
   
   

6. Stay Positive and Encouraging
   Your attitude plays a big role in how your child approaches testing. Celebrate small successes and remind them that doing their best is what truly matters. Let them know that testing is just one part of their learning journey.
   
   

Remember, preparation is about more than just practice—it’s about ensuring your child feels confident and capable. With a calm and steady approach, parents can help their children excel not just in tests, but in their overall academic growth.

If you have any questions or need additional resources, feel free to reach out!

Best regards,
Tomara Hammond-Curriculum Specialist