PES Pirate News

April

April 22 STEAM Night

April 23 Progress Reports Go Home

April 24 Field Day Kinder - 2nd graders Students Only

April 25 Field Day 3rd -5th graders Student Only

April 26 Math Competition

April 28-May 2nd IREADY Testing Reading and Math; Pajama Day (support PTA)

April 30 K for a Day

May

May 1st-2nd IREADY testing continues

May 5- May 9 Teacher Appreciation

May 8 Kinder Spelling Bee

May 14-16 Grade Level Award Celebrations (Grade levels will send announcements)

May 15 5th grade Bridging Ceremony

May 19 Full Day for students

May 20 1/2 day for students

May 21 1/2 day for students and Last day of school

We are excited to share that our annual Field Day is just around the corner! Due to our current enrollment of over 1,100 students, this year’s Field Day will be a student-only event. In order to ensure each child has the opportunity to enjoy all planned activities, we will be splitting the event into two days:

• Grades K-2: Thursday, April 24, 2025

• Grades 3-5: Friday, April 25, 2025

Time is limited, and this arrangement allows us to maximize the fun and engagement for all students while maintaining a safe and organized environment.

We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of two wonderful organizations that will be volunteering their time to help run our Field Day activities. In return, we are proud to assist them as they earn community service hours—truly a win-win partnership.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued support as we prioritize both the safety and success of our students.

Thank you!

PES

All parents/guardians who need to complete student registration for the 2025-2026 school year may do so by visiting the Enrollment page on the HCS website and selecting "New Student Registration" or "Returning Student Registration."

New Students will need the following:

• 2 Proof of Residence (most current 30 day utility bill)
• Proof of Age
• Immunization Record (Blue Card)
• Parent ID
• Custody Information (as appropriate)
• Grades

Returning students will receive a 10-digit snapcode via email that the parent has provided or can be obtained at your student's school.

Watch Video

Leigh Ann Brown, HCS School Counseling Coordinator, provides an overview to parents about course registration for the 2025-2026 school year. Counselors are speaking with students about course selection for both core classes and electives. Watch Course Registration video.

Questions

Please contact Tiffany Shoulders in the office of Strategy and Innovation at 256-428-6854 or 256-924-1517 or email tiffany.shoulders@hsv-k12.org.

The spring HCS Magnet Application Window is now open for middle and high school magnet programs only. Magnet programs offer specialized pathways of learning along with focused themes across HCS. Space is limited, so apply now!

Middle School Magnet Availability

• AAA Middle: Immersing students in a continuous and progressive standards-based, multi-disciplinary arts education to develop productive and engaged citizens
• ASFL Middle: Educating scholars to understand our global society through the study of science and world languages.
• AGT at Williams Middle: Surrounding gifted and talented students with specialized teachers, challenging curriculum, and like-minded peers to provide a learning environment that meets their unique intellectual, social, and emotional needs.

Parent Information Meetings

Parents/guardians of elementary students eligible for a majority-to-minority transfer are invited to attend an informational meeting regarding the educational opportunities offered at the following elementary schools: Challenger, Farley, Goldsmith-Schiffman, Hampton Cove, Mountain Gap, and Weatherly.

The principals from the schools will give a short presentation about their school and will be available to answer your questions.

Informational meetings will be held in the media center/library at the following locations:

Rolling Hills Monday, April 14, 2025 5:30 p.m.

Highlands Monday, April 21, 2025 5:30 p.m.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, April 28, 2025 5:30 p.m.

These meetings are open to all parents/guardians of elementary students eligible for a majority-to-minority transfer from Dawson, Highlands, Lakewood, Martin Luther King Jr., Montview, Providence, Rolling Hills, or Sonnie Hereford. Rolling Hills, Highlands, and MLK, Jr. are hosting these information meetings for all of the schools eligible for the majority-to-minority transfer. You may attend any meeting that best meets your schedule.

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

• 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 - 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

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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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