Principal's Newsletter
October 2, 2020
Dear Hancock Family,
September 15th marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. The celebration begins in the middle rather than the start of September because it coincides with national independence days in several Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica celebrate theirs on Sept. 15th, followed by Mexico on Sept. 16th, Chile on Sept. 18th and Belize on Sept 21st.
We have now been through five weeks of our Virtual Learning! Thank you for picking up various materials and resources! I will be in touch with Grades 1 and 2 for Fundations Material pick-up.
Now that our families and staff are moving into more of a routine we will be looking to provide additional opportunities to keep our students connected to the traditional celebrations/activities. Although participation is optional we would invite your child to participate in our school spirit days as well as other seasonal activities such as Fire Prevention Week, Spirit Week, and others.
I would also like to thank you for your support in ensuring that your child is ready for class each day by 9:00 AM for announcements and live sessions. Attendance is a vital part of our program. Attendance is taken for each live session. If your child must be absent for any reason please email your child's teacher and Mrs. Sene at ksene@nasd.k12.pa.us so we can make note and ensure that your child receives any information/directions they missed.
In partnership,
Mrs. Brooke Vaught
Principal
From the Hancock Parent Faculty Club
Want to get involved?
Parent Faculty Club Meeting - the first parent faculty club meeting will take place on Monday, October 19th at 7-8:00 PM. You are cordially invited to attend. You can access it by following these directions. Click the following link : https://meet.google.com/wgx-sgby-ruf?authuser=0
Parent Information Sessions
October 15 -Parent Technology Tune-Up & Instructional Programs
November 5 - Future Ready Students
January 14 - Cultural Proficient Schools
February 18 - Preparing for the PSSA Assessment
March 18 - Secrets of Successful Student Poets Poetry
April 15 - Unlocking Your Child's Love of Writing
May 20 - A Complete Guide to Summer Reading
June 3 - The Student's Guide for Preparing for a New Grade
Hancock Elementary School
Email: ksene@nasd.k12.pa.us
Website: https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/hancock
Location: 1520 Arch Street, Norristown, PA, USA
Phone: 610.275.5522
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hancock-Elementary-School-506105782898489/
Twitter: @HancockNASD
FAQ
When is attendance taken? Attendance is taken at each "live" session. If your child needs to miss, you must notify the teacher and/or the school secretary.
Will the lesson be live? Yes. Lesson are live from 9:00 - 1:40 minus lunch and breaks built into the schedule.
Can I log into my child's Google Classroom with my Google account? No, only your child's district email and password will work to log into your child's Google Classroom.
What about special area classes? Special area classes will be live and will take place between 9:20 - 1:40. Your child will have all of their regular specials (P.E./Health, Library, Art, and Music).
What if I have questions about the lessons/activities/time/etc? Every teacher will have daily office hours to answer any questions you may have through email, Google Classroom, Class Dojo or the preferred method used during the school year.
Who should I contact if I am having difficulty with technology? If it is in regards to Google Classroom or assignments please contact your child's teacher. If you need help with issues beyond that you can call the NASD Parent Hotline: 610-270-2923.
What if I do not have a Chromebook or computer? All new students can pick up a Chromebook from Hancock Elementary School. Please call the school to confirm 610.275.5522.
What if I do not have any access to the internet? Families can apply for Comcast Essentials or contact the school for a Hot Spot.
What if I do not have email but I need to get a hold of my child's teacher? Can I call the school? Families can call the main school number (610.275.5522) and leave a voicemail. The voicemail will then be sent to your child's teacher. Make sure that you indicate who your child's teacher is when leaving your voicemail message. Please also provide a phone number that we can call back.
What if my child receives additional services? Students that receive EL, Special Education, or Gifted services will continue to receive services through your child's special education teacher. This includes OT, PT, Hearing and Vision services and Speech.
What if my child is in band & orchestra? Please contact Mr. Patti at spatti@nasd.k12.pa.us.
What is Classlink and do we need to use it? Class Link is a resource hub students. Through this sole log in, it will automatically provide them access to all of their other accounts. This is a great feature because it does not require students to remember multiple passwords and websites. Everything a student will need is located in Class Link.
How do I contact Ms. Gibson the School Counselor? Kgibson@nasd.k12.pa.us