Hope Valley School WEEKLY UPDATE

January 2021

1/25 - State Professional Development Day (No In-Person Learning - It is an Asynchronous Learning Day)

1/27 - Early Release Day (students dismissed at 12:45)

February 2021

2/1 - SIT Meeting at 4:00pm (Virtual) - Rescheduled from 1/11

2/3 - Early Release Day (students dismissed at 12:45)

2/8 - PTO Meeting at 6:30pm (Virtual)

2/10 - Early Release Day (students dismissed at 12:45)

2/15-2/19 - February Vacation

2/24 - Early Release Day (students dismissed at 12:45)

2/26 - Hearing Screening

March 2021

3/3 - Early Release Day (students dismissed at 12:45)

3/8 - PTO Meeting at 6:30pm (Virtual)

3/8 - SIT Meeting at 4:00pm (Virtual)

3/10 - Early Release Day (students dismissed at 12:45)

3/15 - State Professional Development Day (Virtual Learning for All)

3/17 - Early Release Day (students dismissed at 12:45)

3/19 - Trimester 2 Ends

3/24 - Early Release Day (students dismissed at 12:45)

3/26 - Report Cards Issued

Attestation Self-Check: https://ps.chariho.k12.ri.us/public/

A self-check reminder email will be sent every morning to all families. I understand there are some that complete the self-check on their own and we are very appreciative. But it just works much better sending parents the reminder to complete the self-check. We experimented this week. Our numbers were much better when the reminder email went out earlier this week compared to the later this week when the reminder email was not sent to families. The email will state the following:

Dear Hope Valley Families,

Please be sure to complete the daily self-check for your child (the link is below). Thank you to those who have already done this for today. The daily self-check is mandatory to complete per the state and is also approved by the Chariho School Committee. It is important for our community to ensure the safety and well-being for all staff and students. Please complete this form prior to your child arriving to school. Your anticipated cooperation is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Attestation Self-Check: https://ps.chariho.k12.ri.us/public/

The Rhode Island Department of Education is currently administering its annual SurveyWorks Family Survey, which is an opportunity for family members to provide feedback about our school community and our children’s opportunities to learn. The survey results are most useful when all families participate, so I am writing to ask you to take this survey for our school. Your views on matters like the safety of your child at school, the way students are taught, the condition of the school, and how connected you feel to the school are important. By taking this short survey, you can help our school leadership and school community to make improvements. Responses are anonymous and cannot be linked to any individual. You can take the short survey online between January 19 and March 31.

To take the survey, visit http://bit.ly/ridefamily and choose your school from the dropdown list. I will challenge all the parents like I have done the past 2 years. The challenge is to get 60% participation, and we will have a live DJ party with the well-known DJ Jazzy Mr. G in covid style of course. This is always a hit for students (and for me).

Very Important: When you click on the survey link above, you will have to choose your child’s school from the dropdown menu. There will be two options for Hope Valley School. You will see Hope Valley Elementary School (Chariho) and Hope Valley Elementary School Annex (Chariho). All families of pre-school children MUST use Hope Valley School ANNEX and all families of children in grades K-4 will use Hope Valley Elementary School. RIDE had to separately identify the two schools a few years ago. Thank you.

We are seeking your feedback.

First, the Chariho Regional School Committee is looking to receive some high-level feedback on their Necessity for School Construction options.

On January 12, 2021, The committee discussed three possible options to discuss further with our three town councils and to receive feedback from our families. Click this link to review the School Committee meeting that reviewed these choices. This portion of the meeting begins at 55:52. The committee is currently reviewing the following options:

A – Consolidating PK – 5 into One Elementary School

B – Closing Hope Valley School- and updating the other 3 Elementary Schools

C –Keeping current buildings and providing ongoing maintenance and infrastructure needs.

Our school committee would like your feedback on what option you believe would be the best direction for our district to move forward with as we prepare to develop an updated capital improvement plan. Once the committee determines the best direction based on feedback and data this decision will then be moved to a vote for all our taxpayers to weigh in. Click here to access our Necessity for school construction survey to ensure we hear your feedback.

Sincerely,

Gina M Picard

Superintendent

During the December Superintendent’s Advisory Panel Meeting, a discussion was held pertaining to elementary progress reports. In collaboration with Superintendent Picard, Assistant Superintendent Daly, and all elementary principals, it was decided that the elementary progress reports will be eliminated as we move forward. Teachers will be expected to follow best practice and contact families throughout the trimesters if there are academic, behavioral, and social/emotional concerns. Parents always have the option to ask for a conference as well. Teachers will document phone calls, meetings, and/or emails. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact your principal.

What a surprise driving up to the school this morning. Bernie Sanders was waiting for me for a school tour of our building but he only wanted to do an outdoor tour since he was dressed for the weather. This was sent to me by a staff member and made me laugh so I wanted to share it with you hoping it puts a smile on your face. I just cannot believe all the memes that are out with Bernie Sanders.

Life Changer of the Year!

Did you know that Hope Valley School has NOT 1, NOT 2 but 3, yes, 3 teacher’s who have been nominated for the life changer of the year award?!!!

This is a nationwide award with over 700 nominees. In the next few months those 700 will be narrowed down to the final 16. The 16 winners will get a stipend for the school and also for themselves! You can help our Hope Valley Community by taking a minute to see what people have to say about these amazing educators and perhaps leaving a comment of your own! Click on the nominees name or scan the QR code! You can also help by mentioning these teachers on twitter or facebook using the hashtag #LCOY

You can click right on the teacher's picture below and it will take you to the teacher's page so you can leave a comment or click on the links directly below.

Support Mrs. Mankoff

Support Mrs. Abbott

Support Mrs. Mello

REMINDER!!!! As we are now in the middle of January, this is a good time to remind all families to ensure your children are appropriately dressed for outdoor weather. Recess and PE will be held outdoors as often as possible so children can get fresh air (and a change of scenery).

The RI Department of Education has some great opportunities for families and students of students in K-12. The ACN (All Course Network) is part of PrepareRI, a statewide initiative to build career pathways for all Rhode Island youth. It is designed to help districts and schools offer students a wide range of academic and enrichment opportunities outside of the traditional school day - at no cost to students and families. This was typically a secondary option but they brought this down to the elementary students which is great. Check out this opportunity for your child. It is a great way to extend learning outside of school hours.

One Page Overview

Information from the RIDE website

Creating and Registering an Account

Here is a message from our author friend who visited with students right before winter break. Mark Binder was able to share stories for every grade level from preschool through fourth grade! Many of his audio stories for children and families are available on Spotify. You can listen for free and follow Mark at https://markbinderbooks.com/spotify.

Also, he has worked out an arrangement with his publisher that allows students to get signed books and audiobooks, while a percentage of the money would be contributed back to the school. This is extended through Jan 17th and he will ship the books to the school the week of Jan 18. Mark’s books include The Bed Time Story Book, It Ate My Sister, and Cinderella Spinderella. There is no obligation, but wanted to at least offer it to families and teachers. You can buy them on Amazon, or directly at https://markbinderbooks.com/hope-valley. Thank you.

Pre-School Information or K-4 Grade Information

As a reminder: Students can order lunch in the morning when teachers take lunch count and will be sent home on Early Release Wednesdays.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Hope Valley Elementary School is to work in partnership with our colleagues, students and families. We are committed to creating a learning environment where children are expected to achieve their full potential.

Email: ggen@chariho.k12.ri.us
Website: hopevalley.chariho.k12.ri.us
Location: 15 Thelma Drive, Hope Valley, RI, United States
Phone: 401-539-2321
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mr.Gencarelli/?ref=br_rs
Twitter: @JoeGencarelli1