Greetings, Hatboro-Horsham Students, Staff, and Families,

As we enter November, a month often associated with gratitude and reflection, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributes to making our school district special. Our students, teachers, staff, families, and community partners all play vital roles in creating a nurturing learning environment.

This month, I'm particularly proud to highlight how our schools give back to the community. Across all grade levels, our students actively engage in numerous service projects, demonstrating their compassion and civic-mindedness.

Our schools' involvement in food collection efforts and community outreach has made a significant impact on our local families in need. Thanks to our students' efforts, more of our neighbors can enjoy hearty meals during the holiday season, and meaningful connections are being formed that bridge age gaps and foster mutual understanding.

Additionally, our schools organize charitable events that unite the entire community. These gatherings not only raise funds for important causes but also strengthen the bonds within our community.

These initiatives showcase the values we strive to instill in our students. They exemplify our district's commitment to academic excellence and developing well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.

Thank you all for your continued support and dedication to our schools and our community.

Enjoy this November edition of The Hatter Chatter!

Scott Eveslage, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

*The newsletter may be easier to view via the link: https://secure.smore.com/n/uq59n

School Calendar

November 1 (Friday) -District/Schools Closed (Diwali)

November 5 (Tuesday) - Schools Closed (Staff Development)

November 22 (Friday) -Schools Closed (Staff Development)

November 25 (Monday) - Early Dismissal (Family Conferences K-8/Staff Development 9-12)

November 26 (Tuesday) - Early Dismissal (Family Conferences K-8/Staff Development 9-12)

November 27 (Wednesday) - Early Dismissal

November 28 (Thursday) - District/Schools Closed (Thanksgiving)

November 29 (Friday) -District/Schools Closed (Thanksgiving Break)

Click HERE to access the 2024-2025 District Calendar

School Board Meetings (7:00 pm, HHHS Auditorium)

November 4 (Monday) - Work Session and Committees Meeting

November 18 (Monday) - Legislative Action Meeting

Click HERE to access the recap of the School Board Meetings

October is Principals Recognition Month, a time to celebrate the incredible leadership and dedication of our school principals. We are grateful for the outstanding contributions. Each principal plays a vital role in shaping the educational experiences of our students and fostering a positive school environment. Their unwavering commitment to excellence inspires both students and staff alike. We thank them for their hard work and dedication.

(Pictured left to right: Mrs. Kanter from Simmons Elementary, Dr. Williams at Hatboro-Horsham High School, Mr. Glaize of Hallowell Elementary, Dr. Gee from Blair Mill Elementary, Mr. Kircher at Keith Valley Middle School, and Dr. Sendel from Crooked Billet Elementary).

We are excited about a significant update to our elementary student progress reports. This change improves how we communicate with you about your child's academic journey. It results from two years of hard work and collaboration between our dedicated teachers, administrators, and families. Over 400 families shared their thoughts through our survey, and many more participated in focus groups at our elementary schools. Your feedback was invaluable in shaping these new reports.

Our primary focus has been on enhancing the clarity of these reports. The aim was to ensure consistency across all our elementary schools, provide clear communication about your child's learning, and offer practical insights that you can readily apply to support your learner at home. We believe these changes will provide you with a clearer understanding of your child's progress.

The new reports use an easy-to-understand letter system:

- B (Beginning)

- D (Developing)

- P (Proficient)

- M (Mastery)

The report clearly explains what each letter means. This will help you better understand where your child is excelling and where they might need a little extra support.

We are pleased to introduce the Elementary Progress Report Resources page, a comprehensive resource designed to support your child's learning journey. This resource is packed with information to empower you to play an active role in your child's education.

Here's what you'll find on our new resource page:

1. A comprehensive Family Guide: This is your go-to manual for all things progress reports. It covers everything from accessing the report to what each section means, plus answers to frequently asked questions.

2. Grade-specific overviews: We have tailored information for each grade level, from Kindergarten through 5th grade. This way, you will know exactly what to expect for your child's specific grade.

Together, we're making progress reporting more straightforward, informative, and helpful for every elementary family in our school community.

Students at the high school are savoring a new culinary initiative that kicked off last month, bringing exciting global flavors to the cafeteria. Every third Tuesday of the month, a guest chef collaborates with students to explore different cuisines, creating an engaging learning experience alongside delicious meals.

Last Month's Indian-Inspired Menu
The initial kick-off menu featured a vibrant Indian theme, highlighted by Chicken Tikka Masala, Cilantro Lime Rice, Naan Bread, and Fresh String Beans. The response from students was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their excitement about the flavorful dishes and the opportunity to learn about Indian cuisine. The event saw a great turnout, showcasing the students' enthusiasm for trying new foods and cooking methods.

This Month's Ramen Noodle Bar
Continuing the trend, this month's offering was a Ramen Noodle Bar. Students had the chance to customize their bowls with a variety of toppings and sauces, allowing for a personalized dining experience. This interactive format not only made lunch fun but also educated students about the components of this popular dish.

Looking Ahead
The cafeteria plans to feature a different cuisine each month, ensuring that students can look forward to new flavors and cooking techniques regularly. For example, November will showcase Chicken and Cheese Tamales, December will feature Birria Tacos, and January will highlight a plant-based protein-themed menu. This initiative not only aims to enhance the school lunch experience but also fosters an appreciation for diverse culinary traditions among students.

The Keith Valley Challenge is a heartwarming testament to the power of community and compassion among 8th graders at Keith Valley Middle School. This annual event began as a tribute to Billy Whitehead, an 8th-grade student who passed away from a rare congenital heart defect. Initially a hockey marathon to raise funds for St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, it has since evolved into a multifaceted fundraising initiative that now supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Throughout the Challenge, students engage in various activities such as floor hockey, kickball, volleyball, and tennis baseball, all while raising money for their chosen charity. This year, the students raised an impressive $12,000 for Make-A-Wish, contributing to a remarkable total of over $1.5 million raised since the challenge's inception.

More than just a fundraiser, the Keith Valley Challenge provides students with invaluable lessons in empathy and teamwork. The students hear from wish recipients and their families, deepening their understanding of the impact of their efforts. As the challenge is in its 49th year, it continues to honor Billy Whitehead’s memory while instilling a legacy of giving in each new generation. The Keith Valley Challenge exemplifies how young people can come together to make a significant difference in the lives of others.

Congratulations to Senior Lillian DiCola who has capped off an exceptional cross country season by securing two major victories. First, Lillian proved her dominance by claiming the prestigious Suburban One League Championship.

Building on this remarkable league triumph, Lillian followed up her success by delivering an impressive first-place performance at the District One Championships. This District One title earned Lillian the opportunity to advance and compete at the PIAA State Championships on November 2.

The Keith Valley Middle School 8th grade volleyball team are the league champions. The girls demonstrated remarkable heart, teamwork, and competitiveness throughout the season, showcasing their growth and resilience.

Players: Olivia Biel, Kinley Brock, Eunice Chung, Emily Cooper, Ava Edwards, Hannah Hayman, Talia Jimenez, Annalise Jones, Morgan Karpovich, Shealee Killoran, Kaylee Martin, and Anabelle Swanson.

Congratulations to Senior Golfer Brent Glah, your 2024 PIAA District 1 Champion. Brent showcased incredible skill and focus, earning a well-deserved first-place finish at Districts.

As a school district, we truly believe that ALL ARE WELCOME HERE and are constantly looking for opportunities to be more inclusive, build awareness, and develop our cultural competence to be more equitable in supporting and serving our students, staff, and community. This monthly inclusive newsletter will serve as a resource for our staff and families to learn more about the diverse cultures and members of our community.

Check out the latest edition of The Hat Chat Minute. Dr. Eveslage shares some updates on the newly revised elementary progress reports and highlights where families can access valuable resources.

Tickets are on sale for the Harlem Wizards VS HHSD!

Scan the QR code or click the link below to purchase your tickets!

https://pretix.eu/harlemwizards/horshampa11-09-24-06-00pm/

Information about Power School, Canvas, lunch menus, attendance forms, and much more can be found our website here: https://www.hatboro-horsham.org/domain/20

Website: https://www.hatboro-horsham.org/
Location: 229 Meetinghouse Road, Horsham, Pa 19044
Phone: 215-420-5000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HHSDK12/
Twitter: @HH_Schools