Dear HES Families,
First, a big congratulations to our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students for doing an outstanding job completing the MCAP assessment! We are incredibly proud of their hard work, focus, and perseverance throughout the testing period. We look forward to celebrating their efforts at the MCAP Picnic on May 22nd. 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade MCAP Picnic Sign-Up (A few families had a hard time opening the link on their devise, but were able to when they copied and pasted the link into the browser.)
I’d also like to take a moment to apologize for the recent air conditioning issues and the resulting warm temperatures inside the building. I’m sure many of your children have come home mentioning how hot it’s been at school, and we completely understand how uncomfortable this has been — not only for students, but also for our dedicated staff.
Please rest assured that we are actively working with the appropriate teams to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we are doing everything we can to keep everyone as cool and comfortable as possible during the school day. The good news is that the forecast for the upcoming week looks much cooler, which we hope will bring some relief while we work toward a permanent fix.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support.
Mrs. DiRenzo
May 20: HES SIT Meeting (4:30 pm) - Media Center
May 20: HES PTO Meeting (5:00 pm) - Media Center
May 20: HES PTO Chick Fil A Spirit Day (7am - 7pm)
May 20: HES Spring Concert - Band, Strings, & Chorus (6:30 pm)
May 22: MCAP Picnic 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grades
May 23: Two Hour Early Dismissal - Professional Responsibilities
May 26: Holiday - Memorial Day - All Schools & Offices Closed
June 3: PreK and K Music Program (9:30am)
June 6: HES Field Day
June 10: 5th Grade Celebration (9:15am)
Join Us for the Final PTO Meeting – A Small Thank You from HES Staff!
Our incredible HES PTO and families went above and beyond this year to show their appreciation and support during Teacher Appreciation Week— and we felt every bit of it! Your generosity, time, and care have made a huge difference for our staff.
As a small token of our gratitude, the HES staff would like to return the favor by providing appetizers and desserts at the final PTO meeting of the year on Monday, May 20th at 5pm in the HES Media Center.
We hope you’ll join us for this special gathering, where we’ll share end-of-year updates and exciting plans for the year ahead. Let’s celebrate all we’ve accomplished together and look forward to what’s next!
We look forward to seeing you there — and thank you again for being such an important part of the HES community.
PTO Updates
- PTO Board Elections are open! Vote here for next year's PTO Board! with confirmations at our meeting on May 20.
- If you missed the chance to order a yearbook, we have a limited number of extras available for $25. Email the PTO at HeronPTO@gmail.com to reserve your copy, first come, first served.
- Take advantage of the Hollywood Hot Pre-Summer Spirit Wear Sale! Choose from hundreds of designs and garments that are delivered to your home in days! You'll save 20% off the entire site! Featuring new product lines from Under Armour! Use code: SUMMER Shop at https://1stplace.sale/44213
HES PTO Mobile Spirit Day at Chick-Fil-A is Tuesday May 20th from 7:00am-7:00pm. All orders must be placed through the app using code HESPTO25
- 2025-2026 School Supply Kits are now available to order! Bypass the back to school shopping this summer and have your child's supply kit on their desk at Open House in August! Use the link here to order: 1st Day School Supplies
Save the Dates!
- Tuesday, May 20th 5:00 pm Last PTO Meeting of the School Year
- Thursday, June 12 Blue Crabs Game 6:35pm game time (FREE tickets for all, info coming soon!)
St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is pleased to announce registration for Kindergarten for the 2025–2026 school year. All schools will hold open registration beginning Monday, May 5, 2025, which will continue throughout the summer.
Parents of children who will be five years old by September 1, 2025, should register at the
school assigned to their physical address during the open enrollment period.
Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) may go to the school assigned to their legal address to complete
the registration paperwork. Children are not required to be present for registration. Required
documentation includes evidence of birth, proof of residency, a copy of the child’s
immunization record, and any court papers regarding custody of the minor child.
Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) must also bring photo identification when registering their child.
Each elementary school will conduct open enrollment for the children residing in its zone.
Information regarding which school serves your residential area is provided by the Department
of Capital Planning at SMCPS - Find a School by your address or 301-475-4256, option 6. You do
not need to make an appointment to register a child.
Documentation that indicates the current physical address of the child will be accepted as proof
of residence. Proof of residence will include, but is not limited to, one of the following:
a. Mortgage/deed/rental agreement with 911 address assignment;
b. Current utility bill with parent/legal guardian name, 911 address of residence, and
service address (post office box is not acceptable; wireless phone bills are not
acceptable); and
c. Patuxent River Naval Base housing lease agreement or other official housing
documentation as provided through the Private-Public Venture Housing/Military
Housing Privatization Initiative, which identifies bona fide residence in St. Mary's
County.
Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) not intending to register an appropriately aged child for
kindergarten must obtain a waiver from the St. Mary's County Public Schools Department of
Student Services. It is not necessary for children who are already enrolled in an SMCPS Pre-Kindergarten to register again.
Additional Kindergarten information can be found at SMCPS - Kindergarten Registration
PTO Info and Updates
- If you are interested in being involved with the HES PTO, please email heronpto@gmail.com
My School Bucks
Click here to check your child's breakfast/lunch balance and add money to their account
From the Media Center
Our Buy One, Get One Free Book Fair will be starting on Thursday, May 22nd and run through Friday, May 30th. This is a great opportunity to stock up for summer reading!
We will be having a special evening shopping event on Tuesday, May 20th from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. This is the night of the Spring Concert. We will not be open after the concert.
We can use some help as the students are shopping during their class times and at recess. This is a huge help for me! Please use this Book Fair Sign-Up Genius to sign up or contact Miss Hazuda (sjhazuda@smcps.org).
Flyers previewing some of the books that might be possible at the Book Fair will be going home on Monday. They did send us the wrong flyers twice, so be aware the “teen reads” listed on the back will not be available at this fair.
Just like the previous Book Fairs, you can create an eWallet for your child(ren). Visit the HES Book Fair Homepage to set up your child(ren)’s eWallet.
From the School Nurse
I can't believe that we are nearing the end of the year. If your child takes medication at school please be on the lookout for medication pickup notifications in the next couple of weeks. I will also be sending home blank medication forms so you may get them filled out over the summer.
PreK parents please be aware that students need 2 MMR and Varicella vaccines for Kindergarten. While I believe I have spoken to those who will need them I wanted to also put a reminder here. Please see below for upcoming vaccine clinics for MMR.
As always please reach out with any questions!
MMR Vaccine Clinics - No Appointment Needed:
- Spring Ridge Middle School-Based Health Center, located at 19856 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park
- Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
- Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
- Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 9:00 - 11:00 AM
- Margaret Brent Middle School-Based Health Center, located at 29675 Point Lookout Rd, Mechanicsville
- Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
- Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
- Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Thanks,
Nurse Briggs
School Based Health Clinics
The school based health clinics has updated their website with a new link to register students. The link can be found at https://smchd.org/sbhc/ and then you would click the blue button that says "Click Here to Enroll now for Faster Service". The school based health centers are a great way to see a provider without the long wait times at urgent care! See their website for more information.
PTO Information
- If you are interested in being involved with the HES PTO, please email heronpto@gmail.com
- HES PTO has a new Spirit Wear company. On top of the company getting amazing reviews for their customer service and quality, our HES PTO earns 10% in commissions for all our sales!! Woohoo!! Items will ship directly to your house as well. https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/MD/Hollywood/Hollywood+Elementary+School
Birthday Treats
Birthday treats present the potential for allergic reactions for many of our students. They also interrupt instruction. However, we understand that some students enjoy celebrating their birthday with their friends at school. Because of all of these factors, birthday treats may NOT be edible. Gift bags with stickers, pencils, crayons, erasers, and/or other small toys are acceptable. They can also be shared at recess or the end of the day which doesn’t compromise instructional time. Parents who wish to provide birthday treats to a class are asked to notify the homeroom teacher in advance and to drop them off in the front office as early as possible.
SMCPS Volunteer Application
Both new and previously registered volunteers must complete a new volunteer application. The application process will end on May 1 of each school year. There is no application fee for school volunteers. Parental involvement is a key component to student success. Thank you for your support.
If you have any questions about your HAC account, please contact the HES office for assistance.
Please note that HAC opens at 5:00 pm on August 16, 2024.
Schoology
Schoology is a very helpful tool and resource for teachers, students, and families. Please ensure that you are able to access Schoology for updates and information from the school and your child's teacher. If you need support in obtaining your Schoology log in information please email schoology@smcps.org for support. Please click Parent Notifications for directions to ensure your notifications are set to receive important information about your student.
Do you have the Schoology App?
Log Into the Schoology Mobile App
If you already have a Schoology account, download the Schoology app from Apple App Store, Google Play or the Amazon App Store. Tap the app icon to open it on your device.
You can use an email address or username to log into the application, depending on how your account was set up:
Log in through your School
Use the keyboard to enter SMCPS. As you type, matching choices populate in the list. The name, ID number, city, state, and zip code for the school should appear below.
Tap the name of your school or organization when it displays.
Use the email address or username to log in to the application, that was sent to you via email from Schoology with an app password. If you are an SMCPS student or teacher this is NOT your SMCPS password.
Tap LOG IN to complete.
If you are able to sign in with Google, and you are an SMCPS student or staff, please use that login process and follow the provided instructions in the prompts.
Want to enable notifications? Please check this document
SMCPS 2024 - 2025 Student Handbook, Code of Conduct
Student Handbook - A Guide for Students & Families
Code of Conduct - A Guide for Students & Families
SMCPS Updated Cell Phones Implementation VIDEO
SMCPS Devices
Please review laptop expectations by sharing this presentation with your child. Classroom teachers will be reviewing laptop expectations with students at school as well. Thank you!
Need to purchase a laptop charger?
You can do one of two things:
1. Email your child's teacher or the Library Media Specialist Miss Hazuda (sjhazuda@smcps.org) that you wish to pay for the missing laptop charger. A fine then can be assessed so that you can pay using My School Bucks, sending in cash, or a check (made out to SMCPS).
OR
2. Go directly to the DELL store. You can purchase directly from their website and have it shipped to your home.
Ensure one of these links is being used:
www.dell.com/mpp/smcps (click Shop Recommended Solutions to get to the discounted power cords)
www.dell.com/mpp/smcps-chargers (leads directly to the purchasing portal)
If you purchase from Dell, please make sure that you label the charger with the student's first and last name before sending it to school. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or the Library Media Specialist Miss Hazuda (sjhazuda@smcps.org).
Hollywood Elementary School...
...provides a rich educational experience that focuses on preparing well rounded students that are ready to succeed in their future college and career endeavors. Hollywood educates and inspires our diverse population in a safe and respectful environment. Students are engaged in authentic learning experiences that foster work habits and skills necessary to become collaborative, dedicated, and productive citizens.
Ms. Erin DiRenzo, Principal
Email: eedirenzo@smcps.org
Mr. Chris Rodkey, Assistant Principal
Email: cnrodkey@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/hes/
Location: 44345 Joy Chapel Road, Hollywood, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 373-4350
Twitter: @hes_smcps