HMK's Monday Message

PTC are fast approaching NEXT WEEK for HMK! We wanted to get the message out about the plans and schedule for these conferences. In anticipation of PTC please see the following information:

• 📆 WHEN?
• Thursday, March 13th - this will be an EARLY RELEASE day and students will be released at our normal Friday time at 12:45. This will accommodate for our PTC to begin at 1:00 p.m. and continue into the evening until 7:00.
• Friday, March 13th - there will be NO SCHOOL this day and PTC will run from 8:00 am to noon.
• 📲 💻 HOW?
• Please watch information coming home from your students teacher about how you can sign up for a PTC time. Please reach out to each classroom teacher directly to schedule a time.

• Our school's goal for Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTC) this year is to achieve 90% parent or guardian attendance at each session. We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential for your child's success, and these conferences are the most direct way for us to connect on their progress.

• How You Can Help Us Reach Our Goal: Simply by attending your scheduled conference, you are helping us meet this important goal! Please confirm your time slot promptly and make every effort to attend your conference on one of the following dates:
• Thursday, March 12th (early release at 12:45) conferences from 1:00-7:30 pm.

• Friday, March 13th (no school) conferences 8:00 am to noon.

We look forward to meeting with you and discussing how we can work together to support your child!

Title I, Part A - Federal Education Law & provides funding to support schools based off of income status. In Utah, we use census data (from the SAIPE - Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates Program - SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFO on SAIPE) and free/reduced lunch to determine poverty status. Funding goes to schools with high needs. Funding has nothing to do with academic performance.

Basically it is EXTRA SUPPORT for our school.

HMK's Current Percentage = 49%

Link to Application for Free and Reduced Lunch

• The School Plan drives the use of funds:

• Curriculum materials for academic interventions and extensions

• Support staff: Educational Support Professionals (ESP) and school Title I Coordinator/Literacy Specialist

• Professional Development for teachers

• Parent Engagement Activities such as Winter Break Gift Books & Winter Reading Challenge, and Family Literacy Night.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) program produces single-year estimates of income and poverty for all U.S. states and counties as well as estimates of school-age children in poverty for all 13,000+ school districts.

One of the primary inputs to the SAIPE model are direct estimates from the ACS (American Community Survey). We find that increasing survey response directly improves data quality and estimate precision, which are carried over into Title I funding model estimates. This means that is can DIRECTLY impact our school, HMK, with giving us more funding to serve our students. We wanted parent and families to be aware of the importance of the ACS with our community, and so I wanted to pass on some useful links about ACS outreach.

Links for ACS Outreach information:

• ACS Information Guide:
• https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/programs-surveys/acs/about/ACS_Information_Guide.pdf
• ACS Flyers:
• https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/library/flyers.html
• ACS Data Stories:
• https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/library/acs-data-stories.html
• Top Questions about the Survey ("Why should I participate?", "Is my privacy protected?", etc.):
• https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/top-questions-about-the-survey.html
• Why We Ask Each Question (detailed information about the purpose behind each question on the survey):
• https://www.census.gov/acs/www/about/why-we-ask-each-question/

Utah State Board of Education Published Guides:

https://schools.utah.gov/curr/parentguides

• Parents are important partners in achieving the Utah State Board of Education’s vision that “each student is prepared to succeed and lead by having knowledge and skills to learn, engage civically, and lead meaningful lives.” The purpose of this document is to help parents better understand what their children should learn, when a child may need more help, or when a child would benefit from extra challenges. By using these resources, you may find more ways to advance your child’s learning at home while encouraging growth in their communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Scan the QR code below to access the USBE Parent Guide to Success

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Core Instruction:
• Utah State Standards are the foundation for all instruction. Grand County School District provides local school board approved curriculum programs for each content area. In HMK, the curriculum used in all classrooms K-6 is called Great Mind’s: Eureka² and is the primary source of instruction for all students.

• Enrichment & Interventions:

• Students who need academic enrichment or intervention are provided extra support during the school day with evidence proven curriculum and resources.

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Core Instruction:
• Utah State Standards are the foundation for all instruction. Grand County School District provides local school board approved curriculum programs for each content area. In HMK, the curriculum used in all classrooms K-5 is called Amplify’s CKLA in conjunction with UFLI for Phonics instruction, and together these are our primary sources of instruction. In 6th grade, we use CommonLit as the core curriculum.
• Enrichment & Interventions:
• Students who need academic enrichment or intervention are provided extra support during the school day with evidence proven curriculum and resources.

Curriculum & Instruction

• Core Instruction:
• Utah State Standards are the foundation for all instruction. In HMK, the curriculum used in classrooms is the SEEd Storylines for K-6th and is the primary source of instruction for all students. However, there are multiple supplemental curriculums and resources used that include; Mystery Science, Utah OER Textbooks from UEN, and Generation Genius.
• Enrichment:
• This usually comes in the form of various field trips and classroom visits

Language support for students who are multilingual learners, ML, is provided in multiple ways. Students are provided extra support in accessing academic language as they learn to listen, speak, read and write the English language. All ML students, depending on their individual needs, have access to additional resources in the following ways:

• In-class sheltered instruction with an English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsed teachers

• Small group instruction with one of our certified teachers for ALS (Alternative Language Services)

• Individual instruction with one of our certified teachers for ALS (Alternative Language Services)

• Teacher Qualifications
• You have a right to know the qualifications of your child’s teacher & instructional assistants
• Decision Making
• You have a right to participate in decisions affecting your child
• Parent Engagement
• You have a right to engage with faculty regularly for parent engagement opportunities
• School Plan
• You have a right to be part of the school plan and make suggestions

***Something not right? 🤔

• PROGRESS IN SCHOOL
• Parent Teacher Conference 2x/year
• Standards Reports (Report Cards) 4x/year
• BIG ACTIVITIES
• School-wide activities during the year (Family Literacy Night, STEAM Night, Music and Art Showcases, etc.)
• ACTIVITES
• Grade-level activities; Smaller activities; parent volunteers
• SCHOOL TEAMS
• Please volunteer to be a member of the PTA or School Community Council

At HMK Elementary, we hold an annual meeting, we have flexible meeting times, and we involve parents. We feel it is important to have a shared responsibility for student achievement.

Find our policy here: GCSD Parent and Family Engagement Policy

This policy outlines the responsibility of the students, parents, teachers, and the school with the purpose of improved academic achievement for students.

Find the Compact here: Student, Parent, School Compact

WE WELCOME QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS RELATED TO YOUR CHILD. YOU MAY CONTACT US AT THESE EMAILS AND PHONE NUMBERS. 😊

• Teachers: Please email them at any time, or use other forms of communication that they have established with you at the beginning of the year.
• Principal: Holly Harris ~ 📞 435-719-4829 ~ 📧 harrish@grandschools.org
• Assistant Principal: Libby Bailey ~ 📞 435-719-4828 ~ 📧 baileyl@grandschools.org
• Literacy Specialist: Raye Lyne Robertson ~ 📞 435-719-4798 ~ 📧 robertsonr@grandschools.org

Dear HMK Families,

We are thrilled to announce that for the month of March, our entire school community will be embarking on a shared literary adventure. We are participating in "One School, One Book", and our chosen title is the whimsical, rebellious, and heart-filled classic: Matilda by Roald Dahl.

Families of younger children - Kindergarten will be reading The Dot by Peter Reynolds and First Grade will be reading Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon.

What is "One School, One Book"?

The goal is simple: to build a community of readers. When every student, teacher, and staff member reads the same book at the same time, it sparks conversations that bridge grade levels and connect the classroom to the living room.

Your Mission at Home

We invite you to make Matilda your family’s bedtime or dinner-time story this month. Whether you read aloud to your child, take turns reading chapters, or listen to the audiobook together, the magic happens in the shared experience.

• The Goal: Finish the book by the final week of March.
• The Reward: Witnessing the power of a little girl with a big brain (and maybe a few telekinetic powers) taking on the formidable Miss Trunchbull!

🗓 Save the Date: Family Literacy Night

To celebrate our journey through Crunchem Hall Primary School, we will be hosting a grand finale!

• When: Thursday, March 26th
• Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Where: HMK Gym, Library, & Learning Centers

Join us for an evening of Matilda-themed activities, literacy games, and a chance to discuss the book's ending with other families. We might even have some "Bogtrotter-approved" chocolate cake!

1. Ask Questions: "What would you do if you had Matilda’s powers?" or "Why do you think Miss Honey is so kind?"
2. Use Voices: Don't be afraid to make Miss Trunchbull sound as terrifying (and hilarious) as possible.
3. Stay Consistent: Even 15 minutes a night will help you reach the finish line by March 26th.

Goal: Finish by Family Literacy Night on March 26th

To make sure everyone is ready for our celebration, here is a breakdown of the chapters for each week. This pace averages about 5 chapters (or 50–60 pages) per week.

• The "Car Ride" Chapter: If you have a busy evening of sports or errands, try listening to the audiobook version in the car!
• Weekend Catch-Up: If you miss a weeknight, use Saturday morning as a "Cereal and Chapters" session.
• The March 26th Finish Line: Aim to finish the final chapter, "A New Home," by the morning of the 26th so you can discuss the ending at Literacy Night!

🔎QUICK GLANCE AT IMPORTANT INFO/DATES:

• Monday, March 2nd -
• 8:15-9:00 ~ 1st Grade Grown-ups & Goodies
• SCC @ 3:30

• Tuesday, March 3rd -
• Normal Tuesday
• BEACON Session 4 registration due
• Wednesday, March 4th -
• Normal Wednesday
• Thursday, March 5th -
• Normal Thursday
• BEACON Session 4 confirmations go out
• Friday, March 6th -
• Normal Early-Out Friday @ 12:45

🔎QUICK GLANCE AT IMPORTANT INFO/DATES:

• Monday, March 9th
• Fire Drill @ 9:00 AM
• PTA Meeting 4:45-5:45 in the HMK Library
• Tuesday, March 10th
• 8:30-2:00 ~ 3rd Grade FT to Fiery Furnace - Walker
• Wednesday, March 11th
• 8:30-2:00 ~ 3rd Grade FT to Fiery Furnace - Beyer
• 3:30 GC School Board Work Session
• Thursday, March 12th
• ⏰ Early Release @ 12:45 ⏰
• PTC - Parent Teacher Conferences 1:00-7:00
• Friday, February 27th
• 🔕 NO SCHOOL 🔕
• PTC - Parent Teacher Conferences 8:00-12:00

• Monday, March 16th ~
• First Day of 4th Quarter
• 8:30-2:00 3rd Grade FT to Fiery Furnace - Hansen
• iReady Testing Window Begins for Math & Reading
• Tuesday, March 17th ~
• 8:30-2:00 3rd Grade FT to Fiery Furnace - Marin-Garcia
• Wednesday, March 18th ~
• Regular School Board Meeting @ 5:15
• Monday, March 23rd ~
• 8:30- 9:15 ~ K-3 Utah Opera Assembly
• 9:30-10:15 ~ 4-6 Utah Opera Assembly
• 9:30-2:00 ~ 2nd grade FT to Balanced Rock- Tyner
• Tuesday, March 24th ~
• Ogden Nature Center Visit to 1st grade
• 9:30-2:00 ~ 2nd grade FT to Balanced Rock- Onderko
• Family Event! ~~~ 6:00- 7:00 P.M. ~ K-3 Spring Arts Showcase - Where the Wild Things Are!
• Wednesday, March 25th ~
• Ogden Nature Center Visit to 1st grade
• 9:30-2:00 ~ 2nd grade FT to Balanced Rock- Burraston
• Thursday, March 26th ~
• 9:00 - 9:30 ~ GROWTH ASSEMBLY: K-1
• 10:30 - 11:00 ~ GROWTH ASSEMBLY: 2nd-3rd
• 10:00 - 11:30 ~ 5th Grade Vendor Fair
• 1:30 - 2:00 ~ GROWTH ASSEMBLY: 4th-6th
• Family Event! ~~~ 5:00 - 7:00 PM Family Literacy Night - Featuring "Matilda!"
• Friday, March 27th ~
• 8:30 - 12:30 ~ 2nd grade FT to Balanced Rock- Nelson
• 🎉Spirit Day ~ "Mis-Match Day" 🤪
• Monday, March 30th to Friday, April 3rd ~ 🌷 😎 SPRING BREAK! 😎🌷

Our next PTA meeting is on Monday, March 9 from 4:45pm-5:45pm in the HMK Library. Join us to help support our students and teachers this year! Or volunteer for a fundraiser! Have questions? hmkpta@gmail.com

Good afternoon students and families,

It’s hard to believe we are already into March. The past few months have gone by quickly, and we are steadily moving closer to the end of the school year.

I wanted to share a quick note that there will be a lunar eclipse on March 3rd from approximately 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Indigenous cultures observe lunar eclipses differently, and perspectives and practices may vary among families. I encourage everyone to be respectful of those who observe according to their traditional beliefs and teachings. If you have any questions or would like to talk more about this, please feel free to reach out to me.

Attached you will find our latest newsletter along with a poster that includes details about our upcoming workshops, including cradle board making and discussions around Diné food and nutritious diets. Please feel free to share this information with friends and family. I encourage all who are interested to join us.

We are also beginning to plan for our Native American end-of-year celebration. If you are interested in helping with planning, families, guardians, partners, and community organizations are all welcome to contribute and be involved. I would love to collaborate.

As always, I am here to support you. My work schedule is Monday through Thursday, and I am generally most available in the mornings. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

Thank you, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day.

Ricky Begaye

Native American After School Club leader
Phone: 505-675-5810
Email: begayer@grandschools.org

At our school, we believe that a safe and supportive environment is essential for learning—both in the classroom and online. Recently, we’ve noticed an increase in reports of cyberbullying, which can deeply impact a student’s well-being and their ability to stay engaged at school.

To address this, our teachers will be leading dedicated lessons on Cyberbullying and Digital Citizenship between February 23rd and March 27th.

What We Are Covering in Class:

• Defining Cyberbullying: Helping students understand what it looks like and why it’s harmful.

• Taking Action: Teaching students clear steps on what to do if they experience or witness online bullying (such as telling a trusted adult).

• Prevention: Building the skills needed to be kind and responsible digital citizens.

How You Can Support at Home:

While we are tackling these topics during morning meetings, your support at home is the most powerful tool we have. Here are a few ways to reinforce these lessons:

• Start the Conversation: Ask your child what they’ve been learning about "Digital Citizenship."

• Check-In: Periodically review your child's online interactions and remind them that they can always come to you if something online makes them feel uncomfortable.

• Set Expectations: Remind your child that the same rules for kindness on the playground apply to their tablets, phones, and gaming consoles.

By working together, we can ensure our students feel safe, confident, and ready to learn every single day.

We started the year out very strong, meeting and surpassing our 93% average monthly attendance. However, in December we began to lose momentum. We realize that flu season and holidays can affect attendance, but as we enter March we can refocus and ensure that students attend regularly.

Regular attendance means missing less than two days a month. We are past the half way mark of the school year, and missing anything more than 8 days for the remainder of the year can adversely affects your student’s academics and social and behavioral growth. If students aren’t here, we can’t teach them. So! Everyday Counts here at HMK!

Let’s meet our 93% attendance goal. To add a little bit of excitement to this goal, when classrooms meet our goal, they will be given temporary tattoos. Tattoos will be earned, February, March, April and into May. Classrooms that earn their temporary tattoos can “Tat A Teacher!”
Please join us on our campaign to Make Everyday Count at HMK !

We are currently working to recruit and hire more substitute teachers, and we would love your help. If you or someone you know is interested in working with students, enjoys a flexible schedule, and wants to make a positive impact in our school community, this is a great opportunity. Training and support are provided, and substitutes play a vital role in keeping our school running smoothly.

How you can help:

• Consider applying to be a substitute teacher yourself.
• Share this opportunity with family, friends, neighbors, or community members who may be a good fit.
• Contact our school office for more information about how to apply or direct interested individuals to the district’s substitute application page [CLICK HERE].

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students. Together, we can ensure that every classroom has the support it needs every day.