Hathaway Happenings - Home

What an exciting and heartwarming moment as our fourth graders learned that they would each be receiving their very own copy of the adorable Pocket Bear book! The excitement was palpable, and the smiles were contagious as the team handed out the beautifully wrapped books, each wrapped in paper decorated by hand. Without anyone needing to say a word, our students patiently waited until everyone had received their package so they could open them together. Some dove right into reading, while others jumped with the kind of joy and excitement we often associate with Christmas morning! It was truly a special moment and a beautiful reminder of the magic that books can bring. Enjoy this wonderful One Book experience, Grade 4!

Parent-Teacher Conferences were a wonderful success! Thank you to all families for attending. It is always such a great feeling to see our families in the building, making connections, sharing successes, and working together to support our students. These connections are so important. We are so grateful you are our partners in education!

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that our very own Miss Wendy's last day with us will be on Wednesday, October 21st. Wendy is on to other adventures. Please join me in wishing her well.

We have several upcoming opportunities and events coming up - Picture Day, Yearbook Cover Contest, Unity Day, Pink Out, Global Eats Event, Family Movie Night, and our annual HPTA Food Drive and Fun Walk! Information on all of these can be found below.

Our Abound Word of the Week is available. We are so excited to announce that the book Pocket Bear is available for all of our fourth grade students to read!

Check out the Hathaway Live Morning Slides below!

Community Events

Be sure to check out the Community Events folder below! New fun events are added all the time!

Reminders

Report Card/Progress Report Information: Missed the email? You can find information on Report Cards and Progress Reports below.

We are including a new slide on our lobby slideshow called "Out and About." Doing something fun outside of school and want to share for the slideshow? Just email Mrs. Heath at heathe@portsmouthschoolsri.org and look for your photo on the screen!

Free & Reduced Lunch Applications are accepted throughout the school year. If you feel your family may qualify, please complete and return an application at any time.

Transportation, Drop-Off & Pick-Up Update

As a reminder, please do not get in line before 8:20 AM in the morning or 3:10 PM in the afternoon. This helps us prevent the line from overflowing onto East Main Road and causing traffic congestion.

We truly appreciate your patience, cooperation, and efforts to follow these procedures. Together, we can keep arrival and dismissal safe and running smoothly for everyone!

Hathaway Notification Form
Our Hathaway Notification Form has some slight changes this year. Please take a moment to review the updated information below so you are familiar with our procedures. Please note: the website is in the process of being updated with the new information. There will be no more written notes required.

Repeats & Reminders Resource
After receiving valuable feedback about our newsletter format, we have created a new resource for families called the Repeats & Reminders Resource. This resource will include important information, helpful reminders, and information that has previously appeared in our newsletters.

A link to this resource will remain available regularly in Hathaway Happenings – Home, making it easy for families to find information whenever they need it.

Email for Hathaway Office

Have a question? Need an answer? We have them! Email hathawayoffice@portsmouthschoolsri.org anytime!

Upcoming Important Dates

October 20th - School Committee Meeting, 7:00 PM

October 21st - Unity Day, Wear Orange

October 23rd - Picture Day!

October 28th - One Hour Early Release, 2:15 Dismissal

October 30th - HPTA sponsored Food Drive and Fun Walk, 9:15

October 30th - HPTA Family Movie Night, 6:00 PM

November 3rd - No School, Election Day

November 11th - No School Veterans Day

November 17th - School Committee Meeting, 7:00 PM

November 18th - HPTA Meeting, 6:00 PM

November 25th - 27th - No School, Thanksgiving Break

As always, thank you for being our partners in education!

The Luckiest Principal Ever

🧡 Unity Day – Wednesday, October 21st! 🧡

Let’s show that Hathaway is a place where EVERYONE belongs! Wear ORANGE on Unity Day to spread kindness, celebrate our differences, and show that we stand together against bullying. Remember, even small acts of kindness can make a BIG difference! Let’s fill Hathaway with orange and kindness! 🧡

Hathaway Families,

Today, I could not be more proud to share some incredible news with our Hathaway community! Hathaway School has earned Five-Star School status from the Rhode Island Department of Education!

This is an extraordinary accomplishment, and while this recognition is a tremendous honor, what makes us most proud is the community behind it.

Every day, our school is filled with countless moments, big and small, that make Hathaway such a special place. It begins with creating classrooms and spaces where children feel safe, loved, and valued, because we know these are the foundations for learning and growth. It continues through thoughtful instruction, collaboration, analyzing data, meeting the individual needs of students, and continually finding new ways to engage and inspire our learners.

It is the teacher who finds a new way to reach a struggling student. The staff member who notices when a child needs a little extra support. The team that works together to figure out what a student needs next. It is the warm welcome in the morning, the encouraging words, the shared laughter, and the countless connections that remind our children they belong.

And it is YOU, our families, who are an essential part of this community. Your partnership, encouragement, trust, and support help make Hathaway a place where children can thrive. We are grateful to have you as part of this journey!

A Five-Star School is not created by one person or one program. It is built by an entire community that believes in its children and works together to help every child learn, grow, and reach their potential. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our students, staff, families, and community, and we have so much to celebrate!

Thank you for being part of our Hathaway family and for helping us create a school where we can all play, learn, and grow together!

We played I’m a Star this on our morning announcements. If you have a moment, it is a very cute video and perfect to celebrate the occasion.

With gratitude and so much pride,

The Luckiest Principal Ever ❤️

Picture Day is coming on Friday, October 23!

Fliers will be coming home this week.

You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTZFC6VW. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!

Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day. Orders after Picture Day must be placed online on mylifetouch.com

Student Data Safety and Security:
As the only SOC 3 compliant partner in school photography, Lifetouch delivers unmatched protection for student and staff information - backed by third‑party verification and trusted by schools nationwide. Learn More.

Dear Hathaway Families,

At Hathaway School, we value the partnership between home and school in fostering each student’s success. Strong partnerships between home and school make all the difference, and we are committed to building positive relationships with every family. Communication is the key to fostering this connection, and we are always here to support you. We thank you for the support you have provided in making the start to this year such a great one!

This letter is to share with you how we communicate with you about your child’s learning. All students will receive mid-trimester Progress Reports and end-of-trimester Report Cards.

Benchmark Assessments-All students take benchmark assessments three times a year—fall, winter, and spring. These short screenings help teachers understand each child’s strengths and areas for growth in reading and math. The results guide classroom instruction and help ensure that every student is making progress. Teachers will review this data with families and share any RtI (Response to Intervention) plans if additional support is needed.

In addition to academic benchmarks, students participate in SAEBRS and mySAEBRS social emotional screenings, which help us better understand students’ social, academic, and emotional well-being at school. These screenings help us identify students who may benefit from additional support.

Progress Reports-Progress Reports provide families with an update on how students are performing in their classes. They reflect academic progress, effort, and classroom participation. These reports, along with benchmark results, help families see how their child is growing over time and where continued support or enrichment may be helpful.

Report Cards-Report Cards show your child’s progress toward grade-level standards, which are designed to be mastered by the end of the school year. This year the Report Cards will be printed and sent home with students on the dates listed on page 2, they will also be available on ASPEN. Report Card envelopes must be signed and returned to school.

The following marks are used to describe student progress:

S (Secure): Mastered the benchmark
D (Developing): Growing and needs some support
B (Beginning): Needs more support
N/A: Standard not yet taught
NP: Did not participate

Please note: Many students will not yet be “Secure” during Trimester 1—this is completely normal and reflects that learning is still in progress.

Here are a few important points to keep in mind:

1. Growth Mindset: We encourage you to focus on your child’s growth, not just the grades. Learning is a journey, and each child develops at their own pace. Praise their efforts and help them set goals for the next grading period.

2. Attendance: Regular attendance is crucial to academic success. If you notice a pattern of absences or tardies affecting performance, let’s work together to improve attendance.

3. Communication: If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress, feel free to reach out to their teacher. We are committed to supporting your child’s learning and development.

4. Support at Home: Continue to encourage reading, problem-solving, and creative activities at home. A positive learning environment both at school and home makes a big difference.

This information remains in our Hathaway Repeats and Resources as a reference. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.

Thank you for being such wonderful partners in your child’s education.

Warm Regards,
Lisa Little
Principal, Hathaway School

Changes to District Attendance Policy

New Report Links Consistent Arts Education Participation with Lower Absenteeism

Over the last two years, the Portsmouth School Department has made everyday school attendance a priority. It is well known that everyday attendance improves school connectedness, positive learning habits, and overall academic achievement. The attendance policy now has criteria for afterschool activities eligibility (sports and clubs) with regards to tardies and dismissals. Please take a moment to review the updated attendance policy linked here.

Portsmouth School Department has always supported the performance arts. There has been a positive correlation between participating in the arts and lower instances of chronic absenteeism. Please see the article below from the RI Education Commissioners Field Memo.

Recently, RIDE and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) announced the findings of a new statistical review revealing a strong association between sustained participation in arts education and lower rates of chronic absenteeism among Rhode Island public school students. The study, Chronic Absenteeism and Arts Participation in Rhode Island Public Schools: A Statistical Review, found the strongest association among students with sustained, consistent participation in arts education rather than single-course enrollment, with attendance benefits especially notable among historically underserved student populations. When students have opportunities to explore their creativity, develop their talents, and connect with learning in meaningful ways, they are more likely to come to school and thrive. These findings suggest that consistent access to arts education may play an important role in helping students stay engaged in school.

Year-end data for School Year 2025-2026 shows that Rhode Island students have experienced a 14.4-percentage-point decrease in chronic absenteeism since the height of the pandemic, resulting in the recovery of approximately 4.4 million instructional hours.

In partnership,

Angélica Infante-Green

Please join us on our Abound learning journey! Together, we can help our students become strong, confident readers.

Take a moment to watch this less-than-4-minute introductory video to learn how the app works. The video explains why building strong oral language skills is so important for reading development and provides simple ways to use Abound at home. The program focuses on regular, rich, back-and-forth conversations and offers realistic, quick, and meaningful ways to boost your child's language skills—right in the everyday moments you already share together.

If you'd like a little more inspiration about the power of Abound and the research behind the program, you can also view the full presentation from a few years ago.

Thank you for partnering with us to build strong language and literacy skills for our Hathaway students!

Dear Hathaway Families,

The Hathaway Elementary Online School Store is open for the new school year! Shop spirit wear for students, families & staff, with a wide selection of clothing, hats, accessories and more—all shipped directly to your home.

Save 10% through September 16th with code HATHAWAY10
Be sure to look around while you shop—some items are already marked down, too!

A few helpful tips:

• Many items have multiple logo designs and color options, so be sure to click into each item to see all the choices.
• New this year: Look for the Portsmouth Patriots logo on select items! These district wide pieces can grow with your student through middle and high school.
• Clothing labeled “Youth” “Girls” "Boys" is sized for children. All other clothing is in adult sizing.
• A percentage of every purchase comes back to directly benefit Hathaway students!

Shop the Hathaway School Store:
https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/stores/hathaway-elementary-school-store-2766302

Questions about the school store? Please contact Kelsea Godek at KelseaLGodek@gmail.com.

Thank you for supporting our school and showing your Hathaway pride!

Hathaway Parent Teacher Association

At Hathaway Elementary School, we utilize an online Notification Form for parents to use to notify the school of attendance that includes the following:

• My child will be Absent

• My child will be Tardy

• My child will be Dismissed early

Please note, the Notification Form is to be filled out the day of the attendance recording. There will be no more options to record an absence, tardy, or dismissal for a future date.

This form can be found on the front page of the Hathaway School website. Simply click the “A Note for the Office”, link and follow the prompts. The information submitted will be sent directly to the main office who will make sure your child’s attendance information is recorded accurately for that school day.

This year, we will also be utilizing this form for changes in dismissal. For example, if your child is a daily typical bus rider but needs to be picked up from school on a particular day, filling out the Notification Form on the day of the dismissal change is the best way to communicate this change to the Hathaway main office. Your child will be given a pass for that day and the dismissal change will be recorded for that day only, per the Notification Form submission.

While we encourage consistency in dismissal and keeping a consistent routine, we understand that changes in dismissal are sometimes necessary. When these circumstances arise and changes need to be made, we kindly ask that you fill out the Notification Form by 2pm. Changes after 2pm also require a phone call to the main office (401) 683-0500 to ensure the submission has been documented.

It is important to note that Hathaway bus and carline pickup dismissal begins promptly at 3:15pm and we encourage the latest early dismissal to be at 2:45pm as to not conflict with our daily dismissal routine.

At Hathaway School, safety is our first priority. Ensuring a smooth and orderly dismissal is essential for student safety and a positive end to the school day. Please make every effort to arrive on time for student pick up and bus arrival so we can facilitate a safe, smooth, and timely dismissal for everyone.

Hello Hathaway Families!

October is a great time to focus on kindness, friendships, and managing big feelings. Here are a few simple tips you can try at home this month!

💛 Managing Big Feelings

Big feelings are normal! Help your child learn to recognize and manage emotions with:

STOP → BREATHE → CHOOSE

🛑 STOP: Pause and take a moment.
🌬️ BREATHE: Take 3 slow breaths.
💭 CHOOSE: Pick a safe strategy—ask for help, take a break, or try again.

Remember: All feelings are okay, but not all behaviors are okay.

🤝 Practice Kindness

Encourage your child to:

• Include someone who may feel left out.

• Give a compliment.

• Help someone without being asked.

• Say “thank you.”

• Check on a friend who is having a hard day.

Try asking: “What is one kind thing you did or saw today?”

🍁 Helping With Change

October brings new routines and changes. Children often feel more comfortable when they know what to expect.

At home, try:

• Keeping consistent routines.

• Giving choices when possible.

• Preparing your child for transitions.

• Celebrating small successes.

🎃 October Family Challenge

Catch your child being kind!

Notice and name positive behaviors:

💬 “I noticed you helped without being asked. That was kind!”

💬 “You kept trying even when it was hard. That showed perseverance!”

Specific praise helps children recognize the positive choices they are making.

❤️ A Reminder

You don't have to wait for a big problem to reach out to the school counselor. I am here to support students with friendships, emotions, school concerns, problem-solving, and more.

Wishing all of our Hathaway families a happy, healthy, and kind October! 🍂

Nelia Almeida
School Counselor
Hathaway Elementary School

• At Hathaway, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Throughout the school year, we practice a variety of safety drills so that everyone knows what to do in an emergency. These drills follow the I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol.
  
  

• Shelter: Used during environmental threats (e.g., severe weather, hazardous materials nearby). Students stay inside a safe area of the building until the threat passes.

• Evacuate: Students and staff leave the building and gather at a predetermined safe location outside. This is used when it is safer to be away from the building, such as a fire or other environmental hazard.

• Hold: Students stay in their classrooms while the hallways are cleared. Instruction may continue as usual. This is used when movement in the hallways needs to be limited, such as during a medical response.

• Lockdown: Students and staff stay in classrooms because there is a potential threat inside the building. Procedures include:

• Locking doors.

• Turning off lights and moving out of sight.

• Maintaining silence.

• Dispersing students around the classroom while standing to allow for quick evacuation if necessary.

• Doors remain locked until authorized personnel give the all-clear.

• Secure: Students and staff stay in place within the school building, but normal activities can continue. This is used when there is a potential concern outside the school, such as nearby police activity, and it is safer to remain inside.

• Family Notifications: After all drills except fire drills, we will send a notification to families to keep you informed about the drill and its purpose. We encourage families to review these procedures with their children and remind them to follow directions calmly and carefully during drills. Thank you for your partnership in keeping Hathaway safe.

Thank you for your support in keeping all of our students safe in our Hathaway community.

Important Dates

2026-2027

October 20th - School Committee Meeting, 7:00 PM

October 21st - Unity Day, Wear Orange

October 23rd - Picture Day

October 28th - One Hour Early Release, 2:15 Dismissal

October 30th - Fun Walk, 9:15

October 30th - HPTA Family Movie Night, 6:00 PM

November 3rd - No School, Election Day

November 11th - No School Veterans Day

November 17th - School Committee Meeting, 7:00 PM

November 18th - HPTA Meeting, 6:00 PM

November 25th - 27th - No School, Thanksgiving Break

December 1st - Vision Screening, Lobby

December 3rd - Picture Day Retake

December 5th - Hullabaloo, 9:00-1:00, Hathaway School

December 9th - Report Cards Go Home, Parent Portal Open

December 10th - Dental Screening, Library

December 15th - School Committee Meeting, 7:00 PM

December 23rd - January 1st - Holiday Break

January 13th - One Hour Early Release, 2:15 Dismissal

January 18th - No School, MLK Jr. Day

January 20th - HPTA Meeting, 6:00 PM

February 1st - 5th - Parent Teacher Conferences

February 1st - Progress Reports Go Home

February 15th - 19th - Winter Break

March 1st-5th - Reading Week and Scholastic Book Fair

March 10th - One Hour Early Release, 2:15 Dismissal

March 15th - 2D Music and Art Showcase

March 16th - 2H Music and Art Showcase

March 17th- HPTA Meeting, 6:00 PM

March 18th - 2M Music and Art Showcase

March 19th - 2MO Music and Art Showcase

March 25th - Arts for Life Day

March 25th - Report Cards Go Home, Parent Portal Open

March 26th - No School, Good Friday

April 14th - One Hour Early Release, 2:15 Dismissal

April 19th - 23rd - Spring Break

May 3rd - May 7th - Teacher Appreciation Week

May 19th - HPTA Meeting, 6:00 PM

May 24th - 4H Recorder Concert

May 25th - 4G Recorder Concert

May 26th - One Hour Early Release, 2:15 Dismissal

May 27th - 4P Recorder Concert

May 31st - No School, Memorial Day

June 2nd - PHS Graduate Walkthrough

June 4th - PHS Graduation

June 16th - Grade 4 Stepping Up Ceremony, 9:30 AM

June 17th - Report Cards Go Home, Parent Portal Open

Email: littlel@portsmouthschoolsri.org
Website: https://www.portsmouthschoolsri.org/Domain/10
Location: 53 Tallman Avenue, Portsmouth, RI, USA
Phone: (401)683-0500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hathaway.principal