H.E.S. HAPPENINGS
Parent/Family Edition

OCTOBER 2026
Greetings Hopkins Elementary Families,
It is hard to believe that we are already nearing the end of the first quarter! Over the past several weeks, our teachers and staff have learned so much about our students, including their strengths, interests, and individual learning needs. We are proud of the progress our Hopkins Hippos have made as they have settled into routines, built relationships, and grown as learners.
As we prepare to enter the second quarter, I encourage families to add one simple question to your nightly routine:
"What did you learn today?"
This small question has a powerful impact. When children know that both their families and their teachers are invested in their learning, they become even more engaged during the school day. Many students begin paying closer attention and reflecting more deeply on their learning because they anticipate sharing their experiences at home. Most importantly, it reinforces the message that everyone is working together to support their growth and success.
π€ Get Involved at Hopkins Elementary
We are excited to announce that nominations are now open for our School Improvement Council (SIC) and Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). These groups play a vital role in helping strengthen our school community and supporting student achievement.
If you are interested in serving, please submit your name to sharon.harris@richlandone.org.
A special thank you to the parents who have already expressed interest and submitted their names during our recent SIC and PTO meetings. Your willingness to serve and support our school is greatly appreciated.
π Important Dates
- Nominations are due by Wednesday, October 7.
- Elections will be conducted via TalkingPoints and in person during our Parent-Teacher Conferences and Bingo Night.
- Each parent/guardian will be allowed one vote.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are creating a strong foundation for student success. We look forward to finishing the first quarter strong and continuing our journey of learning, growth, and achievement throughout the remainder of the school year.
Warm regards,
Audrey White-Garner, M Ed.
Principal
LAST MONTH'S HIGHLIGHTS
PTO
Join the PTO!
Are you interested in becoming more involved in your child's education and school community? The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meets once a month to collaborate on events, support our students and teachers, and share ideas. We will meet each third Thursday at 5:30pm via ZOOM. If you'd like to be a part of the PTO, please reach out to our Parent & Family Engagement Specialist, Sharon Harris, at sharon.harris@richlandone.org. We welcome your involvement and look forward to working together!
Become a Parent Ambassador!
We are also seeking dedicated parents to serve as Parent Ambassadors for each homeroom classroom. The goal is to have a Parent Ambassador in every class to help foster communication between parents and teachers, identify and support the needs of the class, and promote a positive classroom environment.
If you're interested in becoming a Parent Ambassador, please email our Parent & Family Engagement Specialist, Sharon Harris, at sharon.harris@richlandone.org.
Bingo Night
Add flyer and information....
Thank you for your continued support and involvement!
ATTENDANCE CORNER
Stay Healthy & Be Here Every Day!
As the cooler months approach, itβs more important than ever to practice healthy habits! Coming to school every day and arriving on time helps students stay on track with learning and avoid missing important instruction.
Help keep our school community healthy by washing hands often, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Encourage your child to cover coughs and sneezes, drink plenty of water, and stay home when they are truly sick. Please remember to submit a parent note when your child returns to school.
Healthy habits + daily attendance = a successful school year! We want to see our students here, healthy, learning, and growing every day!
BACKMON'S BACKYARD
THE LITERACY CORNER
THE MATH CORNER
SCHOOL-WIDE EXPECTATIONS
OCTOBER 2026
September 28- October 2, 2026
- Tuesday-Thursday- September 29-October 1- CRP Program
- Friday, October 2- School Custodian Day
October 5-9, 2026
- Monday, October 5- World Teachers Day
- Monday-Friday, October 5-9- Fire Prevention Week
- Tuesday, October 6- National Coaches Day
- Tuesday-Thursday- October 6-8- CRP Program
- Thursday, October 8- Sharing Is Caring (Students will share their published writing with writing buddy in another grade level)
- Thursday, October 8- Parent Teacher Conferences @ 12:30pm until 3:30pm
- Thursday, October 8- Bingo Night @ 5:30pm
- Thursday, October 8- End of the First Quarter
- Friday, October 9- No School/Teacher Workday
October 12-16, 2026
- Tuesday- October 13- Faith & Fellowship @ 9am
- Tuesday- October 13- School Visit
- Tuesday-Thursday, October 13-15- CRP Program
- Monday-Friday, October 12-16- Hispanic Heritage Week
October 19-23, 2026
- Tuesday-Thursday- October 20-22- CRP Program
- Wednesday- October 21- National Apple Day
- Thursday, October 22- Fall Picture Make-Ups
- Friday, October 23- HOUSE Meeting @ 1:30pm
October 26-30, 2026
- Monday-Friday, October 26-30- Red Ribbon Week
- Tuesday-Thursday- October 27-29- CRP Program
- Friday- October 30- Storybook Character Dress Up Parade