PES Pirate News

Important Dates!

***ACAP Testing

Important: ACAP State Testing Schedule

Dear Providence Parents,

We want to inform you that PES will be administering the ACAP State Testing from March 24 – April 25, 2025, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m.

Testing will take place in the following order:
🔹 2nd and 3rd graders will test on Math on April 8 & 9
🔹 4th and 5th graders will test on Math on April 15 & 16

To help your child perform their best, please ensure they:
✅ Arrive at school on time.
✅ Get a good night's sleep.
✅ Come prepared to focus and do their best on the test.

Your support is greatly appreciated as we work together to ensure a successful testing experience for all students.

April

April 8 & 9 is ACAP Math 2nd and 3rd grade

April 22 STEAM Night

April 23 Progress Reports Go Home

April 24 Field Day Kinder - 2nd graders Students Only

April 25 Field Day 3rd -5th graders Student Only

April 26 Math Competition

April 28-May 2nd IREADY Testing

April 30 K for a Day (Flyer forthcoming)

May

May 1st-2nd IREADY tesitng

May 5- May 9Teacher Appreciation

Your cooperation is essential in ensuring a safe and smooth arrival for all students. Please follow these important procedures:

🚗 Carline Use: All students must be dropped off using the carline, which opens at 7:15 AM for your convenience. Do not drop off students at the front entrance.

🚶 Walkers Only: Only walkers should walk up to the front. They will be escorted to the bus entrance due to the Open Gate System.

🚪 Front Entrance Access: The front doors will open at 8:00 AM.

Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe! Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your support,

Laura Worshim, Principal

The spring HCS Magnet Application Window is now open for middle and high school magnet programs only. Magnet programs offer specialized pathways of learning along with focused themes across HCS. Space is limited, so apply now!

Middle School Magnet Availability

• AAA Middle: Immersing students in a continuous and progressive standards-based, multi-disciplinary arts education to develop productive and engaged citizens
• ASFL Middle: Educating scholars to understand our global society through the study of science and world languages.
• AGT at Williams Middle: Surrounding gifted and talented students with specialized teachers, challenging curriculum, and like-minded peers to provide a learning environment that meets their unique intellectual, social, and emotional needs.

Parent Information Meetings

Parents/guardians of elementary students eligible for a majority-to-minority transfer are invited to attend an informational meeting regarding the educational opportunities offered at the following elementary schools: Challenger, Farley, Goldsmith-Schiffman, Hampton Cove, Mountain Gap, and Weatherly.

The principals from the schools will give a short presentation about their school and will be available to answer your questions.

Informational meetings will be held in the media center/library at the following locations:

Rolling Hills Monday, April 14, 2025 5:30 p.m.

Highlands Monday, April 21, 2025 5:30 p.m.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, April 28, 2025 5:30 p.m.

These meetings are open to all parents/guardians of elementary students eligible for a majority-to-minority transfer from Dawson, Highlands, Lakewood, Martin Luther King Jr., Montview, Providence, Rolling Hills, or Sonnie Hereford. Rolling Hills, Highlands, and MLK, Jr. are hosting these information meetings for all of the schools eligible for the majority-to-minority transfer. You may attend any meeting that best meets your schedule.

HCS Special Education Department is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. As part of our commitment and continuous efforts to enhance the educational experience for your child, we are excited to invite you to Parent Training Sessions.

Parent Training Sessions

• April 30, 2025 (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) - Empowering Parents: Understanding and Supporting School-Based Occupational Therapy (OT) & Physical Therapy (PT) for Sensory Wellness

Learn more and register for a session on the Parent Connections Newsletter.

ACAP - Geometry and Measurement will be important topics for your student to master on these tests.

Here are some tips to help build proficiency at home!

Geometry

• Fold a sheet of paper in half and have your child draw a shape along the fold; cut out the shape and unfold the paper to create a symmetrical shape
• Look around the house for different geometric shapes, such as triangles, squares, circles, and rectangles
• Use common household items, such as toothpicks, marshmallows, empty toilet paper rolls, twist ties, sticks, and paper, to construct shapes
• Help your child recognize and identify real-world examples of right angles (e.g., the corner of a book) and parallel lines (e.g., railroad tracks)
• While driving together, direct your child to look for objects with the same size and shape

Measurement

• Teach your child how to set the kitchen timer when you’re cooking
• Draw an analog clock face with the hour and minute hands showing eight o’clock. Ask your child to write the time shown
• Arrange various objects (e.g., books, boxes, and cans) by various size and measurement (e.g., length, weight, and volume) attributes. Talk with your child about how they are arranged using comparison words like “taller,” “shorter,” “narrower,” “wider,” “heaviest,” “lightest,” “more,” “less,” “about,” and “same”
• Use a standard measuring tool to measure objects located in your home
• Gather a tape measure, yardstick, ruler, cup, gallon container, and scale. Discuss the various things you can measure with each
• Review equivalent names for measurements. For example, “How many cups are in a pint?”
• Encourage your child to incorporate terms such as “whole,” “halves,” “thirds,” and “fourths” into their everyday life

If your child has a medical condition the school nurse needs to be aware of and/or your child will need medication(s) at school, Please contact catherine.bruce@hsv-k12.org for specific concerns or questions.

ALL medications to be used at school MUST be registered with the health office. A parent/guardian must bring in the medication (medications cannot be sent with the student) with an updated doctor’s form. If you have any questions, please call Nurse Cathy at 256-428-7134.

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As ACAP testing season approaches, many parents wonder how they can best support their children at home. While testing can be stressful, the key is creating a balanced environment that fosters both confidence and preparation. Here are a few strategies parents can use to help their child feel ready and at ease:

1. Establish a Consistent Routine
   A consistent daily routine helps children feel secure and organized. Encourage your child to go to bed early, eat a healthy breakfast, and prepare in advance for test days. A well-rested child will perform better than one who is tired or rushed.
   
   

2. Practice with Sample Questions
   Familiarize your child with the format of the test by practicing with sample questions or past papers. This will reduce any anxiety they might have about the unknown and help them understand the types of questions they’ll encounter.
   
   

3. Encourage Breaks and Downtime
   Studying for long periods can lead to burnout. Encourage regular breaks to help your child recharge. Whether it’s a short walk, a snack, or a quick game, these breaks can help maintain focus and prevent stress.
   
   

4. Focus on Critical Thinking
   Instead of simply memorizing facts, encourage your child to think critically about what they’ve learned. Ask open-ended questions and engage them in discussions that help them apply their knowledge to different scenarios.
   
   

5. Create a Stress-Free Environment
   Test anxiety can impact performance. Set up a quiet, distraction-free space for study and ensure your child feels supported, not pressured. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in building confidence.
   
   

6. Stay Positive and Encouraging
   Your attitude plays a big role in how your child approaches testing. Celebrate small successes and remind them that doing their best is what truly matters. Let them know that testing is just one part of their learning journey.
   
   

Remember, preparation is about more than just practice—it’s about ensuring your child feels confident and capable. With a calm and steady approach, parents can help their children excel not just in tests, but in their overall academic growth.

If you have any questions or need additional resources, feel free to reach out!

Best regards,
Tomara Hammond-Curriculum Specialist