PES Pirate News

Important Dates!

February

Feb. 10 Faculty meeting

Feb. 10 Progress Reports go home

Feb. 14 Valentine's Day Class Celebrations / Half Day for students

Feb. 17 President's Day Holiday - no school

Feb. 27 PTA Sponsored Black History Program 6:00-7:30

HCS Pre-K Applications Now Open, Pre-Registration Sessions, and Random Drawing

Applications Now Open

The 2025 - 2026 Pre-K application is now open! Visit the School Readiness Department on the Huntsville City Schools website to apply. If you would like further information about the application process or the Pre-K program, please join us for one of the Pre-K Pre-Registration Sessions.

Random Drawing

Due to limited availability, the HCS School Readiness Department will host a random drawing March 5-6, 2025 where schools will draw names for their pre-k programs. Families who apply will receive more information prior to the drawing regarding how to view the selection process.

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:

• February 21, 2025 (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) - Supporting Student Well-Being: A Parent Training on Behavioral Health Counseling in the School Setting

• March 19, 2025 (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) - Unlocking Potential: Parent Training on Extended School Year (ESY) Services

• April 2, 2025 (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) - Preparing for the Future: A Parent Training on Transition and Post-Secondary Outcomes in Alabama

• 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.

If children hear the people around them saying they can’t do math, or that they don’t like math, this is likely to have a negative impact on children’s learning.

Here are some tips to help with creating a growth mindset in your child with math!

• Set high expectations! Doing this will show children that you believe they really can succeed.

• Celebrate mistakes! Mistakes should be encouraged, explored and celebrated. Research shows that mistakes actually increase a child’s capacity to learn and grow the brain. Explain to children that their brain is like a muscle which gets stronger with exercise – they’ll find it fascinating!

• Praise carefully! It’s so easy, when you’re feeling proud, to say things like “well done – you’re so clever”. This can reinforce a belief that children are either good, or not good, at something. Try to celebrate effort by saying things like – “well done – you tried so hard”.

• Talk about learning! When talking to children about their day, ask them about what they learned. Question whether they tried hard, and whether they were challenged. Celebrating the learning process is key.

• Encourage practice! If children dislike math, they may not want to do their homework. Remember to tell children that practice is the key to success!

As we begin 2025, it's the perfect time to reflect on our students' reading progress and set new goals for the months ahead. As your child’s reading specialist, I want to share a few updates, strategies, and tips to help your child continue growing as a confident and passionate reader in the coming months.

1. Mid-Year Check-In: January is an excellent time to assess your child's progress in reading. Take a moment to reflect on their growth. Are they reading with greater fluency? Are they comprehending the material more deeply? Let me know if you have any questions or concerns about their reading progress. I'm always here to support you.

2. Set New Reading Goals: Encourage your child to set a new reading goal for 2024! Whether it’s reading a certain number of books, mastering a new level, or reading a variety of genres, having a goal can motivate them to stay focused and engaged. I recommend talking with your child about the books they would love to read next!

3. Here are a few simple strategies you can use to support your child's reading development at home:

• Read together: Even if your child is reading independently, make time to read together. Take turns reading pages, and discuss the book afterward.
• Make connections: Help your child make connections between what they are reading and their own experiences, other books they've read, or current events.
• Ask questions: Encourage comprehension by asking questions before, during, and after reading. For example, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character acted that way?”
• Expand vocabulary: Introduce new words in context. When you come across an unfamiliar word, try using it in different sentences to help your child understand its meaning.
• Create a reading routine: Establish a quiet reading time each day. Whether it's before bed or during the afternoon, setting aside a dedicated time for reading helps make it a habit.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful new year filled with reading adventures!

If you’re looking for resources to enhance your child’s literacy skills, reach out to your child’s teacher or I can be reached at Lindsay.Madden@hsv-k12.org. We’re here to support you in nurturing a lasting love for reading in your child.

Warm regards,

Lindsay Madden

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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Good News Club is putting final touches on our program for your children. We cannot accept kindergarten students at this time, unless they have older siblings also attending the club. We will be starting after school Monday, September 16, and running on consecutive Mondays when school is in session. This attached registration form must be received before your child can attend. Please return one form for each child to Angela Boyd at baboyd11@gmail.com or turn into the school office by August 30. Blank forms are also available in the school office if needed.

Blessings to you and your families,

Angela Boyd

Good News Club Teacher