Harlan Happenings

We’re off to a fantastic start this school year, and there’s so much to celebrate and look forward to! This week’s newsletter is filled with exciting events, important reminders, and helpful tools to keep your family organized and connected to all the great things happening at Harlan. From dancing the night away at our Family Atten-DANCE to preparing for Open House and honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.

📌 Here’s what’s inside this week’s issue:

• 📝 Family Atten-DANCE Event

• ⏰ Upcoming survey for 4th & 5th graders

• ✅ Daily Checklist Template + Tips for Staying Organized at Home

📅 Mark Your Calendars:

• Wednesday, September 17 – Open House | 6:00 – 7:30 PM

• Thursday, September 18 – PTA Meeting | 6:00 PM via Zoom

• Tuesday, September 23 – No School (Offices Open) | Rosh Hashanah

• Friday, September 12 & 19 – Wear Your House Colors

• Monday, September 15 – Hispanic Heritage Month Begins | Board of Education Meeting 7–9 PM

• Thursday, September 18 – Lockdown Drill | 10:15 AM

Let’s keep building momentum together—read on for all the details!

Harlan Hawks, it’s time to show your school spirit! Next week we’re kicking off Spirit Week with fun themes each day. We can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity and school pride shining bright!

📅 Spirit Week Themes

• Monday: Dress for Success

• Tuesday: Positive T-Shirt

• Wednesday: Twin or Triple Day

• Thursday: Camouflage Day

• Friday: Superhero Day

Let’s make it a week full of color, fun, and Harlan pride—don’t forget to dress up each day and join in the celebration!

Looking for a way to help your student start the day with focus and positivity? At Harlan, our students recite a pledge every morning to set the tone for learning and remind themselves of their promises and expectations both inside and outside the classroom.

How cool would it be if families joined in at home? Starting the day with this affirmation together can remind students that their caregivers also stand behind and support Harlan’s expectations—setting the tone for confidence and school pride.

The Harlan Hawk Pledge

I am proud to be a Harlan Hawk
I promise to SOAR each day
I will be safe in and out of school
And organized in every way
I will be accountable for all I do
And respectful to me and you
I am a Harlan Hawk
Watch me SOAR!

We’ve been sharing how important attendance is to student success—and we’re so passionate about it that we decided to celebrate with a Family Atten-DANCE! That’s right, grab your dancing shoes and join us for a night of fun, trivia, and music.

It’s been said that putting music to things we need to remember makes it stick—so let’s learn, laugh, and dance together.

✨ Here’s a hint: Trivia questions will be based on the attached “Too Sick for School” worksheet. If you’re competitive and aiming for bragging rights, be sure to give it a read ahead of time!

🍕 Schedule:

• Pizza served: 5:30–6:00 PM

• Dance & Trivia: 6:00–7:00 PM

Reporting an Absence:
Families, please use the district’s Attendance Request Form to report absences, early dismissals, or tardies:
👉 Submit an Absence Here

📎 Attached: Please find our “Too Sick for School” informational flier—available in both English and Spanish—that explains when students should stay home. (The form is also available in Spanish.)

We can't wait to see you there!

Our PTA has so much in store for Harlan families this year, and we’d love for you to be a part of it!

🗓 First PTA Meeting of the Year

• When: Thursday, September 18, 2025

• Time: 6:00 PM (Eastern)

• Where: Zoom

What’s Coming Up:
🍧 Special Treat Alert! Kona Ice and other refreshing desserts will be visiting our school—details attached.
📅 Monthly Events Calendar: Attached below so your family can stay in the loop.
🙌 Join the PTA: Becoming a member is just a one-time fee of $8—an easy way to support programs, events, and opportunities for all of our students.

Together, let’s make this year one to remember! 💙

• Use a Daily Checklist to Establish Routines – Create a simple list of morning, school, and bedtime tasks to help students stay on track. We’ve attached a template for your convenience, and printed copies are also available in the main office.

• Use a Family Calendar – Post important school dates, activities, and deadlines where everyone can easily see them.

• Break Big Projects into Steps – Encourage students to start early and divide large assignments into smaller, manageable parts.

• Limit Clutter – Clean out backpacks and folders weekly to remove old papers and keep things organized.

• Celebrate Progress – Praise students when they follow routines and stay organized—it builds confidence and motivation.

• Model Organization – Show your student how you use checklists, calendars, or planners—kids learn best by example.