A Piece From The Principal's Puzzle

March

31 - ACAP Pep Rally for Grades 2-6

April

1 - ACAP Testing Begins at Blossomwood (Grades 2-6)

18 - E-Learning Day

24 - PTA Program with Grades 3, 4, & 5 performing

May

2 - K for A Day

6 - Chapman Day at BES - Classes/Grade levels from Chapman will visit BES for a tour.

6 - PTA Meeting at 5:30 pm to Welcome Chapman Families - Please try to attend.

End of Year Awards Schedule (See your child's teacher for additional details)

Tuesday, May 13

- 9:00 am -Grade K (Cafeteria)

- 1:00 pm -Grade 1 (Cafeteria)

Wednesday, May 14

- 11:00 AM - Grade Pre-K (Auditorium)

- 1:00 pm - Grade 3 (Cafeteria)

Thursday, May 15

- 9:30 am - Grade 2 (Auditorium)

- 1:00 pm - 4th Grade (Cafeteria)

Monday, May 19

- 9:00 am - 6th Grade (Cafeteria)

- 1:00 pm - 5th Grade (Cafeteria)

Kite Day 2025 was one of the best kite weather days that we have experienced in years! Thanks to all of the parents that were able to come out and enjoy it with us, and thank you to our PTA and D.O.G.S. Dads that volunteered that day as well. It was a great day filled with sunshine and just enough wind!

Congratulations to our 2024-2025 Greenpower Team on their first competition last Saturday at Grissom High School! The team has had a great deal of fun building the car, learning a great deal about the math and science behind racing, and competing against teams from all over the Southeastern United States! Our next race is next Saturday at Hazel Green High School.

ACAP, which stands for the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program, is an online assessment designed to provide students, parents, teachers, administrators, and Alabama residents with information regarding student progress toward mastery of the Alabama Course of Study Standards.

• Students in grades 2-6 take assessments covering English language arts and math.
• Students in grades 4 and 6 are also tested in science.

ACAP Online Testing Tools. These interactive resources allow students to practice with the test format, including technology-enhanced questions, multiple-choice, and writing responses. Using these tools can help students feel more comfortable and confident on test day.

How to Access ACAP Online Tools:

1. Visit https://wbte.drcedirect.com/AL/portals/al
2. Click "Online Tools Training"
3. Select the appropriate grade level and subject
4. Explore test questions and practice using the available tools

We have an exciting opportunity for all HCS elementary students, teachers, and parents! First in Math has offered a free trial for the entire month of April in celebration of National Math Month! This is a fantastic way for students to sharpen their math skills while having fun.

How It Works:

• Completely FREE for students, parents, and teachers Earn points for your school by solving math problems
• The school with the most problems solved in April wins a special prize from First in Math!
• Optional enrichment – participation is encouraged but not required

Due to the severe weather closure on February 19, we will have a make-up eLearning Day on Friday, April 18, 2025. Students will not attend school in person but will participate in remote learning from home.

For Students in Grades K-6:

• Assignments will be given in reading, math, science, and social studies.

• Teachers will communicate how assignments will be shared with students and with the parents through an instructional email from the classroom teacher.

• Completed work must be submitted using the method specified by the teacher.

• To support students, teachers will offer two or three scheduled virtual office sessions to answer questions and provide assistance. If your child's teacher is planing to be on leave for this day, you and your child will have access to virtual office hours of another teacher in your child's grade. Your child's teacher will communicate this information to you in the instructional letter.

• A detailed instructional letter will be by your child's teacher by April 15, 2025, with additional guidance.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher or me for assistance. Thank you for your support in ensuring a smooth transition to remote learning for this make-up day.

Sincerely,

Bradley A. Scott, Ed.D.

Use this link to find the new student or returning student tabs: https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/departments/strategy-and-innovation

1. If you live in the same residence, as the previous year, you will only need to provide a Utility Bill for that particular residence. Please make sure that the uploaded picture clearly shows your name, address, a date within the last 30 days.
2. If you have moved, you will need to provide 2 Proofs of Residency. Please upload the Utility Bill as stated above AND a copy of your new lease, deed, mortgage, or rental agreement showing your name, address, date, and signature.

• Note: Uploading the Proof of Residency is very important! This will ensure that your student's enrollment & Registration is complete.
• Also note: while completing your student's registration, please make note of the portion including contacts. Make sure that the contacts that you desire to add, match what is asked of you. Additional Custodial Contacts would include Mother, Father, or Legal Guardian. Additional Contacts would be the area to add a simple authorization for pick up, emergency contact, etc.
• Please email our office manager, Mrs. Cottrell, with any questions. Her email address is sherri.cottrell@hsv-k12.org

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 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.

After registering for a session, a link will be sent to your email address one day before the training.

The main function of the house system is to develop a sense of identity or belonging and to celebrate achievements. Schools with a structure or system like this cite the positive impact it has on the educational experience and school culture. Students report how it helps them form friendships and closer bonds with peers, and teachers share that students seem to enjoy seeing a connection with students in other classrooms as well as other grade levels. As a school, we also believe our new House System supports our school mission statement and vision.

During the first week of school or upon enrollment, all of our students and staff have the opportunity to digitally "spin" the wheel to randomly sort each student into one of four groups or houses — Emerald, Garnet, Onyx, or Sapphire.

Our House System is designed to:

1. Create school-wide community by creating opportunities for students to connect to staff and students in other classes and grades that share their house. Older students become natural leaders by mentoring and supporting younger students. Mentoring also extends to teachers and school staff members who are also assigned to a house.
2. Create a culture of belonging as students are recognized for accomplishments both academically as well as their choices related to behavior.
3. Emphasize building character through a reward system that goes beyond earning a piece of candy for doing something good. Each individual achievement adds to the collective house/group, making the reward hopefully more meaningful and social.
   
4. Provide opportunities to praise and accentuate positives for both individual students and collective groups of students.