Hickory Ridge Highlights

THANK YOU

I wanted to send a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone for making our Halloween events so meaningful. From sending in treats and little items, decorating trunks for Trunk or Treat, attending the parade, supporting the classroom parties or sending students in costumes. These memories are so important to all.

3rd Grade ELA State Testing

Our 3rd graders worked so hard this week on the Ohio State ELA Assessment, and we are so proud of their effort and determination! They put their best foot forward and showed all that they have learned. A big thank-you to our families for helping ensure students came to school rested, prepared, and ready to do their best. Your support makes a difference! Assessment results are expected to be available sometime in December.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Bailey

Principal

Hickory Ridge Elementary

330-273-0483

jamiebailey@bcsoh.org

November 2026

11/2 - No School - Teacher Inservice Day

11/3 - No School - Voting Day - CONFERENCES 11am-7pm

11/4 - Book Worms K-2 3:30 pm

11/6 - Puzzle Club 7:45 am

11/6 - PTG Popcorn Day

11/9 - Morning Announcements

11/9 - Good Vibe Guides 3:15 Dress Rehearsal

11/10 - Veteran's Day Concert 4G/5G

11/10 - Growing Up Gardeners 3:30 pm

11/12 - 1G to BHS for a Play

11/12 - Healthy Hound dogs Group 1 7:45 am

11/12 - Fire Drill

11/13 - Good Vibe Guides Teaching HS Health

11/16 - Morning Announcements 8:00 am

11/16 - Good Vibe Guides Group 2 Rehearsal 3:15

11/17 - Book Worms 3:30 pm

11/17 - Growing Up Gardeners 3:30 pm

11/19 - Healthy Hound Dogs Group 2 7:45 am

11/20 - Puzzle Club 7:45 am

11/20 - Good Vibe Guides Group 2 at BHS

11/23 - Morning Announcements 8:00 am

11/24 - House Meeting 2:30 pm

11/24 - PTG Deck the Halls

11/25-11/27 - Thanksgiving Break

11/30 - Morning Announcements 8:00 am

We have had some beautiful fall weather so far, I hope you all are loving it as much as I am! Unfortunately, I think the cold weather will be here before we know it. Please make sure your child is dressing for the weather and if you need any items, let me know. Please also reach out to me if you need any support for your child or have any questions about anything. My contact information is listed below.

We will be continuing with the Second Step lessons in November. This month we will be focusing on Empathy. Your child(ren) will learn that empathy means to walk in someone else’s shoes or understand how they are feeling. They will also see examples of how to help others that are having uncomfortable feelings. Please continue to reinforce these concepts at home with your child(ren). See the parent links (listed below in this newsletter) for more information on this topic (and others) and how you can work with your child on these concepts at home to help with their social emotional learning.

Encourage Good Behavior by Teaching Your Child Basic Values

Every parent wants a well-behaved, pleasant and happy child. Every teacher hopes to have such children in class. Most often, these are the children who have learned a few basic values. After that, good behavior follows naturally. Try modeling these values for your child:

• Knowing how the other person feels (empathy). Encourage your child to comfort a sad friend. If a friend becomes angry, ask your child why they think their friend feels that way.

• Sharing with others. Of course it’s important for your child to learn to share toys. But also teach them to give their time. They could draw a picture for an elderly neighbor or do a chore for them, for example.

• Figuring things out. If your child comes to you with a problem, don’t always rush to solve it. Give your child a chance to solve it themselves. This teaches them to think, then act.

• Looking at the bright side. Stay positive. If something goes wrong, talk about what you could do differently next time. Laugh with your child whenever possible.

• Sticking to it. Very few things always go right the first time. But they often go right after lots of practice.

• Respecting self and others. Use kind words and a pleasant tone when you speak to your child and other people. Make it clear that you require them to do the same.

• Telling the truth. Children learn that if they see and hear you being truthful, it is what they should do as well.

Source: Parents Make the Difference!, The Parent Institute, a division of NIS, Inc.

The Second Step Program has a link that parents can utilize to reinforce the skills that their children have learned for the week. All you need to do is the following:

Use this link www.SecondStep.org then enter the following Activation Key:

Kindergarten- SSPK FAMILY70 Look for Lessons under Home Link

1st Grade-SSP1 FAMILY71 Look for Lessons under Home Link

2nd Grade-SSP2 FAMILY72 Look for Lessons under Home Link

3rd Grade-SSP3 FAMILY73 Look for Lessons under Home Link

4th Grade-SSP4 FAMILY74 Look for Lessons under Home Link

5th Grade-SSP5 FAMILY75 Look for Lessons under Home Link

Fall is in full swing, but winter weather will be here before we know it! We’re bringing back our popular student art contest to feature artwork on our social media pages during snow days. If your child would like to participate, they can submit scannable artwork to their school art teacher by November 27th. Click HERE for full details.

Just a reminder that students who are dropped off before 8:50 am will not have supervision. If you are riding an early drop off bus, students come into the cafeteria when the bus arrives. Safety Patrol is out at 8:45 am and supports our walkers on their way in.

Like many districts across Ohio, we’re looking for great people to join our bus driving team! If you or anyone you know might be interested, check out more details HERE or reach out to Heidi Armentrout at harmentrout@bcsoh.org.

26-'27 PTG email distribution

If you wish to be on the 2026-2027 distribution list please sign up using the below link.

2026-2027 PTG Email Distribution

Dine to Donate

Upcoming Dine to Donates are Panda Express (December 11th) and Dairy Queen (March 16th).

Get to Know Our Teacher's Favorite Things

Want to make a teacher’s day? Get to know our teachers a little better by checking out their Favorite Things! From favorite snacks and drinks to hobbies, restaurants, and classroom supplies, this is a fun way to discover the little things that bring our teachers joy. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, a way to show appreciation, or simply want to get to know the amazing people who make our school special, their Favorite Things are a great place to start!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wMMrsBKLQDe6uBgvm3TAUXzvkXG1pu0quTv0usJv3NA/edit?gid=514390586#gid=514390586

PTG Meetings

Our meetings take place at Hickory Ridge in the Pit. Upcoming meetings are:

November 18, 2026

January 13, 2027

February 24, 2027

April 7, 2027

May 12, 2027

Box Tops

Last year we earned $800 simply by scanning receipts! Let's see if we can beat that again this year. A flyer will be sent home with your student(s) if it has not already!

Save the Date:

Santa Shop: December 3rd & December 4th

We will be looking for volunteers to help students shop. Sign up link will be posted at the end of October.

As always, please reach out to the PTG email if you have any questions! We are looking forward to a GREAT '26-'27 school year!

Popcorn Fridays

PTG hosts Popcorn Fridays on the first Friday of each month.* If you missed the Popcorn Pass Sign Up, don’t worry, students can bring in money for Popcorn that Friday. Popcorn Friday Dates are below:

November 6, 2026

December 11, 2026

January 8, 2027

February 5, 2027

March 5, 2027

April 9, 2027

May 7, 2027

Click here for PaySchools Central to register and create your account.

Also, any outstanding student class fees have been transferred to PaySchools. You will also have the option to pay any Athletic and Marching Band Pay to Participate fees through your PaySchools account.

There are no fees involved when paying your student's fees online.

There will be a small transaction fee for the Meal Accounts.

• Credit/Debit Cards (Transactions less than $25.00) $1.65 per transaction

• Credit/Debit Cards (Transactions $25 to $49.99) $2.00 per transaction

• Credit/Debit Cards (Transactions greater than $49.99) 4.5%

• Electronic Check (All transaction amounts) $1.75 per transaction

Several PaySchool links are provided below. At the bottom of each informational document, you will find PaySchools customer service contact information. Feel free to reach out to PaySchools if you encounter a problem when creating your account.

If you have a district-related question regarding your fees please contact Tina Campbell, Administrative Assistant to the Treasurer, at tcampbell@bcsoh.org. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this transition.

PaySchools Parent Registration

PaySchools Free and Reduced Application

PaySchool Meal Account

Website: https://www.bcsoh.org/Domain/12
Location: 4628 Hickory Ridge Avenue, Brunswick, OH, USA
Phone: (330) 273-0483
Twitter: @BCSDHRidge