The Husky Herald
April 19, 2024
A Message From Our Administration...
Dear Huskies,
We would like to start off by thanking our parents and families for joining us at last week's Shower Your Student With Love lunch date! We were blown away by the amount of support and genuine love from our community. With our 4th and final quarter of the 2023-2024 school year officially underway, we are quickly approaching the busiest time of the school year! Please make sure to check both your email and parent portal often, as well as our monthly newsletters, for upcoming events and closing activities. In this week's newsletter, we announce the dates for our Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony, our annual Red Carpet Gala, our upcoming Me & My Gal Sneaker Ball - AND MORE. Read on to hear about all of the great things happening at Hanover Hills Elementary! We will share more about our RECC and Kindergarten closing ceremonies, as well as other grade specific end-of-year activities, in the coming weeks.
As always, we truly value the home-to-school connection we have built with our families and want to thank you in advance for your continued support as we navigate our wonderful end-of-year traditions. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to a member of our administration or the Front Office.
Warmly,
Mr. Todd, HHES Principal
Ms. Kanter, HHES Assistant Principal
Ms. Katie Lee, HHES Administrative Intern
Save The Date! 🗓️
- April 22, 2024-April 26, 2024: 5th Grade MCAP Testing (ELA)
- April 23, 2024: 3rd Grade Talent Show Auditions (8:45AM)
- April 24, 2024: 4th Grade Talent Show Auditions (8:45AM)
- April 25, 2024: 5th Grade Talent Show Auditions (8:45AM)
- April 25, 2024: Take Your Student to Work Day (Info Below)
- April 29, 2024-May 3, 2024: 3rd Grade MCAP Testing (Math)
- April 29, 2024-May 3, 2024: 5th Grade MCAP Testing (Math)
- May 2, 2024: Quarter 3 Awards Assemblies (Info TBA)
- May 3, 2024: MESA Closing Ceremony (4:00PM)
- May 3, 2024: Me & My Gal Sneaker Ball (6:00PM, Info Below)
- May 6, 2024-May 10, 2024: 4th Grade MCAP Testing (Math)
- May 7, 2024: Band & Chorus Concert (More Info TBA)
- May 9, 2024: Field Day (More Info TBA)
- May 10, 2024: Fifth Grade Field Trip (Annapolis)
- May 13, 2024: Red Carpet Gala (5:30-7:30PM)
- May 14, 2024: SCHOOL CLOSED (Primary Election Day)
- May 16, 2024: Orchestra (Strings) Concert (More Info TBA)
- May 17, 2024: Early Dismissal (12:55PM, Articulation Day)
- May 21, 2024: Fourth Grade Field Trip (More Info TBA)
- May 23, 2024: May Food Pantry (6:00PM)
- May 27, 2024: SCHOOL CLOSED (Memorial Day)
- May 29, 2024: Kindergarten Field Trip (Zoo)
- May 30, 2024: Third Grade Field Trip (Science Center)
- May 30, 2024: HHES Talent Show
- May 31, 2024: Simulated Congressional Hearings (5th Grade)
Related Arts Schedule: Week of 04/22 and 04/29
23-24 Yearbooks: On sale now!
The sale for our 2023-2024 HHES Yearbook ENDS THIS SUNDAY! Your students are busy making schoolwide memories. Take a moment to purchase your student's yearbook and help make those memories last a lifetime. Orders will be accepted online only through THIS Sunday, 4/21/24. At this time, we cannot guarantee that extras will be available for sale in-person. Please order your yearbook online now to avoid upset later.
To place your yearbook order, visit ybpay.com and enter our unique Yearbook ID Code: 14796324
Yearbook packages begin at $20. Personalization packages are also available. All order must be placed by 4/21/24.
Talent Show Auditions: Grades 3-5
The HHES Talent Show is coming! Families are invited to join us on Thursday, May 30th, from 6:00-8:00PM for our annual HHES Talent Show! Come to cheer on our singers, dancers, acrobats, musicians, comedians and MORE!
Auditions will be held for student performers in Grades 3-5:
- Third Grade: Auditions will be held on Tuesday, 4/23, at 8:45AM
- Fourth Grade: Auditions will be held on Wednesday, 4/24, at 8:45AM
- Fifth Grade: Auditions will be held on Thursday, 4/25, at 8:45AM
IMPORTANT: Any student auditioning before school will need a signed permission slip. (This form is mandatory and will be provided to students by request.) Students must be dropped off to a staff member under the awning at 8:45AM on their grade's scheduled audition date (above). Parents are required to remain with their student until they are picked up by a staff member. However, parents are not authorized to watch auditions.
Please email your student's teacher to request a permission slip on your student's behalf.
Take Your Child To Work Day: 4/25/24
Take Your Daughters/Sons to Work Day is a public education program sponsored by the Ms. Foundation for Women, which was launched in 1992. This year, Take Your Daughters/Sons to Work Day will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The Howard County Public School System supports this program, which encourages students to go to work with an adult mentor. It is a great opportunity for students to investigate future careers!
If your student is going to participate in this program on April 25, 2024, and will thus be absent from school, please complete and submit the following form: https://forms.gle/cyQKNs1Gz5e7LPNL7
Please contact the Front Office at 410-313-8066 if you have any additional questions.
Me & My Gal Sneaker Ball: Friday, 5/3/24
Calling the little "guys" of HHES! Join us on Friday, 5/3/24, from 6:00-8:00PM for our Me & My Gal Sneaker Ball! This very special event is for the little gentlemen of Hanover Hills and the special gal in their life. A play on the traditional mother-son event, students are welcome to bring whichever important female figure in their life that they choose. Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, relatives, siblings or other female family members over the age of 18 are welcome to attend this special evening with their "guy".
PLEASE NOTE: Due to space limitations, fathers may only attend this event in a volunteer capacity. Female siblings and non-HHES students must also remain home. No infants, toddlers, or non-HHES students will be admitted.
SUPPORT NEEDED! Please support our event by signing up to volunteer or donate an item HERE.
DON'T FORGET TO RSVP! Visit https://forms.gle/Y9DedxRX8D787PeR7
We are rolling out the red carpet! A 360 photo station will also be on site for photos of our guys and their gals! This event is "DRESS TO IMPRESS" and FLY SNEAKERS are encouraged. Other activities include music, dancing, a game truck, and MORE!
Field Day: Volunteer Sign-Up Info (5/9)
Please save the date for our annual HHES Field Day, which is scheduled for Thursday, 5/9/24! We are so excited for this annual event and know it wouldn't be possible without the support of our wonderful Parent Volunteers! Please find the schedule and parent volunteer info below:
SCHEDULE:
Session 1: Grades 2, 3 and 5, plus AM Pre-K/RECC
Field Day Event Time: 10:00-11:30AM
Session 2: Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 4, plus PM Pre-K/RECC
Field Day Event Time: 1:00-2:30PM
VOLUNTEER CHECKLIST:
In order to volunteer and be a part of field day in any capacity, the following steps MUST be completed by Tuesday, 5/7/24:
All volunteers must be listed on Sign Up Genius by 5/7/24 (direct link): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F45A4AD2CA13-49204310-field
All trainings listed must be completed. (Confidentiality AND Child abuse, links in Sign-Up Genius.)
Your name and completed certificates needs to be uploaded to the google form found here: https://forms.gle/baRRFGUSG5kfgXW26
PLEASE NOTE:
*Younger siblings (including infants and toddlers) will NOT be permitted on school grounds during Field Day due to school and HCPSS policy.
*Volunteers will be required to sign-in to confirm these steps are completed and choose a station to assist. Volunteers must have their license or ID at the time of sign-in.
IMPORTANT: Fifth Grade News
Information has also gone home with our students regarding the Fifth Grade Annapolis Field Trip on 5/10/24. Great news! Due to our Double Good fundraising efforts, the cost for this trip is only $5.50 per student. Please make sure to sign and return the permission form, as well as make payment online at https://osp.osmsinc.com/HowardMD/, no later than 5/1/24.
FREE Bowie Baysox Game: 5/11/24
Join us for a celebration of our Husky Readers! Each student has earned one (1) free pair of gameday tickets (one for the student and one for an adult family member) to the Bowie Baysox Baseball game on Saturday, 5/11/24, at 6:35PM. Tickets will be sent home with students.
How did your student earn these tickets? HHES participated in the “Read and Hit a Home Run” reading program through the Bowie Baysox Baseball Program where students earned free baseball tickets for reading at least four books between January and March.
Does your family need more tickets? The Baysox organization is offering additional reduced price tickets and options to upgrade tickets for a small fee. To purchase additional tickets or to upgrade your current tickets, follow the directions provided in the letter sent home with your student.
Show your school spirit! We hope every student is able to join us on Saturday, 5/11/24. Please make sure you wear Husky spirit wear to the game to represent our school and to easily find your friends and teachers!
Join Us! Red Carpet Gala: 5/13/24
Please join us in celebrating our Huskies! This annual event celebrates and recognizes the many contributions and outstanding work of the amazing students of HHES. From classroom projects to schoolwide programs and initiatives, every student will be showcased during this star-studded event! We will also have several food trucks on site for families to purchase dinner AND dessert. (Scheduled to Attend: All Fired Up Pizza, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Old Line Eats, Taco Bar Food Truck) We are rolling out the red carpet - literally! Families and esteemed guests are encouraged to dress to impress. We look forward to seeing everyone on 5/13/24.
HCPSS: 23-24 UPDATED School Calendar
As of Tuesday, 4/2/24, HCPSS has used three inclement weather days this school year. Therefore, the adjusted last day of school for students is now scheduled to be Friday, 6/14/24. The last day for half-day Pre-K/RECC students is currently Tuesday, 6/11/24.
The final two weeks for the 2023-2024 school year are adjusted as follows:
Monday, 6/3/24: Regular School Day
Tuesday, 6/4/24: Regular School Day
Wednesday, 6/5/24: 3hr Early Dismissal (12:55PM, Professional Work Day)
Thursday, 6/6/24: Regular School Day
Friday, 6/7/24: Regular School Day (updated change)
Monday, 6/10/24: Regular School Day (updated change)
Tuesday, 6/11/24: Regular School Day (Last day for Pre-K/RECC Students)
Wednesday, 6/12/24: 3hr Early Dismissal (12:55PM, Professional Work Day)
Thursday, 6/13/24: 3hr Early Dismissal (12:55PM, Professional Work Day)
Friday, 6/14/24: 3hr Early Dismissal (12:55PM, Professional Work Day, Last Day of School)
The updated 23-24 HCPSS Academic Calendar is available online. This information is subject to change, pending any additional inclement weather.
IMPORTANT: HCPSS School and Policy Reminders
HCPSS SCHOOL VISITATION POLICY: With the exception of visitation during your student's assigned lunch time, in order to limit interruptions to instruction and maximize safety for all, visitors are asked to follow the HCPSS procedures below:
- Parents or guardians requesting visitation must contact their student's teacher and the administration at least 24 hours in advance to discuss the purpose of the visit and to establish a convenient time for both the visitor and the school. Visitors must receive prior approval before entering the classroom and/or building. Teachers may request that visits be rescheduled to serve instructional needs and our students overall best interests.
- All approved visitors must sign in at the main office, receive a visitor badge, and sign an authorization and confidentiality form. Visitors are required to provide a photo ID to be used at our LobbyGuard system.
- For the safety and security of our school community, visitors are not authorized to escort their student through the building during arrival or dismissal time, or throughout the instructional school day. For more information, CLICK HERE.
RECESS VISITATION GUIDELINES: The Office of School Safety, Security and Risk Management, in collaboration with School Management and Instructional Leadership, reviewed county wide practices regarding school visits and it has been determined that parents are no longer able to visit during recess. Parents can continue to eat lunch with their child if they complete the required visitation guidelines. For more general recess guidelines related to Policy 9090, CLICK HERE.
ANIMALS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS: Animals, including dogs, are prohibited within HCPSS buildings. Animals are also prohibited on school grounds during arrival, dismissal, recess, and any other HCPSS sponsored outdoor activities. This includes therapy and emotional support animals (dogs and other animals), which are not permitted on HCPSS school grounds. Documented service animals, or service animals in training per MD Annotated Code Section 7-705 (Service Animals), are exempt from this prohibition. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times. For any questions, we can provide reference to the HCPSS Circular 19 and 21.
Spring Testing Information
Need help? Find support below!
Principal, Mr. Troy Todd: troy_todd@hcpss.org
Assistant Principal, Ms. Wendy Kanter: wendy_kanter@hcpss.org
Administrative Intern, Ms. Katie Lee: katherine_lee@hcpss.org
Principal's Secretary, Mrs. Alisha Brackney: alisha_brackney@hcpss.org
Registrar and Records, Mrs. Ivette Mercado: ivette_mercado@hcpss.org
Registrar and RECC Program, Mrs. Stephanie Sandlin: stephanie_sandlin@hcpss.org
Registrar and Attendance, Mrs. Michele Yates: michele_yates@hcpss.org
School Counselor, Ms. Kristen Tacka: kristen_tacka@hcpss.org
School Counselor, Ms. Hanadi Hill: hanadi_el-bashir_hill@hcpss.org
School Psychologist, Ms. Kristin Meyering: kristin_meyering@hcpss.org
School Psychologist, Mr. Jeff Leard: jeff_leard@hcpss.org
Hispanic Liaison, Ms. Griselda Osorio: griselda_osorio@hcpss.org
International Liaison, Ms. Bibi Tial: bcni_tial@hcpss.org
Black Student Achievement Program Liaison, Ms. Stacie Thomas: stacie_thomas@hcpss.org
Pupil Personnel Worker, Mrs. Cheryl Hurbon: cheryl_hurbon@hcpss.org
School Nurse, Mrs. Cheryl McNerney: cheryl_mcnerney@hcpss.org
School Based Wellness Center, Ms. Annette Baldwin: abaldwin@howardcountymd.gov
HHES PTA President, Ms. Melissa Hepburn: hanoverhillspta@gmail.com