October 2, 2020

Dear HFS Families,

Happy Friday! It’s hard to believe that September is already over, but here we are in October already. The students and teachers have really settled in, and they are beginning to hit their stride as the academic year progresses. I am so proud of the students, staff, and families. I’m seeing students and staff working hard, and it fills me with such joy that I get to be here with you all. “In all labor there is profit, but mere talk tends only to loss” (Proverbs 14:23).

Teacher Spotlight

This week I am shining the light on Mr. Joseph Quattrochi. Mr. Quattrochi is another new member to our faculty this year, and it has become apparent rather quickly that he is a favorite amongst the 5th and 6th grade students. It might have had something to do with the fact that he promised the kids they could “blow things up” in Science this year, or it could be that he has established an excellent rapport with his students and his colleagues. He makes class interesting and fun; so much so that I just might join them from time to time.

Virtual Learning Expectations

It has been brought to my attention by a number of teachers that there seems to be some confusion regarding the virtual learning option. We expect that students will be out for typical illnesses - colds, viruses, etc.; however, the virtual learning option is structured more for students who will be out of the building for an extended period of time.

Emailing the teacher on the morning of an absence that you would like your child to attend school virtually that day does not provide the teacher with enough time to prepare the necessary materials. I understand that it is not always possible, but please try to email the teachers at least the night before an absence. 

Additionally, if you are opting to keep your child home for more than 3 days in a row with no real illness, then you should keep your child home for the remainder of the week, AND you should still let the office know. Teachers and parents are under a great deal of pressure this year, and we all need to work together to make this work. If you are concerned about Covid-19 and feel uncomfortable sending your child into the building, you can certainly choose the online option. All we ask is that you let us know.

For those of you who have chosen the virtual option, please monitor your children throughout the day. It is difficult for a teacher to work with children in a live and virtual setting when the online students are not prepared with the correct and/or necessary materials. Students should be seated at a table/desk and not on a bed. It should be an area as free from distraction as possible. Students should be present for the entirety of the lesson; otherwise, they will be marked absent.  In addition, students should be wearing their uniform shirts.

We want our students to be successful, and we need to have a strong partnership in order for that to happen. I am grateful for all that you are doing to collaborate with us.

Masks

Our students have adapted so wonderfully to wearing their masks each day. I am so proud of them! 

I also want to take this opportunity to share some updates and reminders with you regarding the masks.

• All students should have an extra mask or two in their backpacks.

• Masks should be washed AT LEAST at the end of every week.

• Gaiter masks and bandanas are not acceptable.

• Masks with valves on them are strongly discouraged as they filter the air for the wearer, but they do not filter the air being pushed out.

Upcoming Dates

10/8/2020            2nd Grade Prayer Service

This will be a virtual prayer service. The teachers will email a Zoom link to the 2nd grade families so they can attend if they wish to do so. Please do not share this link with anyone. This is ONLY for parents of 2nd Grade students.

It looks like we have another beautiful weekend coming our way. I hope you find the time to be together, relax, and enjoy it.
Peace and Joy, 
Mrs. Jennifer D’Amelio