Dear Parents,
November 18-22 is American Education Week for public schools across the nation. Our Hammond Elementary students and staff welcome our families to visit and to join students in the classroom. Because we share the traffic loop with middle school, we ask our parents to visit between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in order to avoid challenges with bus and car movement. When you arrive, please report to the office to login and receive a visitor badge - you will need a picture identification card at the time of entrance. We would also appreciate your understanding in regards to younger siblings attending American Education Week. Although we enjoy meeting our students’ siblings, we are committed to maintaining consistency and reducing distractions throughout our academic day, so siblings are not able to attend. They are welcome to attend our family fun functions that are sponsored throughout the year by our PTA. Please also be aware that use of cell phones are not permitted during school hours and that pictures and videos are not permitted due to privacy matters.
 
Additionally, the school system calendar allows for teachers in grades K-5 to schedule conferences on November 25, 26 and 27.  We encourage you take this opportunity to talk with your child’s teacher about progress made during this quarter of the school year. This window of time is a special period as staff and parents discuss the hopes and dreams that you hold for your child. As parents, you know your child best and can offer such a helpful perspective to the team here at school! In preparation for the conference, I encourage you to review your child’s report card to note strengths and to determine if there are areas that you have questions. Writing questions in advance helps to support the process as time can be spent in rich discussion.
 
As a reminder, all students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. on November 25 and November 26.  Schools will be closed for students on Wednesday, November 27. You can access your child’s Language Arts teacher’s conference schedule beginning Monday, November 11 through www.hcpss.org/connect.  For specific instructions on how to register for a Conference go to: http://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/synergy-parent-teacher-conference-registration.pdf.

Sincerely,

Kimberlyn S. Pratesi
Principal
Hammond Elementary School
kimberlyn_pratesi@hcpss.org