Message from the Head of School
January 20, 2012
January 20, 2012
Greetings!
Tuesday, January 24th – Parent Curriculum Workshops- see schedule below
Saturday, January 28th – Parent Organization Sports Movie Night – 6:30 p.m. at HLA!
Tuesday, February 7th – Charter School Advocacy Day – Albany, NY – see attached
Monday, February 20th - Friday, February 24th – No School – President's Week
Monday, February 20th - Friday, February 24th – 3rd Grade Test Preparation Institute at HLA
Important Updates:
Tuesday, January 24th – Parent Curriculum Workshops – Grades K-2 Parent Curriculum Workshop is scheduled for 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. at HLA. Grade 3 Parent Workshop is scheduled for 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at HLA.
HLA Wednesday Lunchtime Clubs – HLA is happy to announce 'HLA Wednesday Lunchtime Clubs' for students in grades 2 and 3. Teachers have put together a selection of clubs for students to choose from in an HLA Club Course Catalogue. Students will be asked to select their club after reviewing the list of available clubs. There will be 12 different clubs to choose from including Drama Club, Hebrew Cinema Club, and Basketball Skills Club which will take place during the recess time of the lunch period.
Ballroom Dancing at HLA! – The Parent Organization has coordinated Ballroom Dancing classes with the Rising Stars Dance Studio for HLA students. Classes will take place after dismissal, weekly at HLA, beginning on January 18, 2012. Please see attached application which includes: pricing, schedule and important information. Please note there is NO BUS SERVICE for dismissal of these students. Parents are required to pick up their children at the end of each class. You may send in your application and payment to the main office.
Parent Organization Sports Movie Night – Saturday, January 28th at 6:30 pm at HLA. Children are encouraged to dress up as sports players or cheerleaders. Please bring blankets, pillows or sleeping bags to sit on during the movie. All students must be accompanied by an adult. This month's movie: The Smurfs
Parent Organization T-Shirt & Sweatshirt Sales – The Parent Organization would like to thank everyone who ordered HLA T-Shirts and Sweatshirts. These items are in production and are expected to arrive at HLA by the end of the month.
Grade 3 ELA and Math Test Preparation Institute – Monday, February 20th - Friday, February 24th :
In response to the survey of 3rd grade families, we will be conducting a Test Preparation Institute for Grade 3 students during President's Week, February 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th at HLA. Both ELA and Math will be covered. Parents are required to provide transportation for his or her child. HLA will not provide bus service. Student's should arrive to HLA at 8:30 a.m. and will be dismissed promptly at 12:30 p.m. Breakfast will be provided. There will be a second Test Preparation Institute held on April 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th for third grade students. Please note that both Test Preparation Institutes held at HLA are ONLY for 3rd grade students.
Grade 3 ELA and Math Tests – Please note that the NYS ELA tests for grade 3 are scheduled for April 17th, 18th and 19th. This is one day after we return from our Spring Vacation. Please plan your vacation carefully so your child can return to school on Monday, April 16, 2012 which will be an ELA test prep/practice day. The NYS Math tests for grade 3 are scheduled for April 25th, 26th, and 27th. We appreciate your consideration of how valuable these tests are to your child's overall performance grade at HLA. Any child that does not perform to standard on these tests will be required to attend summer school.
Lunch Payments – Invoices for meal payments for the month of December have been sent home to full and reduced price designated families. We will be sending out automated phone call reminders to all families with unpaid balances. Please submit your balance payment as soon as possible. Payment may be made in the form of check or money order payable to HLA. You may also pay with cash. Payment is due immediately upon receipt of your invoice. Thank you.
Student Recruitment 2012-13 – We have begun our student recruitment process for the next academic year. Realizing that word-of-mouth is the best recommendation, please continue to spread the word about the success and growth of our children at HLA. Encourage friends, relatives and neighbors to visit the HLA website and take a school tour if they have children who are of age to attend our school. Currently, we have seats available in grades 2 and 3. Weekly tours are given each Tuesday at 9:00am through 11:30am.
Parent Organization Volunteers – HLA Parents and families are always welcome to volunteer at any Parent Organization event. Please feel free to contact Shari Lipner, HLA PO President at drlipner@yahoo.com with any ideas or available times you have to participate in HLA Parent Organization sponsored events such as Movie Night, Fundraising, or other exciting events throughout the school year. We realize that not every parent can attend the PO monthly meetings so we would like you to feel welcome to participate in any way your schedule will allow. It is important that parents work as partners in the education of our children. We hope that you will each find some time in your schedule to enjoy the experience while supporting your child
HLA's Cold Weather Clothing Reminder – Colder weather is approaching and that means lots of gloves, mittens, hats and scarves! Please make sure to label all these items with your child's name and remind them to bring home all their warm clothing every day. Please feel free to search for lost items when you visit the school.
Computer Sites to Support Student Achievement – Razz Kids is a fun and educational reading program that allows students to work on their specified class reading levels. We are currently working on the RazzKids program subscription to ensure that each student only has access to his or her own page. Your child may read online at home in a "fun" way. For science a helpful and entertaining website is: www.sfscience.com. For social studies please visit: www.sfsocialstudies.com. Also please see sample Grade 3 ELA and Math tests at http://www.nysedregents.org/elementary.html
Mathleteics – We are happy to announce that we have access to the Mathletics web site! Mathletics helps students enjoy math and achieve outstanding results. Teachers have begun assigning passwords for each child.
Charter School Advocacy Day – On Tuesday, February 7, 2012, charter school parents and supporters will travel to Albany, NY to meet each other, rally outside the capitol, and press lawmakers for fair treatment. Please complete the attached Charter School Advocacy Day commitment card if you would like to participate in this event.
Educationally Yours,
Laura J. Silver,
Head of School
HLA is now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 school year. Apply now!