Hedke Elementary School, 3201 Marian, Trenton MI 48183
Welcome
We hope you can find the information you need to help you and your child get the most out of your time at Hedke. If you need assistance email the Principal at [email protected] (as the office is closed during the extended shut down). Check here and the Hedke PTO face book page regularly for updates
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
9/8/20
From our Interim Superintendent Mr. Mentzer:
Dear Trenton Community: In a rule reversal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced schools would be allowed to continue distributing free meals to all students through the end of December or until funding for the program runs out. The program that allowed for blanket meal distribution was set to expire as school resumed. We are very excited to make this announcement to you & we hope it helps alleviate some stress during this uncertain time! The recent federal announcement means Trenton Public Schools can continue to hand out free meals for any child under 18, even if that child is not a student of this district. TPS will not collect student names and student ID numbers, though that could change later in the school year depending on USDA requirements. The district was preparing to start collecting student information for all the meals it distributed.
FAQs
1. Do I still need to fill out a Free & Reduced lunch application? YES! USDA stated that the program ends in December, but could potentially end sooner. If the application is filled out, you do not have to risk incurring charges on your account if the change is made abruptly. Filling out the free & reduced application also helps with other programs in the school district.
2. What happens to the money that has been loaded on my student’s account? The money will stay there and will be ready for you to use when the free program ends.
3. Where do I find the information for Food Program Information? Food drop off routes??? https://www.trentonschools.com/Page/3450
If you still have questions, please contact your respective building principal/admin team.
August 30th
We shot a Youtube video!
To provide information about safety protocols for face to face elementary school, Mrs. Miller, Interim Principal at Anderson, and I filmed a short video with the assistance of Mrs. Lopez, THS teacher, and a TV production club student (former Hedke student) Carter S. The video will be uploaded to the district Youtube channel soon and when it is I will update you with a phone fan out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFwTdHeLoKU&t=2s
The following 3 messages are the text of recent phone fan outs:
August 30, 2020 - Message 1
Dear Hedke families,
This update is for the week of Monday, August 31st. This message is directed to families of Remote and Virtual students only. If your child is face to face – hybrid a second message will be coming for you later this evening related to class lists and entry doors and you may hang up now.
This is a reminder that Tuesday, September 1st and Thursday, September 3rd there will be pick up of chrome books for all virtual and remote students.
Remote students will also receive their math journal for the first term.
This pick up will be from noon until 3 PM at the entrance to the new addition off the parking lot.
Enter the drop off loop and pull up next to the doors of the gym, cafeteria, music room wing and Mrs. Mace or Mrs. Alcantar will come out to greet you.
They will ask for your name and then confirm that you have a chrome book user agreement completed and then deliver the chrome book back to your car.
To complete a chrome book user agreement log in to your parent connect using your user name and password and complete the form which will be on the right side of the screen.
If you need assistance with this please contact the board of education office at 676-8600.
Thank you and we look forward to serving you and your child this year.
August 30th Message 2
Dear Hedke families,
This update is for the week of Monday, August 31st. This message is directed to families of face to face hybrid students only. If your child is virtual or remote you should have received a message earlier today and can disregard this one.
Students who will be attending Hedke face to face can come up to school starting Thursday, September 3rd after 3:00 PM. The list will be posted on the one of several doors based on your child’s grade.
To arrange for increased social distancing the new entry ways are
Kindergarten
The lists will be posted on all three doors so you can see them at any. Starting Tuesday, September 8th however, students will be dropped off and enter through their own door.
Mrs. Pilgrim and Ms Masciovecchio’s class will enter directly into their rooms from the exterior door to them. Mrs. Morse’s (formerly Sarkody) students will enter from the door off of Meadowlark which we call the bus door. This is facing Meadowlark Street at the end of the Kindergarten hallway and the eastern most entry to the buillding.
1st graders will enter from the rear of the building closest to the Upper Elementary playground – the southwest side.
2nd graders will enter from the rear of the building closest to the Lower Elementary playground – the south east side.
3rd graders will enter from the main entrance doors off of Marian closest to the Main office.
4th graders will enter from the doors off of Marian closest to the Kindergarten doors.
5th graders will enter from the door off of the parking lot closest to the music room along the side of the building facing west (toward Arthurs middle school.) They will line up along the service drive.
A staff member will be on duty at each door in the morning.
Please note the signs indicating where to drop off and pick up your child. These are restraining lines for parents. Parents are asked to drop off or wait for pick up at these signs and not to congregate near the doors as we normally have done. While outside of your vehicle or on school property you must wear a face covering.
If you wish to contact your teacher please use a phone message, email, or the new schoology platform.
When picking up from school students will exit with their teacher through these same doors by grade unless they are using Care Club or ride home on the bus.
Busing student will gather in their traditional location and then move to wait outside, weather permitting.
August 24, 2020
Dear Hedke Parents,
This message is to review several items for the opening of school. There is information for all three attendance options.
Face to face students can come to school next Thursday September 3rd to find out their teacher for the year. Lists will be posted on the doors by the main office for students in grades 1-4. Kindergarten and 5th grade lists will be on the entrance doors near the kindergarten rooms.
Students with last names A-L will attend school Monday and Tuesday. Students whose last name starts M-Z will attend school Thursday and Friday. During the month of September all face to face days will run from 8:30-12:30.
The first week of school starts on Tuesday, September 8th. This day will count as a Monday and Wednesday September 9th will count as a Tuesday for students A-L. Thursday Sept 10th will be the first day for students with last names M-Z.
Remote students can come to school next week Tuesday Sept 1 or Thursday Sept 3 from 12-3 to receive their chrome book (if needed) and their math journal.
Virtual Students are being contacted by phone this Monday and Tuesday to confirm their choice. They will also be able to come up to school on Tuesday Sept 1 or Thursday Sept 3 from 12-3 to pick up a chrome book if they need one.
Parents of Remote or Virtual students who need a chrome book should log into their parent connect account and fill in the chrome book user agreement. You can contact the Board office at 676-8600 if you need assistance logging into your parent connect account (which can be accessed from the district web site.)
For additional up to date information go to www.principalmentzer.com
Information on virtual option - Lincoln Learning
Parents - Teacher Request Form for 2020-21 School Year - Deadline is Sunday, May 31st
Parent-Teacher Request Letter
2020-21 School Year
5/12/2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Annually, dozens of teacher requests are informally submitted to the Principal’s office or through a teacher.
TPS does not advocate teacher requests because of the belief in the professionalism of each of our teachers. We know that our grade level teams teach the same curriculum, pace equally, and meet regularly to discuss our students, pedagogy, and professional development. All students are assessed regularly and these assessments are reviewed to find areas for improvement both for the school and for individual teachers.
Additionally, while we welcome the opportunity to work with a parent on a variety of valid issues, as a public school, we are obligated and responsible for the well being of ALL STUDENTS. Thus, it is our professional duty to create classes in each grade that are characterized by equal opportunities for every child.
There are seven main factors that go into the development of a class roster:
- Academic Standing of each student
- Behavioral Standing of each student
- Special Needs/accommodations for specific student(s)
- Teacher Analysis/Assessment of each student – how students relate to other specific peers and learning issues
- Balance of male and female students in each class
- Balance of class sizes between teachers
- An attempt to mix students from their current class with students from other classes
Once these factors are considered, rosters are created accordingly through a numerical scoring system. Our goal is to create class rosters that are “numerically” the same. By doing this, the needs of the individual learner are considered as well as the needs of the group.
If you feel that there are compelling academic, behavioral, or extenuating circumstances that need to be considered,
please follow this link: Trenton Elementary Teacher Request Form
with your request and rationale by the last date in May annually. Requests for your child to be separated from other specific students due to behavior circumstances are also acceptable.
All requests will be reviewed and considered. Applications received after May 31st will not be considered as we work hard to complete the class lists before school starts.
Sincerely,
Douglas Mentzer Vince Porreca
Principal Anderson Principal Hedke
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS INFORMATION FROM OUR DISTRICT TEAM
4/17/2020
Dear Trenton Families,
We know students and families are experiencing a wide range of emotions as they adjust to a new and very different routine. Such big changes and uncertainty can make daily life challenging. In addition to
accessing academic resources during this time, the mental health support staff at Trenton Public Schools is available to check in with students and families. We are here to work through some of the social/emotional concerns and anxiety they may be having.
As a commitment to providing ongoing mental health support to students and families affected by our state of emergency or state of disaster prompted by COVID-19, we are providing several modes of support to all students. In addition, Trenton Public Schools has created a live document to help TPS Staff and Families with a variety of resources that can be used with students to help explain our current reality, while easing fear and anxiety where possible. Click here to access the TPS Mental Health Resource Guide.
TPS Mental Health Team Members by Building:
Anderson Elementary
Social Worker: Michel Dejulian, [email protected]
School Psychologist, Brittney Gangon, [email protected]
Hedke Elementary
Social Worker: Bridget Kramer, [email protected]
School Psychologist, Mariam Olive, [email protected]
Arthurs Middle School
Social Worker: Maegen Laub, [email protected]
Counselor: Erin Anderson, [email protected]
Counselor: Kelly Scrimenti, [email protected]
Trenton High School
Social Worker: Melanie Richardson, [email protected]
Counselor last names A-He: Mary Jo Jezylo, [email protected]
Counselor last names Hf-Ri: Mike Walters, [email protected]
Counselor last names Rj-Z: Angela Siggia, [email protected]
If needed, the TPS mental health team will connect to students and families through Google Voice, Google Classroom, Google Hangouts, or Zoom. Please email the appropriate mental health professional
above to make an appointment to talk. They will respond within the next business day to arrange an appointment. If a student or family is in crisis and needs immediate mental health support, please go to the nearest emergency room.
A Note on Confidentiality:
Just like in a school setting, we will seek to create a safe environment for students to talk by maintaining the confidentiality of what is discussed. However, there are certain limits to confidentiality if a student
discloses that they are in danger of harming themselves, harming someone else, or that someone is harming them. We would take the appropriate measures to contact the appropriate individuals to keep
them safe. In addition to providing mental health services and support, TPS Mental Health Staff may refer students and families to outside agencies to help meet their diverse, or severe needs.
Please let us know if you are not comfortable with us reaching out to your student at this time. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the appropriate mental health staff listed above.
Stay safe and healthy!
TPS Mental Health Team
Summer Learning goes on!
The Trenton Public School will continue to maintain the online learning hub over the summer. The District also provided every student with a "Think-Stretch" booklet of activities for math, reading, and writing to complete over the summer. Also,each student's individual IXL account will stay active over the summer months so students can access their individualized lessons and activities. Lastly, the list of resources below continues to provide a variety of educational experiences and activities for parents and student to explore during the summer months (see the Stay at home parent/student learning resources below). |
Trenton Public Schools
Meal Distribution during Extended Shut Down
The Trenton Public Schools will be providing 2 meals per day to any student in any grade. Meals will be dropped off at the AMS drop off stops.
Hedke parking lot will also be a pick up site from 3-4 PM each day.
Stay at Home Parent / Student Learning Resources
During the extended closure of the Trenton Public Schools due to the nationwide Covid-19 illness and the Governor's state of emergency orders, these resources are provided to assist you and your child to continue their learning while at home. Some of these resources are provided to you by the Trenton Public Schools while others are free resources available online.
These were curated by staff members of the TPS elementary schools.
Daily Activities
75+ Activities When Stuck Indoors
Scholastic Online Projects
Research
www.trentonschools.com/Page/2575
Michigan State Library
https://www.worldbookonline.com Username: wbsupport Password: distancelearn
Read to Self
At least 15 minutes / day
Book Builder
Reading Instruction
https://www.trentonschools.com/Page/2576
Star Fall – www.starfall.com – Practice your phonics skills with these read-along stories.
www.reading.ecb.org – Go “into the book” to play games that practice reading strategies.
Curriculum Associates: i-Ready K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade
Listen to reading
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=storyline+online
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=scholastic+books+on+video
Bookflix by Scholastic - sign up for free trial
https://www.vooks.com/parent-resources - sign up required but 1 month free
Suessville: www.seussville.com – Read, play games, and hang out with Dr. Seuss and his friends.
Writing
Create a Daily Journal
Research Resources
spellingcity.com - use access code VSCFree90
Math Instruction
www.everydaymath.com
Prodigy-a math game
Virtual Math Link/Lesson
Curriculum Associates: i-Ready 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade
Rocket math - 14 / 60 day free trial
https://krisbritton.wixsite.com/ricelakemath - organized by skills
Good for younger students:
https://www.fuelthebrain.com/search/?tag=interactive--
https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Illuminations/Interactives/Ten-Frame/
http://bedtimemath.org/
https://www.mathplayground.com/thinkingblocks.html
https://www.dreambox.com/teachertools
Science
STEMscopes K-5 Science: User: full student ID and Password: student
Mystery Science
Technology
Hedke Tech Blog from Mr. Kowalski
Anderson El. Tech page
Code.org
IXL
Top 10 Podcasts for Kids
Learning without Tears - free resources
Instructional sites
Learning/Student Apps - check these great apps and/or web pages out:
The Khan Academy
Khan Academy Daily Schedule for learning (suggested)
12 Sites for Students with Learning Disabilities
The Best Websites for Parents with Students with Disabilities
ELL: IMAGINE LEARNING
EdPuzzle
Learning Without Tears
Ditch That Textbook
MAMSE: Virtual Ed Resources
Google Classroom: 2020 Google Parent's Guide to Google Classroom
Connect with others online
Google Hangout or ZOOM or FlipGRID
Virtual Field Trips
12 Famous Museums with Virtual Tours
The Art Newspaper: Museums to Check Out Online
30 Virtual Field Trips
MUSIC
5th grade band resources - From Mr. Kurilko
Ideas from Mr. Wernette
20+ Apps to Teach Music
Metropolitan Opera Live Performances on demand Metopera.org
7 Ways to Experience Live Music
7 YouTube Channels to Get Kids Moving
ANIMALS
Switcheroo Zoo: www.switcheroozoo.com – Watch, listen and play games to learn about amazing animals.
Nat Geo for Kids: www.kidsnationalgeographic.com – Learn all about geography and fascinating animals.
ABC Ya – www.abcya.com – Practice math and reading skills all while playing fun games.
Fun Brain - www.funbrain.com – Play games while practicing math and reading skills.
PBS Kids – www.pbskids.org – Hang out with your favorite characters while learning.
Highlights Kids – www.highlightskids.com – Read, play games, and conduct cool science experiments.
From Our Social Worker - Social Emotional Learning sites
This channel has videos about anxiety and mindfulness
https://www.youtube.com/user/gozenonline/videos
this channel has yoga, movement, mindfulness, social skills, anxiety/calming, focusing and other videos for kids.
https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga
this channel has social skills and health/wellness videos for kids
https://www.youtube.com/user/WonderGroveKids/videos
https://consciousdiscipline.com/covid-19-five-helpful-responses-for-families/?mc_cid=89fc7c1740&mc_eid=b55941efd5
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES from MDE
MDE Help for Social Emotional Health during this health crisis
A Parent's Guide to Surviving School Closure
With recent changes in our “business as usual” lifestyles, families are preparing for possible self-isolation, having thoughts of loss of freedom and separation from love ones. COVID-19 has rocked the world and stirred up a lot of mixed emotions surrounding worry and fear. If not handled correctly stress levels will increase and anxiety will take over. Schools are closing down and parents are finding themselves back in the role of being their child’s first teacher. Here are six tips for surviving school closure.
1. Remove the fear
Take time to talk to your child about what is going on in the world around them. This is a lot to process for everyone including children. Imagine the feelings and emotions your child is experiencing when all of a sudden without notice their normal everyday routine is yanked out of their control. Kids are accustomed to seeing their peers/friends everyday while in school, they follow a strict schedule filled with academics, recess, lunch and other routines. This sudden change in routine can be very difficult for ADHD or autistic students. You will observe their inability to effectively communicate the need for a daily schedule. Behaviors and emotions may flare, and you will hear them constantly saying things such as “I am bored”. Use communication and awareness as a tool for combating inappropriate emotions. Establishing a daily learning routine with your child taking some responsibility for completing the daily schedule will help keep them from being bored and "wasting" time with cartoons, video games etc. It may also increase their sense of responsibility for their own learning when they return to school.
2. Mirror the school’s schedule
Design a homeschool schedule that mirrors what your child is accustomed to doing. During the math block work on math activities, during the reading block complete reading activities. Set up a daily lunch schedule around the same time each day. (Maybe use this time to teach your child how to make something in the kitchen). Once students are operating in a schedule that is mirrored to their regular day a sense of security and structure is reestablished.
3. Establish exploration times
Kids are born to explore; they are curious and love experiencing new things. Build in moments for brain breaks such as dancing and singing or trying kids’ yoga. Have recess and send your child outside to play in the yard if weather permit. Recess is an electronic free zone. Do art projects, and play games, these moments will remind students of elective classes that are reflected in their regular school day. Finally schedule virtual field trips such as virtual trips to the museum and other interesting learning places. Remember to keep your child physically active during this time as well.
4. Celebrate success
When assignments are completed celebrate with words of praise like “I am proud of you, you gave some wonderful answers on your assignment”. Celebrate with high fives, hugs or celebration dances. Celebrating success and efforts will encourage your child to continue striving to do well. Don’t forget to celebrate your patience and efforts during the process as well. This is a great time to include lessons on persistence and grit in the face of difficulty.
5. Don’t be afraid of Not Knowing
School curriculum has evolved over the years. Many parents may not understand the common core way of teaching and learning. Nor will most parents understand how to implement state standards and objectives. Do not be ashamed of not knowing how to teach the content. Remember one thing…. Google knows everything and You tube shows it all. When in doubt just use google for samples or look on you tube for videos that can serve as a model. Let modern technology help you with the teaching. Encourage and model a growth mindset. We may not know it now but we can find the answer and learn this together!
6. Remember it’s a journey not a race
Don’t try to do everything at once. Pace your child with assignments to prevent anyone from becoming overwhelmed. Challenging behaviors such as crying, asking for frequent bathroom breaks or other distractions are often strategies students use to escape or avoid work that is difficult to them. If your child is struggling and showing signs of frustration, stop and take a break to regroup. It’s important to let your child know your expectations for completing the assignments and hold them accountable for doing so.
Source Ms. Stacy Howard with some adaptations from Mr. Porreca in bold italics.
Hedke Elementary - striving to be a great school for every student!
-HEDKE SCHOOL CALENDAR 2019-20 School Year
(NOTE: Additional events will be scheduled - this is the master for the building and not for each individual class) JUNE Thursday, June 11 Last Day of School Monday, June 15 Report Cards mailed home Summer note: All report cards and "Think-Stretch" workbooks were either delivered or mailed as of 6/17/20. Email Mr. Porreca @ [email protected] if you have any questions / concerns over the summer. Keeping track of absences is a way to make sure our students are safe and also complies with State School attendance law. If we do not know why your child is absent you will receive an automated call. To avoid the call please contact the office to report your child’s absence with a reason. The office phone is monitored 24 / 7 by an answering machine so you can report an absence at any time. CALL: 734-692-4563 to REPORT AN ABSENCE Attendance: A child’s school attendance is considered to be the responsibility of the parent. Chronic absenteeism, long pre-planned absences, and excessive absences should be avoided to give your child the best chance for success in school. The State of Michigan defines truancy as more than 10 absences / year. Studies show that children with truant attendance patterns are less likely to do as well in school as their non-truant peers. Tardiness to school also impacts a student’s school performance and is associated with increased student anxiety upon arrival. Provide your child with the structure and routine they need by establishing a sensible bed time and wake up routine so that they have time to get to school rested and prepared for their full day of school. School office hours –Hedke School’s Administrative Assistant (Mrs. Merta) Arrives at 8 AM and leave at 4PM each day so please attend to business between those hours. Thank you. |
Bond Construction Updates
Click here for information on the progress of the bond construction and renovation to Hedke. |