Dear Holman Families:

The nights seem longer, the flowers are beginning to bloom, the grass is growing, and the warm weather is lingering.  The end of the school year is, as usual, looking very busy. As the weather gets warmer, students become more anxious for the start of summer break.   With that said, it is also important that students continue to work hard on their academics and continue to behave appropriately in school. Please stress with your children, the importance of keeping their hands and feet to themselves and respecting other people’s personal space.

Thank you very much for all of your feedback regarding our One School, One Book initiative.  I was happy to read the survey results and see that so many families enjoyed reading The World According to Humphrey together.  Please continue to encourage your children to read each evening and complete his/her homework assignments to reinforce the instruction of lessons learned in school.  We have many activities during the last couple months of school. Please be sure to stay informed by visiting our school website regularly and checking the e-Backpack.

 

Please note that report cards will be available for parent viewing as of Thursday, April 4th.  

 

Classroom Placements:

At this time of year, many parents call or write to the school regarding their child’s class placement for next year.  Class placement is a complex process that involves the input of many educational professionals and considers many factors.  The ultimate goal of the placement process is to find the best possible match between what is best for the student and what are the strengths of each teacher.  I realize and appreciate your concern, but I will not honor parent requests for particular teachers.  I do, however, value your input and individual concerns for your child.  As in the past, I will accept one non-request. I will consider any concern or input that you have to offer, if you provide your concern in writing or via email to me before May 3rd.  Please note that I do not keep concerns from years past.  Concerns written after May 3rd may not be taken into consideration.  This will allow the educational professionals sufficient time to find the most appropriate match for your child.  As always, I appreciate your understanding and support in this matter.

 

Continue to visit the district website to view the PARCC testing calendar (go to the District Resources tab and then Assessments and Grading). You can also view the approved 2019-2020 District School Calendar.

REMINDER: PARCC Testing begins on May 8th and will continue through the end of May.  NJSLA Science will begin for fifth grade students on May 29, 2019  through May 30th.   We encourage you to visit the district’s “Understanding Assessments and Grading’’ resource page, which has a host of information about the PARCC and other assessments – including:

• The full testing calendar for each school;
• A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ);
• Sample tests, videos and more.

The New Jersey Assessment Student Learning Assessment Science (NJSLA Science) is a state test given to students in grade 5 throughout New Jersey. These tests were developed to evaluate the achievement of students within the context of New Jersey’s Core Curriculum Content Standards in the area of Science.  As I’m sure you are aware, a child will perform more successfully on a test if he/she has proper rest, good nutrition, and arrives to school on time. Your special attention to these areas will help ensure your child has his or her best chance for success!

 

The next HOPE meeting will be on WEDNESDAY, April 3, 2019 at 7:00pm (please note change) in the Holman IMC (Library).   We invite all parents to attend this session.  We look forward to seeing you there!  Visit their link on the Web Page. You can support H.O.P.E. in many ways including participation in activities, such as planning and preparing for the fifth grade Movin’ Up party, purchasing items during fundraisers, volunteering at H.O.P.E. functions, or attending a meeting, just to name a few.  Thank you for your continued support.

If you would like to be updated on upcoming HOPE events, I encourage you to register for the “HOPE News” REMIND feature for your text and/or email.  Registration is easy.  Click on this REMIND link and follow the instructions on the flyer.

CANDY BINGO - Thursday, April 11th - 6:00 - 6:45 and 7:15 - 8:00, please register for this event.

MOVIE NIGHT - Friday, April 12th - Wreck It Ralph 2 - Ralph Breaks the Internet  Movie will be outside, weather permitting.  Event starts at 7:00pm, movie begins at 8:00pm -please register for this event.

 

The Art Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 10th at 6:00pm in the Holman Elementary School.  It will showcase forms of art based on different artists highlighting various decades.  Every grade level will be represented.  All are welcome to attend.

 

Fifty Years of Fabulous!

Holman Elementary celebrates 50 years of instructional excellence this year.  To celebrate, the Holman Elementary School Talent Show will be held this Wednesday, May 8th in the Jackson Liberty High School auditorium at 6:30pm.  Acts will include music from all decades and include special guests from various years. Thank you, Ms. Wendolek, for all of your hard work and dedication with this event and all of the talent shows from years past.  We will miss you!!

 

Missing a jacket, hat, or other piece of clothing?

There are several articles in the lobby that need a home.  Please make sure that you take a look at these items during the next few weeks.  All unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity at the end of April.

 

 

Looking and Planning Ahead:

On Tuesday, April 30th, the Board of Education Meeting will be held at 6:30 pm in the JMHS Fine Arts Auditorium.

 

There will be a shortened day of school on Thursday, April 18th, as we begin our Spring Break.  School will be closed Friday April 19th - Friday, April 26th.  Staff and students will return to school on Monday, April 29th.

 

Enjoy the long break with your friends and family.

 

Sincerely,

Rich Karas

Principal, Holman Elementary