Week of November 3

Posted Date: 11/04/2024

Dear Families,

As we begin the month of November, we anticipate that the weather will begin to cool. We have been very fortunate to have enjoyed a mild October with some very warm and sunny days.  As the temperature starts to dip, please consider layers for your student.  Temperatures vary throughout the day and around the building so students who are ready to adjust will be most comfortable.  Please remember to label each item of clothing so that if they misplace it we can return lost items.  Our lost and found has many pieces of clothing and items without names.  When you visit us for parent conferences, please stop by the lost and found in South House to check for anything that belongs to your child. Thank you for sending your child to school in sneakers!  We have seen an increase in students wearing sneakers which makes PE class and recess safer and more enjoyable. 

Veterans Day

We are preparing for our annual Veterans Day recognition and education.  Be on the lookout for a small baggie attached to a letter that will be coming home with your child on Monday or Tuesday of this week.  We are fortunate to have school on Veterans Day when we recognize and learn about this important day.  Please take a moment to look at our main hallway Veteran display during the week when you visit us for parent conferences.

Health Information and Resources

The return to school each year often brings a return of illnesses.  We encourage handwashing and have hand sanitizer available throughout the school.  We are fortunate to have a full time nurse, nurse Suzy, at our school to support students throughout the day.   You can visit the district health services webpage for important information about guidelines for staying home from school when ill.  Health Services Webpage

Attendance/Tardy Information

We recognize that sometimes students have to miss school for illness.  This year, we are striving to improve our on time arrival to school.  Students who are tardy to school miss out on the opportunity to have a consistent routine which fosters a sense of security and readiness to learn. Each day at Hurlbutt starts with a class morning meeting. During this time, children connect with their peers, review the day's schedule, and participate in activities that promote social and emotional growth.  During the month of September we had 158 tardies recorded.  In October that number climbed to 247 tardies.  We know that mornings can be hectic at home.  If you find that you are consistently struggling with getting everyone out the door, you can reach out to us for support.  Our school social worker, Jillian Desiderio is a wealth of information and can help support the development of routines that make busy mornings more manageable.  Creating systems now will pay dividends down the road as children move through their school years. 

Preschool Lottery Information

We are pleased to announce that the application for our ELC program opened on Monday, October 28, 2024! If you have a child who will be age 3 or 4 by September 1, 2025 you are invited to apply for our lottery for a spot in our Early Learning Center program. The program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. five days a week and follows the Weston Public Schools calendar.  The anticipated cost of the program will be at least $8,039, and the final amount will be shared with families in Spring 2025.      

Application Details:

• Open Enrollment Period: October 28, 2025 through November 13, 2025

• How to Apply: Please utilize this link to apply: ELC Application

We believe in providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for your little ones to grow and learn. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to contact Alison Brett, Assistant Director PPS at 203-221-6300 EXT 1062. 

Sincerely,

Laura Kaddis

Principal

Important Dates:

November 5: Election Day: No School for students. Teacher professional development day

November 6: Delayed Opening (10:30 a.m.) for parent conferences

November 7: Early dismissal at 12:35 p.m. for parent conferences*

November 8: Early dismissal at 12:35 p.m. for parent conferences*

*Please note that walkers will be dismissed from the library entrance in the courtyard/core playground on early dismissal days

November 14: Parent Math Workshop

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Recess