July 30,2020

Dear HES Parents,

I have to admit I have begun this letter so many times and it hasn’t gotten any easier.  We at HES are so happy to be able to provide “In-Person” programming for our students.  (fingers crossed) Will it be different? Definitely! Will it be challenging?...Yes! But, we have worked and planned throughout the summer and we feel ready to meet the challenges.

I have talked to some of you that worry this is not what they envision school to be for their children.  I understand that feeling. Yes, we will all be required to wear masks. This is the requirement from both the Department of Education and CDC (unless there is a documented health reason the person cannot wear a mask and then an appropriate face shield can be worn.) There will be periodic distanced masks breaks for the children (and teachers).  Students will be able to remove their masks (along with distancing ) in the lunchroom and at recesses.  I have purchased 3 canopies for teachers to take classes outside for breaks.

I have been asked about visitors in the building.  No one will be allowed in the building except staff and students.  This pertains to parents also.  There will be a “drop-off/ pick-up” area designated. Students will need to come into the building ring the buzzer and a staff member will let them in.  (There will be a staff member watching for arrivals also.) If your child needs to be picked up, you will need call into the school and either Mrs. Hinkle or I will bring your child out to you

Though students will be kept with their class throughout the day, they will have lunch in the gym, no masks, but distanced. (There will be 2 or 3 grades only in the gym at one time.)  They will have recesses, one grade on each side of the building for the same amount of time as they have always had.  Each class will have Art, Physical Education, Music, and Guidance within their classroom.

What else is new at HES? We have a new Grade 1 teacher, Ashley Cirone, A new Speech Therapist, Kassidy Seeley, and a new night custodian, Mr. Samiya “Sam”.  With Mrs. Strout retiring, Mrs. Hinkle will now be in the office.  We have departmentalized grades 4-6.  Students will remain in their rooms ( grade 6 is in the Art room and Grade 5 is in the Science Room.)  Mrs. Hedberg will be teaching Math, Mrs. Reynolds will teach ELA,  and Mr. Chick will be teaching Science and Social Studies. 

I look forward to talking to each of you within the next week and answering your questions and concerns to the best of my ability.

Sincerely,

Susan V. Meserve

Principal Harrington Elementary