Hickory Hills PTA

A huge thank you to all the parents and students who donated their loose change and dollars to purchase books for Isabel’s House in Springfield. With the All For Books donations, we were able to buy $350 worth of new books to add to their library. These books were delivered today. The woman who received them was very grateful to have a variety of new titles. It was very gratifying to be able to help this worthy organization. We appreciate your support of Book Fair and the All For Books program.

Sincerely, Book Fair Committee

Hello Hickory Families!  Can you believe it, we are on our last 2 1/2 weeks of the 2012-2013 School Year already!?  We still have many fun events coming up, including the Book Fair, Field Day, Awards Assemblies, a Cultural Arts Assembly and of course our last PTA Meeting of the year!  Please join us for a light lunch to begin at 12:30p on Thursday, May 9th followed by our meeting.  You won’t want to miss it, we will be wrapping up our committee reports for year end as well as recognizing our volunteers and installing our new officers for the 2013-2014 school year.  I’d love to see you at our last meeting to help recognize the efforts and hard work of all our volunteers this year.

With sincerest gratitude for all you do to enhance and bring joy to our Hickory Children and our Staff, you are appreciated!  It has been a fantastic, successful and amazing school year.  Thank you all for all you do!  Please join us if you can.

2013 Spring Fling Supporters

BKD Hickory Hills Families – Lockhart’s, Schafer’s, Hoffman’s, George’s, and Hickman’s

Glenworth Auction & Realty                                    Kurtis Day – Van Keppel Co.

Libby Ferguson                                                          LedgeStone Country Club

Jason Hite                                                                  Craft Appraisals

2B Organized                                                             Success Naturally Yoga Center

Jazzercise                                                                   Walt Disney World

Reynolds Plastic Surgery                                           Kansas City Chiefs

Derma Health                                                            So Go Airsoft

CrossFit – Forging Elite Fitness                                Larson Farm and Lawn

Magic House                                                             Marshfield Country Club

Springfield Gymnastics & Aquatics                         Empire Bank

Springfield Little Theatre                                         Snyder Appraisal Service

Noah’s Art                                                                Touch & Flame

Sumits Yoga                                                             YMCA

Sonshine Performing Arts Academy                       The J.O.B. Public House

Grad School                                                              Donna Dimmit

Ann’s Crochet                                                           Innovations – Dachel Pendergrass

Andy Edwards                                                          Vintage Stock

Springfield Music                                                     Pasta Express

Meek’s Lumber – Mike Lockman                           Old Chicago Pizza

Hollywood Theatre                                                  Jellybeans

Chick-fil-a                                                                Fire House Pottery

High Street Baptist Church Volunteers                              GiGi’s Cupcakes

Style By The Slice                                                                        Star Cakes

June’s Cakery                                                                               Alexandria’s Cupcake Cottage

The Sweet Spot Cakery                                                           Stacey’s Sweets                                              

The Sugar Baker                                                                       Elle’s Pattisserie                                  

Tea Bar & Bites                                                                         Dillon’s Supermarket    

The Cake Truffle Store                                                         Cookies By Design

The Cup                                                                                    Two Sister’s Confections

The Buzz Café                                                                       Brown Egg

Dickerson Park Zoo                                                          High Street Baptist Church

Race Brothers                                                                    Southwest Dealer Services

Please support these donors and thank them on behalf of Hickory Hills Elementary School!

Special Thanks for our Class Art Work Projects

            Mr. Fonda                                                                   Mrs. Brundege

            Pickwick Underground Framing                              Josh Mitchell Photography

            Our Teachers and Students                                       Brandy Hickman

            Michele Foster-Lowman                                           Alan and Camille Lockhart

Hickory Hills Elementary Board and Membership Meeting April 11, 2013
In Attendance: Lori Chisholm, Michele Douglas, Lisa Ebisch, Melissa Kotowicz, Maggie Krogh, Sarah Langston, Laura Ogden, Beth Plaster, Emily Russell, Catherine Schmittling, Christine Slayden, Caren Tate, Katie Vance, and Valerie Wehrenberg.
Beth Plaster, PTA President, called the meeting to order at 1:36 PM.
The March 2013 minutes and the March 20 Special Called Meeting Minutes were approved as written.
Caren Tate, PTA Treasurer: Expenses for March include hospitality expenses for Kindergarten Registration and Principal’s Day. $150 was sent to Quality Schools for Kids to support the bond/levy campaign. HHPTA paid $350 for the Teacher Appreciation Banquet hosted by the Foundation of Springfield Public Schools. (Hickory Hills PTSA will reimburse PTA half of this expense). Yearbook order monies are coming in. Ending balance for March was $16,262.17.
Beth Plaster, Spirit Night: Our next Spirit Night will be at Chick-fil-A on Tuesday, April 30 from 5:00-8:00.
Catherine Schmittling, Chat and Chew Co-Chairperson: The ice cream party for Chat and Chew participants will be Thursday, April 18 at 1:45. Volunteers will be needed.
Catherine Schmittling, RIF Chairperson: A thank you reception for RIF volunteers will be held Wednesday, April 17 at 10:00 at the Tefft Center. Zane Gilbert and Garin Geitz, two Hickory Hills’ students who submitted posters for the RIF contest, will have a chance to win for a prize along with other students in the district.
Sarah Langston, PTA Vice President: There are openings for Committees for the 2013-2014 year including Directory Chairperson, Spirit Night Chairperson, Spring Fling Chairperson, Watch Dogs Chairperson, and Chat and Chew Co-Chairperson. Call Sarah to volunteer or nominate candidates.
Lori Chisholm, Book Fair Chairperson: Volunteers are needed for our Buy One Get One Free Book Fair. Set up is Friday, May 3. Book Fair will be open Monday-Wednesday, May 6-8. Tear Down will be Wednesday, May 8 after school. Scholastic awarded HHPTA $492.99 in rewards from our Fall Book Fair. Elizabeth Osbern, Elementary Librarian, will select items with these funds to benefit our Library.
Laura Ogden, Spring Fling Chairperson: Spring Fling is Friday, April 19 from 5:30-8:00. Artwork from all the grades will be auctioned off. Volunteers are needed after school the day of Spring Fling to set up. Games will be held in the little gym. Karaoke will take place on the stage. One more volunteer is needed for the “Goodies Store” on April 19 at lunchtime from 10:30-12:30.
Beth Plaster, Ongoing Fundraising: The Box Tops Breakfast will be held Wednesday, May 1 from 8:00-10:00 for the class winners. Volunteers will be needed to help serve. The amount we get back from Scrip purchases goes directly to classrooms. There will be a Scrip table at Spring Fling to purchase cards.
Melissa Kotowicz, Hospitality Chairperson: Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10. HHPTA will provide lunch for Elementary and Middle School teachers on Monday. HHPTSA will provide breakfast for Elementary and Middle School teachers on Tuesday. HHPTA will provide Andy’s Frozen Yogurt for the Elementary teachers on Friday. Volunteer are needed to help that week.
Beth Plaster: The last HHPTA meeting for the school year will be Thursday, May 9 at 1:00. Lunch will begin at 12:30.
Christine Slayden, Field Day Chairperson: Field Day is Wednesday, May 15. Set up will begin at 8:00. Clean-up will be done by 1:00. Entertainment will be drill and trick riding on horseback. There will be inflatables, games, and a hamburger and hot dog lunch. Volunteers will be needed.
There was no report from Mr. Allison, Principal.
New Business: Caren Tate, PTA Treasurer, discussed the possibility of purchasing a new safe with money from the reserve fund. This new safe has a drop box feature that allows for easier depositing of checks and monies. One was priced for $270. If a new safe is purchased, PTA’s old safe then could be sold at Spring Fling’s auction. Lori Chisholm made a motion to purchase a new safe with money from our reserve fund for up to $300. The motion got a second and carried.
Beth Plaster adjourned the meeting at 2:07 PM.
Lori Chisholm PTA Secretary

Spring Fling Art Prints Order Form

Prints can be ordered for each Class Art Project

To view all Prints go to www.facebook.com “Hickory Hills Elementary PTA” Page

Prints are $40 each

Name ___________________

Phone # _________________

Teacher name of the Print you want to order:

_________________________________________

Number of Prints ___ X $40  =  _______________

All Prints must be paid in full before ordering.

Please make Checks Payable to HHPTA!

Last day to order May 6^th!

A HUGE thank you to our Spring Fling Chair, Laura Ogden and all the wonderful volunteers that helped her make this years event successful and fun! Way to go all! It’s amazing to see the support we have at Hickory. I could not be more proud to call myself a Hickory parent! Thank you to all the volunteers that worked games, the food line, the ticket lines, the “Goodies Store” at lunch time and helped clean up afterwards. YOU ALL are fantastic, dedicated Hickory Families!
Beth Plaster – HHPTA President

Stop by the PTA “Goodies Store” for

Toys & Candy Galore!

Raid your Piggy Banks, Couches and Pants Pockets.

Bring your Dollars, Quarters,

Dimes and Nickels!

• Ø Tuesday, Thursday and Friday,  April 16th, 18th, 19th
• Ø In the elementary cafeteria
• Ø 10:50 – 12:30 (during your regular lunch hour)
• Ø Everything 25¢ or 50¢

This is a fundraiser designed to help us raise money

 for our students and our school.  Thank you for your support, Beth Plaster, HHPTA President

IT’S A SNEAK PEAK!!!

Here’s a little preview of some of the art work our Hickory Students have been working on.  Each class for each grade has been working hard on unique pieces with differing themes.  These original works of art will be auctioned at Spring Fling Friday,  April 19^th!  You won’t want to miss it!

Counselor’s Corner

April/May

I can’t believe it’s already 4^th quarter!  We are at that time of the year when we discuss the six career paths and the many interesting jobs related to those paths. We will also be talking about summer safety in grades k-2.  In grades 3-5, we will be brainstorming ideas to help get ready to move on to next year.  The 5^th graders are practicing lock combinations to help get ready for middle school.

It’s an exciting time of the year! 

Enjoy and have a great summer!

Mrs. Hughes

The 2012 Spartan Fall FunD Drive

During the month of September, HHPTA will be conducting this campaign to raise money for our students & teachers.  Your donations provide classroom supplies; fund various enrichment programs for our students; and support PTA sponsored events.

Children will NOT have to sell anything.  Just send your donations back to the school.    100% goes directly to help our students and staff.

The Spartan Fall Fund Drive letter, form, and envelope will go home next Thursday in student’s folders with information and instructions.

Thanks for your support of Hickory Hills’ PTA. With everyone’s help we can reach our goal.

How many coats hang in your closet sitting unused?  Warm a heart and a child’s body by donating them to our Fall coat drive to benefit the PTA Clothing Bank.  Coat drive starts October 1!

Counselor’s Corner

Grades K-5

The Guidance and Counseling Program provides prevention and intervention services to support the academic achievement of all students.  These services include: classroom guidance lessons and small group lessons as well as individual consults.  This program is designed to ensure that all students receive the services necessary to meet his/her social, emotional, and academic needs.

The classroom guidance lesson objectives are based on the Mo. Comprehensive Guidance Program and the Chamber of Commerce Character Education Program.   Respect is the word of the month for September.  Our motto at Hickory Hills Elementary is that we follow the 3 R’s (Ready- We get to school on time and we are ready to learn.  Respectful- We are respectful to peers, adults, and ourselves.  Responsible- We take responsibility for our own words and actions).     

To help keep our school a safe and pleasant environment for all students, Hickory Hills has established guidelines for reporting conflicts with other students.  Those guidelines are as follows:

1.  The student can report a situation to his/her teacher.

2.  The teacher will determine if counselor assistance is needed.

3.  If the counselor is needed, the student may choose to confront the other   

     student(s) with the counselor present.

4.  If a student is not comfortable confronting the other student(s) involved, he/she    

     may choose to complete a statement form provided by the counselor.

5. Once the statement form has been completed, the student will then   

     review the form with the counselor.  The appropriate steps will then be taken to

     resolve the conflict.

6. If the conflict is not successfully resolved, the counselor will refer the situation to  

    Mr. Allison or Mrs. Cardwell.  The administration will then determine the

    appropriate actions necessary based on the Springfield Public Schools Discipline

    Guidelines.

I will also be sponsoring Hickory Hills Student Council.   We will have our first meeting on September 18th.  At that time, we will discuss Red Ribbon Week.  Our theme will be Run Your Own Life…Be a Winner and Stay Drug Free!  Red Ribbon Week will be during the week of Oct. 22nd.  This is an opportunity for the entire Hickory Hills community to stand together to say NO to drugs and YES to healthy living!

I look forward to a great year at Hickory Hills!

Mrs. Hughes (K-5 Counselor)

The Hickory Hills Chapter of Watch D.O.G.S. (dads of great students) invites you, dad, to learn more about this years line up.  Be a part.  Serve.  Influence.  Care.  Friday, October 5th, 7:15-7:45a in the Hickory Hills Library, coffee and donuts will be provided.  Please RSVP to jeff.plaster@yahoo.com.

Come join us for our October PTA Meeting.  The meeting will be Thursday, October 11th at 1:30.  The meeting will be held in the elementary cafeteria, our new meeting spot this year .  We will be discussing lots of upcoming dates and activities as well as the FABULOUS results of our Fall Fund Drive!  Hope to see you all there.

Beth Plaster, HHPTA President

Fall Fun Night is almost here!  Bring your family and join your friends for a night of games, face painting, balloon animals, inflatables and a pizza dinner, drink and dessert included.  Fall Fun Night is this Friday, October 12th from 5:30-8p at Hickory Hills Elementary School.  Games, face painting and balloon animals will be located down the elementary wing, inflatables will be in the elementary gym, and food will be served in the Commons Area.  Fun Cards are $5 and a meal of pizza slice, dessert and drink is also $5 per person.  A sales table will be set up at 5:30p for Fun Card and Meal Tickets purchases.  For those that have already purchased their Fun Cards and Meal Tickets, there will be a Will Call table set up to pick up your pre-sold items.

There will also be an opportunity to vote for your favorite yearbook cover in our first ever, student created, yearbook cover contest!  The cost is $1 per vote or 6 votes for $5.  The finalists artwork will be displayed at a table in the Commons Area along with vote boxes to place your votes in.

Hope to see you all there!

Beth Plaster, HHPTA President and Fall Fun Night Chair

Counselor’s Corner

Grades k-5

Our word of the month for October is Responsible.  At Hickory Hills, we take responsibility for making good choices.  Red Ribbon Week begins on Oct. 22^nd.  Hickory Hills will be involved in activities that celebrate making the good choice to be happy and drug free.  Our theme is Run Your Own Life…Be a Winner and Stay Drug Free!   A list of the week’s activities will go home on Oct. 19^th.   Please encourage your child to participate in the daily activities.

Student Council Members had their first meeting on Sept. 18^th.   Members will be helping with the preparations for Red Ribbon Week and the First Quarter Celebration Assembly.  Representatives are also helping with our school wide recycling project by collecting recycled materials from the elementary classrooms every Friday.   Our next Student Council Meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13^th.

Have a wonderful October!

Mrs. Hughes

A HUGE Thank You goes out to ALL the parents, elementary teachers, Mr. Allison and Mrs. Cardwell, Hickory Hills Custodian and Kitchen Staff and MS Cheerleader Volunteers whom helped make this year’s Fall Fun Night more than a success, but also FUN!  It takes a village to run an event this big and it simply could not have been done without all our volunteers.  I appreciate each and every one of you so very much.

Thank you also to all the families that came out and supported our HHPTA and found some family fun along the way.  We simply have the BEST family’s and the best school.

Sincerely,

Beth Plaster HHPTA President and Fall Fun Night Chair

October Hickory Hills Spirit Night

Thursday October 18

5pm-8pm

@

Peachwave Frozen Yogurt

Come out and support our school by grabbing up some frozen yogurt TONIGHT  from 5pm-8pm on East Battlefield in the PriceCutter Shopping Center.

 Hope to see you there!

Proceeds benefiting Hickory Hills Elementary School PTA

Hickory Hills Yearbook Cover Contest Winner!!!

Abby Hickman, 3rd grade, in Mrs. Logan’s class won the yearbook contest by receiving
the most votes on her artwork during Fall Fun Night. She will have her artwork on the
cover of the Hickory Hills Elementary 2012-2013 yearbook!

The Hickory Hills Yearbook Committee would like to thank all the students who
participated in our first ever Hickory Hills Yearbook Cover Contest! There were
36 students who participated in the contest.

A Big THANK YOU to Mr. Fonda who judged the 36 entries and narrowed them down
to the final entries.
The other participants will have their artwork featured inside the yearbook.

Family Night hours are Monday from 3:00-7:00.  The classroom with the highest percentage participation will earn a $100 Scholastic gift certficate for their teacher.  Sign-in sheets will be available.  Also, with each purchase, children can draw for prizes such as posters, pens, bookmarks, and other Scholastic merchandise.

Get in the All-Star spirit!  Students are invited to wear their favorite team jerseys, sports shirts, and Spartan wear during the week.  See you there!

Come join us for our November PTA Meeting.  It’s Thursday, November 8th at 1:30p in the Elementary Cafeteria.  We’ll be discussing all sorts of upcoming events both at the school and outside of the school.  I hope you can join us.

Beth Plaster, HHPTA President

Our word of the month for November is Caring.  Hickory Hills elementary students are showing others that they care about their environment by collecting recycling products every Friday morning.  Student Council is collecting recycling bins from each classroom and taking them to the big recycling bin in our middle school commons area.  We have 19 bins that we are collecting from each week.  This process will continue throughout the school year.

  We will be discussing  the importance of caring for friends and family in our guidance lessons this month and we will talk about ways we can show others that we care.  Students will also learn techniques for dealing with their angry feelings.  One technique will be learning to recite the STOP CHEER.   Students will recite this cheer together at our next Celebration Assembly in December.

Have a wonderful November!

Mrs. Hughes

CYBER AWARENESS

Spartan Family Event @ Hickory Hills

Wednesday, November 14^th

6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Guest Speaker:   Mr. Tom Durkin

  Public Education Director, Office of the Missouri Attorney General

Topics:

• Internet/Cyber Privacy, Protection, & Safety

• Cyber Bullying

• Social Network Issues

• Family Technology Guidelines

• Question & Answer Session

BE INFORMED  

Door Prize Drawings will be held for our youth!

***Please note, some material discussed is not suitable for younger elementary children.  Parents are welcome to attend without their younger children***

Hickory Hills Elementary All Pro Dads (moms and grandparents welcome too)

Just a reminder for those who have not RSVP’d yet.  If you are planning on attending I need for you to RSVP no later than 11/13/12 so that there is enough breakfasts.  The next All Pro Dad breakfast has been scheduled for November 15th at 7:00am in the elementary cafeteria.  The topic of discussion will be “Kindness”!  Please RSVP at http://www.allprodad.com/2447 by Tuesday, 11/13/12.  I hope to see all of you there and feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thanks, Jeff Plaster

Hickory Hills Board and Membership Meeting
November 8, 2012
In Attendance: Kelly Allison, Michelle Benzen, Lori Chisholm, Lisa Ebisch, Brandy Hickman, Sarah Langston, Kim Mayer, Beth Plaster, Beki Rhein, Caren Tate, Catherine Schmittling, Dana Mirowski, and Valerie Wehrenberg.
Beth Plaster, PTA President, called the meeting to order at 1:37 PM.
The October 2012 minutes were approved as written.
Caren Tate, PTA Treasurer: Fall Fun Night balance stands at $1,983.82. Ongoing Fundraiser brought in $193.95 from Chick-fil-A Spirit Night. Scrip (Income) has a balance of -$1,888.93, part of which reflects inventory on hand. Health and Safety had expenses related to Red Ribbon Week and supplies for the school nurse. Other expenses for October were Hospitality’s Open House dinner for teachers and SCPTA dues. The Reserve Fund shows -$450.00 for October due to a lost check from last year that had to be voided and reprocessed this year. Ending balance for October is $17,050.10.
Lori Chisholm, Book Fair Chairperson: In-school and online fair net sales were $7,750.67, earning $4,850.40 in profits and bonuses (60% of sales). Earnings were spent to purchase new books for 15 homeroom teachers, the librarian, counselor, resource, speech, and ESOL teachers. All for Books donations totaled $179.60, which was spent on approximately 40 ESOL students, who took home a new book. Thanks to everyone who volunteered, donated, and bought books to help our school.
Sarah Langston, PTA Vice President: To date, our unit stands at 223 total memberships (individual and business). The top 5 participating classes are Banasik (100%), Logan (92%), Anderson (83%), Fetter (81%), and Meacham (73%). Beth Plaster presented Sarah Langston a certificate from SCPTA recognizing our unit’s 10% increase in memberships from last year. Thank you Sarah for your efforts with HHPTA’s membership drive!
Beth Plaster: Three Spirit Nights are scheduled–Pasta Express on Monday, November 12, from 5-8 PM; Newks Café on Tuesday, November 13, from 5-8 PM; and Pasta Express on Monday, December 10, from 4-9 PM. Volunteers are needed to help at Newks.
Beth Plaster, Watch D.O.G.S. Chairperson: Only 2 dates are open for the year–December 19, 2012 and May 1, 2013. Email Jeff Plaster at jeff.plaster@yahoo.com to sign up. Background checks must be completed and cost $17.50.
Lisa Ebisch, Charitable Giving Chairperson: Holiday baskets will be prepped and delivered for 15 families. Homeroom parents need to have 2 donation boxes ready in the classrooms by Friday, November 30. Donations will be collected December 3–13. December 13 is the day to sort, build baskets, and deliver. More information will be sent home regarding donations. Volunteers are needed.
Catherine Schmittling, RIF Chairperson: Distribution is November 19. Cookie sale fundraisers have been scheduled for December 8 at the Springfield Christmas Parade and December 10 at Barnes and Noble.
Brandy Hickman, Ongoing Fundraiser Chairperson: Box Tops brought in $1,267. The top homerooms for first collection were Banasik, Logan, and Blaine. Scrip holiday orders will be coming up. Incredible Pizza platinum $20 food & game cards will be available for purchase in which HH gets 50% back. Don’t forget to get your Target Red Cards.
Beth Plaster, All Pro Dads Chairperson: A breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, November 15 from 7:00-7:45. Please RSVP by November 12 at www.allprodad.com/2447.
Kelly Allison, Principal:
 Dr. Norm Ridder, Superintendent, visited recently and was complimentary to Hickory Hills.
 Parent-Teacher conference week had a good turnout.
 Bash the Trash assemblies (K-2 and 3-5) are Friday, November 9, 2012.
 Hickory Hills will host a cyber-bully awareness meeting on Wednesday, November 14, from 6:30-7:30.
 Thanksgiving holidays are November 22 and 23.
 December 20 will mark the end of first semester.
 The K-8 holiday assembly will be December 20.
 The afternoon crossing guard position has been filled.
 Could PTA consider the possibility of merging the elementary/middle school book fairs?
 The Stenger family donated $5,000 to Hickory Hills School.
 Announcements may be submitted for HH Facebook page.
Beth Plaster circulated a thank you note from the 5th grade teachers for dinner provided during Parent-Teacher conference. The next PTA meeting will be held Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 1:30 in the cafeteria.
There was no new business. Beth Plaster adjourned the meeting at 2:20 PM.

Lori Chisholm
PTA Secretary

Here’s an opportunity for our entire Hickory Hills student body to work together to provide holiday food baskets to low-income families that SPS selected through Crosslines.

How you can help:  Donate food, cash, or help assemble and deliver the baskets to families.

FOOD:  With each grade overseeing a category of items, it will ensure the families receive a variety of items. Donation bins are available in the classrooms from Dec. 3 -13.

Food categories by grade are:

Kindergarten:      Canned fruits and vegetables

1^st Grade:           Breakfast items (oatmeal, cereals, pancake mix, syrup)

2^nd Grade:           Lunch items (soup, crackers, peanut butter, jelly)

3^rd Grade:           Snack Foods (crackers, dried fruit, granola, nuts, popcorn)

4^th Grade:            Desserts  (boxed cakes, brownies, cookies, etc.)

5^th Grade:           Dinner items  (canned meats, rice, pasta, pasta sauce, macaroni
& cheese, beans, instant potatoes)
Middle School:   Household & Hygiene items (laundry detergent, paper towels,
toilet paper, soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes)

TOYS:  Hickory Hills kids are encouraged to chip in $1 so we can add Toys R Us gift cards to the baskets – a little something extra for the children.  Baggie attached for your convenience.  Checks can be made payable to “HHPTA.”

DELIVERIES:  Assembly and delivery volunteers are needed on Dec.13th.  Contact Lisa Ebisch at 353-4197 or lebisch@gmail.com.

Show you care this holiday season.  – Thank you!

The Springfield Public School District is looking for volunteers to serve on the Technology Advisory Committee.  Below are the dates and times of each meeting.  If you would be interested in serving on this advisory panel which will look at  future technology advances, usage, etc.,  please contact me as soon as possible.

Thanks,

Beth Plaster, HHPTA President

Tech Advisory Meeting Dates

All meetings are from 4:00-5:00

Counselor’s Corner

  Our word of the month for December is Honesty.  Students will discuss the importance of being honest with others in order to form happy, healthy friendships.  We will also discuss the importance of the Golden Rule.  Classroom visits will focus on activities that encourage students to treat others the way they want to be treated.  At Hickory Hills Elementary, we remember to use kind words and kind actions so that others will want to be our friend.

   Here are some tips for helping your child to make and keep friends.

1.      Read books with your child about making friends.
2.      Talk to your child about choosing friends.  What makes a good friend?  What makes a bad friend?  Congratulate your child when he or she makes a good choice!
3.      Find a family with children the same age as yours.  Schedule activities together so your child has some support in developing friendships.
4.       Be a good role model in friendships.  Show your child how you choose and interact with your friends.
5.     Make friendships an important discussion topic.  Pick a specific time and place to talk with your child about friends and relationships.
6.      Don’t try to solve your child’s friendship problems.  Help your child develop problem-solving skills around friendships.
7.      Help your child identify his or her interests and hobbies.  Find opportunities for him or her to pursue interests or hobbies with other children the same age.

    You can find more tips at www.floridainclusionnetwork.com

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Mrs. Hughes

Monday, December 10th from 4-9p is Pasta Express Night for Hickory Hills Elementary!  Please join us in our fundraising efforts and enjoy some yummy food with friends and family.  Please print out the flyer below, which can also be found on the Hickory Hills Elementary PTA Facebook page, and bring it with you.  The flyer must be presented at time of food purchase in order to receive the 15%  back to our school.  We hope to see you all there!

Thanks for your support of Hickory Hills Elementary PTA, our teaching staff and our children.

  You Are Invited

 to a Gathering For:

Hickory Hills School

When:

The Second Monday (December 10^th ) of Every School Month

Where:

Pasta Express

3250 E Battlefield

Why:

To Help raise money for HICKORY HILLS SCHOOL

Pasta Express will donate 15% of the sales between 4pm and 9pm.

Bonus Fundraising Available!

Pasta Express will donate 15 % to HICKORY HILLS SCHOOL for any catering event booked

from our Catering Menu!  (REMEMBER TO MENTION HICKORY HILLS SCHOOL)

Order can be placed online or by calling 890-1345.

– — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — -

HICKORY HILLS NIGHT

   4 to 9 PM

Eat at Pasta Express at 3025 E BATTLEFIELD on your group’s night.          

Present this coupon when you purchase your meal.

Your group will earn 15% of the cost of your meal.

Coupons cannot be handed out on store premises, parking lot or at the door.

            $ ___________________             Come and join the fun and get some cash for your school.

Meal cost

Happy New Year!!  Please join us for our first PTA meeting of 2013!  Thursday, January 10th at 1:30 in the elementary cafeteria.  We will be discussing upcoming events for the 2nd semester as well as announcing our Volunteer of the Year.

Thanks so much for your continued support of our elementary PTA.  I look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

Beth Plaster HHPTA President

Hickory Hills Board and Membership Meeting December 13, 2012
In Attendance: Michelle Benzen, Lori Chisholm, Lisa Ebisch, Brandy Hickman, Heather Kirk, Melissa Kotowicz, Sarah Langston, Laura Ogden, Beth Plaster, Caren Tate, and Valerie Wehrenberg.
Beth Plaster, PTA President, called the meeting to order at 1:30 PM.
The November 2012 minutes were approved as written.
Caren Tate, PTA Treasurer: Acquisitions purchased privacy partitions for Mrs. Banasik and Mrs. DeGood. Expenses for November included the cost of the Directory and the deposit for the Yearbook. A budgeted $200.00 donation was sent to RIF. Ending balance for November was $11,970.46.
Beth Plaster, All Pro Dads Chairperson: The next All Pro Dad meeting is January 24, 2013 at 7:00 AM.
Beth Plaster, Spirit Wear: The next Spirit wear order will be taken the beginning of February 2013.
Lisa Ebisch, Charitable Giving Chairperson: 15 families were the recipients of Holiday Baskets, which were full of food, hygiene, and household products. Each family got 4 boxes full. Price Cutter vouchers and $20 Toys R Us gift cards (for each child) were also included in the baskets.
Melissa Kotowicz, Hospitality Chairperson: The Teacher Holiday Luncheon is Wednesday, December 19 in the teacher workroom. PTA is also giving gifts to each teacher.
Laura Ogden, Homeroom Parent Coordinator: Holiday parties are Thursday, December 20, at 1:30 PM. Homeroom parents should remind parents what they signed up for and to include a healthy snack.
Laura Ogden, Spring Fling Chairperson: Volunteers will be needed.
Brandy Hickman, On Going Fundraiser Chairperson: $550 was earned in the last 2 weeks from Scrip. This year, approximately $1300 has been raised through Scrip. The next Box Tops collection date is February 2013.
Sarah Langston, PTA Vice President: Hickory Hills PTA volunteer day at the SCPTA Clothing Bank is January 23, 2013. A sign-up sheet for volunteers was circulated.
There was no report from Kelly Allison, Principal.
There was no new business.
Beth Plaster adjourned the meeting at 1:44 PM.
Lori Chisholm PTA Secretary

WHERE’S SPARTAN?

We want to know where Hickory’s Spartan goes this Fall!  Capture your Spartan student and Spartan on camera at your favorite Springfield location, a sporting event, traveling or just hanging out at home.  Use the attached poster or your child in his/her Spartan Spirit Wear.  Be creative!  Have some fun with it!  Snap a good photo and upload it to our yearbook website.

Pictures will be included in this year’s Yearbook!

Guidelines:

• Picture must include at least one Spartan student AND Hickory Hills Spartan

(on a shirt or with the attached poster)

• Image must be clear; no blurry shots please
• Sorry no cell phone pictures (not high enough image quality for yearbook production)
• Only one submission per student
• Pictures must be received absolutely NO LATER THAN January 11^th, 2013

How to submit:

• Go to www.community.lifetouch.com
• Enter access code:  VHPPLY under “New Users?” section of web page, click “Get Started”
• Set up a FREE account so that you can upload and edit your photos
• On the next screen you will see “Welcome, Mr. Smith”, “2013   Hickory Hills School”
• Click on the UPLOAD IMAGES button to begin, OR
• For an easy tutorial click on the “Community upload instructions” hyperlink to the right of the upload images button

So…Just where will Spartan be?!…

Order a Yearbook and find out!

Please email questions to:

 Valerie Wehrenberg at valerie@wehrenberg.net, Brian Derenski at brian@bddesignstudio.com or

Beth Plaster at jandbplaster@yahoo.com

Counselor’s Corner

January

Our word of the month for January is Attitude.  Hickory Hills Elementary Student Council has a positive attitude about raising money for a great cause.  We are collecting money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Pasta for Pennies Program.  We will be accepting donations from Jan. 7^th –Jan. 25^th.  The class that raises the most money for LLS will receive a luncheon sponsored by Olive Garden. 

LLS and Hickory Hills STUCO appreciates your help with this very worthwhile cause. 

Together we can make a difference!

During the month of January, we will continue talking about being a good friend to others.  We will also discuss how friends sometimes have conflicts and that those conflicts can be worked out peacefully.   We will review strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully.   Such strategies are as follows: use I-messages, agree to disagree, or ask an adult to be a mediator.   Students will discover that they can work out their differences by working together.

Have a fantastic January!

Mrs. Hughes (Counselor/STUCO Sponsor)

Good Day Hickory Families!  Tonight, Monday, January 28th is our annual McTeacher’s Night at the McDonald’s at Chestnut Expressway and 65 Hwy.  Please join your Hickory Teachers and friends for a fun meal in support of the Hickory Hills Elementary PTA.  The event runs from 4-8p. This is a fun event in which the kiddos get to see their teachers hard at work at McDonald’s!  We hope to see you there!

February

Our word of the month for February is Courtesy.  Students will discuss the importance of being courteous and respectful to self and others.  We will share examples of courteous words and actions in our guidance lesson this month.  We will also review the Guidelines for Resolving a Conflict Peacefully.  Please review these guidelines with your child. 

Guidelines for Resolving a Conflict Peacefully

1. The student can report a situation to his/her teacher.

2. The teacher will determine if counselor assistance is needed.

3. If so, the student may choose to confront the other student(s) with the counselor present.

4. If a student is not comfortable confronting the other student(s) involved, he/she may choose to complete a statement form provided by the counselor.

5. Once the statement form has been completed, the student will then review the form with the counselor.

6. If the conflict  is not successfully resolved, the counselor will consult with Mr. Allison or Mrs. Cardwell.  One of them will then determine the appropriate actions necessary based on the Springfield Public Schools Discipline Guidelines.     

Have a great February!

Mrs. Hughes

Hello all.  This is just a friendly reminder that our February PTA Meeting is THIS Friday, Feb. 15th at 1:30p in the Elementary Cafeteria.  We will be taking yearbook photos of all PTA Members and PTA Board Members.  I’d love to see you all there for the picture and the meeting!  We will be electing the nominating committee for our incoming PTA VP and Treasurer and discussing upcoming events in Feb and Mar.  So please join us if you can.

Hickory Hills Board and Membership Meeting February 15, 2013
In Attendance: Kelly Allison, Michelle Benzen, Shereena Cox, Danny Chisholm, Lori Chisholm, Brian Derenski, Michele Douglas, Brandy Hickman, Sarah Langston, Laura Ogden, Beth Plaster, Catherine Schmittling, Caren Tate, and Valerie Wehrenberg.
Beth Plaster, PTA President, called the meeting to order at 1:32 PM.
The January 2013 minutes were approved as written.
Caren Tate, PTA Treasurer: Ongoing Fundraising brought in $1,317.93 from Box Tops for Education and $93.43 from Pasta Express. Even though January shows -$1,186.80 in Scrip income, approximately $2,000 is in Scrip inventory. We are around $1,700 in the plus YTD with Scrip. Expenses for January include Founder’s Day tickets, Chat and Chew books, and our Counselor appreciation gift. Our total income YTD is $10,433.27 and expenses YTD are $5,409.48. Ending balance for January was $14,171.55.
Beth Plaster: A nominating committee is needed for the 2013-2014 board. Positions are available for Vice President and Treasurer. Brian Derenski motioned that Melissa Kotowicz, Brandy Hickman, and Catherine Schmittling serve as our nominating committee. That motion got a second and was carried.
Beth Plaster: The “Dive into Reading” assembly led by Magician Marty Hahne will be held February 22 at 1:30. Thanks to Kirsten Weiss, Cultural Arts Chairperson, who organized the assembly.
Valerie Wehrenberg and Brian Derenski, Yearbook Chairpersons: Order forms for yearbooks will go home the beginning of March. Prices will not change from last year.
Beth Plaster: Kindergarten registration will be held March 7 from 9:00-10:30.
Beth Plaster, Spirit Wear Chairperson: Order forms were emailed on February 13. Orders are due with payment by February 26 for the end of March delivery.
Brandy Hickman, Ongoing Fundraising Chairperson: Counted and sorted Box Tops should be turned in by Homeroom parents no later than February 22 in the teacher workroom. Each grade will have a class winner and receive a catered breakfast either late April or early May.
Kelly Allison, Principal:
 We are past mid-3rd quarter.
 Spring Break is the week of March 11.
 There will be a bond initiative and levy proposal on the April 2 ballot. If it passes, 4 elementary classrooms will be added to HH. These rooms will be built from the room that houses the laminator.
 A handout was presented to PTA members with the results of the HH School Parent Survey.
 The crisis team will meet again. Before the beginning of next school year, information will be communicated about changes and procedures regarding safety at HH.
New Business
 Sarah Langston, PTA Vice President: An email will be sent to current committee chairpersons and co-chairpersons to ask their intent to serve next school year.
 Lori Chisholm, Book Fair Chairperson: Buy One Get One Free fair will be held May 6-8.
The next PTA meeting will be Tuesday, March 5, at 1:30 PM.
Beth Plaster adjourned the meeting at 2:03 PM.
Lori Chisholm PTA Secretary

Hello all.  This is just a friendly reminder that our March PTA Meeting is THIS Tuesday, Mar. 5th at 1:30p in the Elementary Cafeteria.  So please join us if you can.

March

Our word of the month for March is Self-Discipline.  At our last Celebration Assembly, we shared about being in control of our emotions, actions, and impulses.  Hickory Hills Student Counsel also led the students in the STOP CHEER.  This cheer is a reminder to help us stop and think when we feel angry or upset.  Ask your child to share the STOP CHEER with you today.

Enjoy your March!

Mrs. Hughes

Hickory Hills Elementary Board and Membership Meeting March 5, 2013
In Attendance: Kami Cardwell, Lori Chisholm, Shereena Cox, Michele Douglas, Lisa Ebisch, Brandy Hickman, Heather Killian, Melissa Kotowicz, Maggie Krogh, Sarah Langston, Laura Ogden, Beth Plaster, Emily Russell, Catherine Schmittling, Caren Tate, Katie Vance, and Valerie Wehrenberg.
Beth Plaster, PTA President, called the meeting to order at 1:37 PM.
The February 2013 minutes were approved as written.
Caren Tate, PTA Treasurer: McTeacher Night brought in $366.15. Ongoing Fundraising income budgeted for 2012-2013 was $3,000 and YTD has received $2,922.99. Expenses in February include books for Chat and Chew, the magician fee for the Cultural Arts assembly, and hospitality items for the SCPTA meeting held at HH. Ending balance for February was $13,051.50.
Beth Plaster: The Founder’s Day banquet has been rescheduled for March 18. The silent auction begins at 6:00. The dinner and presentation begin at 6:30.
Brandy Hickman, Ongoing Fundraising Chairperson: Box Top winners- Mrs. Parrott (K); Mrs. Banasik (1); Mrs. Demel/Mrs. Price (2); Mrs. Logan (3); Mrs. Anderson (4); and Mrs. Hagin (5). 11,470 total Box Tops were collected in February. A catered breakfast will be served to the winners after MAP testing. Buffalo Wild Wings and Ruby Tuesday Scrip cards will be added to the inventory list. Proceeds for Scrip to Go will go toward teacher classrooms.
Beth Plaster: Pasta Express Nights are ongoing every 2nd Monday of the month. Pasta Express will donate 15% of the sales from 4-9 PM to help HH. Vouchers will go home in this week’s student folders.
Lori Chisholm, Book Fair Chairperson: Our Spring “Buy One Get One Free” Book Fair hours will only be Monday, May 8 (8:00-7:00), Tuesday, May 9 (8:00-3:00), and Wednesday, May 10 (8:00-3:00).
Valerie Wehrenberg, Yearbook Chairperson: The yearbook order form deadline is Thursday, March 7. Please turn in forms to the teacher or office. Extra forms are in the office. Also, any final photo submissions need to be emailed to valerie@wehrenberg.net by March 7.
Kami Cardwell, Assistant Principal, showed a brief video explaining the bond and levy proposal on the April 2 ballot.
 Quality Schools for Kids needs parent volunteers to help fundraise, pass out voter commitment cards, and/or be a school representative. Mr. Allison asked HHPTA to donate $150 to support the campaign.
 Spring Break is March 11-15.
 The unofficial last day of school is Thursday, May 16, unless there are more snow days.
 Mulch for the elementary playground will be added this spring.
 Kindergarten registration is March 7, from 9:00-10:30.
 Domino’s Pizza Night is March 7. Use the SPS11 code when ordering.
 MAP testing is scheduled for April 15-26. Grades 3-8 will be tested week 1 and 5th/8th grade science will be tested week 2.
Heather Killian brought a motion that HHPTA send Quality Schools for Kids a donation of $150 to support its campaign for the bond and levy vote. The motion got a second and carried.
New Business:
 Catherine Schmittling, RIF Chairperson: There may be one more book distribution in April.
Beth Plaster adjourned the meeting at 2:00 PM.
Lori Chisholm PTA Secretary

This Friday, March 22nd is dress like your favorite Story Book Character or wear a shirt with your favorite story book character on it to school!  Join in the fun of this spirit day this Friday.  We can’t wait to see our Hickory kiddos showing off their favorite book characters.

Beth Plaster

HHPTA President

Hickory Hills Elementary Board and Membership Special Called Meeting March 20, 2013

In Attendance: Kami Cardwell, Lori Chisholm, Shereena Cox, Brian Derenski, Carmel Gutierrez, Brandy Hickman, Chris Hughes, Heather Killian, Melissa Kotowicz, Maggie Krogh, Sarah Langston, Jana Lewis, Dana Mirowski, Laura Ogden, Dachel Pendergrass, Beth Plaster, Emily Russell, Catherine Schmittling, Caren Tate, and Valerie Wehrenberg.

Beth Plaster, PTA President, called the meeting to order at 2:32 PM.

2013-2014 Board Elections: Catherine Schmittling, Nominating Committee, made a motion to nominate Lori Chisholm as next year’s Vice President, Emily Russell as Secretary, and Michele Douglas as Treasurer. HHPTA membership unanimously approved all three to serve.

There was no new business.

Beth Plaster adjourned the meeting at 2:43 PM.

Lori Chisholm PTA Secretary

SAVE THE DATE

SPRING FLING 2013

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

5:30-6:30PM – DINNER

5:30-7:00PM – GAMES AND RAFFLE

7:00PM – LIVE AUCTION

UNIQUE ARTWORK TO BE AUCTIONED

EACH CLASS IS WORKING ON AN ORIGINAL PIECE

THEY ARE VERY EXCITED TO SHOW OFF THEIR HARD WORK AND TALENT

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT!

OTHER AUCTION AND RAFFLE ITEMS:

DISNEY, Wii SYSTEM, GYM MEMBERSHIPS,

RESTAURANTS, DISCOVERY CENTER, SPA TREATMENTS, GOLF OUTINGS, PONY PARTY, MOVIE TICKETS,

CHIEF’S MEMORBILIA AND MUCH MORE

A FUN NIGHT OF DOMINOS, GAMES, KARAOKE, RAFFLE AND LIVE AUCTION

SEE YOU FRIDAY, APRIL 19

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Spring Fling 2013 is looking for donations! 

If you own a business or have a friend that owns a business  and would like to make a donation for our raffle or silent auction to be held on Friday, April 19^th from 5:30-8p, please contact Laura Ogden at  #417-343-9022.

All donations are tax deductible and donors will be provided with a letter listing our 501(c)(3) status.  This is a fundraiser for Hickory Hills Elementary School and the HHPTA.  Any donations are welcome and very much appreciated.  You are also welcome to make a family donation in the form of gift cards or merchandise.  Please help us and our school in this fundraising effort, if you can.

Thank you so much for your support of our school and our PTA.  Together we are making it possible to provide educational enrichment through technology upgrades in the classrooms, fun activities for our Hickory Children, and needed classroom supplies for our teachers and staff at Hickory Hills Elementary.

Beth Plaster, HHPTA President

Laura Ogden, Spring Fling Chair

Hello wonderful PTA members and volunteers.  I cannot believe we are already coming up on the last two PTA Meetings of the 2012-2013 School Year!  It has been an amazing, busy yet successful year for our PTA and our school, and it’s not over yet!

This is just a friendly reminder that our April PTA Meeting is THIS Thursday, Apr. 11th at 1:30p in the Elementary Cafeteria.  Please join us if you can.