Hyatt's Updates for January

Dear Hyatt Elementary Families,

The New Year is off to a great start at Hyatt, and we are excited for what the second semester will bring! We finally got a taste of winter in our area, the Michigan Wolverines are National Champions and The Detroit Lions won a playoff game! It's been quite a week in Michigan for sure. As always they are numerous events and updates occurring in our school community. Below are some helpful tidbits to help keep you all informed and up to date. We have been getting a few calls concerning attendance, illness, and winter recess. Obviously, attendance is important as it is easier to maintain and expand our learning when we are present at school. If your child has been physically ill, had a fever, or similar symptoms, they should remain home for at least 24 hours until their symptoms improve without medication. Please send in a doctor's note when possible, as this is beneficial in situations where there are multiple days of absence. Another question we have been getting recently is, "At what temperature do you keep the children inside for recess?" When the "feels like" temperature is below zero we will keep the children inside, yes, this includes the wind chill. The long term forecast has temperatures averaging at or just below freezing, so we will definitely be enjoying lots of January fresh air!

We hope you find all of this information and the updates below helpful. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Mr. Strickert and Mrs. Carter

Every Child Every Day!

Now that it seems that winter has finally arrived, families may want to take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in our area. Whether you are; walking the trails around town, skiing at Mt. Holly, sledding on the hill at Byram Park, or possibly ice fishing on one of the many lakes, please keep safety at the forefront. Avoid wet toes and hands, wear a helmet when applicable, and remember ice conditions are unpredictable. I want everyone to have fun being together and please do so safely.

There is no school on Monday, January 15th in observance of the federal holiday recognizing Martin Luther King Jr.

The second marking period came to a close on Friday, January 12th. We appreciate everyone's efforts with supporting our children's academic and social emotional growth. Our teachers will be compiling information to complete report cards the following week with the intent of sending report cards home on Friday the 19th. Please reach out to your child's teacher with any questions.

We are definitely in the cold and flu season; please remind your children the importance of washing their hands, trying to keep their hands off their faces, covering their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and not sharing their food with others. These are proven strategies to reducing the spread of illness. Remember, a child with a fever or who is physically ill must stay home for at least 24 hours and be symptom free without medication before returning to school.

Also, please remain cognizant of student allergies in your child’s classroom. Due to the severity of the reactions to some allergies we ask that all snacks, treats, are store purchased. If your child exhibits any symptom, you will be called to pick your child up from school.

Winter has officially arrived and we continue to be on the verge of the next winter storm. Please make sure your child is prepared for the elements. Hats, gloves, warm coats, snow pants, and boots are all essential regardless of the changing weather patterns. It's always easier to have clothing you don't need for recess then it is to go outside wishing you had another layer of protection from the elements. If you are in need of winter gear, please contact the office.

Popcorn is for sale twice a month on Fridays and costs just a quarter a bag. Our wonderful parent volunteers make some of the best popcorn in Genesee County and the proceeds are donated back to a different classroom each week to help support classroom needs. Thank you everyone for your support and enjoy that delicious popcorn! Please look over the upcoming dates below:

1/19

2/2

2/16

3/1

3/15

4/12

4/26

We are continuing to SOAR at Hyatt as part of our district mission to support a positive culture in our schools! Our goal is to teach desirable behaviors that will serve our children well everywhere in our community and beyond! Throughout their day we focus on Staying Safe, Offering Kindness, Acting Responsibly, and showing Respect. The children are recognized individually with SOAR tickets and weekly through grade level drawings with donated prizes from our supportive P.A.L.S group, McDonalds, and Mancinos. This is a community commitment and something we are proud to support.

If you are interested in volunteering at the school, please contact your child’s teacher. We often are looking for an extra set of hands both in and out of the classroom. All volunteers are required to complete a background check before they can be approved to volunteer in the school. Please let us know if you are interested! Thank you!

• 1/15 No School - Martin Luther King Day

• 1/18 Lockdown Drill

• 2/14 Valentine's Day

• 2/14 Count Day

• 2/19 No School - President's Day

• 3/22 No School - Teacher Professional Development

• 3/23-3/31 Spring Break

• 4/22 Third Grade MSTEP Begins

• 5/24 SOAR Day

• 5/27 No School - Memorial Day

• 5/30 1/2 Day - Last Day of School