HAMMOND NEWS
HAMMOND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
8110 Aladdin Drive
Laurel, MD 20723
410-880-5890
Safe-to-School 301-725-9250

December 21, 2007

DECEMBER 24th – JANUARY 1st SCHOOLS CLOSED – WINTER BREAK

January 8 PTA Family Night – Chicken Out (Columbia Crossing) 4pm-9pm

January 10 Fire Truck Ride Drawing

January 14-16 Vision & Hearing

January 14 Fire Truck Ride

Beginning Band & Orchestra Concert 7pm

January 15 PTA Executive Board meeting 6:30pm

JANUARY 17 3 HOUR EARLY DISMISSAL (END OF 2ND MARKING PERIOD)

JANUARY 18 SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR STUDENTS (PROFESSIONAL WORKDAY)

JANUARY 21 SCHOOLS CLOSED – MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

January 28 Cultural Arts Program (K-5) Washington Chu Shan Chinese Opera (9:30am & 10:30am)

January 30 Report Cards issued

GT NOMINATIONS GRADES 3 & 4 (MATH) GRADE 5 MIDDLE SCHOOL GT CLASSES FOR 08-09 
Howard County Public Schools are currently in the process of accepting nominations for 3rd and 4th grade students for possible inclusion in the GT Math Program for 2008/2009 school year. Students who are already participating in above grade level mathematics (grades 3,4 & 5) and above grade level reading (grade 5 only) and students who performed at the advanced level in mathematics in the Maryland School Assessments, or those who scored in the 90th percentile or above on the SAT 10 will automatically be nominated for testing. Students who met one or more of these criteria will receive a letter coming home today. If your child does not meet any of the above criteria, you have the option of nominating your child for testing, by submitting a request in writing to Mrs. Davis-Caldwell by January 7th.

SCIENCE FAIR IS COMING!
Scientifically Fascinating Facts! Children have more taste buds than adults do! So while you are consuming all those holiday goodies start thinking about what YOU might want to discover for the Science Fair. The HES Science Fair is scheduled for Thursday February 28th. More details to come!

HEALTH ROOM NEWS
The Health Room is no longer in need of clothing for students. Thank you for the bountiful contribution of clothing! If your child should require a change of clothing (during school hours), you will be contacted by the health room requesting whether you would like to bring your own clothing, or use donated clothes. 

DRESSING FOR COLDER WEATHER!
Parents please make sure that your child(ren) are dressed appropriately for the colder weather. Students will still be going outdoors for recess (unless temperature falls below 20). There are other times that students may be required to go outside, fire drills/evacuations and occasionally P.E. Long pants, coats, hats and gloves are necessary to be comfortable outdoors.

Morning Drop Off Reminder
The doors to the school open at 8:45. Prior to this time staff members are not outside to supervise students who arrive early. If your child walks to school or if you drive your child to school, please have him/her arrive between 8:45 and 8:55. 

HES PTA/Scaggsville Fire Station #11 Reading Incentive Program
Each month, students who read 20 minutes beyond their daily reading time are eligible to fill out a reading coupon and turn it in for a drawing. The second drawing will take place on January 10th. The winners will be picked up at their home, arrive at school and be greeted by HES students! Our second ride is scheduled for Monday, January 14th.

THE HAMMOND NEWSLETTER WILL RETURN ON 1/11/2008!

HAPPY WINTER BREAK!
MRS. BLAND, MR. VANISKO AND THE ENTIRE HAMMOND STAFF WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY WINTER BREAK!

Emergency School Closing Information: https://www.eschoolnewsletter.com/emergency.asp