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Hickory Tree Elementary School

Every Day is Day One!

Hawks Weekly Newsletter: 12/8-12/12

Posted Date: 12/06/25 (03:00 PM)


The Hickory Tree Elementary School logo features a hawk mascot.

"The One With All The Information" Week 17

Weekly Newsletter: December 9th-12th

A yellow frame with a purple background displays the word 'HAWKS'.

A Message from Administration


Dear Hickory Tree Families,

As we move into the final two school weeks before winter break, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for your partnership, encouragement, and support. Our students worked incredibly hard during the Reading PM2 state assessment, and we could not be prouder of the focus, determination, and perseverance they showed.

We are thrilled to share that our overall proficiency levels are higher at this point in the year than they have ever been. This is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers, staff, and families working together to support learning every day. When our students show up ready to learn—well-rested, encouraged, and supported—the results shine through.

As we continue to work toward our goal of becoming an A-rated school, we are digging deeply into each child’s progress to celebrate their growth and to identify areas where they may still need support. Our teachers will be reviewing scores with students, tracking data, setting goals, and giving students a clear understanding of what they are working toward for the remainder of the school year.

We want every child to feel proud, confident, and motivated. Most importantly, we want them to know the truth:
They are smart. They are capable. They are growing. And we believe in them.

Thank you for continuing to encourage your child at home, celebrating their successes, and reminding them that every bit of effort matters. Together, we are creating a strong foundation of learning and achievement for all Hawks. We appreciate you and are grateful for your partnership.🦅❤️

With gratitude,
Ms. Miller and Ms. Vargas

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS:
  • December 10th: K-2 Math FAST PM 2 Testing
  • December 10th: PTA Holiday Night and Holiday Shoppe Kick-off
  • December 11th: 3rd-5th Math FAST PM2 Testing
  • December 10th-17th: Holiday Shoppe - Ms. Thomas will send out a shopping schedule
  • December 12th: Staff Holiday Lunch and Gifts!! AND Jingle Jog during Block AND Dr. Shanoff Visits
  • December 15th-19th: Holiday Dress Down Week
*Monday: Holiday Hats and Headbands + Progress Learning Dress Down Students
*Tuesday: Holiday Socks + Progress Learning Dress Down Students
*Wednesday: Holiday Ugly Sweaters
*Thursday: Holiday Character Dress Up
*Friday: Holiday Pajama Dress Down
  • December 16th: SAC/PTA Meeting - 4:00pm/5:00pm
  • December 17th: PBIS Event: Hickory Harvest during block
  • December 22nd-January 2nd - Winter Break - NO School
  • January 5th: Students Return: Schoolwide Dress down - Payment in MySchoolBucks
  • January 8th: End of Quarter 2
  • January 9th: Teacher Workday - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
  • January 19th - NO SCHOOL - MLK Day
  • January 20th: SAC/PTA Meeting- 4:00pm//5:00pm
  • January 23rd: 2nd quarter Honor Roll Award Ceremony
  • January 29th: Hawk of the Month Ceremony: 8:45-9:45 am

Please see the attached calendar for more important dates and upcoming events.
Holiday Shoppe
➗ PM2 Math Testing This Week

We will administer the state PM2 Math assessment this week:
  • Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd Grade: Wednesday, December 10
  • 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade: Thursday, December 11
To help your child feel confident and prepared, please remind them of these test-taking strategies:

  • Take your time
  • Show your work on each problem
  • Read carefully
  • Solve the problem and then check that the answer makes sense
  • Don’t rush—slow and steady is the key

⭐ Student Incentives and Rewards

Students can earn the following incentives for meeting their PM2 goals:

  • Meet their goal in one subject → Socks & Crocs Dress-Down Day
  • Meet their goal in both reading and math → Socks & Crocs + Pajama Day
  • 20 Talon Tickets for each subject in which they meet their goal
  • Grow an entire level → Extra Recess + Popsicles
  • Level 5 students → earn incentives by maintaining a Level 5
  • Any class where all students meet their goals → Class Extra Recess + additional Talon Tickets

Teachers have reviewed these goals with students and helped them understand what they are working toward. Please encourage them at home as well!

🏡 How You Can Help at Home
The night before testing, please ensure your child:
  • Gets a good night’s sleep
  • Eats a healthy breakfast
  • Has a calm, stress-free morning
  • Arrives on time

Every child should also spend a little time each evening on Progress Learning through ClassLink. Practicing taught standards helps reinforce skills and build confidence for the assessment.

Thank you for helping your child be set up for success—we believe in them, and we know they can do this!

🎄 PTA Holiday Night at Hickory Tree Elementary

We are excited to invite all families to our PTA Holiday Night at Hickory Tree Elementary! This event is always a joyful kickoff to the holiday season and a wonderful opportunity for families to spend time together on campus.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

🎁 Holiday Shop Family Night – Students can shop for family gifts at affordable prices
✨ Festive atmosphere and holiday music
📸 Photo opportunities
🤝 A great chance to support our PTA and connect with other Hawk families

SEE THE ATTACHED FLYER FOR ALL THE DETAILS, INCLUDING HOW TO ORDER COOKIES!!!!

We hope to see you there for an evening filled with holiday cheer and Hawk spirit!


💛 Thank You, Families!

As always, thank you for your ongoing support of your child’s education and of our amazing school. We are proud of the growth we are seeing, the goals our students are reaching, and the joy they bring to learning each day.

Let’s continue encouraging our Hawks to do their very best on PM2 Math—and finish these final days before break strong, focused, and proud.