HW Smith Pre-K-8 School

September Expectations Reminder
Dear HW Smith Parents and Guardians,

Today marks the end of the first full week of school! Although we had some challenges, it was a very
successful week! Here are some highlights from this week!

• We are in the process of screening all of our students in order to set up our small group and interventions in ELA and Math.
• We introduced the new HW Smith Phoenix expectations. Be Safe Be Optimistic, Be Accountable and Be respectful. We are reminding students to S.O.A.R every day!
• Teachers and staff have introduced classroom procedures and routines and provided students with manyopportunities to practice.
• Students have participated in relationship building circles and morning meetings in every classroom.
• Students are getting used to our COVID-19 protocols and safety expectations.
• Lessons have begun in every subject area that focus in review of previously learned skills in order to set the foundations for this year’s curriculum.
• We have had the opportunity to wither meet or reconnect with many of you, our HW Smith families.
• In order to continue to be successful next week and to address some of our challenges we need your help with the following.
• Please be sure that your child comes to school each day with a mask. Please remind your child that the mask must be worn in school, above his or her nose, unless they are outside or eating lunch. The majority of our students have done very well with this and we are confident that by next week we will need to give fewer reminders.
• Dismissal is a very busy time. In order to ensure your child’s safety, please note that students can not be called to the main office or picked up between 2:45 pm and 3:20 pm. All students who are being picked up will be at the side door in the side parking lot at 3:20 pm. Thank you for waiting patiently in your car until your child is dismissed.
• We have only one main line on our phones. Please try to avoid calling between 2:45 pm and 3:20 pm as the phones are usually very busy at that time. If someone is on the main line, you will be directed to voicemail and we do not get that message until the next morning.
• We understand that the bus situation has been very frustrating. Please know that the district is doing everything they can to address the situation. It is our goal to have all buses loaded and leaving HW Smith at 3:35 p.m. However, your patience in the meantime is greatly appreciated as several buses are leaving our school very late.

As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to your child’s teacher or you can
reach myself or another administrator at 315-435-4490.

Principal Haley

21-22 SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST

Mission
To cultivate all students’ academic, social and emotional skills in preparation for success in high school and beyond.

Vision
To be highly regarded for academic excellence where every student is achieving at his or her maximum potential in an engaging, inspiring and challenging learning environment.

Highly Regarded: A school where the district and state recognize the progress towards the highest attendance rate, the lowest incidents in discipline, and the highest scores on NYS assessments.

Student Friendly Vision
To become the best K-8 school in Syracuse.