Our Mission Statement

Hearst Elementary is committed to providing all students with a rigorous curriculum integrated with exposure to the Arts. Our school is dedicated to encouraging healthy living and an appreciation for the world around us. Our staff work as a team to promote a positive atmosphere from PK through 5th grade.

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Hearst and Sidwell Friends Community Service Holiday Gift Giving

posted Nov 24, 2009 4:31 PM by Unknown user   [ updated Nov 24, 2009 4:32 PM ]

In the spirit of holiday gift giving, Hearst ES and Sidwell Friends invite families to share with our neighbors in need. We will be conducting a toy and clothing drive for three weeks to support needy families in the DC metropolitan area.  Donations will be delivered by parent volunteers from both schools to local agencies with whom Sidwell has had long-term partnerships and Hearst hopes to develop: Martha’s Table, Samaritans Inn, and Bethesda Cares. In addition, this year we would like to give to the Humane Society as well, so that we can include animals in the group of recipients with whom we share the holiday spirit - children (Martha's Table), families (Samaritans Inn), the homeless (Bethesda Cares), and animals (Humane Society).  

We are looking for the following items: 
 
Martha's Table - new unwrapped toys, games, books 
Bethesda Cares - new unwrapped long underwear, socks, gloves, hats, scarves 
Humane Society - clean used or new blankets and towels (with no holes please) 
 
In addition we are helping to "adopt" families through Samaritans Inn. We have a list of families and their wish lists, and if you are interested in participating, please contact Bill Kerlina at 202-282-0106 or email
William_Kerlina@dc.gov . It is not necessary to fill a family's wish list all yourself - you and a friend or friends or neighbors can "adopt" together.  
 
Any and all gifts will be greatly appreciated. Please drop off new, unwrapped gifts in the collection boxes located in the main office between Monday, November 30th and Friday, December 18th. If you have any questions or are interested in lending a hand, please contact Joyce Walker or Bill Kerlina at 202-282-0106. Let’s work together to make this the best holiday season for our friends and family throughout the DC metropolitan area. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

General Announcement

posted Sep 22, 2009 3:18 PM by Unknown user

         Each school year is a new beginning-for students, teachers, and parents.  There is excitement and an eagerness to explore a new classroom situation.  There is confidence and insecurity.  As adults we want to make this a time of joy and success for our children by trying to give them a positive sense of self and letting them know that we believe in them and their abilities and are there to guide and support them.

      Continue to tell your children you love them and know that they will have a successful year.  Remind them how much they have grown and learned since last September and give specific examples.  Children will appreciate hearing about their strengths and growth and knowing that you are aware of them.

      I have visited all classes and students know who I am, where my office is located, what I do, and how to access me.  I am always here for our students, so if there is ever a problem, I want them to know that besides being a disciplinarian, I am also there to listen and help them work through their concerns.  In addition, our school counselor, Ms. Jones, has been a great addition to our staff.  Most students know who she is, and how she is able to help them.  Unfortunately, Ms. Jones is only here 2 (sometimes 3) days a week.  But if for some reason you feel that your son or daughter needs to speak to Ms. Jones, please send a note to your child’s teacher.  The teacher will relay the message and I guarantee Ms. Jones will meet with your son or daughter the first chance she gets.

      Your children are important to us at Hearst.  As the Principal I am an advocate for your children.  I am accessible to them but also available to work with you if you have a concern about your child.  If you need to set up an appointment to speak to me, feel free to contact me directly either through email (william.kerlina@dc.gov) or by phone (202-282-0106).  In addition, I will begin hosting monthly Coffee Hours.  The first one is scheduled for Friday, October 9th from 9am to 10am.  This is a time I will set aside each month for parents to come visit with me to express their concerns, share their ideas or begin to build a network with other parents.  I look forward to working with you and your child to ensure that we all have an exciting school year.

School Time!!!!

posted Sep 22, 2009 3:17 PM by Unknown user

What time is it?  School time!!  It has been extremely busy at Hearst Elementary School this summer with our building preparing for additional classrooms, the long anticipated playground, and preparing to welcome all our wonderful students and staff.  You may have noticed that our school now has an additional complex, which I have decided to call “The Learning Cottage.”  This building will house our 3rd and 4th grade classes as well as some additional student and office space.  Construction on the long anticipated playground will begin on August 27th, with a groundbreaking to occur on either August 24th or 25th (I will keep you posted). Ms. Walker has been busy enrolling students as we see our school continue to growth due to the outstanding teaching staff, parents, and welcoming community.  With all of the activity, the summer has flown by as we have prepared for another great year with our wonderful students.

There are a number of important calendar items that all parents need to know in order to prepare for the upcoming year.  The first day of the SY2009-2010 is August 24th.  Back to School Nights will be on Wednesday, September 9th at 6:00 p.m. for our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students and on Thursday, September 10th at 6:00 p.m. for our 1st through 4th grade students.  As in the past, this is an adult activity, so please plan on finding childcare.  Finally, school will be closed on September 7th (Labor Day).   This means that there will only be four days of school during the third week of school.

Our great PTA will be hosting an Open House for parents and students on Thursday, August 20th, from 3:30-4:30.  Students and parents are welcome to come meet the teachers and see the classrooms the children will be learning in this year and enjoy refreshments provided by the PTA. In addition to the Open House, the annual Beautification Day will occur on Saturday, August 22nd from 8:00-1:00, with a Pre-kindergarten and new family picnic to follow from 1:00-3:00.  I hope you will join us as we spruce up our school and facilities.

I bet all of you are interested in finding out who is your child’s teacher.  Listed below are a number of ways you may find out the class and teacher your child has been assigned:
    •    The final summer mailer from Hearst which is to be mailed on August 12th.
    •    Attend the Open House on Thursday, August 20th.
    •    Beautification Day on Saturday, August 22nd.
    •    The first day of school, August 24th.
    •    Look at the class lists, which will be posted near the front entrance by August 20th.

Hearst Elementary School’s regular student day hours are from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. All students will meet on the playground at 8:40 a.m.  Students must not arrive before 8:40 a.m. as adequate adult supervision is not available before that time. Parents please do not drop your children off early leaving them to care for themselves. It is not safe for the children to be left to supervise themselves before the teacher on duty arrives at 8:40 a.m. Students must be picked up from school by parents, guardians or daycare providers by 3:15 p.m. We do not provide supervision for children after school.  If you need assistance in providing supervision for your child before or after school, please contact Ms. Walker for information on the Innis Program.

If you are new to Hearst Elementary, I welcome you and your family to our community. If you are returning, I look forward to working with you and your child. Please feel free to call the school office (202) 282-0106 with any questions or concerns you may have. Enjoy the remainder of the summer and I look forward to see all of you soon.

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