Dear Families,

November at MHE has been a month filled with gratitude and growth. As students continue to settle into the school year, I am so impressed by their hard work and kindness toward one another.

We were honored to welcome local veterans from the Central Square American Legion Post in recognition of Veterans Day. They shared the history and significance of the day with our school family. In addition, students, staff, and families participated in a star tribute to honor loved ones who have served in the military. We were incredibly fortunate to welcome all the students’ family members who have served for a special breakfast hosted by our PTO.

During the November character education assembly, Mr. Porter’s class taught students all about gratitude and the importance of recognizing what we are thankful for. Congratulations to our character trait award winners for the month of November!

Our school was buzzing with Thanksgiving traditions this past week, including feasts, parades, and activities focused on thankfulness.

The generosity of our families and community has been amazing. Many families have adopted others for the holiday season. Our coat drive has received numerous donations, and our social worker, Mrs. Jennifer Smith, worked with local agencies to make sure families had everything they needed for a Thanksgiving meal. The MHE PTO is running a hat and mitten drive, and our staff is working hard to make sure every child in our school has a gift this holiday season.

If your family is currently facing challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Smith, our school social worker, or Mrs. Garcia, our school nurse, who are leading our holiday giving efforts. We are here to help connect you with the resources you need.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this message, this is truly a time to be grateful for the support and care we share as a school community.

Thank you for your continued support. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at esmith@cssdapps.org or 315-668-4310.

Warm regards,

Mrs. E. Smith

Share the Warmth Hat & Mitten Drive (Wednesday, Nov. 19- Wednesday, Dec. 17): MHE PTO will be collecting hats & mittens (waterproof mittens and gloves preferred) for our MHE students in need of warmth this holiday and winter season. MHE parents & families can send in hats & mitten donations with their MHE student or drop them off at the main office. Your donated hat & mitten sets can be placed inside our MHE PTO “Lend Warmth Donation Box” by the Main Office.

8th Annual Gingerbread House Contest (Monday, Dec. 1 - Wednesday, Dec. 3): MHE students are able to drop off their Gingerbread House creation at school starting Monday Dec. 1 through Wednesday Dec. 3. Judging will take place Thursday, December 4 and winners will be announced during the MHE PTO holiday event, Snowflake Social. Please note, Gingerbread House creations must be dropped off. They cannot come with students on the bus.

Snowflake Social (Friday, Dec. 5): MHE students and their families are invited to participate in a night of FREE indoor fun! MHE PTO has organized an ice cream sundae station, make and take holiday keepsakesstations, a photo op with Santa, a fake snowball battle, basket raffles, new MHE Redhawk Sticker reveal and more. 

Candy Cane Lane (Monday, Dec 8- Friday, Dec. 12): MHE PTO will be putting together a holiday shopping experience for students to shop for their family members during school hours. All items will be $3 across the board. A flyer with more details will come home in folders. 

Grades K-2 Ornament Making with Mrs. Greer (Tuesday, Dec. 9): MHE PTO is hosting After School Ornament Making with Mrs. Greer for grades K-2 on Tuesday, December from 3:30-4:30pm. Students will stay after school for a fun afternoon of creating ornaments with snacks and refreshments provided. This event is only for Grades K-2. Space is limited to 60 students. Register at: https://forms.gle/9vfHk227rkAuA3Cs6 You will receive a confirmation reminder email on Friday, December 5. Late bus transportation is available but limited to 60 students. Parent pick up will be at 4:35 in the front entrance. 

The next MHE PTO meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec 10 at 6pm in the MHE Cafeteria. At this meeting, we will be voting on the new MHE PTO Board. If you would like to apply to join MHE PTO board, please submit your name by Tuesday , Decmember 2via: https://forms.gle/g8hY9NtqmyGWsDJL9 .

PTO is forever thankful to be able to help support our MHE families and school community!