October 15, 2021
Dear Hart Families,

We have had an amazing short week which concluded today with Reading with the Leopards. We had students from volleyball and cross country here to visit with us this morning. It is always fun to have our high school students here to answer questions and read to us.

As a reminder, if you would like to attend a field trip, volunteer in our building, make copies, etc. then, you must have a Volunteer background check on file for Lovejoy ISD. The Volunteer background check is valid for one year, and if it was completed prior to August 1st, then you must submit a new one. If you have not had a chance to complete your volunteer background check application, please click here. I would highly recommend that every parent get this completed so you have it ready to go!

Fasten your seatbelts! For the next two weeks, we will be extremely busy. The week of October 18th, we will have picture day on Tuesday for Kindergarten, 2nd, and 3rd grade. Then, on Wednesday, we will have picture day for the 1st and 4th grade. On Friday, we will have our first Hart Beat to celebrate our students and then, we will have early release at noon to allow everyone to prepare to go to Leopard Friday at the high school on Friday night. Hart Beat has been tweaked by our teachers to freshen it up and create a stronger Lovejoy community experience. Early next week, we will send out a principal message devoted to Hart Beat to explain more.

Then, the week of October 25th, we will have our Caring Coin Drive and Red Ribbon Week festivities where we are learning about making healthy life choices. On Friday, October 29th, we will have Dennis Lee during school and then Friday night, we will have our Fall Family Fun Night both sponsored by our PTO.

We will have a lot of opportunities over the next two weeks to make connections with our Hart and Lovejoy community, and I am looking forward to these opportunities to continue the legacy of One Heart One Lovejoy. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me.

All My Best,
Wendy Craft
Wendy_craft@lovejoyisd.net
214-551-4503 (cell)
469-742-8077 (office)
My mission is to be a servant leader who works with students, parents, and staff to build a community that fosters relationships and learning where everyone THRIVES. Each day, I strive to make the choice to be great versus comfortable, because you can't be both!
HES Information
School Pictures: Next Week!
HES School Pictures will be taken next week, Tuesday, October 19th, and Wednesday, October 20th. Please see below to confirm which day your student is taking pictures. These pictures will be used for the yearbook as well. You do not have to purchase the pictures before they are taken...a link will be sent to you from Carey Lynn Photography once the pictures are ready and you can order directly from the website. Please look for more information to come
19th - School Pictures (Kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd)
20th - School Pictures (1st and 4th)
School T-Shirts - Order Today!
It is time to order your school t-shirts! These shirts will be worn for school events, field trips, field day, etc. The cost of the shirt is $15.00 and can be ordered online today October 15th - Sunday, October 31st. We also have adult sizes for parents too.

Kindergarten - Yellow
First Grade - Orange
2nd Grade - Blue
3rd Grade - Green
4th Grade - Red
Book Character 
Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Decorate a pumpkin like your favorite 
Book Character and enter to win a prize!

Hart will be hosting a Book Character Pumpkin decorating contest. This is an optional family project to be completed at home and then brought to display in the library. Please only 1 pumpkin per family! Pumpkins should be decorated as your favorite book character using paint, markers, yarn, pipe cleaners, fabric scraps, cardboard, etc. Carved pumpkins will not be accepted because they turn bad quickly, make a mess, and attract pests!
Tip: fake pumpkins work best!

Decorated pumpkins should be dropped off at the library on
Monday, October 25th for display. Please bring a picture of the front cover (or a copy of the related book) to be displayed beside the pumpkin. Pumpkins will be on display in the library until Friday, Oct 29th. Students will be able to vote on their favorite entries. Creators of the top 3 pumpkin characters with the most votes will receive a Spring Book Fair Gift Card. 

Please pick up all pumpkins no later than the end of the day on
October 29th. 
Why Attendance Matters
How important is it for kids to be in school? 
School attendance is a baseline factor in determining school success. 
A missed school day is a missed opportunity for students to learn. 
Regular attendance fosters a classroom connection between teachers and students. 
Attending school also provides time for social interactions with peers. 

Did you know that?
Attendance is the most significant driver in the funding Lovejoy ISD receives from the state each year? 
A 3% reduction in the yearly average daily attendance (ADA) can cause the district to lose $800,000 in funding. 
An increase of 1% in the yearly ADA can fund 3 teachers’ salaries. 
Although it may seem insignificant that the district loses $50 a day when a student is absent, consider the impact when 250 students are absent across the district and the district loses $12,500. Multiply that by 15 days and it is a loss of $187,500. The impact is significant.
Attendance taken at 10 AM determines the ADA funding that Lovejoy ISD receives for that date. If the student is on campus at that time, LISD receives approximately $50.00 per student. If a student is absent, ADA is lost.

LISD Socioeconomic Information Form
This year, all Lovejoy ISD parents are asked to complete the LISD Socioeconomic Information Form, regardless of socioeconomic need. State and federal funds are allocated to school districts based on this information.
 
If you have already completed this form for 2021-2022 you do not need to complete another form. However, if you have not completed this form for the 2021-2022 school year, please click Socioeconomic Information Form to download the form, complete one form per student and return it either to the campus PEIMS personnel (Alis Brantl) or to PEIMS Coordinator, 259 Country Club Rd, Allen, TX 75002 by October 8, 2021.

If you prefer to complete the form online, please click On-line Socio Economic Information Form. We still require this to be completed for each student.

Please note that this form is not sent to the Texas Education Agency and that the income levels indicated for your family are not reported to the Texas Education Agency. Only the Economic Disadvantaged status of each student as determined by the information provided is reported to the Texas Education Agency.
Red Ribbon Week: October 25th - 29th
Red Ribbon Week is a special week recognized around the country. This week-long celebration of events is designed to educate and increase awareness about drug prevention. At Hart Elementary, we consider this a great time to pledge to be drug-free and to reflect on ways that we can maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. During this week, we will emphasize making responsible choices that can help students be and do their very best in school and in life. We would like to encourage everyone to bring healthy snacks and to participate in the fun dress-up days.
Red Ribbon Week Caring Coins Campaign
According to research, youth who feel they are contributing members of a caring community are less likely to be involved in illegal drug use. As part of Red Ribbon Week activities, Hart Elementary students will have the opportunity to feel connected to the Collin County Community. ACO (All Community Outreach) is having a fundraiser called the Caring Coins Drive in which they encourage donations of spare change to support the ongoing needs in Collin County. Students may contribute to this service organization by bringing in their American coins and/or bills next week. Their generous contributions will assist residents of Allen, Lucas, and Fairview who are in financial need.

Monday, October 25th - Penny Day: Bring Your Pennies!
Tuesday, October 26th - Nickel Day: Bring Your Nickels!
Wednesday, October 27th - Dime Day: Bring Your Dimes!
Thursday, October 28th - Quarter Day: Bring Your Quarters!
Friday, October 29th - Dollar Day: Bring Your Dollars!
Water Bottles: Please Send a Water Bottle With Your Student Each Day
Please make sure you send a water bottle to school with your student each day. We have several water bottle fillers in the school that students can use to refill their water bottle if it runs out.

Please note: We have lots of water bottles in Lost and Found in the Cafeteria if your child is missing his/her water bottle.
Picture Volunteer: 2 More Volunteers Needed
School Pictures are scheduled for next Tuesday, October 19th and Wednesday, October 20th. We need 1 more parent volunteer each day from 8:00 - 11:15am to help with pictures. If you would like to Volunteer, please contact Erin Johnston @ erin_johnston@lovejoyisd.net.
Holly Jolly Run: December 4th
Holly Jolly Run is an event that the City of Allen Parks and Recreation sponsors. If you would like to register, please visit, Holly Jolly Runand sign up by Sunday, November 14th. When you register, please select Hart Elementary School so the PE program can earn school credit.
October Student Nutrition Newsletter
Our October Newsletter is here, and the topic is 5 Game Day Foods That Will Score Big This Football Season. 
PTO News
Membership
Calling all Hart students, staff, and families!! We want all of you to be members of Hart Elementary PTO! Every dollar goes towards staff appreciation, student activities, programming, cultural arts, etc. Thank you in advance for your support! 

Join by scanning the QR code or by visiting our website: ptohes.membershiptoolkit.com

Leopard Drive
Help support our staff and students here at Hart by participating in our annual Leopard Drive. No amount is too big or too small! All of your dollars stay at HART!
Funds collected will be put towards:
  • Student Enrichment Programs
  • Dad Programs
  • Family Fun Night
  • Author Visits
  • ArtSparks
  • Art Contests
  • Staff Luncheons
  • Teacher Appreciation
  • Environmental Programs
  • Red Ribbon Week
  • Field Day
  • Spiritwear
  • Science Night
  • Leopard Friday
  • Ice Scream Social
  • Donuts/Muffins with Parents
  • Newsletters
  • Senior Scholarship
Head on over to our homepage and click Donate Now!! 

Volunteer Opportunities
Hart Elementary is Parent Powered! Giving the gift of time is a wonderful and selfless thing. We are always looking for volunteers! Please stop by our homepage and click the Volunteer tab to read about the current opportunities available! 

We currently need volunteers for:
Library Assistance - Library Sign Up
Grade Level Copies - Grade Level Copies

Dads @ Hart
We over 100 dads signed up so far! Thank you to those that have volunteered! There are still slots available if you are interested. Please follow our sign-up instructions found here: Dads @ Hart Form Instructions. The Dads@Hart program offers an opportunity to spend 1 day in your child’s classroom and assist in other activities on campus.

Please email Brian Butler, dadsathart@gmail.com with any questions about the program.

Hospitality
A big thank you to all the families that donated items for the October Thankful Cart. The donated snacks and treats will be provided to Hart staff throughout the month of October.
SAGE
Special Education Update
In February, the state released new versions of two important documents pertaining to IDEA and students receiving special education services. These documents are a great resource for parents. They explain many of the legal aspects of the process in easy to friendly language. 
   ● Procedural Safeguards 
   ● ARD Guide 
The Notice of Procedural Safeguards: Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities (Procedural Safeguards) explains parents’ specific rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Procedural Safeguards fulfills the current legal requirements for the federally prescribed content of this notice. 
The ARD Guide contains information that parents need to effectively participate in an ARD committee meeting for their child. The ARD Guide is not a replacement for the Procedural Safeguards. The purpose of the ARD Guide is to encourage a common understanding of the individualized education program (IEP) process for parents, school personnel, and communities.
WAYS & MEANS
Did you know raising money for Hart Elementary PTO is as easy as scanning your receipts or linking your shopping accounts? Here’s how:  
 
Box Tops:  Make a difference for our school every time you shop.  Use the Box Tops app to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add cash to your school's earnings online. From playground equipment to technology to library books, your school can use this money to help teachers and students get the supplies they need. 
 
How to Donate:   
  • Download the Box Tops app using this link:  https://www.boxtops4education.com/  
  • Create an account, linking our organization, Hart Elementary PTO. 
  • When you use the app to scan your store receipts (any store), it will find participating products purchased and instantly add cash to Hart Elementary PTO.   
 
AmazonSmile:  A simple and no-cost way to donate to Hart Elementary PTO now works on the Amazon Shopping app. It’s easier than ever to support our work anytime, anywhere. Through its AmazonSmile program, Amazon donates 0.5% of eligible purchases to our PTO. 
 
How to Donate: 
  • Get the App:  Download or update the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app on your phone. You can find it in the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android. 
  • Sign up for Amazon Smile: Simply sign up by selecting your favorite charity:  Hart Elementary PTO 
  • Turn on AmazonSmile:  Open the app and find ’Settings’ in the main menu (☰). Tap on ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on AmazonSmile on your phone.  In order to turn on AmazonSmile, you will need to turn on notifications.  If you do not wish to have notifications turned on, you may still earn money for Hart PTO by shopping directly at Smile.Amazon.com.  
  
Kroger:  You shop, Kroger gives. Once you sign up, any transaction using the Shopper’s Card number associated with your digital account/app will be applied to the program, at no added cost to you.   
 
How to Donate:  
  • Create a digital account:  Sign up for a digital account here:  Kroger.com 
  • Link your Kroger Shopper’s Card to your digital account. 
  • Download the Kroger app and link your digital account information: 
  • Link Hart Elementary PTO: Once you have created a digital account, sign into your account.  Under the “My Account” tab, click on “Community Rewards” and search Hart Elementary PTO in order to add us as your chosen organization. 
Spiritwear
Please note our NEW pickup procedures below:

** Any order placed M-TH by 2 pm will be available for pickup that Friday. If an order is placed after 2 pm on Thursday, it will be available for pickup the following Friday. **

Orders will be placed in your child's backpack to go home with them on Thursdays. If you do not have a child at Hart, you will pick them up at the front office on Fridays 12-2 pm. 

Programs
Nana Puddin' Grows a Garden by Dennis Lee
The Hart PTO is excited to welcome back in person DENNIS LEE on October 29th!!!
This year’s show will encourage you and your students to "SQUASH" hate and hurt, "TURNIP" love and joy, and grow "GOOD STUFF" in the World. Nana Puddin' discovers, "If it doesn't help you grow, then you can let it go." Since the World is our garden, let's get GROWING!
Red Ribbon Week
We will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 25th - 29th. More information including theme dress up days coming soon!
Leopard Friday
Come visit the Elementary PTO booth at Leopard Friday on October 22nd. Both campuses will be offering spiritwear and the opportunity to become a member! We hope to see you there! 
Mother Son Night: Save the Date
Our Mother/Son event is just around the corner! Hart Elementary PTO presents "Game Day" for all Hart Mothers and Sons. Please Click Here to purchase event tickets and pre-order matching Mother/Son T-Shirts.

Foundation News
Annual Appeal Campaign
We’re excited to kick off our Annual Appeal campaign!  Our goal is to raise $300,000 and have 35% community involvement. The students of Lovejoy ISD are touched by Foundation dollars in every school and grade throughout the district. Now, more than ever, they need our support to ensure no interruption to the Lovejoy standard of exceptional learning. Click on the graphic below to visit our website today to learn more and donate! 
October
19th - School Pictures (Kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd)
20th - School Pictures (1st and 4th)
22nd - Early Release @ 12:00pm
22nd - Leopard Friday
25th - 29th - Red Ribbon Week
29th - Dennis Lee Assembly
29th - Family Fun Night
Helpful Resources
Please click on the graphics (links) below to access the information.
If you would like to update your district/campus email preferences or change your email address, please click on the Update Profile link at the footer of this email. You will receive an email from Constant Contact which will allow you to update your information and campuses. 
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