News and Updates from HCS |
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COVID Protocols
Recently, we’ve had several inquiries about Heritage’s 2021-22 COVID protocols, especially as they relate to quarantining in the event of exposure to the virus.
Heritage is using the guidance of the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) to manage the quarantine of students/staff who may test positive (this is the same guidance as the CDC and Johnson County Public Health [JCPH]). Individuals who test positive must,
· Quarantine for 10 days (from the time of symptom onset); and
· Be fever free; and
· Be symptom free
Heritage has prioritized in-school, in-person over the past two school years and we believe having students in the building provides a better environment for teaching and learning than hybrid or remote models. With this in mind, individuals who are exposed are not required to quarantine, though we would urge parents to monitor – and consider voluntarily quarantining – your child if you become aware they have been exposed. We chose this policy based on guidance from IDPH (which is different from CDC or JCPH) as it maximizes parental discretion and advice from your family health care provider when it comes to health care matters for your family.
By now almost everyone is aware that schools – public and private – cannot mandate masks for students, staff, and visitors. We would strongly urge those entering to building to voluntarily wear a mask to help prevent the potential spread of the virus, especially since the majority of our students are too young to be vaccinated.
If your child has COVID-like symptoms or any fever (greater than 100.3) please keep them home, monitor their symptoms, and consider having them tested prior to returning to school.
Please also prioritize hand washing and sanitizing surfaces, especially areas where you eat.
While we live in an area of Iowa with the highest vaccination rate in the state, and families that are vigilant about the health and safety of their children, we do not want to take this virus for granted. We are still in the middle of a global pandemic and want to do all we can to protect students and staff and keep them in school. We would urge you to continue to pray for the health and safety of our staff and students. God has been faithful over the past 18 months and Heritage has enjoyed relatively few COVID related cases – please pray that continues to be the case.
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Coffee with Mr. Montgomery
This year, Mr. Montgomery will be working off site for 90 minutes every other Friday at a local coffee shop. During this time if you’d like to stop by and talk about Heritage, your student(s), or other topics of interest, please feel free to grab a cup of coffee and join him. There is no agenda for this time, simply a chance to connect with parents (new and returning) and continue to build relationships among our school community. The first “Coffee Chat” will be at Dunn Brothers Coffee (3284 Crosspark Rd. Coralville) at 10:00 AM, next Friday (9/10).
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What Happened in Chapel this Week?
This past week we introduced our 2021-22 school theme based on Romans 15:13 which says, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. We kicked off both Middle School and PreK-4th grade chapels by focusing on the word joy. Students were reminded that happiness and joy are similar but not the same. Happiness comes from the circumstances we find ourselves in, but joy, true joy, comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are praying that whatever our circumstances may be this year, our students will experience the joy and peace of Jesus and that in turn they will overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Heritage H.A.N.D.S.
As we kick off this school year, we invite each of you to get involved with Heritage H.A.N.D.S. (Helping Assist Needs and Demonstrating Service). Getting involved is a great way to support the school and get to know other parents.
Heritage H.A.N.D.S. is a service/social group of parents/grandparents that provide a purpose-driven support system within Heritage Christian School. H.A.N.D.S. encourages the development of relationships among families, offers assistance to faculty and staff, and communicates the value of a Christ-centered education to the community.
Some of the events and activities H.A.N.D.S. assists with are:
First Day of School Coffee
Donuts with Dad
Family Fall Gathering- S’mores & Hot Chocolate
Veterans Day Celebration
Muffins with Mom
Dine Out Nights
Open Gym Nights
Pool Party
Teacher Appreciation Week
TRIP/SCRIP
Spirit Apparel
Box Tops/Loaves4Learning
H.A.N.D.S. generally meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 8:25 a.m. in the school’s kitchen. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Come check us out this coming Wednesday, September 8 - connecting with other families is large part of our mission, not just giving your time.
If you are interested in being a part of Heritage H.A.N.D.S. or want to receive more information, please contact: darcie_ahrens@yahoo.com
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Opportunities to Volunteer
We still have a couple of opportunities for returning families to sign up for the Parent Pal Program. Take a look at the signup genius below and see if your class still needs that slot filled and consider if you could help out. (You should have received and email with the details).
In addition, classroom volunteer signups also went out this week so if you haven't had a chance to sign up there, please check that out as well. If you have questions, please contact Brenda Wichhart (wichhartb@hcs-nl.com).
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Heritage Singers/Jubilate Information
Just a reminder that all 2nd-8th grade parents should carefully read the informational letter pertaining to Heritage Singers and Jubilate and return the form indicating if their child is participating in Heritage Singers/Jubilate or not. Please turn these forms into the office by Tuesday, September 7 (or email Miss Early with the needed information). Feel free to contact Miss Early (earlyn@hcs-nl.com) or Amy Sherman (shermana@hcs-nl.com) with any questions you have regarding Heritage Singers/Jubilate.
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Men’s Bible Study
Heritage will host a Saturday morning men’s Bible study for fathers of Heritage students beginning Saturday, September 11. Steve Liu (Heritage dad and Board member) will lead the study. We will meet at 7:30 AM on Saturday mornings (early enough that it should not affect home Hawkeye games). The cost (to cover study materials) is $14.95 per person. We would love to fill a classroom full of dads on Saturday mornings to dig into God’s word and pray for each other and the school. If you are interested, you're still welcome to contact Steve Liu at ssliu7911@gmail.com and join us for the first session.
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Before and After School Supervisors Needed
Know a college student or perhaps a babysitter you've had that would be a good fit for our BASP Program? We need your help in filling some part time BASP Supervisor positions from 7-8am and/or 3:30-5:30pm each school day. (hourly rate starts at $12.25). Feel free to print out this flyer to share or post. If you or someone you know is interested, contact Lisa Turnbough (turnboughl@hcs-nl.com).
We are also searching for a Before and After School Program Coordinator. Check out the job description and let us know if you or someone you know might be interested!
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Sports Update
Volleyball Schedule:
Tuesday, September 7, 3:30-5:00pm - 5/6 Practice
Tuesday, September 7, 4:30-6:00pm - 7/8 Practice
Thursday, September 9, 3:30-5:00pm - 5/6 Practice
Thursday, September 9, 4:30-6:00pm - 7/8 Practice
Soccer Schedule:
Monday, September 6 - No practice, Labor Day
Tuesday, September 7, 5-6:30pm - Practice
Friday, September 10, Soccer Game @ INCA, 5:00pm
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Upcoming Events
No School
Mon, Sept 6
Labor Day
H.A.N.D.S. Monthly Meeting
Wed, Sept 8
In the kitchen after drop-off
Coffee with Mr. Montgomery
Fri, Sept 10, 10am
Dunn Brothers Coffee
Men's Bible Study
Sat, Sept 11, 7:30am
At the school
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Heritage Christian School exists to serve Christ by partnering with parents to provide biblically faithful, academically excellent education. The vision of Heritage Christian School is to be a leader in developing passionate life long learners committed to Christ.
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