Hosack Happenings
Week of January 4-8, 2021
Hosack Elementary School No Place for Hate Pledge Signed

The Hosack Elementary School No Place for Hate student committee, comprised of 3rd-5th graders who were nominated by staff and granted permission by their parents, decided the best representation for our school would be a colorful tiger mascot. The first step in becoming a No Place for Hate school is signing the pledge by adding student names to this tiger mural. In early December, all students and staff, who were present in the building at the time, signed the No Place for Hate pledge. The student committee created videos that identify each of the 5 pledges and helped to explain in a child-centered way what each pledge, or promise, means for our elementary students. The 5 pledges can be viewed using the link below. Again, we are so thankful to our art teacher, Mrs. Wolcott, for helping to bring the students’ vision to life. Here is a final picture of our No Place for Hate signed pledge.
Baby Pictures Needed

Dear Fifth Grade Parents/Guardians,
 
The yearbook committee needs your help! Every year our yearbook features a special 'baby picture' section reserved exclusively for our 5th graders. In an effort to continue this fun yearbook tradition, we ask that you send in your son/daughter's baby picture no later than February 26, 2021.
 
Two ways to submit photos:
1. Email your son/daughter’s baby picture to hosackyearbook@gmail.com using the highest available resolution. Please place your child's name and section in the subject line.
2. Send your son/daughter’s baby picture, no bigger than 4”x6” in a sealed envelope. Label the outside “Yearbook—Baby Pictures” and include your child's name and section. Your picture will be returned promptly after it is scanned.
 
Due to our current circumstances, option 2 will not be available until in-person instruction resumes in mid-January.
 
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your participation!
 
Jenn and Diane
Elementary Remote Learning

Since the elementary in-person schools moved to remote learning on
December 16, below are some clarification points:
  • Elementary schools will continue with the same weekly schedule that the students followed when attending in-person instruction. Additional asynchronous activities may be scheduled during the Wednesday schedule. Students and parents should consult their child’s Blackboard agenda for specific details regarding schedules.
  • Synchronous or live instruction will be coupled with asynchronous or independent work throughout the day and individual content periods. The time for live instruction may vary depending on the grade level. (i.e. it would not be appropriate for a primary student to sit through 90 minutes of live virtual instruction without breaks or opportunities for independent work.) Students will also be given breaks during the morning and afternoon, as well as typically scheduled 30 minutes for lunch and 30 minutes for recess each day (grades 1-5).
  • Any potential changes to instrumental individual lessons will be communicated to parents and students by the instrumental teacher. Large group ensembles will not be meeting during remote learning.
  • School counselors are still available to meet with students virtually during remote learning. If parents have concerns, please contact your child’s counselor by checking the school’s website.
Counselor's Corner
Nurse's Notes
Time for Your Flu Shot!

November is here. Time for your flu shot. Here are some facts for you about flu shots from the CDC. This can help you make the right decision for your family. Stay Safe and Stay Healthy!
Important Dates
January 4 - Grades K-12 remain in remote learning
January 18 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School)
January 19 - Grades K-12 return to in-person instruction (Subject to change)
District Updates
Kindergarten Registration Opens January 4

Registration for students who will attend kindergarten in the 2021-2022 school year will open on January 4, 2021. Continue checking our website over the next week for updated details!
NASD Offers Free Meals for All Students Every Week Day
Updated December 16

NASD continues to be approved to provide free breakfast and lunch for all students. The procedures to sign up for and pick up meals have been updated and can be found on our website.
Social and Emotional Wellness

North Allegheny is committed to the social and emotional wellness of our students and staff. Below are ways in which we are addressing these needs this school year. For more information about any of these services, please contact your student’s school counselor.
  • Trauma-Informed Care - During the fall of 2020, staff members began training in Trauma Informed-Care. Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach in the human service field that assumes that an individual is more likely than not to have a history of trauma. Trauma-Informed Care recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role trauma may play in an individual’s life, including service staff.
  • Student Assistance Program - The Pennsylvania Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a systematic team process used to mobilize school resources to remove barriers to learning. SAP is designed to assist in identifying issues including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues that pose a barrier to a student's success.
  • School-Based Mental Health - Through a partnership with Glade Run, students in grades K-12 can be provided with outpatient mental health services both in the school setting and through teletherapy. This partnership will work effectively to diminish barriers that historically have prohibited some families from accessing supportive mental health services.
  • School-Based Social and Emotional Wellness Committees - Led by a School Counselor and supported by the District’s Positive Behavior Support Specialists, each building will have a multidisciplinary committee that will work on addressing student and staff social and emotional wellness as we work to reopen and renew our school community.
  • Individual Student Supports - Students at all levels are afforded opportunities to address specific social and emotional concerns through individual school counseling sessions.
  • Consultative Support for School Staff - Classroom teachers have access to consultative support from Social Workers and Positive Behavior Support Specialists’ to handle student concerns.
Communication of New Positive COVID-19 Cases During Winter Break

During Winter Break, NASD will communicate new positive COVID-19 cases on the following dates:
  • Saturday, January 2
  • Sunday, January 3
Continue to Report Positive COVID-19 Cases During Winter Break

While the District may not be reporting cases every day during Winter Break, please report a positive test result (details below) to help the District monitor the spread of COVID-19. Cases that become known during the break may have an impact on a student’s return to instruction, activities, and athletics.
If a staff member or student receives positive COVID-19 test results between Wednesday, December 23 at 3:00 p.m. through Sunday, January 3, please contact:
  • Dr. Joseph Sciullo, Director of Student Services at 412-215-4151 or
  • Mrs. Bridgett Bilenski, Health Services Department Chair at 412-312-0948 
Resources
Missed a Newsletter?

All building newsletters are archived weekly on the North Allegheny website. This designated webpage will be updated with links to the previous week’s newsletters at the beginning of each school week by 11:30 a.m. A link to the archive is accessible on the District’s homepage and on each building’s homepage.
Community Flyers
The North Allegheny School District often receives requests for the distribution of athletics and approved non-profit community organization digital flyers. All requests for community flyers to be included in this newsletter must be submitted via email only at flyers@northallegheny.org. Flyers will only be posted and removed from the District website on Friday. Visit our website for details on how to submit flyers.
Building Contacts
Main Office - 412-366-9664
Nurse's Office - 412-366-9664
Counseling Office - 412-366-9664