Supporting Your Child’s Learning at Home

Engaging with your child about their school day is a great way to support their learning. Regular conversations help children reflect on their experiences, reinforce what they’ve learned, and build a stronger connection between school and home. By making these conversations a regular part of your routine, you can encourage your child to think more deeply about what they are learning and how they are growing.

To help you get started, here are some conversation starters that can lead to meaningful discussions:

• “What’s something new you learned today?”

• “Can you tell me about a problem you solved today?”

• “What part of your day made you feel proud?”

• “Was there something you found challenging? How did you handle it?”

• “If you could teach me one thing you learned today, what would it be?”

• “How did you help someone today, or how did someone help you?”

• “What are you looking forward to learning tomorrow?”

These simple questions can open up a dialogue that not only strengthens your bond but also enhances your child’s learning experience. Regularly engaging in these conversations can make a big difference in their educational journey.

Join the Talent Development Advisory Committee for 2024-2025!

If you are interested in representing our school on the Talent Development Advisory Committee this year, please fill out the Google form linked below. This group provides input on the execution of ACPS' Local Plan for the Education of the Gifted. Members will meet in person four times a year at the Albemarle County Office Building (October 21, January 13, March 10, and May 19) from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference!

Sign Up Here for the Talent Development Advisory Committee!

ACPS’s New Classroom Management Tool

As part of ACPS’s commitment to creating a safe and focused learning environment for our students, ACPS teachers (grades 3-5) will have access to a new classroom management tool that will help them better connect with student devices during classes. This tool, called Classroom Management, works in tandem with our internet filter and will provide teachers with a number of helpful features, including:

1. Easily view student screens in real time to help provide students with guidance and support.

2. Focus student attention on learning resources to help minimize distractions.

3. Pause student access to the internet to focus on other classroom tasks.

Please note that student devices will not be monitored by Classroom Management outside of school hours or off school campuses. Our internet filter remains in place on school devices at all times, but once they are home, teachers cannot monitor students. We believe this classroom management tool will support maximizing class time for student learning. We appreciate your support and feedback as we work to maintain a healthy learning environment for our students.

From the School Clinic: Important COVID-19 Guidance

Welcome back to a new school year! While we are excited to kick off the year, we do have a few cases of COVID-19. To ensure everyone’s safety and well-being, here is the latest guidance:

Masks Available in the Clinic: If you would like your child to wear a mask, either as a preventive measure or when returning to school after being ill, we have plenty available in the clinic. Feel free to reach out to me, Nurse Kris, if you have any questions or need further information.

What To Do If Your Child Tests Positive for COVID-19:

• Contact the School Nurse: Parents or guardians should immediately inform the school nurse if their child tests positive for COVID-19.

• Isolation Requirements: Any student who tests positive should stay home and avoid contact with others until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and their symptoms have improved.

• Return to School: Students may return to school when the above conditions are met. Upon returning, they may choose to wear a well-fitting mask through Day 5 after testing positive.

Additional Information:

• Antigen Tests Provided: ACPS will provide an antigen test to any student upon request.

• Symptoms to Watch For: COVID-19 is a type of respiratory virus. Symptoms may include fever, difficulty breathing, loss of taste and smell, significant fatigue, or more than a minor cough or sore throat. In children, it can also include vomiting and diarrhea.

For further details and updated guidance, please visit the CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance Update FAQs.

Stay safe and healthy, and don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any support.

Warm regards,
Nurse Kris
Red Hill Elementary School

Volunteer at Red Hill: Make a Difference in Our School Community

Volunteering at Red Hill Elementary is a meaningful way to support your child’s education while connecting with our school community. Whether you assist in the classroom, help in the library, or contribute to our outdoor learning spaces, your involvement directly enhances the learning environment for all students.

Ways to Get Involved

There are many opportunities to volunteer at Red Hill:

• Classroom Assistance: Help teachers with activities, materials, or student support.

• Library Help: Assist with book shelving, reading sessions, or book fair events.

• Outdoor Learning Support: Join us in maintaining and enhancing our outdoor learning spaces, where students engage with nature and explore hands-on learning.

• Event Support: Help organize school events like the Fall Festival or Field Day.

• Join a Committee: Be a part of shaping school initiatives by joining one of our committees. Click here to join a committee and see below for more information. 

Ready to Volunteer?

If you’re interested in volunteering, click here to share your interests and sign up. Michelle Creasey, one of our OA's is our volunteer coordinator, feel free to speak with her when you're here or call the school. We look forward to welcoming you!

Outdoor Kitchen Supplies

Do you have any old pots, pans, muffin tins, plastic or wooden spatulas, serving spoons, or whisks that you are ready to get rid of? They can find a new purpose in our outdoor mud kitchen, so please send them our way.and we'll put them to good use! Bagged items can be dropped off in the front office or sent to school in your child's backpack. Please contact Beth Kavounas with any questions.

Join a Red Hill Committee and Make a Difference!

Red Hill Elementary invites you to get involved by joining one of our committees. Whether you're interested in family engagement, staff support, or outdoor learning, there's a place for you!

Committees You Can Join:

• Family Engagement: Plan family events and help select our school-wide read.

• Staff Wellness: Organize activities that foster a positive school environment.

• Outdoor Learning: Enhance outdoor spaces and plan a showcase for Spring Family Night.

• Student Activities: Create memorable experiences for students and involve families.

Get Involved:

Interested? Sign up here. We’re exploring dates and childcare options to support your participation.

Your involvement can make a big impact!

Red Hill Representative Needed for ACPS Parent Council

Are you interested in directly hearing from the ACPS Superintendent, understanding decisions and new programs, and making a difference in our schools? If so, consider becoming Red Hill’s representative on the ACPS Parent Council!

The Parent Council meets monthly and provides an opportunity to:

• Share your perspective and represent Red Hill at each meeting.

• Gather questions and input from Red Hill families to bring to the Council.

• Share important information and resources with our school community and PTO.

• Communicate with Mrs. McCullen to address issues specific to Red Hill.

If you’re interested, please contact Nancy McCullen at nmccullen@k12albemarle.org. Co-reps are welcome, so feel free to share the role with a fellow parent!

For more information about the ACPS Parent Council, visit: ACPS Parent Council.

From the PTO 

Community News

Calendar 

Calendar/Save the Date

September

2 Labor Day - No Students

6 PTO Ice Cream Social

16 Fall Picture Day

17 Back-to-School Night 6-7:30PM

19 School Wide Morning Meeting (SWMM) - 8:10 AM in the Gym

20 Kindergarten Field Trip to Carter’s Mountain

23 Teacher Work Day - School closed for students