Hedenkamp Elementary School

This is truly the last call to purchase a yearbook for this school year. The deadline is today-Monday, April 22, 2024 at11:59 pm.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YEARBOOK

We want to thank you for being actively involved in your child’s education. This final quarter of the year will be a busy one filled with learning, fun school activities, and end-of-the-year assessments. Please review the information below for important upcoming assessment dates. Also, encourage your child to do their best and always let them know how proud you are of them! By working together, we can make our students’ testing experience positive and successful!

• Ensure your child is well-rested
• Encourage your child to eat a healthy breakfast
• To avoid any test irregularities, cell phones must be put away
• Leave iWatches at home

CAASPP State Testing for Grades 3-6: The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) is designed to give information to teachers, students, and their families about what students know and are able to do. Please see this parent resource page about the assessment that all students in California will be taking. Parent Resource Page Are you interested in reviewing practice questions with your student? Practice and Training Site

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS END OF THE YEAR TESTING CALENDAR

Scholastic Book Fair

Get ready for a literary adventure! Our Scholastic Book Fair, hosted by our amazing PTA, is happening this week! This BOGO Book Fair is the perfect opportunity to stock up on books for your child’s summer reading adventures. For every book you buy, you get another one free! It’s a fantastic deal and a great way to foster a love for reading in your child. Plus, every purchase you make helps support our school and provides resources for our students and teachers. Click on the link below to set-up your ewallet and review all the details on the book fair.

BOGO (Buy One, Get One) Book Fair:

Date: April 22th -April 26th
Time: 8:15 am-9:00 am/ 2:55-3:00 pm
Location: Hedenkamp MPR

CHECK OUT THE DETAILS ON THE BOOK FAIR HERE

Volunteers Needed! Whether you can spare an hour or a day, your support is invaluable in creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for our students and families. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our school community. Together, we can make this Book Fair a fantastic event for everyone! If you’re able to lend a helping hand, please sign up for a volunteer slot using the link below:

SIGN-UP TO VOLUNTEER AT OUR BOOK FAIR HERE

Last Day to Order Yearbook

This is truly the last call to purchase a yearbook for this school year. If you have been thinking about it, take the plunge and purchase a yearbook for your child today! The deadline is Monday, April 22, 2024.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YEARBOOK

Behavior Focus of the Month

Kindness comes in many forms, whether it’s offering a helping hand to a classmate, saying a kind word to someone in need, or simply showing empathy and understanding towards others. By modeling kindness in our own interactions and encouraging our children to do the same, we can create a culture of compassion and empathy that extends beyond the walls of our school.

We invite you to partner with us in promoting kindness this month and beyond. Together, let’s make kindness a priority in our school community and empower our Huskies to make a positive difference in the world through their acts of kindness

Traffic Safety

As we strive to ensure the safety of all students during drop-off and pick-up times, we kindly remind you of the following guidelines:

• Patience and Pulling Forward: Please exercise patience and pull all the way forward in the drop-off zone before stopping to let your child out of the vehicle. This helps to keep the traffic flow moving smoothly and minimizes congestion in the area.
• No Double Parking: Double parking in the drop-off zone creates unnecessary hazards and delays for other parents and students. Please refrain from double parking and instead find a suitable parking spot if you need to exit your vehicle.
• Respect for Red, White, and Yellow Zones: Red, white, and yellow zones are designated for specific purposes and are not to be used for any unattended vehicles. Please adhere to these zone regulations to ensure the safety and efficiency of our drop-off area.

By following these guidelines, we can all work together to create a safer and more organized drop-off and pick-up experience for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

SSC Meeting

We invite you to join us for our upcoming School Site Council meeting, scheduled for this Thursday, April 25 @ 3:45 pm in room 306. This meeting provides an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to come together to discuss important issues related to Hedenkamp’s achievement plan. This week our topics will include the review and impact of our current budget expenditures and the upcoming 2024-2025 budget. Your input and participation are invaluable, so we hope to see you there!

Attendance Competition

Jump Back to Your Future now through May 28, 2024, for our district-wide student attendance competition. Students with daily attendance are automatically entered to win special prizes. Winners will be announced via our district social media platforms on May 31, 2024.

Spring Pictures Returned 

Friendly reminder! Spring portrait orders or returns were due on March 15th. If you have not already, please return your order and/or any unpurchased photos to the school office as soon as possible. A portion of all orders placed will be donated back to our school! If you have any questions about your photo or ordering, please call Gerardy Photography at 760-747-2263.

School Librarian Month

April is School Librarian Month, a time to celebrate and appreciate the invaluable contributions of our school librarians in nurturing a love for reading and learning among our students. Throughout the month of April, our students have expressed their gratitude to our dedicated librarian, Mrs. Camarena’s hard work and commitment to Hedenkamp Community. She plays a vital role in fostering literacy, research skills, and a lifelong passion for reading. From recommending books that captivate young minds to providing resources for academic success, our librarian Mrs. Camarena goes above and beyond to support the love of literacy of every student. Check out all the highlights on Mrs. Camarena below.

CVESD Story on Mrs. Camarena

Student Highlights

Computers to Kids

The San Diego County Office of Education and Computers2Kids are hosting an event for families to purchase affordable computers on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Granite Hills High School at 1719 E. Madison Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92019. (Drive Thru Event).

Dive into the magic at our PTA BOGO Book Fair from April 22nd to 26th! We’re thrilled to invite each of you to participate in an event that promises to be both enlightening and exciting for our students. Here’s how you can make a big impact:

• Volunteers Needed – Every moment you spend with us counts! Can you spare an hour during your child’s class visit? It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with our young readers and make a lasting impression. Sign up now and join us in bringing this literary adventure to life!

Sign-Up to Volunteer HERE!

• Power Up with eWallets – Ensure your child has the ultimate book fair experience! Set up and preload your student’s eWallet today. It’s quick, easy, and allows for a seamless shopping experience at the fair. Plus, you can invite family and friends to contribute, boosting your child’s purchasing power for even more fantastic finds. Ready, set, read!

Get started with Scholastic eWallet HERE!

Let’s make this book fair a memorable one with your support and enthusiasm. See you at the fair!

The PTA 20th Anniversary Masquerade Dance on Friday night was a success! It was amazing to see all our families dressed up in their masks and formal attire to dance the night away. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the families who joined us for our spectacular 20th Anniversary Masquerade Ball. Your presence and participation made the evening truly magical, and we are grateful for your continued support of our school community. A special shout-out goes to our dedicated PTA and volunteers for their outstanding efforts in planning and executing this memorable event.

We are thrilled to announce that our silent auction is still open, offering fantastic items and experiences for bidding. Don’t miss this opportunity to support our school and win some incredible prizes! Thank you once again for making our anniversary celebration a resounding success. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful opportunities for our students.

CLICK HERE TO BID ON OUR SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

End of the Year Testing

End-of-year state (CAASPP) and district (Local Measures) testing begins April 15th through the end of the school year. Children do their best when they get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive to school on time (8:45).

We are providing the testing calendar below. Please review the testing schedule to make sure your child does not have any scheduled appointments, or family trips during this time. You can reach out to your child’s teacher for more details on individual schedules.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS END OF THE YEAR TESTING CALENDAR

Month of the Military Child Honored

This week we will be honoring our military students and families with a spirit day each day. Show us your support by participating in the day, thank you for your service to our country!

In addition this Friday, we will have another opportunity to honor our military students by having a popsicle right after-school, we will even have few military service coming to help with the event. This is a change to the initially planned Family BBQ.

We are honored to celebrate our military students at Hedenkamp.

As new registrations are underway and we start to look at the upcoming 2024-25 school year, please help us plan for next year by filling out this short survey if you ARE NOT planning to return to Hedenkamp for the next school year. Thank you for taking the time to complete the brief survey!

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT THIS FORM UNLESS YOU ARE MOVING OUT OF THE AREA OR INTO ANOTHER SCHOOL BOUNDARY—BY COMPLETING THIS FORM YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE ADDED TO A CLASS LIST NEXT YEAR!

CLICK HERE IF YOU ARE NOT RETURNING TO HEDENKAMP FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR

Behavior Focus of the Month

Throughout the month of April, our teachers and staff will be emphasizing the importance of kindness in both words and actions. At Hedenkamp, we believe in the power of kindness to create a positive and inclusive school community where every student feels valued, respected, and supported.

We encourage you to join us in fostering a culture of kindness at home by reinforcing the following principles with your child:

1. Be Kind: Encourage your child to demonstrate kindness through their words and actions, both in school and in their interactions with others outside of school.
2. Show Empathy: Help your child develop empathy by teaching them to understand and consider the feelings of others, and encouraging them to act with compassion and understanding.
3. Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a spirit of gratitude by encouraging your child to appreciate the kindnesses shown to them and to express gratitude for the people and things in their lives.
4. Lead by Example: Model kindness in your own interactions with others, and demonstrate the importance of treating everyone with respect, kindness, and compassion.

Together, let’s make kindness a priority in our school community and beyond. By working together to instill kindness in our children, we can create a brighter and more compassionate future for all. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in nurturing the social and emotional development of our students.

Arrival/Dismissal Traffic

Recently there has been an increase in the number of unattended vehicles in our red fire lanes and unloading zone around campus. Please remember you may only park in the designated parking areas in the front and the back of the school. If there is an orange cone in the designated area, you may not park there.

Also, ensuring you pull all the way forward in the drop-off and pick-up zones, also helps maintain the flow of traffic. We ask for your patience and kindness when being reminded of traffic expectations. It is important to plan for a few extra minutes to accommodate the over 900 students participating in arrival and dismissal. Thank you to all our families who regularly follow our traffic patterns and for keeping all our Huskies safe!

Incoming Kinder Dual Immersion Informational Meeting this Week

Just a friendly reminder that our incoming TK/Kinder Dual Immersion Parent Meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our Dual Immersion program and how it can benefit your child’s education. It is a time to meet our Dual Immersion staff and answer questions about the program. We look forward to seeing you there!

Yearbook Sales End April 22nd

The deadline to preorder your yearbook is fast approaching on April 22, 2023. Don’t miss out on capturing your child’s memories for this school year and order one today! You can preorder your yearbook at the following website: 

https://shop.yearbookmarket.com/hedenkampelementaryschool

PTA General Association Meeting with Elections

Attention all PTA members, please join us for the next Hedenkamp PTA General Association (virtual or in-person) meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 18th at 6PM. We will be posting it Class Dojo later this week. We will be voting for our new incoming executive PTA board for the 2024-25 school year, we look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday night!

Scholastic Book Fair

Get ready for a week of literary excitement! Our Scholastic BOGO (Buy One, Get One) Book Fair is coming to Hedenkamp from April 22nd to April 26th. This is a fantastic opportunity to stock up on books for your child while supporting our school.

We are also in need of volunteers to help make this event a success. If you’re interested in lending a hand, please click on the link to sign up. Let’s make this book fair a memorable and enriching experience for our students! Every moment you share helps craft unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s an hour or a day, your time has the power to make these events truly special. Be part of making memories that last—volunteer with us! 🌟✨SIGN UP HERE:

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER AT OUR BOOK FAIR

We are looking forward to the many events coming up in quarter 4, be sure to stay up-to-date on all the great things by reading our weekly blog post and reviewing Class Dojo often. It is an exciting time of the year and we love to gather together as a Hedenkamp Community.

Solar Eclipse on Monday

As you may be aware, on Monday, April 8, 2024, an extraordinary celestial event will occur in North America as a solar eclipse will cast its shadow across the continent. While San Diego County will experience a partial eclipse rather than a total one, the event is nonetheless significant. The San Diego region is expected to witness a partial eclipse that will begin around 10 a.m., peak at 11:11 a.m., and end at 12:23 p.m.

To ensure the safety and well-being of all our students and staff during this event, the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) has implemented a rainy day schedule for all schools on April 8. This means that recess and lunch activities will be conducted indoors. Parental permission is required for classrooms intending to incorporate eclipse viewing into their curriculum, and adherence to NASA’s safety standards regarding appropriate viewing gear is mandatory.

​Hedenkamp Elementary will require permission slips for students whose classrooms plan to engage in educational activities centered around the eclipse. If your child’s classroom has communicated they plan to observe the solar eclipse, please return the permission slip to your child’s teacher on Monday morning.

Message from our Superintendent Dr. Reyes

Behavior Focus of the Month

We are excited to continue our focus for the month ahead on kindness. As we navigate through the remaining weeks of the school year, we believe it’s essential to emphasize the importance of kindness in shaping not only our school community but also the world beyond our walls.

Throughout April, we will be dedicating time and resources to instilling the value of kindness in our students. We believe that acts of kindness, no matter how small, have the power to create a ripple effect of positivity and inclusivity in our school and beyond.

Here are a few ways you can support our efforts at home:

• Celebrate Acts of Kindness: Acknowledge and celebrate acts of kindness, both big and small, that your child demonstrates at home and in the community.
• Create a Kindness Jar: Establish a kindness jar where family members can write down kind deeds they’ve done or received. Set a goal to fill the jar by the end of each week or month, and celebrate your collective acts of kindness together.
• Share and Take Turns: Teach your children the value of sharing and taking turns through everyday activities, such as playing games, sharing toys, or deciding on activities for family time. Emphasize the joy of giving and the importance of considering others’ needs.

Thank you for your continued partnership in nurturing the social and emotional development of our students. Together, we can make a difference one act of kindness at a time.

Attendance Matters

Research show that attendance is one of the most important factors when determining academic success. Students need to be at school every day and on time. Please make sure your child is here by 8:40 a.m. and lined up on the blacktop (1st-6th grade) or by the classroom (TK-kinder). Let’s continue to improve our attendance! If your child must be out sick, please contact the office at 619-420-3940 or tanya.trujillo1@cvesd.org to excuse the absence. Remember to bring a doctor’s note. Vacations, dentist, and doctor visits should be scheduled during our breaks whenever possible. If your child misses school, they are missing out on important learning! Our district is launching a new attendance campaign throughout April and May, check out all the details below.

LEAD Classes

This is a friendly reminder that our after-school LEAD classes will commence starting Monday, April 8th. Our dedicated staff have been hard at work preparing a diverse range of enriching and engaging activities to complement your child’s learning experience. Unless otherwise communicated last week, all classes will proceed as planned. If there have been any changes or updates to the schedule, you will have been notified on Class Dojo.

We encourage all students to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities to explore new interests, develop skills, and foster friendships outside of the classroom. Whether it’s sports, arts and crafts, academic clubs, or community service projects, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and participate in.

Board and Brew Dine-out this Tuesday

Do you have a craving for a scrumptious meal while supporting a great cause? Look no further! We’re excited to invite you to participate in our upcoming Dine Out Fundraiser in support our Hedenkamp PTA.

Indulge in the ultimate sandwich experience loved by every family member! Join us for Board and Brew’s mouthwatering custom sandwiches on Tuesday, April 9th from 4-8pm at the Millenia Location. Show the flyer to ensure Hedenkamp gets the fundraising credit. Don’t miss out on this delicious opportunity to support our school community! It’s a win-win situation – you get to enjoy a tasty meal as a family, and you help raise funds to support important programs and initiatives at our school.

20th Anniversary Masquerade Dance

Our dedicated PTA has been hard at work planning an unforgettable evening for our school community. With dazzling decorations, delectable refreshments, and fantastic music, it’s sure to be a night to remember.

Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to secure yours today to guarantee your spot at the dance. You can purchase tickets online here. Don’t miss out on this magical evening of fun, laughter, and community spirit. Gather your friends and family, and join us as we dance into the night at the PTA 20th Anniversary Masquerade Dance!

Husky Wear for Sale

Exciting news! In celebration of our school’s 20th anniversary, we are thrilled to announce the release of limited edition Husky Spirit Wear featuring a special commemorative design. Quantities are limited, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to commemorate our milestone anniversary.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS AND ORDERING HERE

Yearbooks for Sale

The Hedenkamp yearbook is a treasure trove of memories, featuring candid snapshots, heartfelt messages, and reflections of our students’ journey throughout the year. Whether it’s the excitement of the first day of school, the thrill of school events and performances, or the camaraderie shared with friends and classmates, each page tells a unique story.

Don’t miss out on the chance to own a piece of history! Secure your copy of the yearbook today to ensure that you can look back on these precious memories for years to come. It’s a keepsake that you and your child will cherish for a lifetime. To purchase your yearbook, simply click on the link here and follow the ordering instructions. The deadline for orders is April 22nd, so be sure to act soon to reserve your copy.

PRE-ORDER 20th ANNIVERSARY DANCE SWAG 🤩

We have a limited run of:
🐾 ZIP UP HOODIES
🐾 T-SHIRTS
🐾 BEACH TOWELS
& even more to come AT THE DANCE!💃🏻

CLICK LINK BELOW TO PRE-ORDER: https://huskiespta.com/shop

We hope everyone had a wonderful two weeks off and enjoyed the time with family and friends. Our staff has missed our Huskies and look forward to having all our students return on Tuesday, April 2nd. Please remember Tuesday, April 2nd is a minimum day for all students, with our TK/kindergarten students being dismissed at 1:25 pm and our 1st-6th grade students dismissed at 1:55 pm.

Behavior Focus of the Month

For our month of April, our focus is on one simple yet powerful concept: KINDNESS. We believe that kindness is the cornerstone of a strong and supportive community, and by embracing it, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Kindness is a powerful force that can create positive ripples in our community and beyond.

Here are a few simple ways we can promote kindness together:

• Lead by Example: Children often emulate the behaviors they see in adults. By modeling kindness in our interactions with others, we demonstrate its importance and encourage our children to do the same.
• Practice Gratitude: Encourage your child to express gratitude for the kindness they receive and to reflect on the positive impact it has on their lives. Encourage them to write thank-you notes or engage in acts of kindness themselves.
• Foster Inclusivity: Encourage your child to be inclusive and welcoming to others, regardless of differences. Help them understand the value of diversity and the importance of building connections with individuals from various backgrounds.

Together, let’s make kindness a habit, a value that defines our community. By embracing kindness, we uplift others and contribute to creating a more harmonious and supportive environment for everyone. Thank you for committing to making our community a place where kindness flourishes.

Month of the Military Child

April is the month of the Military Child! At Hedenkamp, we have over 100 military connected families. We salute them all! We are so grateful for their service and sacrifice. We will have a week of spirit days to honor and celebrate all our Military Families the week of April 17th, the calendar can be found below. Thank for your service to our country!

Mark your calendars for Friday, April 19th @ 4 pm. We will be hosting a BBQ for our military families. Be sure to bring the entire family to enjoy games and food. Use the link below to RSVP for the event.

LINK TO RSVP TO THE FAMILY BBQ

CROCS ON CAMPUS

As the croc fashion trends continue, don’t forget we have adjusted our dress policy as a safety measure. Please note that open toe shoes of any kind are never permitted on campus for safety reasons. While crocs are not open toe, they are proving to be quite dangerous if engaging in recess games. Please remind your child that crocs are not permitted IF students are playing recess games. Students may wear crocs to school but will NOT be permitted to play any of the designated recess games while wearing them. Thank you for your partnership to ensure are students safety on campus while participating in recreational activities.

Lead Classes Quarter 4

Our after-school LEAD classes will continue in quarter 4. If you have registered for a LEAD class this quarter, an email notification will be sent out on Tuesday, April 2 and you will receive updates on Class Dojo. All LEAD classes will begin the week of April 8th, unless otherwise noted. We are elated to be able to continue to provide the opportunities to our students!

20th Anniversary Family Gala

Join us for an unforgettable evening of mystery and fun at the 20th Anniversary Masquerade Family Dance with Silent Auction & Art Gallery! 🌟

• 📅 Date: April 12th, 2024
• 🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Hedenkamp MPR

It’s time to dust off your finest attire and don your most enchanting masks as we come together to celebrate 20 YEARS OF OUR INCREDIBLE HEDENKAMP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! 🎈🎉

But that’s not all! Prepare to be amazed as you peruse our stunning Art Gallery showcasing the talents of our students, and get ready to bid on some incredible items in our Silent Auction.

Secure your tickets and LIMITED EDITION GEAR NOW: www.huskiespta.com/shop/ PRESALE BONUSES await those who grab their tickets before April 10th! Don’t miss out on the extra excitement!

Get ready for an evening filled with laughter, dancing, and memories to last a lifetime. This is one event you won’t want to miss! See you there!

Otay Water District Student Poster Contest

The Otay Water District has launched its 2024 “Being Water Wise is…” Student Poster Contest. The contest is open to any of our students who want to showcase their creativity. All the important details for the poster contest can be found below.

HOW TO ENTER:

Students in grades kindergarten through 12 are invited to create a poster illustrating the importance of using water wisely. Entries may be submitted in person, by mail, or by email. Please see the attached packet for the contest flyer, guidelines, and entry form. The deadline to enter is Friday, June 7, 2024.

PRIZES:

Otay Water District will select first- and second-place winners from each category: elementary, middle, and high school. Prizes include a $50-$75 gift card, certification, goody bag, art kit, and recognition at an Otay Water District board meeting. Otay will also enter up to 15 posters in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s student art contest for a chance to be featured in their 2025 calendar.

For more information, visit otaywater.gov/poster-contest.

Otay Water Wise Student Poster Contest

Summer Reading Skills Program

SDSU Summer Reading Program Flyer

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81053349276?pwd=ayDmL396jhwbcGxPH2tPnu8kUxic4Q.1

Meeting ID: 810 5334 9276
Passcode: Huskies24

🎉 Get ready to sparkle and shine at the most spectacular event of the year! 🎭 Join us for an unforgettable evening of mystery and fun at the 20th Anniversary Masquerade Family Dance with Silent Auction & Art Gallery! 🌟

• 📅 Date: April 12th, 2024
• 🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Hedenkamp MPR

It’s time to dust off your finest attire and don your most enchanting masks as we come together to celebrate 20 YEARS OF OUR INCREDIBLE HEDENKAMP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! 🎈🎉

But that’s not all! Prepare to be amazed as you peruse our stunning Art Gallery showcasing the talents of our students, and get ready to bid on some incredible items in our Silent Auction.

🎟️ Secure your tickets and LIMITED EDITION GEAR NOW: www.huskiespta.com/shop/

And here’s the cherry on top: PRESALE BONUSES await those who grab their tickets before April 10th! 🎁 Don’t miss out on the extra excitement!

Get ready for an evening filled with laughter, dancing, and memories to last a lifetime. This is one event you won’t want to miss! See you there! 🎭✨