All Enrolled Students To Eat At No Cost

Great news: Beginning August 25, the first day of classes, all Academy students will enjoy breakfast and lunch at no cost, as a benefit of the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program’s CEP. 

Breakfast and lunch menus will include more whole grains, more fresh fruit and vegetables and is more student-friendly. The school nutrition department will also focus efforts on nutrition education for students as well as parents. 

What does this mean for parents/guardians?

• You do not have to complete a free/reduced lunch application. All students eat at no cost.
• You have peace in knowing your child receives nutritious, healthy meals every school day. No child goes hungry.

Breakfast is served each school day from 7:30 a.m. until 8:05 a.m. Lunch service begins each school day at 11:00 a.m. 

School lunch via Carroll K

5 Things To Do Before Summer Ends

How has the summer gone for you--has it flown by before you could get in enough days at the pool or are you more than ready for crisper air and chilly nights? Either way, it's likely we'll miss the lazy days grilling out or taking the drive down I-70 to the beach come January and February. 

And so, we've compiled this list of must-do activities in the Raleigh-Durham area to be completed before August 25th (the official first day of HSA's 2014-15 school year!):

1. Visit the beach. 

NC Beach via http://trendspig.com

We had to add it to the list because it's so quintessentially "North Carolina Summer." Whichever beach you choose to frequent, remember to know sunscreen recommendations to avoid painful burns and keep your kids safe with these water safety tips. And if you're headed to Wilmington/Wrightsville, one of the closest shorelines, check out these family-friendly summer events to add some more activity to the trip. 

2.  Pick up fresh produce from the farmer's market.

Raleigh Farmer's Market via Lillizalous Blog

Both Raleigh and Durham have excellent farmer's markets that consistently produce some of the finest fruits, vegetables and more every week. Learn valuable advice about what to buy, what to bring, how to plan recipes and more from this helpful article. Just remember to check hours beforehand and plan your trip wisely, as the venues can become very crowded at certain times of the day.

3.  Learn about animals at the Asheville Zoo.

Asheville Zoo via Mix 965 Asheville

If you haven't been to Asheville (or its zoo), now is a wonderful time to make the trip. Only about a 4 hour drive from Raleigh/Durham, the mountain setting offers a nice break from the sweltering temperatures that dominate most of NC in the month of August. Visit the Asheville Zoo's website for more information on special events, buying tickets in advance and other must-know pointers. We have no doubt your kids will be fascinated by the array of animals, large and small, and will learn many useful facts about the natural world.

4. Cool off at a water park.

Water Park via VisitNC

If you'd rather avoid the sand, but still want to cool off, why not try one of NC's many water parks? Visit this site for a comprehensive list of water parks in the Raleigh-Durham area. Just remember to check out these tips and recommended items to bring before you set out. We suggest you leave early in the day to avoid crowds and make the most out of this fun-filled activity.

5. Cheer on the Durham Bulls.

Durham Bulls Stadium via The Southern Photographer

If you haven't been to a Durham Bulls game this summer, you're missing out! Even if you're not a huge baseball fan, these games will give you the chance to sit back, relax and witness one of America's favorite summer pastimes. The Durham Bulls even offer the opportunity to camp out on their famous field during select dates. Check out availability here. 

What do you plan to do with the rest of your summer? Remember to make the most of it!

Congratulations To Our Student Of The Month For June!

Jordyn has shown a great deal of growth since starting school in August of 2013. Jordyn has the ability to retain information learned in one subject area and build upon it in all of her subjects. She is a very friendly, outgoing, loving, and understanding young lady. Jordyn is always up for any challenge presented to her with the support of her family, friends and school. The excellence that Jordyn shows is a strong indicator that she is focused on her education and working on being a future leader in whatever she would like to do. 

Congratulations, Jordyn, HSA student of the month!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Please take note of these important upcoming events:

May 28 - June 2: End-of-Grade Tests

June 3: Awards Day at 1:30 p.m.

June 4: Field Day at Forest Hill Park 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

June 9: Graduation 
Kindergarten at 9:00 a.m. 
8th Grade at 11:00 a.m.

June 10: Last Day of School (early dismissal at noon)

Summer Reading Program

Barnes & Noble is offering a Summer Reading Program to encourage students to read books of their own choosing and earn a FREE book to help them on their way. Follow these three easy steps: 

1. Read any eight books this summer and record titles in the Imagination’s Designation Journal (provided by your homeroom teacher).

2. Bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between May 20 and September 2, 2014. 

3. Choose your FREE reading adventure from the book list featured on the back of the journal. 

Homeroom teachers will be sending home Imagination’s Destination Reading Journals.

Helping Your Child Avoid “Test Anxiety”

It’s good for your child to be concerned about taking a test. It’s not good for him to develop “test anxiety.” Test anxiety is worrying too much about doing well on a test. It can mean disaster for your child. Students with test anxiety can worry about success in school and about their future success. They can become very self-critical and lose confidence in their abilities. Instead of feeling challenged by the prospect of success, they become afraid of failure. If your child worries too much about taking tests, you can help to reduce the anxiety by encouraging the child to do the following things:

• Plan ahead. Start studying for the test well in advance. Make sure that you understand what material the test will cover. Try to make connections about what will be on the test and what you already know. Review the material more than once.

• Don’t “cram” the night before. This will likely increase your anxiety, which will interfere with clear thinking. Get a good night’s sleep.

• When you get the test, read the directions carefully before you begin work.

• Look quickly at the entire text to see what types of questions are on it (multiple choice, matching, true/false, essay). See if different questions are worth different numbers of points. This will help you to determine how much time to spend on each part of the test.

• If you don’t know the answer to a question, skip it and go on. Don’t waste time worrying about one question. Mark it and, if you have time at the end of the test, return to it and try again.

Basic Facts About The End-Of-Grade Tests (EOG)

English Language Arts & Reading - Grades 3-8

• The language arts/reading tests are multiple-choice tests.
• The tests are aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English language arts.
• Students read authentic selections and then answer questions related to the selections.
• The reading selections are comprised of literary and informational selections based on the Common Core State Standards.
• Knowledge of vocabulary is assessed indirectly through application and understanding of terms within the context of the selections and questions.

Mathematics - Grades 3-8

• The EOG mathematics tests at grades 3 and 4 are multiple-choice tests.
• The EOG mathematics tests at grades 5-8 are multiple-choice and gridded-response tests.
• All EOG mathematics tests are aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for mathematics.
• For grades 3-8, the mathematics tests consist of two parts: calculator inactive and calculator active. Students are allowed to use calculators during the calculator active part of the test; students are now allowed to use calculators during the calculator inactive part of the test.

Science - Grades 5 and 8

• The EOG science tests at grades 5 and 8 are aligned to the Essential Standards for Science.
• The online EOG science questions are multiple-choice and technology enhanced questions.
• The paper-and-pencil science tests are multiple-choice tests (technology enhanced items are found only in the online science assessments).

For additional information about the North Carolina Testing Program, visit the Accountability Services Division website at www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/.

Sample EOG tests are available online at: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/eog/

SPRING PORTRAITS TOMORROW

Spring portraits will be taken on Friday, April 25. Students may choose to wear their spring clothing rather than their uniform on picture day, but clothing must be appropriate spring attire. NO JEANS OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED ON PICTURE DAY. Students who do not wear appropriate attire will not be photographed.

In addition, we will take Kindergarten and 8th Grade Cap & Gown portraits. Kindergarten and 8th grade students should dress in the following attire for Cap and Gown portraits:

Girls—Dress or blouse and skirt with dress shoes. 

Boys—Suit or shirt and tie, dress pants and dress shoes.

Cap & Gown/Full Body Portraits will be available at a later date for your review and optional purchase.

Please make sure your child is here tomorrow for picture day. There will be no makeup or reschedule dates.

Spring Portraits Scheduled For Friday, April 25, 2014

HSA's spring portraits will be taken on Friday, April 25, 2014. Students may choose to wear their spring clothing rather than their uniform on picture day. NO JEANS OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED ON PICTURE DAY.  Clothing must be appropriate spring attire. Students who do not have on the appropriate spring attire will not be photographed.  

In addition, we will be taking Kindergarten/8th Grade Cap & Gown portraits. Please make sure that your child will be here for picture day. There will be no makeup or reschedule date for these pictures. Pre-pay envelopes are due Wednesday, April 23, 2014 by 9:00 a.m. No money will be accepted after this date and on picture day.  Please have exact payment.  

Kindergarten/8th Grade Cap & Gown/ Full Body Portraits will be available at a later date for your review and optional purchase. Kindergarten and 8th grade students should dress in the following attire for Cap and Gown portraits. Appropriate spring attire: 

Girls: Dress or blouse and shirt and dress shoes. 

Boys: Suits or shirt with tie/dress pants and dress shoes. 

If you have any questions, please feel  free to contact Ms. Johnson at (919) 956-5599, ext 1022.

Congratulations Students & Teacher of the Month for April!

Christopher Melo 

Melo is an excellent student of the month because of his positive attitude towards learning. He comes prepared to class every day and always follows directions the first time he is asked. Christopher greets his teachers and classmates with respect and a bright smile to go along with it. Christopher deserves to be rewarded for his excellent effort all year long.

Jean Brooks 

Middle School student Jean Brooks quietly goes about her day with a winning 
smile and soft words for everyone. She comes to class prepared to learn with her homework completed. Jean takes part in class, answers and asks great questions, helps others and is generous to others. Jean’s conscientious work ethic has shown in her daily work, her grades, and her test scores. 

Mrs. Regina Boney

Mrs. Boney has been teaching at the Academy for almost 17 years. Mrs. Boney loves working with children. She has three beautiful grandchildren. She is a graduate of North Carolina Central University. She is a big NCCU Eagles fan. Mrs. Boney serves on the Building leadership team and as mentor to other teachers. Mrs. Boney is a pleasure to work with and a great asset to the Academy.

Pennies for Patients Campaign Gets Underway

Healthy Start Academy is participating in the Pennies for Patients campaign sponsored by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). This fundraiser is going on now through April 30.

The Pennies Campaign is running a special contest. The school coordinator who enlists the highest quantity of donations wins a $50 Office Depot gift card. The amount of the donation does not matter, but rather the total number of donations received.

To start your campaign, go to http://nc.sy.llsevent.org/HealthyStartAcademy.

[source: www.mcas.k12.in.us]

Congratulations, Teacher & Student of the Month for March!

Ms. Alycia Crews

Ms. Crews is the Academy’s Reading Interventionist and Information Technology Specialist. Ms. Crews also serves as an adjunct professor at North Carolina Central University. Ms. Crews is very helpful to the faculty and staff with their technology and instructional needs. Ms. Crews possesses a willing attitude and is a team player. In her spare time, she loves to travel. Congratulations, Ms. Crews!

Aleah Moaney

Aleah Moaney has shown a great deal of growth socially and academically during this school year. She is a very quiet, caring, understanding, and shy kindergarten student. Aleah is the type of student that takes in all the knowledge learned in an educational environment and is able to display her knowledge in all subject areas. She is a little teacher at home and great student in the classroom. Congratulations, Aleah, on this great honor. 

Saturday Academy begins this week – March 1

Healthy Start Academy will host a weekly Saturday Academy beginning March 1 through May 24 from 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. each Saturday. The purpose of this Academy is to provide additional academic assistance to students who are currently struggling in the areas of reading, math, or science. Our goal is to give students an opportunity to refine their academic skills as well as learn new ways to achieve.

Saturday Academy will serve students in third grade through eighth grade. receive remediation and intervention in reading, science, and math. Students who would benefit from additional tutoring in these areas have been identified as noted by the NWEA benchmark test scores. Only those students who have been identified for this program will be allowed to attend. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact Mr. Marc Willis, Assistant Principal, at (919) 956-5599 ext 1214.

[via: learningworksforkids.com]

Feb. 28: Parent-Teacher Conferences for Middle School

Middle school teachers are scheduling parent-teacher conferences on Friday, February 28. Please contact your child’s homeroom teacher to schedule a time suitable for you. Parents in grades K–5 may contact the child’s teacher to arrange a parent-teacher conference as well.

Parent-Teacher conferences are a vital tool to promote communication between the school and home. The conferences allow teachers to dedicate one-on-one time with you, the parent, to discuss your child’s academic progress and classroom behavior. The conferences also allow parents to voice any concerns and ask any questions.

[via: www.cms.k12.nc.us]

Congratulations, Teacher & Students of the Month for February!

Tara Bellamy

Teacher of the Month Tara Bellamy teaches kindergarten at Healthy Start Academy. Ms. Bellamy is the coordinator of the PBIS team and serves the SAP team. She loves to spend time at the Farmers Market. Ms. Bellamy provides the faculty and staff with information regarding community programs and events. Congratulations, Ms. Bellamy!

Marley Vincent

Elementary Student of the Month Marley Vincent has shown a great deal of growth since starting during the summer of 2013 at Healthy Start Academy. He is very focused, concerned about others, helpful to all, and able to use knowledge learned across subject areas. Marley makes friends all around the building as he is able to do errands independently for other teachers. Marley’s parents are very proud of the great progress he has made at this point in his educational career. Way to go, Marley!

Michelle Bryant

Middle School Student of the month Michelle Bryant always does her best work, is a great classmate, and consistently follows our expectations for learning and behavior. She has a smile on her face every morning and comes to school each day ready to learn. Michelle takes school seriously and understands the importance of education. She always comes to class prepared to learn, has the materials she needs, is attentive, and contributes to class discussions. Michelle is a sweet young lady and a good role model for her classmates. She always take time to help out students or teachers in need. Congratulations, Michelle!

Congratulations, Richard B. Ford!

Congratulations to Richard B. Ford for receiving the 2014 Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Keeper of the Dream Award. Mr. Ford was awarded this honor on January 20, 2014. See him pictured below with Gwendolyn Wicker, Vice Chair of Healthy Start Academy's Board of Directors.

Thanks for everything you do, Mr. Ford!

Reserve your child’s space by January 31

We are in the process of preparing for the 2014-2015 school year. In doing so, we need your help to get an estimate of spaces available to new applicants. Since your child is already enrolled, it will not be necessary for you to reapply; however, we need to know your intentions for your student to return to Healthy Start Academy next school year. 

Please fill out and return the 2014-2015 Letter of Intent form that we sent to you. If

you have not received a Letter of Intent, please contact the school office at 919-956-5599.

The deadline to hold your child’s space for the next school year is January 31.

MLK/Black History Month Parade

The Academy will participate in the 12th Annual Martin Luther King Parade beginning at noon February 1. The parade will include marching bands, floats, school and church groups, step and dance teams, horses, cars, motorcycles, unique vehicles, clowns and more. The route begins at W.G. Pearson Elementary School at 3501 Fayetteville Street and ends at Lawson and Fayetteville streets at NCCU’s campus. We hope to see you there!

FOX 50 will televise the MLK-Black History Month Parade on February 15 at 4:00 p.m.

[via: cdsporch.org]

Congratulations to HSA's January Students and Teacher of the Month!

Monica Revels-Crawford

Elementary student Monica Revels-Crawford comes to school with a strong work ethic and positive attitude. She always completes her homework and assignments and is eager to learn as much as she can. Monica is always up for a challenge and will take the initiative to push herself to do well. She is very friendly and always willing to help any student or adult in any way she can. Hard-working, dedicated, enthusiastic, reliable, and inquisitive are just a few of the words that describe her. The excellence that Monica shows is a strong indicator that she will succeed at anything she puts her mind to and that she will definitely be a future leader.

Marcus Dillard

Middle school student Marcus Dillard is a pleasure to have in science technology class, according to Ms. Palmer! He comes to class with a wide range of skills. Marcus is very tech savvy, and he is always willing to help his peers. He is patient and maintains a positive attitude. Marcus’s enthusiasm for everything technology-related shines through in his projects. The quality of work is top-notch and he always strives for perfection. If you need to know anything about genetics and punnett squares, Marcus is the perfect person to call on. Additionally, he volunteers to assist his teachers after school with many tasks.

Ms. Linda Wallace

Ms. Linda Wallace has been a teacher at Healthy Start Academy since 2008. Ms. Wallace currently teaches second grade, but did you know she is also a certified middle school science teacher? Ms. Wallace is a native of Michigan and in her spare time enjoys traveling.