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HES HERO 3.6.2026: IA of the Year, Track Change Requests, Classroom Environments, STEM Saturday

HES HERO 3.6.26

 

HES HERO

At HES we are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment that partners with families to promote high expectations, critical thinking, and the belief that other people matter. ALL students will leave HES equipped to be global life-long learners who are advocates for change.

 

Upcoming Dates

Mar 6        Track Out - Track 1

Mar 13      PTA Spirit Day - Wear HES Colors or Spirit Wear

Mar 18      Tr 3 Feb/Mar Bday Lunch & Tr 4 Mar Bday Lunch

Mar 26      Field Day - Tr 4 & Greening, Poulsen, Stafford

Mar 27      Track Out - Track 4

Mar 30      Track 1 Returns

      Field Day - Tr 1 & Smith, Behnke, McKoy

April 3       NO SCHOOL - Holiday

April 6       Tr 1 Report Cards 

April 9       Spring Program - 3rd Grade Tr 1 & 3 & All Honors Choir at 6:30pm

April 14     Class Pictures - Tr 1 & 3

    Tr 1 Mar/April Bday Lunch & Tr 3 April Bday Lunch

April 17     PTA Family Dance 6:00-8:00pm

                 Track Out - Track 3

April 20     NO SCHOOL - Teacher Workday

April 21     Track 4 Returns

 

We’ve had a great few weeks with all tracks in! It is always nice to be all together as a school community! Our book fair was a huge success and we LOVED seeing so many families at our Cultural Night last week. Thank you to the PTA for their support, the HHS FFA, and all of the staff for their efforts. We really enjoyed our HES Book week as well and our students looked awesome in their book character costumes!

 

Don’t forget that we will go back to our regular carpool routines next week!

 

Instructional Assistant of Year

Congratulations to DeAntony Collins who is the HES Instructional Assistant of the Year! Mr. Collins is an asset to HES and has gone above and beyond in the classroom this year. His relationships with students are simply the best and we are lucky to have him represent HES as the Instructional Assistant of the Year!

 

Reminder that Track Change Requests and Classroom Environment notes are DUE TODAY! See below for information!

 

Track Change Requests

Each year, things may present themselves where your family needs to consider your child being on a different track from their current track. If you need to request a track change, please do so by completing THIS FORM.  Paper copies of the track change form were also sent home in Monday folders if you prefer to complete it and return it to school. Please reach out to our data manager Mary Canny at mcanny@wcpss.net or 919.562.6000 with any questions. No track change requests will be accepted after 3/6/2026. All requests will be reviewed when we begin creating classes for next year and families will be notified of whether or not their request is approved.

 

Classroom Environments for 2026-2027

We are beginning to think ahead to class assignments for the 2026-2027 school year.  Parents are invited to submit a letter describing the classroom environment that is best for your child.  Please DO NOT use teacher names as there may be movement among our staff. All letters are due to Mrs. Harmon by March 6th. You may email (aharmon@wcpss.net) or drop it off in the office.

 

STEM Saturday hosted by Town of Wake Forest! 

This event is designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of innovators through hands-on activities and interactive 

demonstrations in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Event Details:

  • Date:  April 11, 2026

  • Time: 10am – 2pm

  • Location: Joyner Park Community Center - 701 Harris Road Wake Forest, NC

  • Audience: Students in Grades K–12

Why Attend?

  • Explore engaging STEM exhibits and experiments

  • Connect with local STEM professionals and educators

  • Discover pathways to future STEM careers 

For more information, please visit: https://www.wakeforestnc.gov/meetings-events/stem-saturday

 

Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Community Listening Events

Our school has been selected through a random sampling process to participate in a districtwide community listening effort about Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs. WCPSS’s current DLI programs provide instruction in English and a partner language at various schools, helping students develop strong academic skills while becoming multilingual and multicultural learners. The district is gathering feedback to better understand community interest, perspectives, and needs related to DLI programming. We invite you to complete a brief, anonymous questionnaire (2–5 minutes), open now through March 18. You can access the questionnaire here. The survey also includes an optional opportunity to volunteer for a virtual focus group. If interested, please indicate your interest by February 28. Focus groups will take place throughout March. Thank you for sharing your input and helping ensure district programs remain responsive to our community’s needs. For any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mary Clare Freeman at mfreeman@rti.org.

The survey can be found here: https://bit.ly/WCPSS-DLI

🌟 HES PTA – March Memo 🌼 It’s Volunteer Season at HES!

⭐ PTA Nominations – Volunteers Needed

PTA nominations are underway, and we need volunteers for the many committees working behind the scenes to plan events, support staff, coordinate programs, manage fundraising, and strengthen family engagement.

These roles are essential to making our school events successful. Whether you are new or returning, your involvement matters.

👉 Submit a PTA Nomination

https://forms.gle/XEpsE2LR6xibksWV6

 

🌿 Grounds Committee – Sign Up to Help

Much of the care that keeps our campus looking beautiful is done by our amazing volunteers. While WCPSS handles mowing and certain large projects, many of the smaller landscaping tasks are made possible by families who generously give their time.

Choose a day and task that fits your schedule. Even 15 minutes makes a difference. This is also a great opportunity for students needing volunteer hours.

👉 Sign Up for the Grounds Committee

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4DA9AC29A3F94-57929027-grounds?useFullSite=true#/

 

💃 Shine Bright Family Dance – April 17 | 6:00–8:00 PM

Free event for students and families

DJ • Photo Booth • Games • Food • Dancing • Silent Auction

Grade-level raffle baskets are back! Donations are needed:

Pre-K / Kindergarten – Movie Night Basket Sign-Up

https://signup.com/go/tHTgAUn

First Grade – Bonfire Night Basket Sign-Up

https://signup.com/go/pnUSfRs

Second Grade – Gardening Fun Basket Sign-Up

https://signup.com/go/cRVkBYk

Third Grade – Pot of Gold Basket Sign-Up

https://signup.com/go/eHmZMSv

Fourth Grade – I Don’t Want to Cook Basket Sign-Up

https://signup.com/go/omfJBaW

Fifth Grade – Can You Say Local Basket Sign-Up

https://signup.com/go/vgaHUBO

 

👕 Spirit Day – 3.13.26

Let’s “Shine Bright” together! On March 13, wear your HES gear or school colors and help us fill the hallways with pride and positive energy. The more spirit we show, the brighter our HES community shines!

 

🎂 March Birthday Lunches

Tracks 3 & 4 – 3.18.26

 

👀 Lost & Found

Missing something? Check out the latest items currently in the Lost & Found near the cafeteria.

👉 View the Lost & Found Items

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVgal7MgHzo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Thank you for continuing to support HES through your time, leadership, and involvement.