News from the Principal

Our fifth grade students are preparing for the adventures of middle school. Hanawalt students will be going to Merrill in early April and staff from Merrill will also come to Hanawalt to answer more questions.

As many of you have noticed, we have a considerable collection of lost and found items in the front lobby. If your child cannot find boots at home or perhaps a favorite sweatshirt, there is a likely chance they can be found at school. The day after school gets out, we will be sending all of the remaining items to a local charity for refugee children.

Technology and student learning, I believe should be as synonymous as using a pencil and paper. Technology goes beyond computer technology, but that is often a starting point for schools. During A Day In the Arts, students will have the opportunity to experience art and the tools ( technology) that is used to create incredible pieces of art. This month new computer work stations will be installed and the current teacher work stations will become student work stations. In addition, we hope to purchase two document cameras and infocus projectors. This will help us as we work on consuming less paper.

Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers. Whether it is hosting the Tuesday morning chess club, coaching Battle of the Books, helping students improve their reading skills through the Literacy Army, or being a classroom parent, and the lsit goes on and on. We would not be a successful school without you.

A final note on morning drop offs and afternoon pickups: Please, please always put student safety first. Do not double park. Students should NEVER be walking in front of or behind another car out into the street. Be patient as you turn on to Robertson drive. We have pre-school students who are walked into the building, so if a car appears parked in your way, that parent is making sure that his or her child arrives safely. Students should not be crossing through the middle of the staff parking lot. We have had several near accidents. Saving an extra minute or two is not worth the risk of a child being hurt.


Julia E. Burton – Principal - Hanawalt Elementary School - 515-242-8411