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National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2022
National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15 is the time when many Americans celebrate the customs, traditions, culture, and contributions of those from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
Here are some interesting facts about National Hispanic Heritage Month, according to Women's Health Magazine.
- National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 because it coincides with the national independence days for many Latin American countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Mexico's national independence day follows on the 16th, while Chile's occurs on the 18th, and Belize's is on the 21st.
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This year, the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) announced that the Hispanic Heritage Month Observance Theme was "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation." The 2022 theme "encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation,"
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The U.S. Hispanic population reached 62.6 million in July 2021, the United States Census Bureau reports. With this most recent data, Hispanic-identifying people make up the nation’s largest racial or ethnic minority at 18.9 percent.
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Anyone can celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and show their appreciation for Hispanic and Latino Americans by reading books by authors of Hispanic or Latino origin, watching movies about Hispanic and Latino culture, and going to local events that celebrate the contributions of Hispanic and Latino people have made to U.S. society.
To learn more, go to 20 Facts About National Hispanic Heritage Month You Should Know In 2022, Hispanic Heritage Month, and https://staging-rayitoschoolscom.kinsta.cloud/blog/fast-facts-about-hispanic-heritage-month/
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Yom Kippur, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022
On Wednesday, Oct. 5, HDS will be out of school in recognition of Yom Kippur. In the Jewish Religion, Yom Kippur, the most holy day on the Jewish calendar, is the “Day of Atonement”. It is on this day that those of the Jewish faith, atone for the sins that have been committed, and be reconciled with God. It is a time of prayer, fasting, reflection, forgiveness and self-improvement. To learn more, go to Yom Kippur 2022, an overview of the Day of Atonement
Let us support those in our community who observe this special day.
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Happy Diwali. Oct. 24
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant festivals in India. Not only is it recognized in India, but around the world. Diwali, also called Deepawali, is celebrated for 5 days, Oct. 22 - Oct. 26, with the main day of celebration on Oct. 24. “The most popular tradition behind Diwali dictates that it marks the day on which the Hindu deity Lord Ram returned to his home city of Ayodhya after vanquishing the demon king Ravana. According to mythology, lights were lit all across the country to celebrate his return to rule.” During Diwali, people decorate their homes with flowers and lights.” It represents light and good over darkness and evil, and a time of prosperity. During the 5 day period, they purchase goods, including jewelry, enjoy eating delicious Indian sweets, and give gifts to each other. Day 4 is recognized as the New Year by many. Fireworks are also used to celebrate this special time. Help us celebrate Diwali with those in our community and around the world. (culturetrip.com)
To learn more about Diwali, go to 5 days of Diwali Celebration in 5 minutes! | How to & Why We Celebrate Indian Festivals, and 15 Surprising Facts You May Not Know About Diwali.
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Halloween Celebrations
We are looking forward to our traditional Halloween celebration this year, and we are delighted to invite you to join us on campus for the annual costume parade on Monday, October 31, 2022. More details about the day's events will follow!
This is a half-day of school for HDS students. Extended Care is available for students who pre-register. Contact Janelle Schmidt at jschmidt@harfordday.org with any questions.
Costumes:
Students are permitted to wear their costumes to school on Monday, October 31st. Costumes should be comfortable and easy to manage independently.
Costumes are optional, and students may feel free to dress down or wear their regular school uniform if they choose not to wear a costume. Good judgment and discretion should be used when deciding on a costume. If your child's costume makes fun of someone's race, traits, or culture, or perpetuates fears and anxieties expressed through social media or in the news, they must choose alternate attire. Similarly, costumes that portray violent imagery or include toy weapons and props are not allowed. Finally, costumes which make a political statement or those which could be viewed as disrespectful toward any person, group, or party are not permitted.
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September has been a busy first month of school for HDS students. We celebrated the International Day of Peace with a school-wide assembly, and Mrs. Lyon and Ms. Gray-Wolf led their art classes in creating mandalas with words of peace. The HDS buddy program – where children in different grades are paired together to meet several times throughout the school year – is an HDS tradition we have greatly missed and are thrilled to resume! Whether it was a game of kickball, playing on the playground, or a pool noodle tag competition, students of all ages enjoyed getting acquainted with their buddies.
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Early Childhood
The start of school is such an exciting time for our Early Childhood students. Wearing their Harford Day blue and green, our Early Childhood students give hugs at drop off, and with the guidance of middle school helpers, enter our building each morning. Once inside the Early Childhood building, the learning and fun begin.
The Little Dragons start each morning singing “Mr. Sun” hoping that Mr Sun will keep shining, and they can enjoy their day on the playground. Swinging, playing with balls, and exploring the sand table are some of our favorite playground activities. In the classroom, the Little Dragons are enjoying science. They completed their first experiment and observed that apples do indeed float!
Our K-Prep Busy Bears are just that – very busy! The Busy Bears have already begun to learn about our core values: Empathy, Perseverance, Integrity, Community, and Growth. They listened to a book in which they learned that empathy was their superpower. Learning to take turns, share, and care for our friends is an important part of our preschool curriculum.
The Kindergarten has chosen the pony as their class mascot this year. One student is chosen each day to be the Playful Pony and lead their friends to specials and to the playground. The Kindergarten Ponies are learning interesting pony facts. Did you know that ponies can sleep both lying down and standing up?
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Lower School
First graders are acclimating to life in the big school and have been introduced to the care and basic use of their iPads. They enjoyed their first field trip to Ladew Topiary Gardens, which kicked off their year long study of trees. Second graders held an election in Social Studies class after discussing being good citizens and the importance of voting. They have also enjoyed two Friday STEM challenges – bridge building and a mystery lego challenge. They also began to explore apps on the iPads they will be using this year and learned about Venn diagrams by comparing and contrasting different types of families. In third grade, children have begun learning cursive handwriting! In Social Studies, each child made a compass rose during the study of map skills. They are enjoying using iPads to learn the states and capitals with a fun game called “Stack the States.”
Fourth graders were introduced to the functions and uses of Google Docs and refreshed their knowledge of landforms by creating models out of edible materials like blue icing (water) and graham crackers (sand) in Social Studies classes. Fifth grade is learning how to use microscopes and the scientific method in Science classes. Students are also reading and learning their parts for the class play, “Dig It”, to be performed in November.
In Music classes, students started the year off by making their names musical! First grade students passed a giant yarn ball around a circle and spoke their names, second and third graders played their names on rhythm sticks and tubanos, and fourth and fifth graders collaborated in small groups to create a 16-beat rhythm chain that included every group
member's name.
We cannot wait to see what fun October brings!
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Middle School
The Middle School opened the school year with team-building experiences. During the second week of school, the 8th grade traveled to the Sassafras River for an overnight leadership conference. On the first day, the students developed a class charter, which identified five values. Each value includes a statement the class worked together on describing how they will uphold that value over the course of the year. Students are working on ratifying and signing their charter in advisory and copies will be posted in all 8th grade learning spaces. The class’ five values are: Leadership, Honesty, Inclusivity, Respect, and Kindness.
6th and 7th grades worked with Terrapin Adventures; The 7th grade traveled to their campus in Savage, MD, and the 6th grade worked with their team on the HDS campus. Both grades worked through multiple team-building exercises that required students to think critically and solve problems collaboratively. The 7th graders also flew through the canopy on a giant swing.
The Blue and Green Dragon Fall Season began with a soccer victory and a stunning demonstration of HDS character during the first Cross Country competition. After racing neck and neck against a competitor Nathan Sulkowski came in second, and extended his hand in congratulations to the winner. This is just one of many examples of HDS students living our EPICG values, and demonstrating the results of character education at Harford Day.
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High School Night
Thursday, October 13, 2022
High School Night is back!!! HDS will host this year’s High School Night on Thursday October 13, 2022 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. This is an evening where local area high schools and many boarding schools come to campus to provide our families with information about their schools and answer your questions regarding the next steps in your child’s academic career. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for our 8th grade families and 7:00 p.m. for all others. Attendance is highly encouraged and homework will not be assigned that night. Please feel free to extend the invitation to any family or friends who have middle school aged children. The list of schools in attendance can be found HERE.
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Eighth Grade Parents -
Important High School Admissions Dates
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The high school admissions process has begun! If you have not yet done so, please complete all of the following admissions requirements to ensure that all deadlines are met.
1. Intent to Apply forms must be emailed to Gay Myers
(gmyers@harfordday.org) by November 1, 2022. Click HERE for a copy of the Intent to Apply Form.
2. Signed Records Release forms (found on each school's website) must be emailed to Gay Myers by November 1, 2022 for each school your child is applying to. Student records can not be sent without these signed forms.
3. Teacher recommendation forms (found on each school's website) must be emailed directly to the teachers that need to complete them as soon as possible. If you are unsure which teachers need to complete these forms; please check each school's website. Please be sure to CC: Gay Myers on all teacher recommendation emails sent to teachers.
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Service Learning
Our first ever seventh grade service learning class is off to a great start. We have spent the last two class periods reinforcing the core values of HDS - empathy, perseverance, integrity, community, and growth through examining who we are as individuals and sharing personal acts of kindness. These acts have ranged from doing a sibling's chore, paying for a meal after a diner's emergency, and comforting a loved one through active listening. This week students are revisiting the needs introduced to them in global citizenship: access to education, food scarcity, homelessness, poverty, as well as unemployment and researching the presence, and impact these conditions have in our own county, what currently is being done to alleviate these issues and how we can help. Students will share their findings through indirect and direct advocacy.
Our first guest speaker will visit us on campus in October. She will present what her organization is doing and inform us as to how we can support their efforts on our November field trip. Other guest speakers include a current HDS parent who spent a year volunteering in a neglected area of a metropolitan city as well as a high school student who started a nonprofit. If you would like to share your story serving please do not hesitate to contact us at lsmith@harfordday.org or tdaniels@harfordday.org.
Soda Can Pull Tab Collection
You, too, can help and join our students as they challenge themselves to be creative, to lessen the pain of others, and foster their civic engagement. We are collecting soda can pull tabs for the Baltimore Ronald McDonald House. These recyclable tabs are redeemed to purchase gas to transport RMH patient families to and from area hospitals. Some tabs are even used to make wheelchair parts. A collection bin is located in room 201A in the middle school.
SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL
1) Volunteer & Program Opportunities in Harford County
2) First Fruits Farm
3) We Cancerve; Upcoming Event: October 8: Do Good Drop In (in partnership with the Harford Community Action Agency and Harford County Public Schools) -10:30 a.m., Edgewood Public Library, Edgewood, MD. Join We Cancerve as we stuff Brunch Bags for area children experiencing food insecurity.
4) Harford Family House October 28, “Off the Streets” SLEEP OUT on LEIDOS FIELD AT RIPKEN STADIUM (beginning at 5:30 pm); supports our neighbors experiencing homelessness (OFF THE STREETS (Harford Family House) 10:28:22--Awareness of Homelessness.pdf)
5) Found In Faith Ministries
6) Volunteer Opportunities | United Way of Central Maryland
7) Volunteer & Program Opportunities in Harford County
8) Volunteer Opportunities | Bel Air United Methodist Church
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Extended Day is in full swing! We have a full house and were unsure if we were going to be able to accommodate drop-ins, but we are able to make it work! If you would like to drop into Extended Day, please email Janelle Schmidt (jschmidt@harfordday.org) to make those arrangements. The more notice the better. Please be sure to read the Extended Day Parent Information document found in Blackbaud with the other school handbooks and important information. Extended Day students need a snack and we close at 5:30pm. Please let us know if you are NOT attending Extended Day on a day you are scheduled so we may have the student ready for carpool.
Dragon Days are happening for Early Childhood students ONLY on October 7 and April 14 from 7:30am-5:30pm. If you are not currently registered for these days (you can see if you are in your CampBrain account) please go into CampBrain to do so. It will remain open until Wednesday, October 5th at 6pm for registration. It will reopen in April for the April 14 date, so you do not need to sign up for that now. We have enough children registered already to operate.
NOTE: No other Dragon Days are occurring, so on days when HDS is closed for all students, we are CLOSED.
Half Days are happening on October 19, October 31, January 13, February 15, April 6, June 2, and June 8. Please go into Camp Brain to register if you have not already. You are NOT automatically signed up for the half day if you attend Extended Day (but there is no extra fee if you sign up for a half day and are already pre-enrolled in full time Extended Day). Registration for each day will close at 12pm the day before the half day is scheduled to occur (or Friday if the half day occurs on a Monday).
Music Lessons have begun, offered by Jen Easter and a team of musicians from Bel Air Arts Academy. There are some later evening spots left, so please reach out to Janelle Schmidt for more information, if interested.
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Sibling Applications for Fall 2023
Harford Day School is committed to affording the siblings of currently enrolled students a preference in the admissions process. Admissions applications for the 2023-24 academic year will begin being accepted November 1, 2022 for all grades (Little Dragons to Grade 8) with a priority deadline of February 1, 2023. Timely applications are recommended as openings in Preschool, Kindergarten and many lower school grades will be limited. Your referrals and questions are welcome! Please contact Diane Russell, Director of Enrollment Management at (dianerussell@harfordday.org or 410-809-2403).
Join us for the Early Childhood Adventure Series!
Children ages 2-1/2 to 5 & Adult Caregiver
Do you have young children at home? Would you like to connect with other parents and their children through a meaningful activity? If so, we invite you to join us in our Early Childhood Commons for engaging sessions with our community partners! Each class will allow you and your child to interact with other children and parents in a group setting. Designed as a child-friendly introduction to our campus and community, you will also have the option to visit classrooms, ask questions, and tour our campus.
Register for one, two, three, four, or all five sessions!
Tuesdays 9:30-10:30 AM:
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Dynasty Sports Academy: Tuesday, October 18, 2022
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Perfectly Me: Tuesday, October 25, 2022
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Crack an Egg Cooking Studio: Tuesday, November 1, 2022
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D's Magic: Tuesday, November 8, 2022
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Chef Egg: Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Fall Admissions Events
We have a full slate of fall admissions events, including Fall Open House, a Middle School Visit Day, Virtual Information Sessions, and First Fridays group tours. You may view more information and register on our website HERE.
2022-23 Harford Day Events
Mark your calendars and save the dates! We are delighted to be resuming many beloved school traditions and welcoming visitors back to campus, including pizza day, a mini-golf social event, and Halloween celebrations in October!
All major school activities and athletic events are available via the calendar on the school website and in the Blackbaud Parent Portal. You may subscribe to the calendars and set alerts to be notified of additions or changes. In addition, we have created a list of Important Events for your reference available HERE.
2022-23 Parent Association Meetings
The first Virtual Parent Association Meeting of the 2022-23 Academic Year will be held Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 6:00 PM. Subsequent meetings will take place on the first Wednesday of each month. All Parents are encouraged and welcome to attend!
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Blue and Green Fund – give today!
Throughout our school’s history, our message remains the same: we ask that the first gift that you make to Harford Day each year be a gift or pledge to the Blue and Green Fund. Harford Day's strong tradition of philanthropy strengthens the school today and ensures the promise of tomorrow. Our priority also remains the same: funding the faculty and programs which support our mission, so by doing this we provide opportunities for each student to develop their strengths while exploring new interests. Our hope is that all members of the community will participate to the best of their ability.
Your family's participation is important to the School's Blue and Green Fund, and gifts of all amounts are greatly needed and appreciated. You can click the link below, or you can scan the QR code below to make your gift securely online. If you would like to learn more about giving opportunities or to discuss your gift, please contact Lauren Milan at lmilan@harfordday.org or call 410-809-2402.
Donor Levels for the Blue and Green Fund:
Brumfield Guild ($10,000 and above)
Head's Circle ($5,000-$9,999)
Meridian Society ($2,500-$4999)
1957 Society ($1,000-$2499)
Honor Associates ($500-$999)
Blue & Green Circle ($250-$499)
Dragon League ($100-$249)
Patron (less than $100)
Click here to give securely online: Give Today!
Or
Scan here to give securely online:
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Gallery Tiles – There are only 14 tiles left so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
By making a gift to the Blue & Green Fund of $560 (or more), you will have the opportunity to select a pre-painted tile(s) for permanent installation in the art gallery. Your name will be engraved on a gold plate displayed beneath the tile of your choice. These beautiful tiles designed by Tracy Lyon will forever be a symbol of the donors’ commitment to the School. If you would like to purchase a pre-painted tile, please contact Lauren Milan at lmilan@harfordday.org or call 410-809-2402.
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PA Welcome
The Harford Day School Parent Association (HDSPA) is open to all families to attend. Please join us for the first virtual HDSPA meeting of the school year to hear from our head of school, learn about the HDSPA’s role and activities, and support HDSPA-sponsored activities.
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PA Meetings
Wednesday, October 12th at 6 p.m.
Virtual Link: meet.google.com/iza-jnvt-xdz
Phone Numbers: +1 304-790-6055
PIN: 124 308 797#
Meeting dates for the year are November 2, December 7,
January 4 (tentative), February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3.
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HDS Spirit Wear Store is Now Open! | |
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We are excited to announce that the Harford Day spirit wear and
uniform store is now live! Check it out for the launch of some brand
new items and the return of some fan favorites to show your HDS pride and support important school funding initiatives! The store will be open until midnight on October 4th. Use the link below or the convenient QR code to shop instantly. Thank you for your support – Go Dragons!
Click here:
https://skylightcreativeideas.commonsku.com/shop/20fdd18f-cbdc-40a2-afde-949aebbcb17e
Or scan here:
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The PA is hosting a social event on Wednesday, October 19th, to coincide with HDS's early dismissal for professional development. Grab the kids and head to Churchville Golf Center for an afternoon of mini-golf with other HDS families.
Adults: $ 6.00 per round/Children (under 12): $5.00 per round
3040 Churchville Rd. Churchville MD 21028
http://www.churchvillegolf.com/Churchville_Golf_and_Putt_Putt/Home.html
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Shopping Programs
The HDSPA participates in several programs that donate a portion of sales back to the school when you link to the school’s account. This information can also be found on Blackbaud.
| Uniform Swap Facebook Page | |
Join the HDS Used Uniform Swap Facebook page to post outgrown uniforms and claim some new gear!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hdsuseduniforms/
| Questions, Concerns, or Ideas? | |
Contact us at parentassociation@harfordday.org
Check out the HDSPA section of the portal (under Resources/Parent Resources) for more info, such as HDSPA officer and HDSA class rep names, meeting log-in info, archived meeting minutes, and fundraiser program info.
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