Interim Principal Wheeler's Weekly Update: 03/02/2025

Good evening, Hugh Mercer Families,

March is here, bringing the promise of warmer weather, sunshine, and exciting activities at HMES!

Read Across America Week — Dress-Up Days!

We’re celebrating Read Across America Week with fun dress-up days! Monday, March 3, is “Wild About Reading” — wear wild hair or animal print to show your love for books! See the attached flyer for the rest of the week’s dress-up themes.

🔗Read Across America Spirit Week

Benchmark Testing This Week

This is a four-day school week for our students, and we continue to be impressed by their persistence and dedication. Benchmark testing will take place as follows:

  • Tuesday, March 4: 2nd & 3rd Grade Math Benchmark, 4th Grade Literacy, and 5th Grade Science

  • Wednesday, March 5: 2nd & 3rd Grade Literacy Benchmark and 4th Grade Virginia Studies Benchmark

How You Can Help Your Child Succeed

Parents, your support makes a huge difference! Here's how you can help your child perform their best:

✔️ Ensure they get a good night’s sleep before each test.

✔️ Provide a nutritious breakfast at home or encourage them to eat breakfast at school.

✔️ Make sure they arrive on time to create a smooth, disruption-free testing environment.

✔️ If possible, schedule appointments for the afternoon to avoid interruptions.

If your child will be absent, please communicate with the school so we can arrange any necessary make-up testing.

🔗Attendance Notes

Scholastic Book Fair & Family Reading Night

The HMES Scholastic Book Fair runs from March 3-6, 2025, in the school library! Families can use this link to set up and share an eWallet for easy checkout:

🔗 Scholastic Book Fair eWallet

The Book Fair will also be open from 5:30 - 7:30 PM on Wednesday, March 5, during FAMILY READING NIGHT in the gym/cafeteria from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. We hope to see you there for an evening of fun and literacy!

RSVP for Dinner at Family Reading Night

If you plan to enjoy dinner at the event, please RSVP using this link:

🔗 Family Reading Night Dinner RSVP

RSVP is only required for food, not for attendance at the event itself.

Looking Ahead

Thursday, March 6: End of Quarter 3

Friday, March 7: No School – Teacher Workday

Friday, March 21: Report Cards Sent Home

Monday, March 24 – Monday, March 31: Spring Break – No School

Let’s have another great week at Hugh Mercer Elementary! If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out at (540) 372-1115.

Wishing you all a fantastic start to March!

Best,
Mrs. Wheeler