News & Announcements

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  Message From The Principal 6-5-20 - Ms. Cameron

  June 5, 2020

  Dear Hegarty Family,

  I cannot believe we are down to the homestretch! I know the last couple of months have been quite the challenge for all of us. Our Hegarty community pulled together as a family and supported one another through these unprecedented times. I am thankful for all the support from the FXH staff and family members during remote learning.
  We are truly Hegarty Strong!

  Next week the district will begin to deliver student belongings to each of your homes. Students who have instruments or school loaned devices, will have their belongings returned during June 16th. The following schedule will be followed for the drop-off of student belongings who do not have an instrument or school loaned device.

  Monday, June 8th. Kindergarten drop-off 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  Grade 1 drop-off 12:15 PM - 3:15 PM

  Tuesday, June 9th Grade 2 drop-off 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  Grade 3 drop-off 12:15 PM – 3:15 PM

  Wednesday, June 10th Pre-K drop-off 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  Grade 4 drop-off 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

  All Pre-K and kindergarten students may return their completed packets on Friday, June 12th at the Lincoln Orens Middle School Audubon Boulevard entrance between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM. I will have a table set-up with labeled boxes for each grade level. Please be sure that your child’s first and last name as well as his or her teacher’s name is on the packet. These packets will be placed in your child’s learning portfolio and passed up to the following year’s teacher.

  As a reminder, we will be celebrating our moving-up ceremonies virtually via a WebEx link that will be posted on the district website as well as the FXH website on the day and time of your child’s ceremony. Below are the scheduled times and days of these events:

  June 12th. Kindergarten End of Year Celebration 9:30 AM
  June 15th Grade 4 Moving Up Ceremony 9:30 AM
  June 15th Pre-K Stepping Up Ceremony 11:30 AM

  Our summer reading program will begin during the first week of August 1st. I am excited for the upcoming FXH Summer Reading Challenge. Each student will record their individual books and minutes read in a daily log that will be mailed home in the upcoming weeks. Students who return their completed logs during the first week of school will receive a certificate. In addition, students will be required to complete assignments noted in their individual grade level packets. I look forward to seeing your wonderful work!

  Sincerely,
  Ms. Cameron

   

  • En espanol - Message From The Principal 6-5-20 - Ms Cameron.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  ELECTION NOTICE

  We will not be accepting any drop-off ballots prior to June 9.
  Prior to June 9, please use the postage paid envelope that was provided.  
  On June 9th a ballot box will be available at the Conference Center located at 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park from 7am to 5pm. 
  Any ballots received after 5 pm on June 9, 2020 will not be counted.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Message From The Principal 5-22-20 - Ms. Cameron

  
  Dear Hegarty Family,

  As the year is quickly coming to an end, I cannot believe Memorial Day is upon us. As the weekend is approaching, let us not forget about our veterans. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who died while serving our country. I want to thank all of the veterans in our community as well as the men and women who are currently on active duty, serving our country.

  Beginning the week of June 1st, we will begin the delivery of each student’s locker contents/ personal belongings. As we drop-off personal belongings, we will also pick-up District property that the students are NOT currently using for distance learning; i.e. classroom or library books and textbooks.

  Please note, however, that we will not deliver or pick-up from students who are currently using Districtowned Chromebooks and/or instruments, on loan for distance learning, until after school has officially ended for students on June 15th. Prior to the delivery/pick-up, each family will receive a phone call from a District representative with specific delivery/pick-up instructions and an estimated time for delivery/pick-up (a two-hour window).

  I would also like to highlight some important dates and events to celebrate the class of 2020. Virtual graduation ceremonies have been planned for grades pre-k, kindergarten and grade four students. We will be celebrating their accomplishments during prerecorded virtual ceremonies. I have outlined some important dates below:

  • June 12, 2020. Kindergarten Virtual End of Year Celebration 9:30 AM
  • June 15, 2020 Grade 4 Virtual Moving Up Ceremony 9:30 AM
  • June 15, 2020 Pre-K Virtual Stepping Up Ceremony 11:30 AM
  • June 15, 2020 Last Day of School for all Pre-k through Grade four students. The parent portal will also be open for retrieval of student report cards.

  For each event, parents will be receiving a program with students’ names. A link will be posted on the Island Park website as well as the Francis X. Hegarty webpage during the above listed times for your convenience. I am so proud of all the children especially for their diligence and excellent work habits during the school closure. Thank you to all of the families who have supported and assisted the children during distance learning.

  I wish everyone a healthy and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

  We are Hegarty Strong!

  Sincerely,
  Ms. Cameron

  • En espanol - Message From The Principal 5-22-20 - Ms Cameron.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Message From The Principal 5-8-20 - Ms. Cameron

  May 8, 2020

  Dear Hegarty Family,

  I want to wish the teachers of Francis X. Hegarty a Happy Teacher Appreciation Week. I am so lucky to work with a wonderful group of professionals who go above and beyond for their students. I know they put in countless hours of planning, keeping in contact with families as well as creating a sense of community within the Island Park School District. Together, we appreciate having your greatest gifts, the students of Hegarty Elementary School.

  It has been so nice seeing the children during the Google Meets. I am just as excited as they are to see everyone! This is a time that none of us could have ever anticipated or planned for. I want to send a great big “thank you” to our parents and families who are doing their best to assist the children with online learning. I understand the complexity of working from home or out in the field as a health care worker or first responder while trying to attend to the needs of our families. I am so appreciative of everything you have done to help the children complete their daily assignments.

  As a reminder to all Pre-k through grade four students, please send in your artwork to Mrs. Horn, via e-mail to participate in our Virtual Art Show. The last day for student entries is May 15th. This is going to be a show to remember.

  I want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all of our Hegarty moms. Your dedication during this very demanding time is greatly appreciated. I am grateful to you for all that you have done to maintain our home-school connection for the benefit of your child(ren) throughout the school year and especially during these past several weeks since schools have been closed.

  Be sure to check my principal page for daily updates and news. I am looking forward to seeing the Teacher Appreciation slideshow that will be posted on the district website this week. I want to thank the children for sending their letters of appreciation to our teachers. I also want to thank Ms. Appel and Mr. Giardino for arranging this presentation.

  We are Hegarty Strong!

  Ms. Cameron

   

  • En espanol - Message From The Principal 5-8-20 - Ms Cameron.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Message From The Principal May 1, 2020 - Ms. Cameron

  May 1, 2020

  Dear Hegarty Family,

  I hope everyone is doing well and in good spirits. It has been so nice speaking to families and students during the school closure. To continue our communication with students and their teachers, our weekly Google Meets with students will begin Friday, May 1^st. Be sure to check the Island Park homepage as well as the Francis X. Hegarty teacher webpages for scheduled Google Meet days and times. I’m looking forward to seeing the children and staff during this time. It has been too long since I’ve seen the beautiful smiles of my Hegarty children. I truly miss you all and cannot wait to see you at the Google Meets. 

  Our Google Meets will provide the children with a sense of community. It will also allow time for the children to connect with their peers and teachers. This connection is necessary to support the social and emotional needs of our children.  As the students prepare for their Google Meets, make sure they are in a comfortable spot where they can be seen and are surrounded by some of their favorite possessions. It is important for parents to monitor their children during these Google Meets. The children can practice accessing their e-mails prior to meeting with their peers and teachers.  Student e-mail addresses are needed in order to join a Google Meet session. We want to keep in mind proper online etiquette during a Google Meet. I know we are all going to be so excited to see one another but want to keep in mind good manners. Remember to listen to others and take turns speaking. We want to give all of our peers the opportunity to participate in the discussion. As a friendly reminder, please do not record or photograph any part of the session. We want to ensure a safe online environment for all. 

  As we are moving forward in our instruction, pre-k and kindergarten students will have new learning packets delivered to their homes on May 1^st. In addition, all students are required to check their teacher’s website daily for assignments and updates. It is also important to click on the special area teacher webpages daily. Mrs. Horn and Ms. Appel have been busy organizing our Virtual Art Show. Students, please remember the deadline for your submissions is May 15^th. This is your time to display your artistic talents. Continue to send in pictures of your artwork! I know this is going to be a show to remember.  

  As always, please feel free to e-mail me at ccameron@islandparkschools.org. If you have any questions or concerns, please continue to use the “virtual hand raise” code in the email subject to communicate with your me and your child’s teacher(s). Be sure to check my principal page for daily updates and news. 

  We are Hegarty Strong!

   Ms. Cameron

   

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Grab and Go Meals @ LOMS, 3/30/20

  Beginning tomorrow, March 30, we will resume our Grab and Go food distribution program at Lincoln Orens Middle School. Meals are for Island Park children who are eligible for free or reduce price meals. Please pick up your child’s breakfast and lunch meals from 8:30 to 11AM.  Thank you Mrs. DeBari, food service staff members, and our custodians who are making this program possible!

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Get Well Wishes to Our IPS Employee

  See: Cards...

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Meals for Island Park Students

  Families eligible for free or reduced price breakfasts and lunches as well as any family residing in Island Park and whose children attend our schools who is not able to provide these meals, please note the following:

  " Island Park UFSD is providing Grab and Go Meals.

  " The meals are available for pick up from Lincoln Orens Middle School, 150 Trafalgar Blvd. Island Park, NY 11558.

  " We distribute the meals through a sliding window from the kitchen cafeteria in the back of the school during the hours of 8:30 am to 11:00 am.

  " Breakfast includes: milk, fruit juice , fruit cup or fresh fruit, choice of bagel, roll or cereal with cheese stick or yogurt.

  " Lunch includes: milk, fruit juice, fruit cup or fresh fruit, choice of deli sandwich or pre-packaged peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

  " All students with records of allergies have an allergy-free meal prepared for them that are kept separate from the other meals. Each allergy-free bag is labeled with the student's name on it.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  IPS RELATED SERVICES

  ISLAND PARK SCHOOLS 

  RELATED SERVICES: 

  The following are activities for physical therapy and occupational therapy.  These activities and supports may provide each student equitable access in order to maintain or promote meaningful progress in accordance with his/her IEP, 504 Plan, or other educational needs.  

  SPEECH 

  Please visit Ms. Marconi’s (for Mrs. Gold) or Mrs. Lynch’s website for related activities.  These pages are posted under “Teacher Pages” for both Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School.  On the teacher page, there are activities specifically targeting student skills and IEP Goals. 

  PHYSICAL THERAPY 

  Games  

  • Simon Says
  • Bean bag or balloon toss
  • Hot potato 
  • Egg in spoon
  • Hop scotch 

  Outdoor Activities 

  • Jump rope 
  • Ride a tricycle or bicycle 
  • Jumping or jumping jacks
  • Playing ball – bounce/catch
  • Bubble play 

  Indoor Fun 

  • Dance party 
  • Building a fort – boxes, blankets 
  • Walk like an animal
  • slither like a snake
  • hop like a frog
  • gallop/horse
  • bear/all 4s tummy down
  • crab/all 4s tummy up

  On Line Resources 

  • Let's Move with Michelle Obama https://letsmove.obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/(Open external link) 
  • Yoga https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/yoga-for/kids(Open external link)
  • GoNoodle https://family.gonoodle.com/(Open external link) 
  • Energizers https://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/resource/energizers-for-schools/ 
  • Move to Improve https://www.weteachnyc.org/resources/collection/move-improve/(Open external link) 

   

  Preschool Students 

  Get Moving 

  • Take the stairs, not the elevator 
  • Walk around the block- play I spy while walking 
  • Run relays with siblings and/or caregivers 
  • Step on/off a step stool 
  • Place pillows on floor and have child walk on them

  Doing Other Activities 

  • Do puzzles or play with building blocks while squatting 
  • Read a book while lying on belly 
  • Do chores like setting/clearing the table, 

  Play Games 

  • Head, shoulders, knees, and toes 
  • Act out animal walks

  Outdoor Activities 

  • Visit the playground 
  • Play ball- catch, throw, kick
  • Push heavy items in a stroller/wagon

  Games You Can Play 

  • Simon says 
  • Scavenger hunt 
  • Bean bag or balloon toss
  • Hot potato 
  • Egg in spoon

  Outdoor Activities  

  • Play ball – bounce/catch 
  • Bubble play 
  • Wet sponge toss 

  Indoor Fun 

  • Obstacle courses around household items
  • Army crawl race for those that can get out of their chair.
  • Wheelchair(seated) Zumba: https://youtu.be/JqlRGLPlJ7A(Open external link) 
  • Inclusive yoga: https://youtu.be/5FxIbzvdBzA(Open external link) 
  • 8 minute wheel chair workout: https://youtu.be/q0ttPm8LSEk(Open external link) 
  • Wheelchair Boxing 10 minute Workout https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n76J1q6nZec(Open external link) 

   

  OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 

  Fine Motor, Visual Motor, and Perceptual Skills 

  Cutting Tips 

  • Bold the outline with a highlighter or marker.
  • Hold scissors and paper with “thumbs on top.” You can place a sticker on your child’s thumb nail as a reminder.
  • Begin first with cutting straight lines, then basic shapes, then complex shapes.
  • Use hand-over-hand assistance as needed.

  Gluing Tips 

  • When gluing, put the glue on the object being glued and NOT the paper.
  • Make a mark or draw a line as a visual of where the glue should go.
  • Try glue sticks for children with decreased strength.

  Pencil Grasp Tips 

  • Use broken crayons and short pencils to encourage an efficient grasp
  • Have your child hold a small coin or cotton ball with their pinky and ring fingers leaving only their ring finger, middle finger and thumb available to hold the pencil.

  Hand Strengthening Activities 

  • Hand weight bearing activities, such as wheelbarrow walks, crab walks, push-ups, and crawling.
  • Lego and Playdoh play: roll into balls, make a snake, press with stamps, hide and find pegs or beads, etc.
  • Pinch clothespins, paint with eyedroppers, & pick up items with tweezers.
  • Crafts, such as beading, lacing, ripping paper to make a collage, and hole punch activities.
  • Use a spray bottle to play in the bath, help with cleaning, etc.
  • For in-hand manipulation, place coins in a piggy bank or make your own with a coffee can with a slot in the top.

  Visual Skills Activities 

  • When reading use an index card or ruler to help isolate one line or word at a time.
  • Activities such as mazes, cryptograms, Dotto-Dot, word finds, puzzles, ball or balloon toss, etc.
  • To view more visual perceptual activities, visit the free website: eyecanlearn.com(Open external link) (Open external link)

  Writing Skills 

  Proper Posture When Writing on a Table Top 

  • Feet flat on the floor (A footstool or thick book can be placed under the feet to assist if feet do not reach the floor.) Sit upright in chair.
  • Wrist supported on table. Paper stabilized by nonwriting hand.

  Letter Formation 

  • When printing, prompt your child to use a top down formation: “Start at the top!”
  • Try this routine: You write the letter…Your child writes the letter…You write the letter…Your child writes the letter.

  Spacing 

  • Have child use their finger or a Popsicle stick after each word to create an appropriate space before beginning the next word.
  • Use graph paper to give a visual cue for spacing out words and letters.
  • There are many types of writing paper. Be sure to check with your child’s therapist on the best type of paper or strategy for your child.

  Letter and word placement 

  • Draw a green line along the left margin of the paper and a red line on the right to signal where to “start” and “stop.”
  • If your child has difficulty writing on the line, darken the baseline with a marker.
  • Use a highlighter to indicate where to write between lines.

  Typing 

  • To work on typing skills, visit one of the free websites below:
  • freetypinggame.net(Open external link)
  • funtotype.com(Open external link) (Open external link)
  • http://games.senselang.org(Open external link)
  • http://www.freetypinggaus/(Open external link) (Open external link)

  Practice Writing Skills 

  • Schedule a 10 minute interval daily to practice writing.
  • Encourage your child to write about a preferred topic of choice.
  • Help your child make greeting cards for family and friends.
  • Write a grocery list together.
  • Make lists: favorite TV programs, movies, things to pack before a trip.

  Self-Regulation and Sensory Processing 

  Self-regulation is the ability to control one’s thoughts, emotional responses, actions and level of alertness/attention. It can be influenced by several different factors including sensory processing. Sensory processing is how we process information from the world around us as well as what is going on inside of us to produce an appropriate behavioral response. 

  Calming Activities 

  • Play games that reinforce structure and require waiting/ turn-taking: red light green light, freeze dance, Simon says.
  • Yoga, meditation and belly breathing will help child develop better control of their physical body, thoughts, and emotional states. You can start by sitting still with eyes closed with a slow count of 5.
  • Routines, structure and clear expectations will help your child with selfcontrol. Review any changes to normal routine early.
  • Provide a quiet personal space for your child to calm. Relaxing music, a bean bag chair or soft pillows to burrow in may be helpful.
  • Encourage a variety of play/work positions such as standing, lying on the floor, kneeling.
  • Offer your child a chewy snack to provide organizing sensory input (i.e. Twizzlers, dried fruits, bagels, etc.).
  • “Heavy work” activities (carrying heavy items, push/pull activities, etc.)

  Energizing Activities 

  • Have your child jump on a mini-trampoline, perform jumping jacks or play hopscotch.
  • Push-ups on the floor or push-ups against the wall.
  • Organized sports activities- running, yoga, karate, gymnastics, bike riding.
  • Climbing on or hanging from playground equipment.
  • Eating crunchy foods (i.e. popcorn, pretzels, carrots, apples, etc.).
  • Play and dance to loud, fast-paced music.
  • Use toys that make noise or light up.

  Tips for Children with Tactile Sensitivities 

  • Gradually expose your child to different textures going from the least to most messy. (i.e. Play-doh is less messy than shaving cream or finger paints.)
  • Provide firm pressure rather than light touch when holding hands or giving hugs.
  • Make sure that blankets, pajamas and clothes are comfortable for the child as this may disrupt their sleep and other daily activities. (i.e. Cut out clothing tags if causing discomfort, wear socks inside out if irritating, etc.)
  • Use unscented laundry detergent.  

  Attention and Focus 

  Also refer to the Self-Regulation and Sensory Processing section; strategies may also result in improved attention and ability to focus. 

  • Choose a location in the home with minimal distractions when completing structured activities such as homework or studying.
  • Break down instructions into simple 1-2 step directions.
  • Have child repeat directions to reinforce understanding.
  • Use a visual timer to gradually increase attention to a non-preferred activity.
  • Allow your child to take short, intermittent movement breaks.
  • Use a reward chart with stickers or checkmarks to reinforce positive behaviors.

  Toilet Training 

  • Look for signs for readiness, like discomfort when wet or soiled or staying dry for several hours at a time.
  • Have your child wear easy to manage clothing (i.e. sweatpants).
  • Establish a schedule according to wetness pattern.
  • Toileting symbol may be helpful for requests.
  • Use charts for positive reinforcement and celebrate each success.

  Shoe Tying 

  • Children typically require demonstration, explanation, and lots of practice to master tying their shoes.
  • Remember there are two common methods for tying laces; the bunny ear approach using two loops, or the wrap-around technique, making one single loop then wrapping the other string around and tucking through. Try both and see what works best for your child.
  • Be sure laces are long enough so that your child can make large loops if needed.
  • Practicing knots on a jump rope or pipe cleaner can also make it easier and more fun.

  Dressing 

  • Practice dressing skills through pretend play with dress-up clothes or dolls.  
  • Help your child up until the very last step to allow him/her to successfully complete the dressing task. Do less and less as your child can do more and more. For example:
  • Assist with fastening the zipper but allow the child to pull it up.
  • Help your child put each leg into his/her pants but have your child pull his/her pants up independently.  
  • Insert a button halfway into the hole, but let your child pull it fully through.
  • Teach your child to locate the tag first to identify the front when putting on shirts or jackets.  

  Hand Washing 

  1. Use Soap
  2. Scrub palm to palm
  3. Scrub back of hands
  4. Wash between fingers
  5. Wash thumbs
  6. Scrub fingernails
  7. Wash wrists
  8. Rinse hands
  9. Dry Hands

   

  • IPS RELATED SERVICES.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Digital Learning During School Closure

  FRANCIS X. HEGARTY ELEMENTARY

  • FXH Class Directory

  LINCOLN ORENS MIDDLE SCHOOL

  • LOMS Class Directory

   

  Instructions for Connecting to i-Ready

  1. Log on to www.clever.com
  2. Click on Log in as a student
  3. Type in Francis X. Hegarty where it says, "Search for School."
  4. Click on where it says, "Log in with LDAP."
  5. Username - first initial of first name and last name (ex. Joe Smith = jsmith)
  6. Password- password you use to log into your school computer account
  7. Click log in
  8. Click on i-Ready icon
  9. Click on a subject

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary