Mrs. Cameron - Principal

Announcements

• featured post

  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

  Mrs. Cameron - Principal
• featured post

  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

  Mrs. Cameron - Principal
• featured post

  Message From The Principal 4-24-20 - Ms. Cameron

  April 24, 2020

  Dear Hegarty Family,  

  I hope everyone is in good health and spirits. As the days go by, the staff and I miss seeing the children and families of FXH. To keep us all connected, the Hegarty teachers will be hosting Google Meet sessions with their students once a week. We will begin our Google Meets on Friday, May 1st. All Pre-K through grade two students will meet with their students on Mondays at 12:00 PM. In addition, grade three and four students will meet with their students on Fridays at 12:00 PM. Our special area teachers including art, music, FLES (Spanish), health, computer, gym and library will be meeting with the children on a rotating basis. Please be sure to check their daily websites for the schedule. All Google Meets will allow the children to connect with their peers and teachers. All classroom teachers will be contacting the children during the week of April 27th to give them their e-mail addresses. I am looking forward to seeing the children during these times. Below are some expectations for students during Google Meet sessions: 

  • All students must use their Island Park e-mails to attend Google Meet sessions
  • Use your computer, i-Pad, Chromebook or cell phone to join your session
  • Do not share or give out your e-mail address or password to anyone other than a parent or guardian
  • No recording of the Google Meet is permitted; no video or audio recording is permitted. This also includes pictures of the session
  • Be respectful of others 
  • Take turns listening and speaking to others
  • Have a great time! 

  During the month of May, Hegarty will be posting a Virtual Art Show. Students, please send pictures of your assigned art projects to Mrs. Horn to be part of our show. The deadline for all submissions is Friday, May 15th.  As we continue with our digital learning, please be sure to check the district and teacher websites daily for important updates. Also, be sure to visit the Island Park Schools page on Facebook for district updates.  

  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

   

  • En espanol - Message From The Principal 4-24-20 - Ms Cameron.pdf

  Mrs. Cameron - Principal

• Message From The Principal 4-10-20

  Dear Hegarty Family,

  I hope this letter finds your families in good health. I cannot believe it’s been a month since we were all together at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School. I miss seeing all of the children and their smiling faces moving about the hallways. I am hoping to be back together soon. During the holiday season, it is important to cherish this time with our families. As a family, share stories about the holiday you celebrate whether it be Passover or Easter. Families can celebrate the holiday by baking or cooking a special recipe together. In the upcoming days, families can create a time capsule together, sharing all of the activities you’ve done together. I’m sure you will have plenty of stories. Take time to designate daily evenings to special family activities such as board game night, reading a book together, painting a mural or simply creating a special picture together.

  During the week of April 13th through April 17th, we will have Virtual Spirit Week! All students can send a picture of themselves to FXHspiritweek@islandparkschools.org to have their picture posted on the website. I cannot wait to see your school spirit! Below are the days and activities:

  Monday, April 13th- “School Spirit Day” Wear your school colors

  Tuesday, April 14th- “Tropical Tuesday” Wear your favorite tropical attire

  Wednesday, April 15th- “Wise Word Wednesday” Wear a shirt with a positive message

  Thursday, April 16th- “Thankful Thursday” Create a sign thanking our local heroes

  Friday, April 17th- “Freaky Hair Friday” Style/wear your hair like you don’t care!

  I’m looking forward to seeing your Hegarty Pride!
  
  During this time, parents can support their children by discussing COVID 19. Below are some tips from The Parent Institute to help with speaking to your child about COVID-19.

  1) Speak Calmly - Your calmness will help your child be calm.

  2) Share the Facts - Leave out the unnecessary details that may increase anxiety. You can find reliable information about preventing COVID-19 at the Centers for Disease Control’s website at: http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.thml

  3) Validate Feelings - Children may be anxious, worried or disappointed about missing activities. Remind them that it is ok to feel that way.

  4) Offer Reassurance - Let your child know that you are there to help them.

  5) Empower Children - Help them feel a sense of control. Explain they can help themselves by following social distancing and washing their hands.

  If your child is feeling anxious or nervous, please contact Mrs. Carranza or Ms. Nielsen at (516) 434-2670. Voicemails are monitored daily.

  Have a Happy Passover and Happy Easter!!!

  Sincerely,
  Cynthia Cameron

  • En espanol - Message From The Principal 4-10-20 - Ms Cameron.pdf

  Mrs. Cameron - Principal

• Reading Resources!

  Hi Everyone! Below is a great link! You will love how nonfiction and fiction stories come alive! You may have to copy and paste the link below in your address bar. 

  Happy Reading!

  https://bookflix.digital.scholastic.com/home?authCtx=U.600022204

  Mrs. Cameron - Principal

• Principal's Message

  Dear Hegarty Families,

   

  I want to begin by thanking all staff, students and families for all of their support and patience during this time. Our Hegarty Team as truly shown what it means to come together as a family. I want to commend all of the children for their diligence in completing i-Ready, MyOn and other online assignments. Keep up the great work! I will continue to monitor your outstanding efforts. If anyone is still in need of a Chromebook please e-mail me at ccameron@islandparkschools.org. In addition, any parent who needs to get in touch with his or her classroom teacher may do so and type "virtual hand raise" in the subject. Be sure to check my principal page daily for updates and news. I look forward to sharing many exciting things with all of you. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail me at any time. 

   

  I miss you all and hope to see all of you soon! 

   

  Ms. Cameron 

  Mrs. Cameron - Principal