• February 5,  2023

    Hello Hyannis West Families! 

    • This week there is a half day of school on Wednesday, February 8th, for staff professional development.  Also, our winter break is February 20th - 24th. A link for the school calendar can be found below.

    • Unfortunately we are seeing an increase in Covid cases at Hyannis West.  Please do not send your child to school if they are sick.  While testing isn’t a requirement, it’s recommended.  If you are in need of a Covid test, contact Nurse Ricki at balestri_ricki@mybps.us or (508) 790-6480 ext. 1532. Below are this year’s COVID protocols: 

    • Our January all-school assembly was last week.  I read the book, Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger, by Elizabeth Cole.  We talked about how, as a school community, we have lots of similarities and differences, and it’s those differences that make us stronger! The kids were an amazing audience and the Mystery Listeners picked a book from our vending machine.

    • The temperature outside has been unpredictable.  Please be sure your child dresses appropriately for the weather.  We will go outside for recess unless the temperature is 18 degrees or below.  Also, please write your child’s name in their coat and on their lunch box as these are commonly lost items.  If your child doesn’t come home with an item of clothing, they can check our Lost and Found that is very full at the moment.. 

    • Did you know that members of the Barnstable High School basketball team visit some classrooms at Hyannis West every Wednesday to engage with our students?  They are rockstars and our students love learning with these amazing role models!

    • Our PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization) has a couple of exciting fundraisers for the month of February to support our school:  

      • As part of a Give Back Where it Counts Program, during the month of February, Shaws Supermarket at 1070 Iyannough Rd in Hyannis, is going to donate $1 to Hyannis West for every $3 reusable bag purchased. 

      • Also, every student brought home 15 March Prize Calendars.   During the month of February we are asking our students to sell the calendars to family and friends.  The Prize Calendars are $10 each or 3 for $25.  You are not obligated to sell or buy the calendars. If you do sell all 15 and you would like more, let me or your child’s teacher know and we will send more home. Family and friends can also purchase a calendar online at https://app.99pledges.com/fund/hywestmarc. All money raised will go directly to the Hyannis West PTO to support student field trips and other school-based activities.  Winners will be announced every day during the month of March and will be notified via email or phone. Thank you, in advance, for your support! 

    • Below you will see pictures of the Star Students from the week of January 23rd. These students were quiet and safe in our hallways.  We are currently working on keeping our voice levels appropriate to our location, for example, what should our voices sound like in the classroom, cafeteria, bus, recess, etc. 

    • The next PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization) meeting is March 2nd at 6:00 pm via Zoom.  Meetings are the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm. During meetings we will discuss fundraising efforts and schoolwide events.  We’d love to see you! https://mybps-us.zoom.us/j/89929603388?pwd=cTk1dVNKcmNLcGhVa0VJWlJqYk5hdz09   Meeting ID: 899 2960 3388    Passcode: 999429

    • If your child is too sick to attend school, please report their absence to Nurse Ricki at (508) 790-6480 ext. 1532 or via email at balestri_ricki@mybps.us.  

    • Please use these important links as needed: 

    • For student safety, it’s extremely important to update your child’s contact information each year. To update your child’s information, click https://www.barnstable.k12.ma.us/update_portal.  The username is your child’s 6 digit ID (“lunch number”) which the classroom teacher can provide for you. The password is your child’s birthdate _ _/_ _/_ _ _ _. 

    Please check your child’s backpack nightly and check your email frequently as this will by the school’s primary method of communication with our families.  If you ever have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher, Mr. Currey, or me. 

    Respectfully, 
    Kathi Amato