Hemlock November 2025 Newsletter
Fall is in full swing as we enter November! I hope you are enjoying all that the season has to offer. As Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded to be thankful for all of the dedication and hard work that goes into creating such an amazing school atmosphere here at Hemlock.
Looking back on October, Hemlock students enjoyed many fun events. The kindergarten classes took their first field trip to the Queens County Farm, where the students, teachers, and parent volunteers had the opportunity to make some new farm animal friends, take a hayride, and pick their own pumpkin to take home. Hemlock students also participate in the annual Storybook Parade and Pumpkin Hunt! Our students donned their best costumes, then went on the hunt for their pumpkin. Back inside the classroom, the students decorated their pumpkins, turning them into fun and festive characters. Thank you to all the families who donated funds for this year’s pumpkin decorating, and to the parents who volunteered their time to help organize the pumpkins and create the craft with the students.
While you were at the Storybook Character Parade you may have had a chance to see the fantastic job the Beautification Committee, led by Tania Sofia, did decorating for Fall! We couldn’t have done it without the generous donations from our families. Next up for the Beautification Committee’s agenda: Winter decorations!
You may have also seen the Teal Pumpkin in the lobby of our school. Our Health and Safety committee, led by Cara Corrigan, put the teal pumpkin and posters up to help raise awareness for Allergy Awareness Month. The Teal Pumpkin represents an environment that is safe from most common allergies. As the colder months approach, the committee will also be reorganizing the indoor recess bins and will be sending out a Sign-Up Genius asking for donations for various materials to keep our students engaged and entertained during indoor recess.
Thank you to all the Hemlock students who submitted entries for the PTA’s annual Reflections Contest. Alexis Ofenloch, our Reflections Chair, worked hard to get the word out and even visited each classroom to read the students’ a book related to this year’s theme “I Belong”.
On Friday, November 14th we will be holding a Photo Make-Up Day. Please send a note to your child’s teacher if you would like retakes. Hemlock will be taking a photo of the whole school that day as well. To any parents who already purchased photos and supported our PTA and schools, we thank you!
For those who purchased fall Sportswear, the pickup will be Saturday, November 15th from 9AM-12PM at the Middle School. Thank you to our dedicated Sportswear Committee and everyone who supported this fundraiser.
Our Service Learning committee is in full swing, led by our committee leads Alyssa Vitez and Beth Venuti. This year, the first graders in all primary schools will be will participating in Scholastic’s 16th Annual Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive. For every pair of new pajamas donated, Scholastic will match the donation with a brand new book. This collection will last the entire month of November. Please consider donating a pair of new pajamas to help this very worthy cause. More information can be found on the flyer that was sent via Parent Square.
Our Hemlock Family Fun Day will be held on Friday, November 21st. Stayed tuned for more information about this fun-filled morning!
Looking ahead, all three primary schools will be hosting a Joint Primary PTA meeting on Tuesday, December 2nd at 9:30am. We hope you can attend. At this meeting, we will be covering important dates and events, updates from the principals, and new information from various school committees. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon.
We can’t wait to see what the remainder of the season has in store!
Meredith Liddle
Hemlock PTA Director
hemlock@gardencitypta.org
www.gardencitypta.org
Like us on Facebook @gardencitypta
Follow us on IG/X @gardencitypta
