News

Principal's Message

Welcome to a new school year at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary! I hope you and your family had a wonderful summer filled with fun, relaxation, and special memories. We are excited to welcome our students back and begin another year of learning, growth, and success together. 

This year, our school theme is "Lead the Crusade." We want every student to recognize the leadership potential within themselves and embrace the values that make our school community strong. Throughout the year, students will be encouraged to live out our Crusader commitments: 

·         I am a Leader (Be a Leader) 

·         I am an Encourager  (Be an Encourager) 

·         I am Accountable (Be Accountable) 

·         I am Determined (Be Determined) 

These four statements will guide our work both inside and outside the classroom as we help students develop academically, socially, and emotionally. 

At MLK, we believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential to student success. I look forward to working alongside our families to create positive learning experiences and support every child in reaching their full potential. Together, we can ensure that all students feel connected, challenged, and inspired every day. 

One of our major goals this year is to improve student attendance. Our district's attendance goal is 98%, and we know that every day of learning matters. When students are present, they build relationships, engage in meaningful learning, and stay on track academically. We appreciate your partnership in making school attendance a priority and helping students arrive on time, ready to learn. 

Another important focus this year is fostering a love of reading. Reading opens doors to imagination, knowledge, and opportunity. We are committed to creating engaging reading experiences that help students discover the joy of books and become lifelong readers. We encourage families to support this effort by reading together at home, visiting the library, and making reading a regular part of daily life. 

As we begin this school year, I am filled with excitement and optimism for what lies ahead. Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for being valued members of our MLK family. Together, we will lead the Crusader way and make this year one of growth, achievement, and memorable experiences for every student. 

Here's to a fantastic school year! 

With appreciation, 

Kelly Bekedam 
Principal 
Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School 

 

Big Smiles - Dental Care

Hanford Elementary has partnered with Big Smiles to offer in-school dental care.  Simply complete the permission form or go to www.myschooldentist.com to sign up your child.

There may be no cost to you if your child is insured with Medi-Cal.  Private insurance and self-pay options are also available.  

Our in-school dental program saves you time and provides a safe and comfortable place for your child to receive gentle dental care from licensed, local professionals.  Dental care includes a complete dental exam, x-rays, cleaning, fluoride and sealants when necessary, and in some cases, restorative care such as fillings.

By having your child see the in-school dentist, you can help reduce the risk of:

  • Early tooth loss caused by dental decay
  • Gum disease
  • Heart disease
  • Impaired speech development

Taking care of your child's teeth is an important part of keeping them healthy.

Permission Form for service can be completed at www.myschooldentist.com

 

 

Learn from Home Resources

Learn from Home Resources are posted on our HESD website. You will notice that resources are organized by grade level spans: TK-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th-8th. Please check out the resources to support continued learning for your child!
Thank you for your support!

https://www.hanfordesd.org/.

MLK Mission Statement

We will provide a safe, positive community that fosters character development, promotes academic achievement and embrace diversity with high expectations and direct explicit instruction for each student.

Adopted by MLK Faculty 2009-2010 School News Under Constructi

Air Quality/Weather Forecast

As a district, we participate in the Air Quality Flag Program with the San Joaquin Valley Air Control District.  The goal of the program is to educate faculty, staff, students and parents on air quality and protect them from air pollution exposure.  This will improve student health, decrease absenteeism and promote scholastic achievement. 

On a daily basis, we monitor the air quality closely and make accommodations as necessary to ensure student safety. Part of the program includes displaying a flag to define the air quality for the day.  When the air quality reaches a red unhealthy status, a rainy day schedule will be followed. More information is available at https://www.valleyair.org/Home.htm.

 

AQI Colors
Notification of Asbestos Management Plans

The Hanford Elementary School District under Federal Regulations, 40CRF, Part 763 Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), is required to develop and implement a Management Plan for dealing with the presence of asbestos-containing materials in our schools.   This plan is available for your inspection in the school office.  A copy of all school plans is available in the District Office, located at 714 N. White Street, Hanford, CA

Volunteers and Chaperones

Martin Luther King School welcomes and encourages parent involvement.  To support our safe campus policy, there are   guidelines and procedures that must be followed before a parent is allowed to volunteer on campus.  Due to the increased awareness of safety on campus and the need for uninterrupted instructional time, the district has formulated guidelines for volunteer procedures at all HESD campuses.    Before being approved to volunteer and/or chaperone, an application must be submitted, fingerprint clearance must take place and approval from HESD must be granted.  Applications are available in the office for the 2015/2016 school year. If you wish to observe your child’s classroom, an appointment must also be made in advance.

For more information, please contact the Martin Luther King Elementary school office at 585-3715.

Parent Teacher Club

Communication between the school and home is essential for student success.  A great way to contribute to the education and enrichment for all of our Martin Luther King Elementary Students is to be actively involved by participating in our Parent Teacher Club meetings each month. All meeting stake place in the MLK cafeteria, following our Counselor Parent Workshops, with translation available. Please watch for upcoming flyers letting you know what date and time is scheduled for each meeting.  We hope to see you there!

Safety Drills

For the safety and security of our students here at MLK Elementary School, we currently conduct monthly fire drills and earthquake drop and safety drills with lockdown drill practices being conducted once every three months.  By practicing these mock drills our students learn and understand the procedures they must follow in case an actual emergency situation should occur on campus that could jeopardize their safety.

Foggy Day Information

 (This information can also be found in the Parent Handbook & Calendar.)

If a foggy day schedule is called, information can be found on TV Channel 18 (PBS), radio at KMJ 580 or the Hanford Elementary foggy day information line 559-585-3652.

Plan A:           Buses two hours delayed.  Classes start on time.

Plan B:           Morning buses cancelled.  Classes start on time.

Plan C:           Afternoon buses cancelled.

Health and Wellness Policy

In order to support our health and wellness policy, we will no longer celebrate individual children(s) birthdays or accept any sweet treats for birthday snacks.  Parent are still encouraged to celebrate student birthdays by offering an alternative to sweet treats such as a goody bag with pencils, erasers, crayons, etc.  Another fun idea is to donate a hardback book to the library in honor of your student.

Important Safety Information
  • Yard supervisors are on campus at 7:15 am Students are not to be on campus before then.
  • Drop-off/Pick-up Zone: Located in the driveway directly in front of the school.  This is not a parking area!  Please do not double park in this area.  This area is a ONE WAY.  Do not drop off students in the parking lot.
  • All students and adults should always use the crosswalk in the pick up area.
  • If you  need to get out of your car for any reason, please park your car in the parking lot
  • Maximum allowable speed in pickup/drop area is 5 mph.
  • While in the loading/drop off area, move up to the next available spot.  For the safety of our students and to make sure the loading area moves along as smooth as possible, please do not double park
  • All adult visitors must check into the office before going on campus at all times.
  • All adults are prohibited from using student restrooms.  There are adult restrooms available in the office.
  • Do not leave siblings of students not enrolled at Martin Luther King unattended while on campus