Hidden River Newsletter
Week of March 27th - 31st, 2023
Weekly Reminders
- SAVE THE DATES (SPIRIT WEEK):
Tues., March 28th - All grades MCA Reading Testing 9:00-11:00am
Wed., March 29th - All grades MCA Reading Testing 9:00-11:00am
Thurs., March 30th - Safer SPPS from 6:00-9:00pm at Washington Tech School
Fri., March 31st - School Dance/Activity Day 1:30-3:00pm
Next Week: (4/3-4/7) Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)
Mon., April 10th - School Resumes
What's in the Newsletter?
- School Information
- Lost & Found
- Counseling Corner
- Classroom Updates
- FLIPSIDE
- Safer SPPS Dinner (March 30th)
- Spring Sports
- Summer Learning Program
- Family Feedback Form
School Information
MCA Information: Hidden River will be doing the MCA Reading test on Tues 3/28 & Weds 3/29 during the morning. Please help your student prepare by asking them if they have their iPad, if it is updated, and helping them make sure they bring a charged iPad to school on these testing days. Reminder that students cannot have phones, or any Bluetooth technology on them during testing. Students can leave these items at home, in their lockers or their teacher will have a safe space to hold these items. If you have any questions, you can email the testing coordinator at kathryn.bannon@spps.org
Additional information please click the link. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YLO2TclPzDh1g3feUCOkAATq4GXQBcquDjLrTkK7txo/edit?usp=sharing
Online Otter Clothing Store: Last week to order Hidden River gear for the year, store closes March 31st!!
https://advanced-sportswear-5a7111.printavo.com/merch/hiddenrivermsspring2023
Lost & Found
Counseling Corner
Technology use at home:
As we approach better weather and the spring, please try to limit your child’s screen time at home if at all possible. Extracurricular activities, clubs, exercise and going to the park are all ways to limit phone use, screens and other technology. Let’s promote healthy Otters!
8th grade Classes Monday:
Counselors will be in 8th grade English classes to talk to students about transition to high school.
We will discuss:
· Transcripts: Class Rank, GPA and Credits
· Addressing Fears and Anxieties students may have about high school
· High school Placement: Do you know where you are going?
· 8th grade Recognition Ceremony
End of Quarter March 31:
March 31 marks the end of School Spirit Week and our Dance Day, but also marks the end of Quarter 3. Please make sure students are aware of their academic obligations and responsibilities. Check Schoology periodically to grade status and work that may be missing.
Classroom Updates
AVID
AVID is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year!
AVID is an elective class offered at Hidden River that focuses on preparing students for college and careers. AVID develops students' skills in WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading). Students may join an AVID elective class by applying and interviewing. Students in the AVID elective are expected to take Focused Notes, keep a binder, and fill out a planner weekly. Students in the AVID elective have multiple opportunities for field trips throughout the year to develop team-building skills and visit colleges.
Students may complete a paper application by visiting Ms. Hart in Room 2114 or may complete an online application here:
https://forms.gle/qpwD1MubgNR3oH2s8
Please reach out to Ms. Hart (AVID Elective Teacher) at melissa.hart@spps.org if you have questions about AVID at Hidden River Middle School.
Spanish
While I am on maternity leave, there will be a long-term substitute who is qualified in teaching Spanish. As of Monday, April 10th, this teacher will take over my classes. I have provided many resources for this teacher to use during my absence to make for as smooth of a transition as possible as students are guided through learning Spanish during Quarter 4.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me in the next few weeks as I finish out the month of March. I will genuinely miss the end of the year with your students, but am looking forward to an exciting time in my life at home.
Sincerely,
Jordan Schuneman
Spanish Teacher Grades 6-8
Phone: 651-744-2356
Email: jordan.schuneman@spps.org
Regional History Day
Hidden River Middle School is pleased to announce that 1 group was awarded honorable mention (website); 3 individuals (documentary and exhibit) and 1 group (exhibit) are qualified to the State History Day on April 22 at the University of Minnesota.
- Group (website) who was awarded honorable mention: Jack Sullivan and L.R.
- 3 individuals (documentary and exhibit): Alma Mbangwana, J.C. and Georgia Kotsonas.
- 1 group (exhibit): F.E., James McCann, and William Jordan.
Thank you for your support to the students!
Mme Payia Yang
FLIPSIDE
Debate Championships! This past Thursday, March 23, some of Hidden River's top debaters advanced to a citywide championship and competed against 20 other schools! The following students competed in the final tournament of the year:
J.C. (Varsity) - medalist
Bea M. (Varsity)
Maya L. (JV) - medalist
Talia G. (JV) - medalist
N.K. (JV) - medalist
B.B. (JV) - medalist
Taney K. (JV) - medalist
August P. (JV) - medalist
Z.F. (Rookie) - medalist
Z.W. (Rookie) - FIRST PLACE TROPHY WINNER
Kyla B. (Rookie)
A.G. (Rookie)
We are very proud of all of our debaters! It has been a terrific season! All of our debaters are encouraged to check out the summer camps at Augsburg College hosted by the MN Urban Debate League. Please reach out to Melissa Hart at melissa.hart@spps.org or Katie Bannon at kathryn.bannon@spps.org if you have questions.
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Order your yearbooks TODAY! Yearbook Orders DUE APRIL 16TH! https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/ School code: 14553723 If you'd prefer to pay for the yearbook with cash, there are yearbook ordering forms and envelopes in the front office. Thank you!The last day of Yearbook Class is March 28th! Please contact Teanna Rouillard teanna.rouillard@spps.org 651-744-6969 with any questions
Safer SPPS: Community Conversation & Dinner - March 30th
Safer SPPS: Community Conversation & Dinner Invites translated
Hmong Invite - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aILcnlFtabRxaoJbW1dY1-5n7SeigwU1/view?usp=sharing
Somali Invite - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fwYTeesn9MrCnFdobzS4V1tjo2L3d7mM/view?usp=sharing
Karen Invite - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ErTsuNuBDBKTOlkkJUayNbn6_Hd8C-eH/view?usp=sharing
Spring Hidden River Athletics
For baseball, softball, and badminton, there will be four games during the season, taking place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and two Saturdays. Track will have athletes practice three times a week at a local high school track and participate in two Saturday meets.
Transportation will be provided for practices until May 11th, after which athletes will need to arrange their own transportation home. Baseball athletes will need to arrange their own transportation home as they will be practicing at Merriam Park Recreation Center.
It's important to note that all athletes must have a sports physical health form on file with a nurse before they can start practicing. A sign-up form and physical health form will be provided for interested parents and students to fill out. If anyone has further questions, they can email Daniel.wathum-ocama@spps.org.