The Heritage Herald

We hope this newsletter finds everyone well. We are trying to improve attendance at HMS, but we need your help! Please make sure your child is on time for school every day. Teaching and learning starts right away, and we don't want your child to miss out. Students who have excessive tardies will be given consequences that include detention and social suspension. Social suspension prevents your child from attending fun social events happening at school. Let's work together to make sure every child is on time for school.

A couple things:

• If you ordered HMS sweatshirts or hoodies, they will go home with your child on Wednesday 10/23/24.
• If you have a large Affy Tapple order, they can be picked up on October 29th from 1:00-3:30.
• THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SOLD AFFY TAPPLES! YOUR SUPPORT MEANS THE WORLD TO US!

A few reminders:

• Make sure your child charges his/her chromebook each night.
• Students should be in uniform each day. (Jeans can be worn on Fridays.)
• School starts at 7:50; 8:50 on Wednesdays.

If you have any questions, please call the main office (708-458-7590).

Mrs. Malone, Principal

Heritage Middle School

10/23 ~ Hoodies will go home if ordered

10/24 ~ SOS-8th Grade

10/28 ~ Sports Parent Meeting (more info below)

10/29 ~ Picture Retakes

10/29 ~ Affy Tapple distribution day! Large orders can be picked up between 1:00-3:30.

10/31 ~ PBIS Event (Halloween Costumes) see below!

11/5 ~ NO SCHOOL-Election Day

• Spooky season👻 is here and cold and flu season is CREEPING up.. Please talk to your students about hygiene and covering their coughs and sneezes!

• Washing your hands is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs!

• Please remember per district 104 handbook: students are NOT allowed to carry ANY medication (this includes any over-the-counter medication such cough drops, Tylenol, and Motrin). If your student needs medication administered during the school day (including cough drops, Tylenol, or Motrin), medication must be kept in the Health Office and medication authorization forms must be signed by the parent/guardian AND a medical provider (Doctor, PA, APRN).

• IESA sports physicals are required for student athletes. They are to be updated annually as they are valid for 365 days. Sports physicals should be submitted to the athletic department.

• Miles of Smiles is returning to Graves/HMS in February for dental exams! Sign up using the link below or stop in the office. https://na4.docusign.net/Member/PowerFormSigning.aspx?PowerFormId=9014ef60-41ba-4e93-bbbc-848c65309116&env=na4&acct=eca59414-4d1f-4217-8c33-72fb4ff1f87c&v=2

  
  

Nurse Anita, Nurse Tina & Ms. Oli

HMS students will be allowed to wear costumes to school on Thursday October 31st. Your child’s safety is our first concern. We ask that you guide their selection of costumes and accessories in a manner that will allow them to comfortably work and learn throughout the day. If your child decides not to wear a costume, they can wear a school appropriate Halloween themed shirt (one that does not encourage violence) with their jeans.

Any items/costumes that encourage violence are inappropriate for children at school. Therefore, students will not be allowed to bring toy guns, swords, pitchforks, or other toy weapons. Students are not allowed to wear masks; however, students may paint their faces. Face paint should be appropriate and not include fake blood or inappropriate symbols or words.

Finally, please do not allow your child to bring candy on Halloween, or the day after.

Thank you for your cooperation. We are looking forward to an enjoyable day!

Each month, 3 students will win a raffle prize for their entire family for having perfect attendance! Also, in order to decrease the number of students arriving late to school, we are enforcing our tardy policy. School starts at 7:50 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and 8:50 on Wednesdays. When students are late for school, they are missing valuable instruction.

Excessive/Chronic late arrivals to school may result in the following consequences:

5 Tardies per trimester ~ Verbal warning

10 Tardies per trimester ~ After School Detention

15 tardies per trimester ~ In school suspension

20 tardies per trimester ~ Social suspension from dances, athletics, athletic games, etc.

This tardy policy starts over ever trimester.

November 12, 2024 - Walsh Elementary School
December 10, 2024 - Admin Center
January 14, 2025 - Walker Elementary School

February 11, 2025 - Admin Center

March 11, 2025 - Wharton Elementary School
April 8, 2025 - Admin Center
May 13, 2025 - Graves Dual Language School
June 10, 2025 - Admin Center