HDMS Newsletter
December 2022
Greetings from HDMS!
Greetings from HDMS!
The holiday season is upon us! The annual Turkey Trot was held on Tuesday, November 22nd. The weather cooperated and provided for a great afternoon outside! Congratulations to all the grade level winners. The top boy and girl finisher for each grade took home a turkey. Second place finishers were awarded pies. A special shout out to Mrs. Martin’s advisory for collecting the most items for the canned and non perishable food drive. All the items were donated to the Hillsboro food pantry. It was fun to be able to host the all school assembly in the gym after the Turkey Trot to recognize the top finishers for each grade level. The students did a great job supporting and cheering on their classmates.
On behalf of the HDMS staff we wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!
HDMS Administration
Dates to Remember
December 15: Spelling Bee
December 16: Holiday Dance
December 19: 8th Grade Market Day
December 22-January 1: Holiday Break
January 11: Early Release
January 16: No School
January 24: End of Second Quarter
What's Happening
- 8th graders recently enjoyed a visit from the NH Telephone Museum. Guest speaker and former HDMS teacher Megan Hurley, shared artifacts from the museums collection relating to the time period of WWI. Students collaborated and explored various artifacts to enhance the knowledge of communication in the early 1900s.
- Drama Club will begin on December 15 after school from 2:30-3:30. Early dismissal available for students needing to take the Deering or Hillsboro buy routes. Club will be held in Mrs. Bell's room in the 8th grade hallway. This club will produce a drama production in the Spring. Please show up to sign up!!!
- 6th grade students participated in a "mammoth hunt" as part of their study of Early Humans. Students worked in "clans" to develop tools to use during the hunt. Additionally, students developed skits to demonstrate their understanding of early human culture and development.
- On Monday, December 19th, the Eighth Grade will host our annual “Market Day” for the students and staff of HDMS. This event allows students the opportunity to utilize content and knowledge from their study of the stock market in math and social studies, as well as propaganda and advertising techniques in ELA and social studies. Students have the opportunity to create a product to sell for real money! Advisors will guide students through the business plan process and help them brainstorm ideas for a product to sell. Students and families should not feel obligated to spend money to create their products. We can help students come up with ideas and find available resources to create their projects. We will look at DIY projects and some past low cost successes. Talk to your child about their ideas and the materials they will need to create their product. All food items should be wrapped or bagged. Please no slime or balloons. Energy drink powders and similar products are not allowed. Drinks must be covered.
From the Health Office
Parent Portal
SNAP health center provides an easy way for you to follow what is happening with your student’s health and update the health office with any changes of concerns about your student’s health. How to log on to SNAP parent portal is attached.
Cold and Flu season in on us. Please help keep our schools healthy. If your student has a fever over 100 please keep them home. If you suspect COVID and would like a COVID home test please contact the health office 603 464 1275.
The health office has oral health tool kits available for all the post Halloween candy. If your student needs a toothbrush or any oral care products tell them to visit the nurse.
The best way to prevent the spread of viruses is good handwashing. Encourage your students to wash their hand before and after eating, when using the bathroom, or anytime they look dirty.
Thank you and stay healthy,
Nurse Gamache
MTSS-B at HDMS
In November, HDMS opened a new space called the Hillcat Den. Teachers encourage students to visit the Den in order to receive short-term support to help them discuss problematic situations, de-escalate their emotions and behavior, and learn and practice strategies to help them manage stress. Once students are regulated, they can return to class being ready to learn. Providing students with this type of support is an important part of our tier 1 and tier 2 services in our multi-tiered system of support for behavioral wellness (MTSS-B).
The Den is staffed by Christa Liquori, with support from school counselor Michael Bagtaz and school psychologist Heather Garcia. If you would like more information, please contact Mr. Bagtaz at 464-1288.