HAJHS October Newsletter

It's hard to believe that more than a month of school is behind us. Fall is here with many exciting activities going on. The JH administration would like to thank everyone for a successful start to the school year.

Please see the October edition of the Jr. High Newsletter for information about the activities that are happening.

Respectfully,

Dale McCall

Principal

Each month, we celebrate outstanding students for their efforts both in and out of the classroom. Teachers and staff nominate students that exemplify what it means to be a Golden Tiger (Citizenship, Adaptability, Analytical Thinking, Integrity, Perseverance, Communication) and one student is selected from each grade level by HAJHS Administration.

Congratulations to the September Students of the Month!

Our seventh graders took advantage of the sunny weather by heading outdoors for a fun, hands-on grammar lesson in Mrs. Murtagh's class. Using colorful chalk, students diagrammed sentences on the pavement, breaking down subjects, predicates, and other parts of speech right on the ground. This engaging activity allowed them to visually map out sentence structures in a creative way, while also enjoying fresh air and teamwork. It was a fantastic way to make grammar interactive and memorable!

Ms. Stouffer’s 7th grade composition students work on diagramming sentences outside

Junior High XC athletes Matthew Bonin, Mason Kephart, and Julia Van Kluenen medal at the Altoona XC Invite on September 21st.

Ms. Cannon’s class went to the Senior High this month to help the HASH EcoAction Club harvest apples from the Senior High’s victory garden. With the apples they harvested, Ms. Cannon’s class will make applesauce and apple pie!

This September, our German Club was honored by the Blair County Historical Society. They were awarded the Young Citizen Preservation of Blair County History Award for their contributions to the society’s German exhibit currently on display at Baker’s Mansion. Hollidaysburg Area German Club students were one of nine award winners who were recognized at a special dinner at the casino on September 26th. German Club students work hard to promote and preserve the German culture and language in our community. They participate in many community outreach programs such as our local Christmas market, Kringle Fest at the Unter Uns, activities with the Almrausch Schuhplattler dance group, visitations to elementary schools, German lessons at the Hollidaysburg public library, caroling at Garvey Manor, participation in the YMCA’s family Y-Nights, among other activities. Receiving this award was a big honor.

During the week of September 23-27, the Junior High school celebrated German heritage and culture through a German themed week sponsored by the HAHS German Club. The week included dressing in German colors, gummy bear sales, and German trivia questions. The week culminated in a visit from the Almrausch Schuhplattler (German dance Group) on Friday, September 27th. Students earned tickets to the show by correctly completing the trivia questions. At the show, they watched the Schuhplattlers perform and were invited to come up and learn how to do the dance themselves. They also learned some additional Oktoberfest songs and dances which they did at their seats. The event drew the participation of over 100 7th graders during the first show and over 200 8th and 9th graders during the second show. The students reported that they really enjoyed the event. The Almrausch Schuhplattler dance group performs at events both locally and in central PA and also competes nationally and internationally. The Junior High was very thankful they volunteered their time to celebrate the Oktoberfest with our students.

Get ready to show off your school spirit because Junior High Spirit Week is just around the corner!

It’s time to dive into a week full of fun, creativity, and excitement!

🐾September 30th - Team Spirit Day - Represent your Tiger Pride!

😎October 1st - Tropical Tuesday - Embrace the Hawaiian vibe with with leis & beachwear

😴October 2nd - Lazy Wednesday - Wear PJs or Loungewear

🔴🤍🔵October 3rd - USA Thursday - Show your patriotic spirit by wearing Red, White, and Blue!

⭐ Homecoming skits - Monday, September 30 @ 7:30

(Rain Date is Wednesday October 2nd)-Cost is $5.00

⭐ Homecoming parade - Friday, October 4 @ 5:00

Red Ribbon week is October 23rd - 31st this year! The national theme for the week is a movie theme. Each day, students are encouraged to participate in a theme day centered around movies to promote living a drug-free life. Each day students participate, they will get a ticket that they can use to enter a basket raffle held that week.
Here are the themes:

• Wednesday 10/23: "Your life is a movie, be RED-y to film drug free." (Wear red)
  
  
• Thursday 10/24: "Walk the red carpet like a star. Stay drug free and you'll go far." (Dress like a movie star ready for the red carpet, glamorous or unique)
  
  
• Friday 10/25: "Use capes not vapes." (Superheroes and villains movie theme)
  
  
• Monday 10/28: "Get comfy, enjoy the show. Stay drug-free and far you will go." (Wear comfy sweats or pajamas ...no blankets)
  
  
• Tuesday 10/29: "Be a champ. When you booze you lose." (Sports movie theme)
  
  
• Wednesday 10/30: "Be the main character. Don't let drugs direct your life." (Dress like your favorite movie or character)
  
  
• Thursday 10/31: "Drugs turn your life into a horror flick." (Wear a school appropriate Halloween costume)

Aevidum is hosting the annual costume contest for the whole school on OCTOBER 31st! There are 1st place winners per grade level. Special guest judges will see you during your lunch period to rate your costume if you wish to participate. So, if you’ve got it, haunt it and creep it real with your bewitching ideas. It is sure to be a skeleton of fun! **You are allowed to dress up even if you do not want to participate in the contest.** If you have any question please email jackie.settimio@hasdigers.com OR dawn.cunningham@hasdtigers.com

Rules: no inflatables, keeps props out of the way during class and in hallways, costumes must adhere to the dress code.

FREE Breakfast for ALL Students

Breakfast will be FREE for all students.

It is still important to those who may qualify for free/reduced priced meals, to apply or update their meal application for the 2023-24 school year.

Aevidum meetings are held from 3:00pm to 3:45pm in Room 218 on the following dates: October 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th

Art Club meetings are held from 3:00pm to 3:45pm in Room 132 on the following dates: October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st.

Did you know that making art can help calm your mind and relieve stress. The Art for Wellness Open Studio is a safe and quiet space here at school where students can create their own personal works of art. There are a variety of art supplies in the Open Studio such as paint, markers, chalk pastels, colored pencils, clay and collage materials. Students can use the time in the Open Studio to work on any type of artwork they would like. The Art for Wellness Open Studio will meet after school on Tuesdays in Mrs. Baney’s room (132) from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.

Any student who would like to attend the Art for Wellness Open Studio must sign up by emailing Mrs.Baney at elaine.baney@hasdtigers.com by the end of the school day on Friday the week before the session. Students must have a signed permission slip in order to attend. Space is limited to 12 students per session. If a student signs up and there is not enough room during that session, they will be first on the list for the next session. Students may attend as many sessions as they want as long as they sign up in time.

Dates for October are: October 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th.

Drumline Rehearsals: Mondays from 3-4:15 PM

Rehearsals for Halloween Parade: Wednesday, October 16 and Wednesday, October 23, 3-4PM

Halloween Parade: Saturday, October 26. Report time is 5:00 PM at the Junior High. Pickup is between 7 and 7:30 PM, at the Junior High.

• Thursday, October 10 / 3:00 P.M. - 4:15 P.M.
  
• Tuesday, October 22 / 3:00 P.M. - 4:15 P.M

Students can still join MathCounts. MathCounts is a prestigious academic competition for 7th and 8th graders. It is highly recommended for students who enjoy problem solving and mathematics. We will start meeting in October and will meet from 3:00 to 4:00 in room 220 one day per week. At our meetings, we will examine problems from past competitions and from mathcounts.org, looking at engaging problems and topics.

The top 4 students in our MathCounts club will compete as a team and individually at our local chapter competition at Penn State Altoona on Saturday, February 1. The next several students will compete individually at the competition. Students can earn a top place and advance to the state competition in the spring. This is a great opportunity for students to excel and enhance their math skills.

If interested, contact Mr. Valeria in room 220 or email at robert.valeria@hasdtigers.com.

Students who maintain a 94% GPA through the first 3 marking periods of their 8th grade year will be invited to apply for membership in the HAJHS Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. In addition to their GPA, students will be evaluated by the faculty council on the basis of service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Requirements for admission include, but are not limited to, 1) being active in 2 (two) school related activities in either 7th or 8th grade, 2) having participated in at least 1 (one) community service event in either 7th or 8th grade, 3) be enrolled in a minimum of 3 (three) college bound level classes, and 4) have had no more than 3 (three) detentions or 1 (one) suspension. If you believe your child may be eligible to apply, please review these requirements early with them.

The next PALS Meeting will be on October 24th during 8th period.

October 2024

• Tuesday, October 8 - Eat & meet in the library during your lunch period
• Wednesday, October 16 / 3:00 P.M. - 3:45 P.M.
• Thursday, October 24 / 3:00 P.M. - 3:45 P.M.

Wednesday, October 9

• Reading Club - 2:50 P.M. - 3:20 P.M.
• Reading Competition - 3:20 P.M. - 3:45 P.M.

• Field Trip (must turn in permission slip) - 12:00 P.M.-2:45 P.M.
• Reading Club - 2:50 P.M. - 3:20 P.M.
  
• Reading Competition - 3:20 P.M. - 3:45 P.M
  

Yearbooks are available for pre-order. Go to yearbookordercenter.com and enter our school code: 4315. Books are $22 each until January 1st, when they increase to $25. Guaranteed pre-orders close February 14th

School picture make-ups and retakes will occur on Tuesday, October 2nd. Any student participating in retakes must bring in their original packet of photos. Picture order forms are available in the main office if needed.

Large Group Pictures will be October 22nd.

The Tiger Treasure Store is open again this year! It is located in the back of the cafeteria in the same room as the School Store. The store has new or gently used clothing for free as well as toiletries, hygiene products, and more! The store will operate once a week ,during all lunch periods, opening day is to be determined.

Thank you!

Jackie Settimio and Dawn Cunningham

The Junior High fundraiser has concluded. Cookie Dough delivery and pick-up is scheduled for Tuesday, October 29th in the Junior High Cafeteria from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Each student is required to either fundraise OR pay their Fair Share amount. A "Fair Share" program is offered to families not interested in fundraising for their students' share for the year-end class trips/activities.

Fair Share amounts:

7th Grade - $40.00 or sell 6 magazines or cookie dough

8th Grade - $60.00 or sell 8 magazines or cookie dough

9th Grade - $25.00 or sell 4 magazines or cookie dough

All checks for Fair Share balance should be made out to HAJHS.

The following are the scheduled year-end activities:

7th Grade***** Pittsburgh Pirate Game (Fundraiser/Fair Share Sponsored)

8th Grade ***** Hershey Park (Fundraiser/Fair Share Sponsored)

9th Grade***** Blue and White Dance (Fundraiser/Fair Share Sponsored)

If you have any questions, please email Amanda Hammel at amanda.hammel@hasdtigers.com.

Oct. 1 - Constitution Day Poster Contest Due on October 1st, turn posters into Social Studies teachers

Oct. 2 - Picture Retakes

Oct. 4 - No School for Students, Act 80 Teacher In-service

Oct. 12 - Hollidaysburg PumpkinFest, 10am

Oct 22. - Large Group Pictures

Oct. 26 - Hollidaysburg Halloween Parade, 6pm

Oct 29 - Cookie Dough Delivery, 4:30pm to 7:30pm

Nov. 1 - No School for Students, In-service

Nov. 5 - No School for Students, In-service (Election Day)

Nov. 6 - Veteran's Day breakfast (More info below)

Nov. 11 - No School for Students, Holiday

Nov. 26 - Early Dismissal: JH-11:10 – No lunch, Parent Conferences

Nov. 27 to Dec. 2 - No School for Students, Holiday

Dec 10 - JH LGI 6:30-8:00 Behavioral Supports

Dec. 23 to Jan. 1 - No School for Students, Holiday

Jan. 17 - Early Dismissal: JH-12:40, Lunch will be served - PM In-service

Jan. 20 - No School for Students, Holiday

Feb 11 - FKS LGI 6:30-8:00 Autism/Applied Behavior Analysis

Feb. 14 to Feb. 17 - No School for Students, Holiday

March 14 - Early Dismissal: JH-12:40, Lunch will be served, PM In-service

April 15- JH LGI 6:30-8:00 Extended School Year (ESY)

April 17 – No School for Students, Act 80 Teacher In-service

April 18 to April 21 - No School for Students, Holiday

May 20 - No School for Students, In-service (Election Day)

May 23 - Early Dismissal: JH-11:10 – No lunch, PM In-service

May 26 - No School for Students, Holiday

May 30 - Early Dismissal: JH-10:10, Last Student Day/PM In-service

If a student is feeling ill, it is important for the student to visit the nurse's office in order to ensure the student is assessed appropriately and assisted as needed. The nurse will contact the student's parent/guardian if it is determined that the student should be sent home. This will be reflected in the student's attendance records.

If a student contacts a parent on their own to be picked up due to an illness and does not visit the nurse, an early dismissal will be entered in to the student's attendance records, which counts toward parent excuse totals.

Whenever a student is picked up early, a parent/guardian must sign the student out by checking in using the LobbyGuard system in the main entrance vestibule.

Join us for Breakfast and Lunch daily! Lunches are planned to include a meat/meat alternative, bread/grain, vegetables, fruit & milk. Breakfasts include a variety of entrees, fruit, juice, and milk. In addition to full meals, students can purchase a variety of snacks and beverages at ala carte prices.

Cafeteria Account

A computer system is used to track cafeteria transactions including money deposits and meal purchases. It is important to keep a positive balance on the account.

1. PAYMENT WITH CASH OR CHECK:

Students may deposit money into their cafeteria account at breakfast or lunch time when they are going through the serving line. Please make your check payable to “HASD Cafeterias”.

2. PAYMENTS MADE EASY through School Café

You can add money to your child’s account through the School Café App that is available at the Apple App Store or on Google Play or by visiting School Café at https://www.schoolcafe.com/HOLLIDAYSBURGAREASD. A service fee of $2.25 will be applied to each deposit transaction made. If you have several students throughout the district, you can make one transaction, then transfer money to each child’s account.

3. MANAGE BALANCES

In addition to making payments through School Café, you can view purchase history, check the current account balance and sign up to receive low balance alerts. For convenience, you can also set up automatic payments to replenish cafeteria funds.

4. THE CAFETERIA LINE

When a student purchases a meal or ala carte food item, they will need to enter their six-digit Identification Number in the PIN pad when they reach the cashier. The total amount of their purchase is then debited from their cafeteria account.

5. A LA CARTE

Snack items are available for purchase.

6. APPLY FOR FREE & REDUCED MEALS (a new application is required each year)

Apply, submit, and track your application through the School Café App.

Get the App at the Apple App Store or on Google Play

You may also apply on-line at https://www.schoolcafe.com/HOLLIDAYSBURGAREASD

ALLERGY?

Please contact the Food Service Office directly if your child requires any necessary medical accommodations due to a food allergy or intolerance. A medical for special dietary needs form will need to be completed and is available in the main office or the nurse’s office.

Menus are emailed monthly and available in the school office

If you have questions about your child’s lunch account balance, please contact

Rebecca Kane, Cafeteria Manager at 814-695-4426 or email rebecca.kane@hasdtigers.com

All attendance excuses may be emailed to the Attendance Secretary, Amanda Hammel at amanda.hammel@hasdtigers.com or you may fill out this FORM.

Early Dismissals:

• Students needing an early dismissal need to bring a written excuse indicating the time of the early dismissal and the reason for the request.
  
  
• After checking in with their first period teacher for attendance, students will report to the lobby outside the Main Office for an early dismissal pass.
  
  
• Students are responsible to report to the main office at the time of their dismissal, we do not interrupt class to call students.
  
  
• Please note the time on the written excuse is the time the student is dismissed from class, please allow enough time for them to meet you in the lobby.
  
  
• All students must be signed out by the person picking them up using the LobbyGuard system in the foyer.

The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meets monthly during the school year at the HAJHS on the third Wednesday of the month at 10am. All parents and guardians are members and are invited to come to the meetings. Attending meetings is a good way to meet other parents and learn about what is happening at the Junior High School. PAC organizes many activities at the Junior High.

If you are interested in volunteering, please see the Junior High main office or access the volunteer signup form at hasdtigers.com - Junior High Page - Parents Tab - Parent Advisory Committee.

If you would like to participate in the Tiger Pack Program by receiving a bag of food weekly for your child(ren), please have your student(s) return the form that was mailed home. Forms are also available in the Main Office and attached below. A new signup form must be submitted every year. If you would like to donate to Tiger Pack or have any other questions, please contact Chris Burkey at christine.burkey@hasdtigers.com for additional information.

Any parents, grandparents, or family members interested in attending the Veterans Day breakfast hosted by our NJHS students, please call 695-4426 to RSVP by October 23rd.

Website: https://www.hasdtigers.com/hajhs/home
Location: 1000 Hewit Street, Hollidaysburg, PA, USA
Phone: (814) 695-4426
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollidaysburgAreaSD/
Twitter: @Tigerwires