HMS September Newsletter

2024

Reminder Sept 27th is a Professional Development Day, No School for Students

Haley Street, Assistant Principal
Mark Mattingly, Counselor (A-L)
Kristin Godoshian, Counselor (M-Z)
Phone: (248) 328-3400
Attendance Number: (248) 328-3426
Fax: (248) 328-3404

HMS Families,

Our students continue to make a great first impression all over the building! We had an opportunity to celebrate some of those who have exhibited the LEAD behaviors throughout the last two weeks. We continue to see many positives from our students in the hallways, classrooms, and in the cafeteria. We are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to partnering with you this year!

We want to share some information about upcoming events:

i-Ready

Later this week our students will begin taking their Fall i-Ready Diagnostic. On Thursday, September 12th students will be taking their Math Diagnostic and then on Tuesday September 17th, they will be taking their Reading Diagnostic.

Many of our students are familiar with i-Ready as they have been taking these diagnostics each year they have been attending Holly Area Schools. For those that may be new to i-Ready, the diagnostic will help us determine your child’s strengths and areas for growth, personalize their learning, and monitor their progress throughout the school year. It is critical that students try their best so we can get accurate data that will help inform our instruction.

To help prepare your child for their diagnostic, encourage them to try their best on each question, try not to rush, and understand that they will not know the answer to every question.

Students will need headphones beginning on Thursday to listen to instructions and directions. We will provide students with them if they do not have them.

Safety Drills

The safety of our students is our top priority. With that in mind, we started our Safety Drills this week. Our Safety Drills include inclement weather, fire, and lockdown procedures. Prior to each drill we remind students about the purpose of the drill and how we conduct ourselves in order to make sure we are prepared. We ask for full attention and cooperation from our students during these drills. If you have any questions about our drills, please contact me.

As a reminder our doors will open at 7:25am. Students will have an opportunity to get breakfast and eat at this time. The start of our instructional is 7:44 am.– 2:41 pm.

Again, visitors will not be allowed to access the hallways during arrival or dismissal time. This is for the safety of our students and staff. We are unable to process visitors during these busy times of the day. If you need to make an appointment with a teacher please email or call to set that up. Thanks for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe.

When picking up or dropping off please do not park or wait in the handicap parking spots, unless you have the tag to do so. Thanks so much for your help.

Please Review our new Cell Phone policy with your child. Once on school grounds students will turn their electronic communication devices off and store them in the locker. Cell phones and communication devices shall NOT be visible throughout the day. This applies to student earbuds/headphones as well. Please follow this link to Page 27 in our student handbook for a complete overview of our policy.

As always, I’m honored to be part of your family, as you are a part of mine.

Wishing you a safe and healthy weekend!

Monica

Upcoming Events:

September 12th and 17th- I-Ready Fall Diagnostic
September 17th- Parent Lighthouse Team meeting 6pm in the Media Center
September 27th - No School for Students, Professional Learning Day for Staff

HMS Bronchos L.E.A.D.

The LEAD program, a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative, stands as a cornerstone in promoting a nurturing and respectful school environment. Each letter in LEAD represents a key principle:

L "Listen to Others" encourages active listening and understanding, fostering an inclusive community where every voice is valued.
E "Encourage Everyone" focuses on building a supportive atmosphere, where students uplift one another and celebrate each other's successes.
A "Act Responsibly" instills a sense of accountability, guiding students to make thoughtful decisions and take ownership of their actions.
D "Display Kindness & Respect" emphasizes the importance of treating others with compassion and dignity, creating a positive and harmonious school culture.

Together, these principles form the foundation of the LEAD program, driving positive behavior and enhancing the overall learning experience.

HMS Counseling Corner

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Families, we are here to help support your child!! If there are any topics you'd like us to connect with your child on, please reach out. We can also work with you to connect you to resources and supports in the community.

Mrs. Godoshian & Mr. Mattingly

A - L contact Mr. Mattingly, mark.mattingly@hask12.org

M - Z contact Mrs. Godoshian, kristin.godoshian@hask12.org

New Student Breakfast Sept 17th

On Tuesday, September 17th, we will be inviting all HMS students who are "new to Holly Area Schools" to the cafeteria for our annual Welcome Breakfast. Our food service staff will provide a fantastic spread and our students will have opportunities to connect and win some Holly swag!!

Helpful Tips to be Successful in School

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Order your 24-25 Yearbook!

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HMS Athletics

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If your child is participating in athletics, they must have a sports physical on file in our office and parents are required to register your student athlete in Final Forms.

Visit the HAS Athletic website for physical forms and more information.

Please click here for MS Fall athletic offerings, general information on practice schedules, and coaches.

HMS Student Handbook

For Full handbook click the button

Click the link above to view the UPDATED 24-25 student handbook. Please review the new cell phone policy for students.

Handbook Highlights

BACKPACK/BOOKBAGS/COAT POLICY Backpacks, book bags, and bags may not be used in the school building during school hours. Medical exceptions, which require a doctor's note identifying a need for a student to use a backpack during the school day, must be turned in at the office. At this point, the student will either be given a clear backpack or a medical tag for their bag.

HMS Building Procedures

Click here to view detailed building procedures

To Access information on any of these topics click the button above.

Drop off/Pick up
Student Access to the building - times and locations
Dropping off items for students
Scheduling meetings
Student sign-out procedures
Attendance

**Parents, as a reminder, we do not require a phone call prior to your arrival if you are picking up your student early. Please just come up to the building with your ID and we will call your student at that time. We can not call them prior to your arrival. If you have a prearranged appt, see Option 1 in the student sign-out procedures instructions.**

To minimize classroom disruptions, we are asking you to communicate with your student regarding their transportation home prior to the school day whenever possible. We understand that emergencies happen, if you do need to call we ask that you call the office no later than 2pm so that we have time to relay the message. We kindly ask that you make every effort to do that before 2, it would be greatly appreciated.

HMS Parent Lighthouse Team

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The Parent Lighthouse Team meets once a month. For meeting times and other PLT information please visit our site to find out how we are working to support our students and school!

Please reach out to our PLT via email for information on meetings, volunteering, and donations.

hollymiddleschoolplt@gmail.com

Next meeting is Sept 17th @ 6pm in the HMS IMC

Medical Information

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Immunizations

All 7th graders and any students new to the district (grades 6-8), please remember to get your updated immunizations or a waiver by October. Any questions, contact Natalie Ayers at (248) 328--3413 or email natalie.ayers@hask12.org

Medication

Please have all appropriate paperwork and Dr authorization forms signed and fully completed. Renewal of medical alert information is required to be updated every school year.

**Students that have chronic medical conditions that require a rescue medication such as seizures, severe allergies, or asthma can self-carry and are encouraged to. The school MUST have a current medical care plan on file with Dr authorization.

See the district website for more details on our medication policy and printable forms to take to your family Dr.

Please reach out to our district nurse with any questions. jessica.morantes@hask12.org

Health Guidance

Showing up to school every day is critical for children’s well-being, engagement, and learning.

Click here for more information on when to keep your child home from school and when to send them.

Food Service

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This year Breakfast and Lunch are free for ALL HAS students!! ONLY IF you've filled out your Education Benefits form!!

To see what we offer each day, check out all of the great menu options here!!

For assistance or questions please reach out to the Food Service Dept or visit their website.

248-328-3036

Parent Resources

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Holly Area Community Coalition and Holly Area Youth Assistance are community based organizations that can provide a multitude of resources for students and families. Please visit their websites for details.

Holly Area Youth Assistance

Holly Area Community Coalition

Choices Program

Choices is an after-school program sponsored by HACC that helps students with a multitude of skills and is a great opportunity to meet new friends. See the attached flyers for details or click here for the registration form.