Heartland MS Family Newsletter

Heartland Happenings - February 23, 2025

Greetings Heartland Families!

As I look back over the last couple of weeks, I can't help but be filled with pride! Pride in all that we accomplished and pride in in our ability to come together as a family even in the midst of inclement weather and unforeseen virtual days. We've had many memorable moments in this short Spring semester including Edmond Honor Society Induction, 8th grade boys basketball conference champions, celebration of our wonderful counselors and much more. AND we've got MORE events coming up these last 3 weeks as we slide into Spring Break including Double PUP Dare Week, 7th Grade OKC Bombing Memorial field trip, 8th grade Francis Tuttle visit, incoming 5th grade tours and district invention convention. February is flying by extremely fast and Spring sports are on deck with a PLETHORA of kids out to play! We are all excited for outdoor sports and Spring weather!

Last Friday, we had the distinct honor of welcoming Kuinten Rucker, CEO of Stop the Violence OKC, to be our keynote speaker at Heartland's third annual Black History Month Assemblies! He spoke about the importance of one's core values and how those values are not only applicable at Heartland but in ALL aspects of our lives. The assemblies were a celebration of black history with performances from our talented Thunderhawks! We had dancing, singing, stepping, poetry readings, a jazz ensemble, I AM speeches and beautiful artwork on display! Additionally, we invited Santa Fe High School's incredible STOMP team to perform! AND... we were able to invite our West Edmond elementary school 5th graders to join in on the fun! It was a special moment for our Edmond community full of education and exhibition! If you haven't already, click the button below to like Heartland's Facebook page to see a few photos/videos of the performances!

Looking ahead, this week we officially start Double PUP Dare Week! PUP week is Heartland's philanthropy week in which we be hosting events to help raise money for EPS' Common Thread - No Boundaries International. We have lots of events planned including hat days everyday, a donut day, student vs. staff games, & our Double PUP Dare Week Assembly! Our goal is to raise $7500 to be presented at SFHS's finale assembly on Friday! Be sure to check out the graphics below. We look forward to promoting how "People Uplifting People" is a great cause worth the investment!

Monday (2/24) - Hat Day - $1 each, 6th grade student vs. staff games - $3 entry
Tuesday (2/25) - Hat Day - $1 each, 7th grade student vs. staff games - $3 entry
Wednesday (2/26) - Donut Day - $2/ea, Hat Day - $1, 8th grade student vs. staff games -$3 entry
Thursday (2/27) - Double Pup Dare Week Assembly - $2 entry + money to participate in dares!
Friday (2/28) - Fundraiser Reveal!

Looking forward, many of our music ensembles will be going to contest in the next few weeks. As a matter of fact, some groups have already had clinics and such to prepare for the big day. Music parents, hopefully you are getting all the information you need and we hope to see you at these events. I know the performances are at odd times in the day and at other schools around the town or state. However, I can tell you as a band kid myself - if you can make it - the kids love it! I try to attend as many as possible to support our kids!!

As always, should you have any questions, ideas or suggestions please feel free to reach out to our office. Let's have a fantastic week, Thunderhawks!

WE ARE...HEARTLAND!

Respectfully,

Veronica Johnson

Principal, Heartland Middle School

405-340-2972

Grade Level Newsletters

6th Grade

Click HERE to view the 6th Grade Team Newsletter!

7th Grade

Click HERE to view the 7th Grade Team Newsletter!

8th Grade

Click HERE to view the 8th Grade Team Newsletter!

Electives

Click HERE to view the Electives Team Newsletter!

Spring 2025 Bell Schedule Change

As you already know, the district sent out communication regarding the need to add additional minutes to the school day due to unforeseen inclement weather days. In order to stay in compliance with State regulations for required seat time, EPS middle schools are required to add 10 minutes to the school day making the day last from 7:35am - 2:25pm. I have dispersed the 10 minutes amongst classes adding 1 minute to all instructional class periods. I have created a graphic for you to reference below. Please note that this effective immediately. Should you have any questions regarding the new bell schedule, please feel free to reach out to our office. Thank You!

Heartland Middle School Facebook Page

Join/Like our page for the latest on all things Heartland Middle School!

Heartland Backpack Program

The Heartland Backpack Program provides a monthly delivery or pick up
of nutritious food for Heartland students and their families in need of
extra support.

Spring 2025 Picture Day!

Students who enrolled after Fall Picture Day (September 28, 2024) can take their portrait on Spring Picture Day in order to have their portrait in the yearbook.

For students who already have a yearbook portrait (taken in the fall), Spring Pictures are optional and will not go in the yearbook. These students must have an order form for Spring Pictures to take a photo. Due to time constraints, Spring Pictures cannot serve as a retake day for students who already have a fall yearbook portrait.

WIN (What I Need) Time Schedule - February 24 - February 26

Heartland Athletics Update

Click the link to find out more about Spring sports: Baseball, Track, Tennis & Golf.

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

Now that we are in the process of running eligibility for OSSAA activities - there always tends to be some confusion as to when a student can and can not participate. Here are some bullet points to help define when a student can and can not participate.

Eligibility is run mid-week. For example - we run eligibility on Thursday morning based on grades posted on Wednesday evening. If a student is listed as "ineligible" - that means they can not participate in any OSSAA games scheduled for the next calendar week of Sunday - Sunday. By OSSAA rules - students can still practice during that time. However, individual coaches may have other team rules regarding practice.
Probation vs. Ineligible. The first week a student has a grade that qualifies them for the eligibility report - they are listed as "on Probation"... At that point in time - they can still participate and play in games. (Again - team rules may be more strict) If the student raises the grade by the next eligibility report run - their name comes off the list and they are good to go. If there is still a grade in question - the student becomes ineligible.
If a student is listed as ineligible - AND - raises their grade (yay!!) the next time there is a grade in question -- they move back to the probation category. Therefore, there is always a week of grace after a student has worked to get their name off of the list.

Please feel free to contact Heartland Athletic Director Laura Brown with questions as I know it can be confusing.