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HMS Connection
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Week of March 4, 2024
HMS News
HMS School and District Report Cards
February 27, 2024
Dear Families:
Every year, each public school and school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the school’s report card is designed to show families how our school is doing in different areas. A link to our school’s report card is available at https://hinghamschools.org/hingham-middle-school/school-and-district-report-cards/, and the district report card is linked here.
The report card includes multiple measures of a school’s performance – more than just MCAS scores. It represents a new way of looking at school performance by providing information on student achievement, teacher qualifications, student learning opportunities, and more.
Report cards are designed to be useful tools for everyone connected to our school. Families can use the information to have meaningful conversations with us about what the school is doing well and where there is room for improvement. Community and education leaders can use the information to better understand how to support students and our school.
You will notice on our report card that we our students, overall, continue to perform well on MCAS exams, with opportunities for improvement within some sub-groups. To improve student performance in our school, we are working to reduce the absenteeism among all learners and continue to refine our tiered systems of support in both the academic and social-emotional domains. We encourage you to become involved in helping us improve our school. We see parents as critical partners in the success of our students and school, and we are grateful for your continued support.
Finally, if your child attends a school that receives federal Title I funds, you also have the right to request the following information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers:
Whether your child’s teacher is licensed in the grade levels and subject areas they teach,
Whether your child’s teacher is teaching under an emergency license or waiver,
The college degree and major of your child’s teacher, and
Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
If you have questions about our school’s report card, would like to become involved in school improvement activities, or would like to request information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher, please contact me at dsmith@hinghamschools.org To see our district’s report card or to search for other schools’ report cards, visit reportcards.doe.mass.edu.
Sincerely,
Derek Smith
Principal
Hingham Middle School
Making Civics Come Alive at HMS
Earlier this week, grade eight Civics classes were joined by some very special guest speakers. The day began with esteemed Massachusetts Superior Court Justice Katie Rayburn, who came to speak with students about her career path as well as what inspired her to follow a career in law. She also talked about her real life experiences and cases she has covered and students were able to ask questions about the courts, law, and the specifics of a career in law.
Later that day, classes had a riveting presentation from the Juror Commissioner’s Outreach Office. Students learned the ins and outs of jury duty and the important responsibility Americans have to fulfill this part of their civic duty.
The week ended with our eighth graders leading the entire school through a mock primary election. Students learned about the various candidates, their platforms, and parties, and were able to cast their ballots during social studies classes on Friday. For election results, ask your middle schooler!!!
HMS Needs YOU!!!
HMS continues to need Paraeducators to support our students. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please ask them to contact Alison Janulewicz (ajanulewicz@hinghamschools.org) or apply via Schoolspring.com. Full time hours are 7:30-2:00, Monday through Friday, but part time opportunities may also be available! Any and all help is appreciated.
Help Needed for the Grade Eight DC Trip
Attention all HMS parents.
As you are probably aware, students in grade eight have the opportunity to travel to Washington DC on May 1, 2, and 3. We are currently in need of two RN or higher licensed medical professionals to join us. The main responsibilities include in-take and handling of medications prior to travel, as well as daily medication distribution and general first aid on the trip. This is a paid position and includes all travel, food and hotel room. All supplies are provided.
Please contact Mark McCulloch at mmcculloch@hinghamschools.org.
Mary Poppins
Come join HMS Drama for Mary Poppins Jr.
Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15 at 7 PM in the HMS auditorium.
These shows will almost surely sell out, so don't delay!
Tickets currently available at: https://our.show/hms/marypoppins
Eighth Grade Science classes continue to unlock the mysteries of the universe with their continued work in their chemistry unit. Students have performed a wide variety of hands-on activities and labs, which help students to better understand concepts such as the law of conservation of mass, and how chemical reactions can be exothermic or endothermic.
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Youth Risk Behavior Survey Parent Notice - Grade Seven Students Only
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) will be administered to all 7th grade students at Hingham Middle School on Wednesday, March 6th. This survey, which is administered every year, is an anonymous questionnaire that asks students a wide variety of questions about health behaviors, including diet, exercise, drug and alcohol use, sexual activity, mental health, violence and safety. The YRBS is designed by the CDC and is also used by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to collect health data statewide.
The survey is instrumental in shaping health, physical education and counseling curricula and helps the district design programs that meet our students’ unique needs. Data collection is also a requirement when applying for grants that would enable the district to obtain funds to support these important curriculum areas. Survey results help us to monitor the programs that are implemented, and we can compare local results to other districts and the state as a whole.
The YRBS is a voluntary survey in which parents have the right to exempt their child. To preview the survey click on this link
If you would like to exempt your child from taking the survey, please submit the request to Derek Smith no later than Friday, March 1 by emailing dsmith@hinghamschools.org
Coming Events
Save the Date
- March 5, Primary Election voting at HMS
- March 6, Early Release Day
- March 7, All-Town Orchestra Concert at HMS, 7:00 PM
- March 7 - 10, Grade 8 Quebec Trip
- March 9, HMS Ski Trip to Pats Peak
- March 14 and 15, Mary Poppins, Jr.
PTO News
Stock the Staff Rooms
With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, let’s remember that we are so LUCKY to have such wonderful teachers and staff at HMS. Please help us show them how lucky we are by helping us stock the the staffrooms with yummy treats and goodies for our amazing HMS teachers and staff. The staff appreciation committee has created an Amazon wish list and donations can be made using the link (here) . Another way to donate is using Venmo @HMSPTO-1103 (suggested donation $10-20) with comment “March Event”. Please consider donating to this event by Friday, March 8.
Thank you for your continued support!
Community News
Art Workshop at the Hingham Historical Society
Join us for a revolutionary art workshop! Wednesday, March 6th, the Hingham Public Schools half day, the Hingham Historical Society is hosting an art workshop from 12-3 pm. Participants will learn about both the Boston Tea Party and the Second Boston Tea Party, and create an accompanying art project. All art supplies are included, as well as light refreshments.
$10 per student to attend for the 1.5-hour block. Students in grades 6-8 are welcome to come for Block A from 12-1:30 pm and students K-5 are invited to Block B from 1:30-3 pm at the Hingham Heritage Museum, 34 Main Street.
All artists are invited to display their art at our Second Boston Tea Party Art Show & Coffee Bar on March 23rd from 1-4pm. The Art Show & Coffee Bar is a free event open to the public where all ages can enjoy local art, history, and coffee. To register, please email engagement@hinghamhistorical.org. To learn more about upcoming events and programming at Hingham Historical Society visit: https://hinghamhistorical.org/
We look forward to the event and seeing what the students make! Feel free to contact me (engagement@hinghamhistorical.org) with any questions. I hope you have a lovely day!
STARS Summer Camp
Please click the images to learn more about the STARS Summer Camp program.