Middle School Newsletter

Full Day Hours: 7:40-2:40

Early Release Hours: 7:40-1:30

Half Day Hours: 7:40-10:43

Attendance Line to report an absence: 269-441-4749

Late Arrivals/Tardies

• Late arrivals to school will still be considered tardy even with a guardian's explanation.
• Student's arriving more than 9 minutes late to school or to any class throughout the day will be marked absent from that class.
• Student's who leave with more than 9 minutes remaining will be marked absent from that class.

REMINDERS:

• If you are picking up your student early please call the office when you are on your way and we will have them ready for you!

• To keep information current, please make sure to update any changes to phone numbers and addresses with the office as soon as possible.

Here at HCMS, the math department has been focusing on the eight mathematical practices set forth by the Common Core State Standards. We recognize that our students live in a world with ever increasing technology, where human math skills need to go beyond straight calculations. The mathematical practices are not just about learning math; they’re about developing critical life skills like problem-solving, reasoning, and communication. By supporting our students’ learning in these ways, we help them build the foundation for success in school and beyond. These practices will help our students become more confident, capable, and resilient problem-solvers, ready to face challenges both in and outside of the classroom. Read on to learn more.

What Are the CCSS Mathematical Practices?

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics include a set of eight Mathematical Practices. These practices focus on how students approach math, think about it, and use it to solve problems. Instead of just learning how to solve equations or memorize formulas, the goal is to help students develop strong problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to explain their reasoning.

Why Are These Practices Important for My Child?

The Mathematical Practices are designed to help students develop the skills they need for success in math and in life. Here’s why they matter:

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  These practices teach kids how to approach problems logically and think critically about how to solve them. It’s not just about getting the right answer, but understanding why that answer is correct. This helps students tackle complex problems and find solutions on their own.

• Real-World Application of Math
  Instead of just learning abstract concepts, students will apply math to real-world situations—like calculating discounts, budgeting, or understanding data. This helps them see the value of math in their everyday lives.

• Improved Communication
  The practices encourage students to explain their thinking and reasoning. This means your child will get better at expressing their ideas clearly, whether it’s in writing, in a discussion, or through a mathematical solution. Being able to communicate clearly is an essential skill for both school and life.

• Persistence and Resilience
  Math can be challenging, but these practices encourage students to stick with problems and find different ways to solve them. It helps students build confidence and resilience, so they don’t give up when something is tough.

• Preparation for the Future
• The skills your child builds through these practices—critical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication—are the same skills that are needed for success in college, careers, and everyday decision-making.

How Can You Support Your Child at Home?

• Encourage Problem-Solving: When your child faces a challenge, ask questions like, “What’s your plan to solve this? Can you think of more than one way to approach it?”

  
  

• Promote Persistence: Help your child understand that struggling with a problem is part of learning. Remind them that it’s okay to not get everything right on the first try.

  
  

• Engage in Math in Daily Life: Point out math in everyday activities—cooking, shopping, or measuring things around the house. Discuss how math helps us make decisions and solve problems in real life.

• Talk About Their Thinking: Ask your child to explain how they arrived at their solution. This helps them become comfortable with communicating their reasoning clearly.

The holiday season is here, bringing joy, togetherness, and sometimes challenges. December can be a time of celebration, reflection, and growth, but it can also feel overwhelming. We’re here to support you through it all.

Below are some helpful tips to manage stress during the holidays.

• Set Boundaries: Do not be afraid to say no to commitments that drain you.
• Practice Mindfulness: Spend a few minutes each day focusing on your breathing or engage in meditation exercises.
• Stick to Your Budget: Financial stress can take a toll. Plan ahead and prioritize meaningful, low cost gestures.
• Keep a gratitude journal: Practicing gratitude can also improve your mood and overall well-being. Write down three things you are thankful for each day.

If your student is in need of support please click on this LINK to sign up and the appropriate staff member will be in contact with your student.

5th Graders have been making ice cream in a bag in science class to learn about phase changes of matter! Here is the recipe if you would like to try to make it at home:

Ingredients

1. ½ cup 2% or whole milk or heavy whipping cream
2. ½ tsp of vanilla extract
3. 1 ½ tbsp. of sugar
4. 6 tbsp. kosher salt
5. 2 8x8 or similar size plastic bags
6. 1 12 x 12 or similar size plastic bag
7. 4-6 cups ice

This made 2 servings. Double the bolded ingredients for more! If doubling, may need more ice and salt. Add any fruit for an extra flavor treat.

Directions

1. Mix the milk, vanilla, and sugar together in one of the smaller bags. Push out as much air as possible and seal tightly.
2. Place the small bag inside the other small bag, push out air, and seal tightly.
3. Put the small bags inside the large bag and fill with ice. Pour salt on ice and make sure salt mixes well with ice.
4. Squeeze out as much air as possible and seal well.
5. Put on gloves or wrap the bag in a towel if you’d like.
6. Shake and massage the bag, making sure the ice surrounds the mixture.

In math the students are working on the division of fractions, please help them practice this at home.

Science is investigating cells, body systems and starting the basics of organelles. Using microscopes has been exciting!

In English students are exploring their creativity and researching Greek Gods and Goddesses.

Social Studies is studying various population densities around the world and the impact this has on resource usage.

Please encourage your student to discuss what they are learning about in class, here are some questions you could ask.

What did you learn today?

What subject was the most interesting?

What subject surprised you the most and why?

What made you smile today?

Dear Parent/Guardian,

During our Volcano Unit we study plate tectonics and how they impact volcanic activity around the world. This allows us to give the students a hands-on experience for plate tectonics through our lab called “Snack Tectonics”. To complete the lab the students use graham crackers, frosting, and fruit roll-ups to study the different plate movements and what happens during those interactions.

If you would be willing we can always use assistance in providing graham crackers, frosting, fruit roll-ups (fruit by the foot doesn’t work), rolls of wax paper, and 3-4 packs of index cards.