JAGUAR NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Time is flying by this semester. We have reached the third week of the second six weeks. Let's keep up the good momentum we have going at Heritage.

Academic Dishonesty:

Recently, we have noticed an increase in reports of academic dishonesty among our students. As a school that values integrity and personal responsibility, we want to ensure that all students understand the importance of honesty in their academic work.

We kindly ask for your support in speaking with your student about the significance of academic integrity and the consequences of cheating. It is vital that students take pride in their own efforts and understand that dishonesty not only affects their learning but also undermines their character.

Together, we can guide our students to make responsible decisions and uphold the values of integrity that are essential for their success, both in school and in life.

If your student needs assistance, we offer campus tutoring every Monday afternoon as well as teachers have individual or department tutoring other days of the week in the mornings and afternoons. Please reach out to your teacher to schedule tutoring time.

Campus Tutoring:

Every Monday, we will host tutoring for any student who needs it in the library after school, 4:30 - 5:00pm. a teacher from each core subject will be available in the library to assist students wanting tutoring.

Parent Pick-Up & Drop Off:

We continue to work on the traffic in the mornings and afternoon. We appreciate your patience as we continue with the growth of HHS (current enrollment 1758). In the mornings, as soon as you reach the sidewalk, please encourage your student to exit the car. You do not have to wait until you reach the doors (we understand if you do when it's raining). This will help speed things up in the morning.

We also kindly ask that you watch your speed in the parking lot. In the past week, we've almost had incidents of students crossing almost getting struck by a speeding car after drop off. Please help us keep our Jaguars safe by following the traffic pattern and keeping speed in the parking lot slow.

Thank you for your continued support and partnering with us at Heritage High School. Thank you for being the backbone of Jaguar Nation. Your support truly makes a difference! Everyday is a great day to be a Heritage Jaguar!

Ketura Madison

HHS Principal

MONDAY 10/7

Campus Tutoring - 4:30pm - 5:00pm - HHS Library

School Funding Referendum Presentation by Dr. Belding for HHS Families and Community - 6:30pm

Jaguar Golf (Varsity Boys) @ Diamond Oaks Golf Course

TUESDAY 10/8

HOSA Meeting - HHS Library 7:45 - 8:25am OR 4:20 - 5:00pm

Jaguar Swim @ Arlington ISD Natatorium - 5:45pm

Jaguar Volleyball @ Corsicana HS - 6:30pm

Jaguar Tennis @ Lake Belton - 9:00am

Thursday 10/10

Soccer Mom vs BBQ Dad Dress-Up Spirit Day

FRIDAY 10/11

Professional Learning Day - No School for Students

Jaguar Volleyball @ Terrell HS - 5:30pm

Jaguar Football @ Terrell Memorial Stadium - 7:00pm

HHS Theatre Presents Antigone - 7:00pm - HHS Auditorium

Saturday 10/12

Jaguar Swim @ Northwest ISD Aquatic Center - 8:00am

HHS Theatre Presents Antigone - 2:00pm - HHS Auditorium

HHS Theatre Presents Antigone - 7:00pm - HHS Auditorium

Sunday 10/13

HHS Theatre Presents Antigone - 2:00pm - HHS Auditorium

Upcoming Events & Activities

10/14 - Student & Staff Holiday

10/15 - Professional Development Day - No School for Students

10/23 - 10/31 - Red Ribbon Week

10/30 - Yearbook Picture Retakes

Yearbook portrait retakes are Wednesday, Oct. 30 during all lunches in the small gym. This is for all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who either missed the first picture day or want to redo their photo. You should have already received an email with your original photo information from Ivey Photography. If you have any questions about the photos, contact Chris Smith at Ivey Photography (csmith@iveystudio.com) or the Heritage yearbook adviser Rachel Kidder (rachel.kidder@midlothianisd.org).

Coach Durazo is the most energetic person I know. Every time me or another student walks into her classroom she always gives us a big smile and starts up a conversation. She always asks us how our day goes as well.

In a world where it's easy to focus on the negatives, let's take a moment to celebrate the positives. We're inviting you to help us shine a light on the incredible teachers and staff members at Heritage High School who go above and beyond to make a difference in our lives and community.

Please take a few minutes to complete a short survey and share your stories of how a teacher or staff member at Heritage High School has positively impacted you, your family, or our community. Your feedback will help us recognize and appreciate those who are dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our students.

Together, we can spread positivity and gratitude throughout our school community. Click the link below to share your story and help us honor the everyday heroes at Heritage High School.

Thank you for continuing to highlight HHS Staff Members!

Thank you for your support as we continue to enforce the MISD Dress Code and ID requirements on campus. The vast majority of our students are in compliance and we are very appreciative!

Students are expected to follow the MISD Dress Code linked below:

https://www.misd.gs/student-life/dress-code

If a student is found to be out of dress code, they will be sent to their Assistant Principal (AP). If the student can correct the issue, they will be allowed to return to class. If the issue cannot be corrected, disciplinary action will be taken.

If a student is late to class because they are out of dress code and are trying to correct the issue, they will be counted tardy.

As we start this new school year, we want to address an important matter regarding the use of cell phones during instructional time and its impact on the educational experience of our students. Over time, we've noticed an increase in classroom distractions due to cell phone use, which interrupts learning. To ensure a focused and engaged learning environment, we will be strictly enforcing the District cell phone policy FULLY starting this week in a streamlined and structured manner.

Outlined below are the procedures designed to minimize disruptions caused by cell phones during each of the seven instructional periods, from the tardy bell to the dismissal bell of each class. Students will still be permitted to use their phones during passing periods as they transition to their next class and during lunch. We kindly ask for your support in ensuring that these procedural changes are followed.

Cell Phone and Electronic Device Procedures:

1. All Phones and Headphones Must Be Turned Off and Stored Away: During instructional periods, students are required to turn off their cell phones and store them in their backpacks. This will help maintain a more focused learning environment and prevent distractions.

2. Instructional Activities Requiring Apps: If a teacher initiates an instructional activity that requires the use of a cell phone app, they will set clear expectations for that activity to ensure that cell phones are used solely for educational purposes.

3. Restroom Pass: When students need to use the restroom, they must hand over their cell phones to the teacher to receive the restroom pass.

4. Consequences for Unauthorized Cell Phone Use:

   • First Violation: If a student is found with their cell phone out during instructional time when it should be stored away, the teacher will confiscate the phone until the end of class. This will serve as a warning.
   • Second Violation: An additional warning will be issued.
   • Third Violation: A referral will be issued, and the cell phone will be turned over to the Assistant Principal.
   • Refusal to Hand Over Phone: If a student refuses to surrender their phone when requested, an immediate referral will be written.
   • Handling Warnings and Referrals: For warnings, the phone will be returned to the student at the end of class. For referrals, the phone will be sent to the Assistant Principal's office.

These procedures are in place to create an optimal learning environment where students can fully engage in their studies. MISD’s Electronic Devices Policy can be found at https://www.midlothianisd.org/student-life/student-handbook starting on page 43. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your support and commitment to the education and success of our students. Together, we can ensure that each student reaches their full potential.

All students & staff members need a parking pass to park on MISD property. See Mr. Spradley or Mrs. Nichols to purchase a parking pass. Student parking passes are $45.00. Citations for not having a parking pass start on Monday, August 19th.

Seniors may pay an additional fee to reserve and paint their parking space. Please review the Senior Painted Parking Guidelines to reserve your space.

Heritage students may only receive lunch that is dropped off by a PARENT OR GUARDIAN listed on the student's Skyward account during the designated lunch time. We do not allow food deliveries from DoorDash, Uber Eats, or any other delivery service. If food arrives from a delivery service, the front office will not accept the food. Friends are also not allowed to drop off food for a student. Parents, please only deliver food for your student. We do not allow parents of other students to deliver food to their friends.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Student safety is our number one priority. We need your help with this when you pick-up and drop-off your student each morning. Please do not cut through the parking lot as this endangers our students walking home or to their cars.

Please take a few moments to view the map below which show the drop-off and pick-up locations/routes.

Car Riders:

Enter the student parking lot off of FM 1387.

Security Guards will open gates at 3:50pm for pick up.

Please do not cut through the parking lot.

Parents may not drop-off / pick up students at the front entrance drive. Any student dropped off at the front entrance will be required to walk to the back of the building to the student entrance. Any student attempting to exit the front of the building to be picked up at dismissal, will be redirected to the student entrance.