Tiger Time

Dear HFMS Families,

The 2024-2025 school year is almost upon us and we are so excited to get started! I hope everyone had an enjoyable and restful summer break filled with many blessings. It was great seeing some of you at our 6th grade orientation event recently and I look forward to welcoming all of us back together on Monday morning.

As we enter the new school year, I want to assure you that our priority is to build a working relationship with our families and school community to provide the best experience possible. There is a singleness of purpose at HFMS: to provide the highest quality education for our students in a safe and caring environment. That’s it really, and we have an experienced and caring staff that will consistently put your child’s education and needs as their first priority.

I would also personally like to take this opportunity to invite you to our annual Back to School Barbeque/Meet the Teacher Night on Wednesday, August 28, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. This will be a great time to strengthen our HFMS community, meet teachers and other families, learn about the upcoming school year, and enjoy some good food and fellowship. The Barbeque is from 5:00 – 6:00 in our cafeteria if you can join us then, followed by the Meet the Teacher event from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. For our Meet the Teacher event, please report to the following location at 6:00 depending on the grade level of your student:

· 6th grade families – auditorium

· 7th and 8th grade families – Gym

After a brief introduction from our admin team, you will be dismissed to follow an abbreviated version of your student’s schedule and meet with each of those teachers. We look forward to seeing you on the 28th!

In closing, please do not ever hesitate to reach out to myself or our admin team if there are questions or concerns you have at anytime throughout the school year. Public education is at its finest when the school and family work together towards that single purpose.

Have a great weekend!

Eric R. Vandell

Principal, HFMS

evandell@k12.wv.us

Welcome back Tiger families! I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of regular attendance for your child's academic success. Please make every effort to ensure your child is on time and present every school day to make the most of their learning experience. ROAR to success, miss 9 or less!

Did you know?

• Students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year to stay engage, successful, and on track for graduation.
• By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student my drop out of high school.
• Missing 10%, or 2 days a month, over the course of the school year affect student success
• This include the student who is absent as well as their peers in each class!

What can you do?

• Make attendance a family priority!
• Establish bedtime and morning routines
• Schedule appointments and vacations around the JCS calendar
  
  

If your child must miss school for illness:

• submit an absence note here
• have them keep up with work on Canvas
• turn in all notes within 3 days of returning to school-State policies do NOT permit us to excuse absences beyond this time frame.

-Mrs. Maranda

Parents and Guardians of 7th grade students: Please remember to have proof of your child(ren)'s updated vaccinations to school no later than August 30th. Students without proper immunizations will not be permitted to attend school and will begin to accrue unexcused absences beginning September 2nd.

Dear Students and Families,

We hope you had a fantastic summer and are ready for an exciting new school year! As your middle school counselors, we are thrilled to welcome you back and look forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and new experiences.

Middle school is a time of incredible change and opportunity. Whether you’re transitioning into a new school, making new friends, or exploring new interests, remember that we are here to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to help you succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

This year, we will be focusing on:

• Building Strong Relationships: We’re here to listen, support, and guide you through any challenges you might face in a judgment-free space.
• Developing New Skills: From study strategies to conflict resolution, we’ll provide tools to help you thrive both in and out of the classroom.
• Fostering a Positive School Community: Together, we’ll work to create an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions, need support, or just want to chat. We’re excited to see all the amazing things you’ll achieve this year and are here to ensure you have a successful and enjoyable school year.

Welcome back, and let’s make this year the best one yet!

Warm regards,

Zoe Dreflak (Mrs. Zoe) & Judi Himelrick (Ms. H)

August 19

• First Day of School for Students

August 28

• Back to School BBQ 5-6pm (hotdogs, chips, and lemonade will be served until we run out). Ice cream will be available for purchase.
• Meet the Teacher Night 6-8pm (families will rotate through their students schedule on this evening)

September 2

• Labor Day-No School

September 6

• Back to School Dance 3-5pm with DJ Ridge