HMS January Newsletter

Haley Street, Assistant Principal

Mark Mattingly, Counselor (A - L)

Kristin Godoshian, Counselor (M - Z)

Phone: (248) 328-3400
Attendance Number: (248) 328-3426
Fax: (248) 328-3404

Happy New Year!

This first week back has been exceptional. The renewed energy and enthusiasm for teaching and learning are unmistakable throughout the building.

We kicked off our winter i-Ready Diagnostic this week and plan to wrap it up by next Tuesday. The positive momentum we’re experiencing is inspiring, and we’re excited to continue fostering growth and success in the months ahead!

We’re also thrilled to welcome some new members to our school community:

• Mrs. Schor, our new front desk secretary, joined us after shadowing Mrs. Benedict prior to the holiday break. She has already hit the ground running, bringing a cheerful and positive presence to the front office. We feel incredibly fortunate to have her on our team.

• Mr. Spears, our interim assistant principal, has quickly built strong relationships with students and seamlessly integrated into our positive culture. His contributions have been outstanding, and we’re grateful to have him with us.

Both of these additions to our team have been fantastic, and we’re looking forward to a wonderful rest of the school year.

Please mark your calendars for our upcoming winter conferences. We will be putting out the link to sign up. This round of conferences will be held the afternoon of January 29th.

Please take a moment to review our cell phone policy with your child. We have seen an increase in students forgetting about the policy. Thank you so much for partnering with us on this.

Once on school grounds students will turn their electronic communication devices off and store them in the locker. Cell phones and communication devices shall NOT be visible throughout the day. This applies to student earbuds/headphones as well. Please follow this link to Page 27 in our student handbook for a complete overview of our policy.

FREE youth basketball clinic for any girl (3rd - 8th grade). This clinic is being run by our HS coaching staff and current girls basketball student athletes. Holly Girls Basketball Youth Clinic Flyer (2).pdf

We are excited to share some new pictures of the progress and renderings of our new middle school. Please click on the link provided.

https://www.hask12.org/has-bond/2022-bond-project-updates/

As always, I’m honored to be part of your family, just as you are part of mine. Wishing you a safe and healthy weekend!

Monica

Upcoming Events:

• Tuesday, January 14th- I-Ready Diagnostic

• Monday, January 20th- No School Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observation

• Wednesday, January 29th- Parent Teacher Conferences

Mark your calendars!! We will hold our 2nd set of Parent-Teacher Conferences on Tuesday, January 29th from 12pm - 3pm. We will be using our School Soft Conference Manager again for scheduling. Please see the communication from Mrs. Turner with instructions.

Please welcome Mrs. Schor to our HMS Staff! She joins us as our Front Office Secretary. If you need to update your child's skyward information, send a early release note for your student, have athletic questions or for any general information, she will be the one to assist you.

sabrina.schor@hask12.org

Please also visit our website for all general information first.

Holly Middle School

Attendance Matters: Every Day Counts!

Did you know that students who attend school regularly are more likely to succeed academically and build strong habits for the future? Missing just two days a month can add up to significant learning loss over time. Help your child stay on track by ensuring they arrive on time and ready to learn each day!

Top Tips for Perfect Attendance:

• Set a consistent bedtime to ensure enough sleep.
• Prepare backpacks and outfits the night before.
• Encourage a positive morning routine to start the day smoothly.

Let’s work together to make every day count!

Families, we are here to help support your child!! If there are any topics you'd like us to connect with your child on, please reach out. We can also work with you to connect you to resources and supports in the community.

Mrs. Godoshian & Mr. Mattingly

A - L contact Mr. Mattingly, mark.mattingly@hask12.org

M - Z contact Mrs. Godoshian, kristin.godoshian@hask12.org

Counselor’s Corner: January Tips for a Healthy Start

• Mental Health Tips: Refresh for the New Year

  1. Prioritize Sleep: Middle schoolers need 8-10 hours of sleep each night to stay focused and energized. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed.
  2. Stress Management: Encourage students to take study breaks, practice deep breathing, or try journaling to manage stress. Remind them it’s okay to ask for help when feeling overwhelmed.
  3. Positive Mindset: Start each day with gratitude! Encourage your student to reflect on one thing they’re thankful for or proud of to foster a positive outlook.

  
  

Therapy Dogs Visit Holly Middle School for UMatter Week

Holly Middle School wrapped up UMatter Week with a special visit from therapy dogs. From 9 to 11 a.m., nine enthusiastic therapy dogs made their way through the classrooms, bringing smiles and support to our students.

This event aimed to promote mental health awareness and provide students with a calming and uplifting experience. As part of UMatter Week, which focuses on the importance of self-care and community well-being, the therapy dogs offered a much-needed break from daily routines. Students had the chance to interact with the friendly dogs, helping to alleviate stress and create a joyful atmosphere throughout the school.

The therapy dog visit was a hit with both students and staff, highlighting the positive impact of animal-assisted therapy in schools. We are grateful to the therapy teams for making this event possible and look forward to continuing initiatives that support the mental health and happiness of our school community.

Parents Supporting Parents:

What: Parent Support Group for those looking to connect with other parents on how to navigate different challenges of growth such as screen time, coping with sleepless nights, and more.

Where: Auburn hills Easterseals Location, 2399 E Walton Blvd, Auburn Hills MI 48326

When: Wednesday January 22nd, 29th and February 5th from 5:30-6:30 PM

How to Register: Scan the QR code on the flyer attached please

Raising a Child with Anxiety and Depression:

What: Educational workshop for anyone within the community who would like to learn more regarding supporting your child facing symptoms of anxiety or depression

Where: Virtual

When: January 15th from 10:00-11:00 AM or 4:00-5:00 PM

How to Register: Scan the QR code on the flyer attached please

Thank you for all that you do,

Jessica Glowacz, LMSW
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Clinical Supervisor- Community Team
Office: 248.475.6300 Direct: 248-270-0314

Our Academic tutoring program is being offered after school on Mondays and Thursdays. Each session will run from 2:50 - 4:00 pm and will be staffed by HMS teachers.

The expectations we have for our students in this program are as follows:

• Sign up for each session in the Student Office during the school day, we will cap the number of students at 40 and it is first come first served

• Be on time for each Tutoring session

• Be Prepared, Bring your current classwork/homework, study guides, or missing assignments with you to each session

• Be Engaged and Contribute to a positive work environment by:

  • Staying on task (no computer games or phones)

  • Avoiding distracting yourself or others

  • Listening to the directions and requests of the HMS Staff running the program

If you have any questions about this program, please contact your child’s counselor. Students with last names A-L will contact Mr. Mattingly (mark.mattingly@hask12.org) and students with last names M-Z will contact Mrs. Godoshian (kristin.godoshian@hask12.org).

Good afternoon Holly Area Schools families,

Happy New Year!

Today, we want to share with you our January Newsletter. This month we discuss practicing self-compassion as a parent, strategies for mental health wellness in the New Year, how to talk with your kids about internet safety, and more!

We would love to connect with you at our January events: Vaping 101 Presentation from the Adolescent Addiction and Recovery Center (AARC) and FAFSA Workshop from the Financial Aid Office of the University of Michigan-Flint. For more information, please see the event section of our newsletter.

Thank you for being such an important part of our school community - we hope you had a wonderful holiday season with your families!

Best,
Trisha Crotteau, Cheryl Price, and Sydney Sinclair
The Holly Area Schools Parent Outreach Team

Parents, if your child is missing clothing, shoes or any other items, please have them look in the lost and found located in the cafeteria. There is an abundance of clothing that needs to be claimed. If it's not claimed by the end of January, it will be donated to the district Clothes Closet located at the high school.

Winter season is underway! Parents please make sure you have registered your student athlete on Final Forms and you have paid the Pay to Play fees. You can drop payment off in the front office or pay online through Efunds.

Stay tuned for upcoming information on Spring Sports!

The Parent Lighthouse Team meets once a month. For meeting times and other PLT information please visit our site to find out how we are working to support our students and school!

Please reach out to our PLT via email for information on meetings, volunteering, and donations.

hollymiddleschoolplt@gmail.com

Next Meeting Jan 22 @ 6pm HMS IMC

The PLT is running its very popular pickle sale fundraiser! At lunch students can purchase a pickle for $1. The next scheduled day is Jan 24.

Feb 28, March 28, May 30

PLT is offering popcorn for purchase for $1 during lunches. The next popcorn sale will be on Jan 23rd.

Feb 20th, Mar 20th, Apr 24, May 15, Jun 5

This year Breakfast and Lunch are free for ALL HAS students!! ONLY IF you've filled out your Education Benefits form!!

To see what we offer each day, check out all of the great menu options here!!

For assistance or questions please reach out to the Food Service Dept or visit their website.

248-328-3036

Please have all appropriate paperwork and Dr authorization forms signed and fully completed. Renewal of medical alert information is required to be updated every school year.

**Students that have chronic medical conditions that require a rescue medication such as seizures, severe allergies, or asthma can self-carry and are encouraged to. The school MUST have a current medical care plan on file with Dr authorization.

See the district website for more details on our medication policy and printable forms to take to your family Dr.

Please reach out to our district nurse with any questions. jessica.morantes@hask12.org

Health Guidance

Showing up to school every day is critical for children’s well-being, engagement, and learning.

Click here for more information on when to keep your child home from school and when to send them.

To Access information on any of these topics click the button above.

• Drop off/Pick up
• Student Access to the building - times and locations
• Dropping off items for students
• Scheduling meetings
• Student sign-out procedures
• Attendance

**Parents, as a reminder, we do not require a phone call prior to your arrival if you are picking up your student early. Please just come up to the building with your ID and we will call your student at that time. We can not call them prior to your arrival. If you have a prearranged appt, see Option 1 in the student sign-out procedures instructions.**

To minimize classroom disruptions, we are asking you to communicate with your student regarding their transportation home prior to the school day whenever possible. We understand that emergencies happen, if you do need to call we ask that you call the office no later than 2pm so that we have time to relay the message. We kindly ask that you make every effort to do that before 2, it would be greatly appreciated.

Click the link above to view the UPDATED 24-25 student handbook. Please review the new cell phone policy for students.

Handbook Highlights

BACKPACK/BOOKBAGS/COAT POLICY Backpacks, book bags, and bags may not be used in the school building during school hours. Medical exceptions, which require a doctor's note identifying a need for a student to use a backpack during the school day, must be turned in at the office. At this point, the student will either be given a clear backpack or a medical tag for their bag.

Holly Area Community Coalition and Holly Area Youth Assistance are community based organizations that can provide a multitude of resources for students and families. Please visit their websites for details.

Holly Area Youth Assistance

Holly Area Community Coalition

It’s Your Time to Shine HMS Students

You can:

Be the Change

Stand Out

Love Yourself

Be Bold

Speak Kindness

Choose Pease

Embrace the Positive

We wish you all the best for 2025 from STAND club, Choices and Holly Coalition.

There is still room in the More Choices program for 6 th - 8 th graders. It will meet Tuesday and

Thursdays in the Art Room, after school until 4pm, January 14 th through February 6 th .

Registration forms are on our web site (www.hollycommunitycoalitioncom) or outside the HMS

front office. This is a research based –top rated substance abuse prevention program. Effective

to reduce tobacco use by 87%, alcohol use by 60%, marijuana use by 75% in youth. It also

shown to reduce risky and destructive behaviors. (physical and verbal aggression, delinquency

and fighting). Consider signing your student up. More information at 248-328-3135.

After school programs

For Questions regarding any of these programs, please reach out to HACC. 248-328-3135

District 2024-25 Calendar

Holly Middle School Webpage ( supply lists are under the "Parent/Student Resources" Tab)

Schoology Parent Access

Technology Protection Plan

Efunds for Schools

• 1/8 - Reading IReady Testing
• 1/14 - Math IReady Testing
• 1/20 - No School MLK Holiday
• 1/24 - End of Progress Report 2
• 1/29 - P/T Conferences 12pm - 3pm
• 1/29 - Half Day - Dismissal at 10:58am

Follow HMS on Social Media!

Daily Announcements, pictures of HMS students in action and more, are easily accessible by following us on Facebook and Twitter!!

Website: http://www.hask12.org/schools/holly-middle-school/

Location: 14470 North Holly Road, Holly, MI, USA
Phone: 248 328 3400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Holly-Middle-School-Sherman-Campus-634705656664993/
Twitter: @HMSBronchos