Horner Parent/Family Newsletter
October 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Happy October!
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your active involvement in your child’s education. Your commitment and engagement make a significant difference in their learning experience and contribute to a thriving school community.
Building trusting and collaborative relationships between home and school is essential for the success of each child. Together, we can create a supportive environment that fosters growth, learning, and confidence in our students.
Please note that there will be no school on October 11th, as this will be a teacher professional development day.
I also want to take a moment to remind everyone of the importance of checking your emails daily for important updates from the school. Additionally, please take a moment to visit our school website and ParentSquare for regular communications and resources.
Thank you once again for all that you do to support not only your child but our entire school community. Your partnership is invaluable!
Cindy Hicks-Rodriguez, Principal
Horner Vision and Mission Statement
Horner Vision Statement
We at Horner Middle School, envision a future in which every student receives an effective, equitable, and engaging education that allows them to reach their full and unique potential.
Horner Mission Statement
At Horner Middle School our mission is to provide students with the Knowledge, Tools, and Skills they need to master content standards, make effective decisions, and collaborate with others, which will enable them to be successful lifelong learners.
Knowledge, Tools, Skills = Master, Make, Collaborate!
The Horner teachers have voted and it was determined that our bell schedule for the 24-25 school year will be the exact same bell schedule as this year. Please note that our AC Transit bus will continue to provide pickup and drop off's on regular day Monday's, Tuesday's, Wednesday's, Thursday's and Friday's. The only days that after school bus service will not be provided is on minimum days that are NOT Wednesday's. Those dates will be as follows:
October 31 (Halloween)
November 22 (Friday before Thanksgiving break)
December 20 (Friday before Winter break)
April 17 (Thursday before Good Friday)
May 27 (Tuesday last week of school)
May 29 (Thursday last week of school)
May 30 (Friday the last day of school)
Bell Schedule 24-25
M/TU/TH/F
Start time: 815 AM. End time: 228 pm
WED
Start time: 815 AM End time: 120 pm
Other minimum days that are NOT Wednesday's
Start time: 815 AM. End time: 120 pm
Last day of School
Start time: 815 AM. End time: 1248 PM
If your child is interested in trying out for a Winter or Spring sport please print out the forms that are attached prior to the school year. At MAZE day you are able to turn the forms into the athletic table if you have the physical form from your doctor attached. All students trying out for a sport MUST have all paperwork and physicals completed and submitted on the due dates below in order to try out. If you have any questions you can email Mr. Sean Davis at Horner Middle School as he oversees the athletic programs.
Forms due for Boys Basketball: October 17
Forms due for Girls Basketball: December 20
Forms due for Boys Volleyball: February 27
All deadlines are firm and we cannot accept forms past the due date listed above. Thank you.
SSC meeting in library
Monday, Sept 30 @ 245 pm
Girls VB @ Horner (Walters)
Tuesday, October 1⋅3:00 – 5:00pm
PTSA meeting (zoom)
Wednesday, October 2⋅6:30 – 8:00pm
Girls VB @ Hopkins
Thursday, October 3⋅3:00 – 5:00pm
Social grades 6-8
Friday, October 4⋅2:45 – 4:45pm
Boys BB meeting at lunch
Friday, October 4
Start with Hello campaign at lunch
WEB leaders will do activiites with students at lunch
Week of Oct. 7-11
PE classes MUR: see something/say something student training
Wednesday, October 9
End of Quarter 1
Thursday, October 10
Girls VB @ Horner (Centerville)
Thursday, October 10⋅3:00 – 5:00pm
Girls VB @ Horner (Thornton) last game
Tuesday, October 15⋅3:00 – 5:00pm
Parent conference night with dinner break from 530-600 pm
Wednesday, October 16⋅1:40 – 7:40pm
Boys BB forms due
Thursday, October 17
Red Ribbon Week activities
October 21 – 25, 2024
Boys BB tryouts
October 21 – 22, 2024
Boys BB team posted
Wednesday, October 23
RRW assembly BMX bike show during 6th period
Thursday, October 24
Parent conference night includes dinner break from 530-600 pm
Wednesday, October 30⋅1:40 – 7:40pm
Minimum day dismissal at 120 pm due to Halloween
Thursday, October 31
First Day of American Indian Heritage Month
Friday, November 1
Boo! Happy October! I’m here to give you a couple updates about activities we have planned so far for the month of October.
The first social is taking place on October 4th. The theme is a Garden Through Time (think Greece and Rome). It will be taking place right after school from 2:45-4:45. ASB sold social tickets from 9/26 to 10/1. ASB sold those days during lunch. Students had plenty of opportunity to buy tickets. If your child bought a gold card, they do not need to purchase a ticket.
All students should have received their Gold Card at this point (except about 6 students). The other big update is the school sweatshirts have been ordered.They should be here in about a week or week an a half. The reason for the delay is we did a second set of sales to make sure as many kids got it as possible. If your child ordered one, please make sure they listen to announcements for how distribution will work. The announcements are a big way we share info so make sure your students are paying attention! They are also posted on the school website I believe.
The second thing I wanted to share is every year we have a Halloween costume contest at lunch. Students compete in different categories like scariest, funniest, best group costume and more. Students will also be getting spirit points if they dress up but don’t want to participate in the contest.
Last thing I wanted to talk about are the spirit days we have going on. Whenever your child dresses up, they need to see ASB at lunch to get scanned to get spirit points. These points can be used later in the semester for some awesome prizes. Make sure you get scanned
Can you believe the year is almost ¼ over?! Me either!
Mr. Shaffer
Activities Director
Dear Horner Families,
As we reach the end of the first quarter of the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the progress our students have made and share some important information regarding upcoming parent-teacher conferences.
This first quarter has been filled with learning, growth, and exciting opportunities for our students. It is inspiring to see their enthusiasm and dedication, and we are proud of their achievements thus far. Our teachers have been working diligently to create engaging and supportive learning environments that foster each child's unique potential.
To discuss your child's progress and experiences in school, we will be holding parent-teacher conferences on October 16th and October 30th. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with your child's teachers, learn more about their academic and social development, and collaborate on strategies to support their continued success.
We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential to our students' success. Your involvement plays a crucial role in their educational journey, and we look forward to working together to ensure they thrive.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our school community. We appreciate your partnership in helping our students achieve their goals.
Sincerely,
Horner Middle School Assistant Principals
We are in desparate need of $5 gift cards to different locations. The gift card drawing is part of our positive behavior interventions supports program. Once per week we do a drawing for our students. During that drawing they will either win a gift bag or they win a $5 gift card.
At this time we need gift cards badly. Kids really enjoy the gift card drawing and if there is any help you can give we are greatful! They love starbucks gifts cards and the demonination is always $5. Please help support this initiative! Thank you.
We are also looking for large bags of jolly ranchers; sour patch kids fun size; lemon heads...basically any hard candies to handout to to kids on Fridays. No chocolate please due to allergies.
Horner will be offering the AMC 8 Math test on January 23, 2025.
The fee for participating will be $40 per 8th grade student.
Payments will be made to Horner Middle School (cash only please) in order to purchase the testing materials and supplies.
Please note: Horner only provides this test to current 8th grade students.
If your 8th grade child is interested in participating in this math competition please complete the Google form below no later than December 6th.
Payment must be received in the office no later than December 17th.
This year Horner Middle School will be prioritizing students for parent conferences.
Targeted audience:
Teachers will schedule parent conferences directly with families this year and will prioritize students who require additional support for school success.
The priorities for parent conferences this year are:
Students in non accelerated classes earning a D or lower
Students in accelerated classes earning a B- or lower
Students who need interventions with behavior expectations
Students who the teacher has determined need further support and assistance in various areas in order to be successful.
The dates for parent conferences are:
October 16th and October 30 from 140 pm - 740 pm with a whole staff dinner break from 530-600 pm.
Teachers will be reaching out to families with an invitation if you are being requested to attend a parent conference to discuss student progress. There will be both in person and zoom meetings available with teachers.
Potential discussion points to have with your child's teacher are:
How is my child performing academically and socially? - This question helps parents understand their child’s strengths and areas for improvement, as well as their interactions with peers and teachers.
What can I do at home to support my child’s learning? This encourages collaboration between home and school, allowing parents to reinforce skills and concepts, and support their child’s overall development.
Are there any specific challenges or concerns I should be aware of? - Asking this can provide insight into any potential issues, whether academic or behavioral, that may need to be addressed, enabling proactive support and intervention.
These questions can help foster a constructive dialogue and strengthen the partnership between parents and teachers.
Horner will be hosting its Annual College and Career week during March 31 - April 4th at lunch time.
We are looking for parents/guardians or community business connections to come set up a table at lunch time to meet and greet with students about their careers.
During this week long event we will have career booths so that students can receive handouts and flyers about different careers and we will have college booths with different colleges coming to provide students with college information.
We will also have first responders and some of our ROP groups from FUSD coming to provide information to students.
If you are interested in coming to Horner to talk with students about your career please be on the lookout for the Google form coming through parent square in the next few weeks.
Thank you in advance for helping us make career week an amazing experience for students.
Dear Parent/Guardian:
The Fremont Unified School District Board of Education and our school faculty believe it is important for students to assume responsibility for their own health and well-being. They benefit from instruction that fosters the development of positive health behaviors and the prevention of negative unhealthy behaviors. FUSD’s Comprehensive Health, Puberty, and Sexuality Education (CHPSE) curriculum focuses on information that is essential for students’ well-being. This course of study conforms strictly to the guidelines provided by the California State Education Code 51933 and the California Healthy Youth Act.
These lessons will be taught by your childs Science teacher in their Science class. The 7th and 8th grade Science teachers will be providing the CHPSE lessons between Jan. 6 - Jan. 17th.
A letter will be coming home in October regarding the lessons and an opt out form will be attached if you do not wish for your child to do the CHPSE lessons. The due date to return the opt out letter is Dec. 20th which is the Friday right before Winter break. The sixth grade CHPSE lesson date will be coming out soon.
Please be on the lookout for the information and opt out form. If you do not wish to opt out you do not need to return any information to the Science teacher.
Links to the curriculum, opt-out information, and parent resources, can be found at: https://fremontunified.org/about/instructional-services/curriculum-instruction/curriculum-instruction-health-resources/
Independent Study
A short-term Independent Study contract is a voluntary alternative to a regular classroom program of
instruction when a student is absent from school for not less than five (5) and not more than ten (10)
consecutive school days. In Grades K-12, only one Independent Study contract per school year is
allowed. Students may not be on short term Independent Study more than three (3) times while in
Grades K-12. (BP/AR 6158)
No Independent Study contracts will be issued for the first 20 days, the last 20 days of the school year,
or during state testing times.
Schools are not obligated to provide students with an Independent Study contract. The availability of
an Independent Study contract must be agreed upon by mutual consent of the principal, teacher,
parent/guardian, and student. Students should only be placed on Independent Study if the student can
successfully accomplish their academics. (EC 51745 and 51747)
Requests for Independent Study contracts must be given to the teacher(s) at least 10 school days prior
to the first day of the absence (in the event of an emergency, contact the principal).
A written Independent Study contract must be completed, signed and dated for each participating
student prior to the starting date of the Independent Study. The contract must contain all the
components prescribed by law.
Each student’s Independent Study contract shall be coordinated, evaluated and carried out under the
general supervision of a certificated teacher.
All assigned work is due on the day upon which the student is scheduled to return to the classroom and
shall be graded by appropriately credentialed teachers.
Students, who have previously been granted an Independent Study Agreement and have not
successfully completed a previous Independent Study agreement, are not eligible for any subsequent
short-term Independent Study agreements.
No individual with disabilities, as defined in Education Code 56026, may participate in Independent
Study unless the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) specifically provides for such
participation. (EC 51745 (c))
Building the Habit of Good Attendance
It is important that the parent/guardian(s) start building the habit of daily attendance for student(s) as
early as kindergarten. Did you know that missing just two days of school a month can make it more
difficult to learn to read and cause children to fall behind in school?
Below are some tips that can help in building consistent attendance.
● Establish routines for bedtime to ensure student is well rested and up in time,
● Have a back-up plan for getting your child to school in the case that you are unable to,
● Avoid planning vacations and non-urgent medical appointments while school is in session,
● If your child seems bored or anxious reach out to their teacher, counselor or school
administrator to, discuss ways on making them feel comfortable and keeping them engaged,
● Communicate with the school regarding attendance and any concerns you may have.
To ensure the safety of students and staff and to avoid potential disruptions, all visitors shall check in or
sign in at the office immediately upon entering the school building or grounds. A visitor’s badge shall
be worn at all times while on campus.
Visits to the school and/or classroom at the request of the parent/guardian shall be arranged through
the student’s teacher and/or principal. Classroom visits or conferences will be scheduled within a
reasonable time of the parent/guardian request. Except for law enforcement personnel, only the
parent/guardian or those designated on the student’s emergency card are permitted to contact or take
your student from school. (BP/AR 1250)
Respect for the Learning Environment: Fremont Unified is committed to providing a positive learning
environment for our students and staff. While on campus please keep a positive attitude and be an
encouraging role model for our students. During your visit please refrain from any aggressive behavior.
Examples of aggressive behavior include but are not limited to:
● Abusive language
● Physical assault
● Verbal Harassment
● Sexual language
● Threats
Individuals who refuse to follow our positive expectations may be asked to leave.
A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework that helps schools identify and address the needs of all students through a variety of strategies:
Data-driven decision making
MTSS uses data from multiple sources to make decisions about how to allocate resources and improve learning for all students.
Evidence-based practices
MTSS uses evidence-based practices in instruction and intervention to help students grow.
Progress monitoring
MTSS regularly monitors student progress to determine how effective instruction is and to guide future decisions.
Differentiated instruction
MTSS provides differentiated instruction and support to meet the unique needs of each student.
Integrated systems
MTSS ensures that all the systems in a school or district work together to provide a high-quality education.
Collaborative decision making
MTSS uses a collaborative and team-based approach to determine which students need interventions.
MTSS is based on the idea that students may need different levels of support to achieve the same academic outcomes. Horner will be focusing on implementing a variety of supports and interventions for students this year and ensuring that all students are provided with what they need to be successful both academically and developmentally.