H.L. Watkins Middle School

Week of July 25

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Parents and Students,

The 2022–2023 school year is just around the corner, and the Howell L. Watkins Middle School faculty and staff cannot wait for it to begin. We hope that you are enjoying some quality time with family and friends throughout these summer months. I am excited about continuing to be the Proud Principal of Howell L. Watkins MiddleSchool and am looking forward to a great year! Please look at our dynamic administrative team below and a

short bio about themselves. Our administrative team is committed to continuing the tradition of excellence and collaborating with you to carry out a shared vision! Our theme will be “Excellence is the Standard, We are ONE!”

Please make sure that your child has the necessary shots to attend school. There is a new requirement by the Department of Health that all 7th-grade students must have had the Tdap vaccination in order to be admitted to the school. If you are unsure whether or not your child has had this shot you should contact your child's doctor.

No Shots, No School, No Kidding.

While you are getting ready to return to school, please keep the HLWMS Dress Code in mind. For your assistance, the dress code is included in this correspondence. If you have other questions, there are a couple of events planned to help you get them answered. I hope that you will attend as many of these as possible.

Schedule Pickup:

Friday, August 5th

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm - 7th Grade ( Cafeteria)

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – 8th Grade ( Cafeteria)

Monday, August 8th - 1:00-2:30 PM & 5:00-6:30 PM ( Choose only one) - 6th Grade orientation in the cafeteria for parents and students going to the 6th grade. This will be an opportunity to meet teachers, tour the school, information on before and aftercare, transportation, and understand expectations.

I look forward to a wonderful school year working in partnership with you and your student.

If you have questions, I can be reached at Presley.Charles@palmbeachschools.org.

Sincerely,

Dr. Presley Charles,

Principal of Howell L. Watkins Middle School

Meet Your Leadership Team

Dr. Presley Charles Bio

Principal of HL Watkins Middle School, Change Agent, Educator, Alpha Man, and a FAMU Rattler.

Excellence is the standard. We are one.

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Mr. Errick Lowe, SSCC

Hello, I'm Mr. Lowe. I am the Single School Culture Coordinator over Student Services. I come with extensive experience in meeting the needs of students requiring, operations, culture, school climate, and exceptional student education. I'm a proud husband and father and I'm a huge sports fan. If I can be of assistance, reach me at errik.lowe@palmbeachschools.org .

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Dr. Kim Jastrome, 8th Grade AP

Hello, I'm Dr. Kim Jastrome. I've been an educator for 21 years. This year I'll support Mathematics and 8th Grade. Faith, Family & the Beach are essential to me!

I can be reached at kim.jastrome@palmbeachschools.org.

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Mrs. Melanie Haspil, SSCC

Greetings Seminole Family, I'm Mrs. Haspil, SSCC responsible for curriculum, literacy, and assisting our new teachers. I love the University of Miami Hurricanes and traveling, I'm currently traveling on a tour of Europe! I can be reached at melanie.haspil@palmbeachschools.org.

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Mr. Caruso, 6th Grade AP

Hello! I am Scott D. Caruso; proud Asst. Principal at Howell L. Watkins Middle School overseeing Grade 6, this will be my 13th year in education. I am blessed to be a husband and father of an amazing family who loves to ride the surf and enjoy life to the fullest! Contact me at scott.caruso@palmbeachschools.org.

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Mr. Jarred Taylor, 7th Grade AP

Greetings students and parents. I am your 7th grade AP and the administrator over Science Education. I believe that meaningful work + meaningful relationships = meaningful outcomes. Please reach me at jarred.a.taylor@palmbeachschools.org.

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Mr. Larry Harris, Operations AP

Hello,

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the AP assisting in areas of curriculum, operations and student services. I'm passionate about creating equitable outcomes for all. I'm a devoted husband and father that can deadlift 550. Email me at larry.harris@palmbeachschools.org

Get Your Shots!

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West Palm Beach, Fla.— Back to school time is around the corner, and The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County is encouraging parents not to wait, and make sure their children’s immunizations are up to date now for the 2022-2023 school year. By ensuring your child is immunized now, you will beat the rush and increased wait times later.

Proof of certain immunizations, on a #680 form (Florida Certificate of Immunization), is required for school entry if your child is entering kindergarten, seventh grade or is moving to Florida fromanother state or country. More information is available HERE.

Parents are encouraged to visit their physician or medical provider for immunizations if possible.

During the month of August the Florida Department of Health-Palm Beach County will be providing Immunization services at 1150 45th St. West Palm Beach, FL 33407 from August 1 - 19, 2022. Families need to call the health center appointment line at 561-625-5180.

Parents may also contact the following locations that provide immunization services.

Foundcare

Immunization Services and School Physical

561-432-5849 (Appointment line)

Mission Clinic

School Physical Only

4949 S. Congress Ave. Suite B

Palm Springs, FL 33461

561-460-3555

Genesis Community Health

Immunization Services and School Physical

Boynton Beach (561) 430-3629

(561) 235-5477

Boca Raton (561) 735-6553

(561) 810-8790

The Immunization Van will return with their services at the Welcome Center on Wednesday, August 24 & 31, 2022.

It is important for parents/guardians to know that sign-in begins at 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Limited Space Available). The immunization services will begin at 10:00 AM.

School Supply List

The school supply lists for HL. Watkins students will vary depending on their schedules. However, there are some universal supplies that each student will need. Please be sure that your child(ren) has the following supplies on the first day of school:

1 – Backpack

12 – No. 2 Pencils or Mechanical Pencils

1 – Pencil Bag

3 – Pocket Folders

1 – Pack of Lined Binder Paper

1 – Package of Blue or Black Ink Pens

1 – Ruler

1 – Expandable Folder with Dividers

1 – Pack of Highlighters

1 – 2 inch Binder

2 – Wide Ruled Spiral Bound Notebooks

Teachers may request additional supplies at the start of the school year.

Attention Incoming 6th Graders

Here's Our School Dress Code

2023 Dress Code Policy

As a reminder, students are expected to adhere to the dress code when school begins on August 10th. Please refer to the link below for the full dress code:

2023 Dress Code Policy

From Our Community Partners

For Your Planning:

Event Information

7th and 8th Grade Schedule Pick Up

Please swing by the cafeteria to pick up a hard copy of your schedule or the SIS Gateway to find your classes electronically. Please RSVP and one of our dynamic assistant principals will give you a tour!

When?