
Panther Update - Family Edition #22
February 7, 2025

A Note from the Principal...
Hello Everyone,
As we continue through flu season, we’d like to remind all families of the importance of keeping students' home from school if they are showing flu-like symptoms. This helps to prevent the spread of illness and ensures that our school community stays as healthy as possible.
Additionally, congratulations to our 7th and 8th grade boys' basketball teams for a successful season! Their hard work and dedication have been inspiring, and we are so proud of all of their achievements.
Lastly, whether you’re rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles, we wish you a fun and exciting Super Bowl Sunday!
Thank you for your continued support! We are so grateful for all that you do for our school!
Ms. Janie Ulmer
Interim Principal
Car Rider Line
Drop Off Zone Reminder
We have a large drop off zone between the two orange cones set up at Door 1. Please do your best to pull forward past the front door. This allows at least four or more cars to unload at the same time. Sidewalks are treated to allow students to slowly, yet safety get into the building.
SAVE THE DATE: Internet & Social Media Safety Event
Dear HSE Families
If you're interested in learning how to keep your children safe online, we’re offering an informative session on Thursday, February 20 focusing on just that.
Join Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany Preston, a federal prosecutor with nearly 17 years of experience investigating internet crimes against children, as she shares practical, common-sense
approaches to online safety.
Date: Thursday, February 20
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: HSE Administration Building, Board Room (13485 Cumberland Road, Fishers)
Ms. Preston will also discuss how you can help your children make smart choices online, implement device safety measures and how to recognize the risks of communicating with strangers on popular apps and games like Roblox, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Minecraft, Fortnite, and more.
We hope you'll join us for this valuable conversation on protecting kids in today’s digital world. No registration is required.
Panther Fest
Save the Date! Friday, March 28, 2025, from 6:30-8:30pm.
Join us for Panther Fest! This is our 5th & 6th grade night of fun. Enjoy inflatables, games, trivia, face painting and more! Wristbands will be $20. Concessions will be available as a separate purchase and are not included in the price of the wristband. This is a drop off event. All volunteers must have a current background check on file. No siblings or non-HIJH students may attend with volunteers.
Due to the large attendance for this event, we really need ADULT volunteers to make this a success! Please consider volunteering for a shift. Link to volunteer is below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CA9A82DAAFE3-53328762-pantherfest
HSEF’s Legacy Celebration Brings Comedy for A Cause
Legendary comedy icon Jeff Foxworthy is headlining the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation’s Legacy Celebration (formerly Game Day). Foxworthy is one of the most famous comedians ever, a multiple Grammy Award nominee and the highest-selling comedy recording artist in history.
All HIJH Panthers families are invited to buy tickets to the show, which will be February 21st at the new Fishers Event Center. The event will feature an auction benefiting innovative teacher grants, student scholarships, mental health and student wellness initiatives.
BUY TICKETS HERE: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0500617B9496124F
Rise Game Request
All items can be dropped off in the bin labeled “RISE GAMES” outside the front office at school. Please place any loose items in a ziploc bag or grocery bag.
Any questions? Email: hijhpto@gmail.com
Indy Zoo Tickets for HSE Families
Dates of Club:
Wednesday, February 12
Wednesday, February 19
Wednesday, February 26
Wednesday, March 5
Wednesday, March 12
Thank you for all your donations!
Library Update
World Read Aloud Day
World Read Aloud Day was on Wednesday, February 5. The library connected 14 interested classrooms (around 360 students) with authors for quick live chats and readings! We connected with 5 authors with middle school books. Find some ideas and resources here if you’d like to look at some of Lit World’s World Read Aloud Day resources.
HEPL’s Winter Reading Program
Hamilton East Public Library is hosting their Winter Reading Program during the month of February. Sign up is open now for all ages, and books can be logged from February 1-28. Find more details here.
Think Spring Book Fair
Save the date! Our Think Spring Book Fair will be coming up at the end of February from February 24-28. Our family and community night will be Monday, February 24 from 4-6:30 PM. More details to come.
Clinic Notes 🩺🥼
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury that affects how your brain works. It can happen when your brain gets bounced around in your skull after a fall or hit to the head.
+ What should I do if I have a fall or hit to my head?
Report it to your coach or teacher, get checked by a doctor, and give your brain time to heal.
+ What are some signs and symptoms of a concussion?
You may have a concussion, and should be evaluated by a doctor, if you have any of these symptoms after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head:
Get a headache
Feel dizzy, sluggish, or foggy
Are bothered by light or noise
Have double or blurry vision
Vomit or feel sick to your stomach
Have trouble focusing or problems remembering
Feel more emotional or “down”
Feel confused
Have problems with sleep
District Policy for Illnesses
- Fever of 100.4 should stay home for 24 hours and remain home until fever is normal without the use of medication.
- Vomiting should stay home for 24 hours and remain home until vomit free without help of medication.
- Diarrhea should stay home for 24 hours and remain home until diarrhea free without use of medication.
Injuries
Any injuries that need restrictions from a doctor, please let us know. We are happy to allow students to use elevator and to have a book carrier with a doctor's note showing the restrictions.
Orthodontist Visits
It may be beneficial to give your student a pain reliever an hour BEFORE getting braces tightened. It helps keep the pain down and makes their day easier when returning to school.
NJHS - National Junior Honor Society
HIJH is recognized as one of the official charter schools for the national academic organization known as National Junior Honor Society. Students are eligible to apply based on the GPA calculation after Semester 1 of 7th grade. A GPA of 3.67 is required to apply.
Invitations are sent to students' email if they are eligible to apply. Students are also notified via email if their application and essay has been approved by the Faculty Council. The process can take two to three weeks for all applications to be reviewed. Not all applicants are accepted, and several may be given a chance to re-write their essay. If approved, a Canvas page is created to help with information and tracking community service.
By April of their 8th grade year, candidates must maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA, complete 50 hours of community service, and show good character to be formally inducted in May of their 8th grade year. Please note that participation in NJHS is not required for qualification to NHS at high schools.
Induction: May of the 8th grade year.
Helpful Tips & Links from the Counseling Department
Panther Peers
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=PkZ4tvvZX0eBU43PqJYEfQJDrP3aXbVMkdIrr69iGBxUMEtITjkwVzhNVjdDSkUzSjBJQ1cwV01FUC4u. This is a link for 7/8 parents to fill out for an upcoming group opportunity. The group is called Panther Peers, which will focus on healthy relationships/friendships. This group will be held one day a week during RISE. If you should have any questions, please feel free to email me at scampbell@hse.k12.in.us
Withdrawing Student from School
If your child is withdrawing from Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate/Junior High School, please notify the Counseling Department at least two days in advance of your child’s last day. Withdrawal forms must be signed by the parent/guardian.
Panther Spirit Wear Clothing Closet
New this year, we are collecting gently used Panther spirit wear to give to students in need or that move to our school during the year and want something. Please contact Mr. McCord at gmccord@hse.k12.in.us if you are interested in receiving items or have items to donate.
Snack Attack
Fishers Youth Assistance Program (FYAP) offers a free weekend snack program for any student attending Hamilton Southeastern Schools who qualifies for the reduced lunch program or has an increased need currently. Snacks are delivered to schools each week and sent home with students. To be part of this free program, you must sign up your family online at https://forms.gle/ZDZ4mtJ2sXoaRRRx6.
Local Food Pantry
Northview Fishers has a mobile food pantry to serve the Fishers community. Some items available are meat, milk, fresh bakery items, fresh produce, pharmacy, and hygiene products. This resource is available to ANYONE. More information and dates are available at mobilepantry.info.
21st Century Scholars
The 21st Century Scholars program helps eligible students who meet certain high school requirements attend college for free, https://learnmoreindiana.org/scholars/enroll/.
Mudsock Youth Athletics
Curious about rugby? Join Mudsock Youth Rugby for a FREE Try-It Day on Sunday, February 23rd at Fall Creek Intermediate:
This event is open to 2nd–8th grade boys and girls and is the perfect opportunity to learn about this exciting, inclusive sport. Our experienced coaches and board members will be on hand to teach fundamental skills, answer questions about the upcoming spring season and introduce youth to the growing sport of rugby. Learn more including times here.
Spring Boys Volleyball Callout:
Intermediate and junior high boys, it’s time to hit the court and serve up some fun this spring! Whether you're just getting started or dreaming of playing in high school, our spring skills clinic and intramural-style league is the perfect way to build skills and make friends. Register now at myathletics.com and learn more here.
Sign Up Now - Spring Sport Registration Remains Open:
Get ready for an action-packed spring! With 9 sports to choose from, there’s something for every skill level and interest. Registration is now open at myathletics.com. Sign up for baseball, softball, soccer, boys and girls lacrosse, rugby, boys volleyball, pickleball and track & field. Explore detailed season information here and secure your spot today!
R.A.V.E. Reviews
Help us in recognizing and appreciating our talented, hard-working, and dedicated employees by submitting a R.A.V.E. (Recognizing All Valuable Employees) Review. All HSE staff members are eligible for nomination and may be recognized multiple times. To submit a R.A.V.E. Review, click here to fill out a quick and easy online form and share why the individual is a 5-Star employee.
Recipients will receive a R.A.V.E. Review window cling to proudly display their nomination in their workspace, a certificate and letter of recognition with their review. Each month, one R.A.V.E. Review recipient will be selected at random by the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation for a $100 gift card. Thank you for your support!
HSE Intermediate and Junior High
12278 Cyntheanne Road, Fishers, IN, USA
Main Line: 317-594-4120
Attendance: 317-594-4126
Counseling: 317-594-4124
Fax: 317-594-4129
Website: https://hij.hseschools.org
Permitted use of school newsletters as required by the Equal Access Act is not an endorsement of this group or this group’s beliefs by Hamilton Southeastern Schools or the Board of School Trustees.
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