Talon Talk

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! Classes, sports, and clubs are in full swing and it's exciting to see all the students hard at work and off to a great start. My name is Kyle Stoecklein (pronounced Stackline) and this is my second year at HMS. I have loved my time here so far and I look forward to the growth our students and teachers will get to experience this year. Our teachers have started the year working hard to make sure all of the students in our school are learning and growing. We have some renovations going on (thank you for voting yes on proposition FORWARD) that make the day look a little different, but we are doing great things in our classrooms already. I hope you regularly take the time to read this monthly newsletter to see the highlights of our year and even learn some information about our students daily lives. I am so happy that our students are back and want to give you all a chance to have some of the information I share with them at the start of our semesters.

1. Attendance is critical to student success. The adults in this building work diligently to make school a welcoming, supportive environment for learning. We want to see students coming to school and enjoying what has been prepared for them.
2. One dress code item that everyone should be aware of is that we do not allow hats in the building. I always tell students they can keep their hats in one of three places during the day: in their locker, in the office, or at home. Another dress code item is the rule regarding tops. Clothing that leaves large areas of the body exposed such as bare backs, midriffs, muscle shirts, halter tops, and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Garments must be of sufficient length to cover midriffs during normal school activities such as sitting, bending, and reaching.
3. Our cell phone policy this year covers more than just cellphones and it also has a place to put their cell phones now. Students are expected to have the phones in lockers so the shouldn't be seen or heard. This policy covers other electronic devices and is covered more as you read through this newsletter.
4. Students are not allowed to consume energy drinks or highly caffeinated drinks during the school day. Any drink containers must have a secure lid that is not at the risk of spilling. We also ask that students do not eat in the classrooms or hallways unless a staff member has given them permission.

Thank you for supporting Holden Middle School and partnering with us to make this a great school year. We will have our first school dance in October, more information to come on that. Go Eagles!

Our school implements a behavior model called BIST (Behavior Intervention Support Team). The best thing about BIST is that it’s not just for teachers! They have resources and support for our students, families, and caregivers! Please take a moment to check out this upcoming opportunity!

As part of its mission to support children and families, the BIST Team is offering a series of complimentary classes for parents and guardians. Classes will be presented virtually and facilitated by the BIST Team.

Topics and Dates:

· September 19th: The Impact of Common Ground Parenting

· September 26th: The Art of Saying "No"

· October 3rd: Moving from Resistance to Resilience

Time (Central Time):

· 5:45 PM – 6:00 PM Enter Zoom Waiting Room

· 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Informational Session

· 6:45 PM – 7:00 PM Questions and Answers

If families wish to participate, they will need to register through our website. Click on the link below to access this FREE training!

This year, we have two counselors-- Kerri Hanneken returning with 6th grade and Alex Hernandez serving 7th and 8th grade!

We are partnering with two local agencies to provide school-based clinical mental health counseling services that take place during the school day. The agencies who are providing these services are Country Crossroads and Compass Health. If you would like more information about school-based clinical mental health options for your student, please contact your student's school counselor.

August's character word is "cooperation," and September's character word is "respect."

Tune in to this section each month to find some reminders about commonly misunderstood handbook items. When parents support these rules, it decreases student resistance at school.

We’re starting off with electronics!

Phones are to be turned off and put away in the student’s locker after the 7:55 am bell until school dismissal. Wireless headphones/earbuds are not allowed. Smart watches should be placed on airplane mode during school hours. Students are not allowed to take pictures or do video or audio recording during the school day without permission from a staff member. They are not allowed to make or receive phone calls, texts, or posts to any social media outlet unless given permission under the direct supervision of a staff member. Cell phones and other devices will be confiscated, and students referred for disciplinary action for violation of these rules. Please refer to page 21 of the handbook (found on the Holden Schools website) to see further explanation and descriptions of disciplinary action that will be taken.

Our office team is a huge part of making our school run smoothly! They are always ready to lend a hand and offer a smile! (From left to right: Mrs. Hanneken, Mr. Stoecklein, Mrs. Wiskur, Mrs. McConville, Mrs. Hernandez, Mrs. Siemer)