End of Year Notes

Dear Stakeholders -

There is no greater joy than being the principal at HMS. We have had a fantastic year, kids have learned so much, and our data looks better than ever. We have some exciting things coming for 2024-2025! I am so proud of the forward-progress HMS has made in expanding academic and athletic opportunities for our kids.

Coming this fall, all 7th grade athletes on a school team will be participating in athletic PE! Students eligible will automatically be enrolled as we receive team rosters from HHS. Students in athletics will be required to "dress out" for PE. These classes meet at the end of the day during 7th or 8th period.

We will begin the course selection process the week of May 8. Please note that if your student signs up for band or choir, it is a year-long commitment. Course changes will not be granted just because they don't like it. Music education is vital, and I encourage students to take advantage of these fun experiences. As a former band and choir kid, I can attest that those experiences are where I found "my tribe" of friends that have been life-long companions.

Below, there is a button for parents of current 5th graders. This is to enroll your child in band for 6th grade. Students will also need to be able to tell us on course request day that they are planning to join band. There is also information below about the instrument petting zoo on May 9 where all 5th grade students will get to try out different band instruments to see what it's like!

For advanced sections, course changes will be offered only at the end of the 1st grading period. After that, changes will not be made.

6th and 7th grade Advanced ELA, 6th grade advanced math, and 7th grade advanced Science are data-based decisions based on iReady scores, ACAP data that comes in during the summer, grades, performance, and teacher input. Accelerated Math in 7th grade is an opt-in course. Taking this math allows students to have an accelerated math pathway at HHS. If your student was in accelerated 7th this year, they are automatically enrolled in accelerated 8th math at HHS.

When we complete course selections with students, they need to know what they want to take for the next year. Please discuss the options with them between now and May 8.

• May 8 we will begin presales for end-of-year special snacks! Everyone loves ice cream! $5 for an ice cream sundae on May 15 and an ice cream float on May 16! We will take up money for this the week of May 8! Kids pay their homeroom teachers. If you want to volunteer to help during special snacks, email Dr. Hicks @ mghicks@blountboe.net.
• May 8 is the 5th grade science fair! Parents are welcome to come in the afternoon between 11 and 2 to view the fair and see kids present their projects. Enter through the gym and sign in at the tables in the lobby.
• May 9 is the 6th grade field trip to the Georgia Aquarium. Reach out to homeroom teachers for any last-minute questions.
• May 10 is the 5th grade field trip to McWane. Reach out to homeroom teachers for any last-minute questions.
• May 10 is the talent show dress rehearsal after school in the HMS gym. Participants should email song files to Dr. Hicks, mghicks@blountboe.net.
• May 13 is the school talent show! It will begin at 8:00 in the HMS gym. Student admission is $3, paid on the morning of May 13. Parents/Families of participants are invited and admission is $5. Park at the gym!
• May 14-16 Band Rookie Camp for current 7th grade band students. Forms have been sent home. Time is 3:00-5:00. Students will need a travel note to get off the bus at HHS. Email Ms. Smith with questions.
• May 15 and 16 Special snack delivery from presale!
• May 17 is Anything Goes! This is the HMS field day! This is not an open event, but parents can volunteer with PTO that day to sell concessions and work different stations!
• May 22 is the HMS Awards Day. 5th grade @ 8:00; 6th grade @ 9:00; 7th grade @ 10:00. Parents can enter at the gym. A checkout table will be available in the gym lobby.
• May 23 Report cards are issued. They can be picked up at HMS on May 23 and they will be sent home with students. After May 23, they will be mailed.
• May 23 is the last day of school. It's a half day and HMS will dismiss at 11:00.

• July - In partnership with Precision Graphics, HMS will launch an online back-to-school store with Hayden gear, options for staff, and unique finds only available in the HMS store. The store will be open for one month. Make sure you follow HMS on Instagram and check our website!
• August 5 - Meet the Teacher. Details will be posted on our website. The tentative schedule is 3:00-5:00. Students will receive a copy of their schedule on this day. If there is an error, you can complete the course request change form easily from your phone. A QR code will be available at each counselor's office. This is not a teacher change request - just content (i.e. my kid is supposed to be in the band, etc.)
• August 7 - Students Return. School Calendar.
• Supply Lists will be sent home with report cards.

Students will be allowed to bring water bottles to school. However, metal water bottles/cups will not be allowed. Students will need to bring plastic, transparent (colors are fine) bottles only. They should have names permanently affixed to the bottles. Water bottles should only contain water. We do not allow the powdered flavor packs at school. They can be used, but need to be prepared at home.

Teachers will have water bottle "parking lots" in class rooms to provide access while reducing distractions (i.e., water bottle dropping on the floor, being kicked over and causing a spill in the middle of class, theft because it was left somewhere on campus, etc.).

I encourage you to research the Wait Till 8th cell phone pledge and the research about what smartphones are doing to students' social and emotional health as well as their mental health.

The number one discipline or counseling referral at HMS is directly related to something that was done or said on a smartphone or social media that then becomes a problem at school.

If you want a great middle school experience, it is my advice to delay the smartphone and social media for as long as possible. Cell phone access is a family decision, but I feel compelled to communicate how they are impacting students both academically and socially. For more information, check out the book The Anxious Generation.