Hero Happenings!

Dear Hellstern family,

As I'm sure most of you have heard by now, our Governor announced on Monday that we would finish our year as we are now, doing Alternate Methods of Instruction (AMI). Although many of us suspected this would be the case, it is certainly hard to hear that confirmed. Parents, you all have been amazing through this process. You have found yourself not only working from home, or perhaps dealing with the stress of not being able to work, but you have also been the English, math, social studies, art, or maybe music teacher. You have been the librarian, the counselor, the nurse, the custodian.....you are doing it all!! For that, Hellstern staff wants to say thank you!

Please know that we are still here. Every day, teachers are available to you and to your students. We will continue to have at least one staff member in the office every day to answer your phone calls. We are already starting to brainstorm ways, we might get some closure to this year, once we return to school and we will keep you updated.

I will continue to send updates weekly to share information as it evolves. No student will miss out on opportunities next year because of what is happening now. We will find a way to have the tryouts, the auditions, and the sign-up for electives. We are all being very flexible and understanding of the confusion that all of this is causing.

Please keep reading to see the latest updates as of today, Wednesday, April 8th.

Everyone take care of yourselves. We miss you!

Dr. Byford

1. AAA has released an extension of the athletics "dead period". You can find the press release here.
2. We are going to convert one of our collection bins to an "enrollment information" collection. Starting Monday, April 13th through Friday, April 24th you may drop off any enrollment information at our school. The paperwork to which I am referring was sent home with students between March 9th & 13th in anticipation of student-led conferences.
3. If you don't have the paperwork to which I am referring, don't worry. Your student is on our rosters and enrolled for the 20-21 school year until we are able to make contact with you. These papers will simply help us narrow our list.

Please check this same newsletter daily this week. I will be adding sections at the top of the newsletter if there are updates for you.

1. We have not published grades and will not until all of our students have had an adequate opportunity to turn in work. Your students should be getting feedback on the work they turn in, however.
   
2. Our teachers are working and here for your students! Please, please, please have your student check his/her email if at all possible.
3. You can come pick up your packet or drop off your packet at HMS anytime. If you are working digitally - you DO NOT need to come to Hellstern.
4. Lunch will no longer be served at Hellstern. Information can be found here on our Springdale website, or you can watch the message from Dr. Rollins, our superintendent, here. Our district will be serving curbside pick-up on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at certain locations.
5. Students can turn in their AMI by taking pictures of the work and emailing it, even if you don't have a computer. Use your phone and take pictures. We will be sending out information later this week on how to drop off your completed packet at the school if digital is not an option.
6. Information from Cox can be found in English & in Spanish. They are offering low-cost internet.

I will start a NEW mailing list for next year's newsletter. If you are a parent of a CURRENT 6th grader, please use this link to register again for this newsletter. Also - share with anyone that has a CURRENT 5th grader. You can register as many email addresses as you would like, simply complete the form multiple times.

Every week we want to introduce you to fabulous Heroes that work at Hellstern. We have some of the best teachers and staff in the world and can't wait for you to get to know them!

1st - Spring Fling

4th-7th - Band Tryouts during school (current 6th graders)

4th - Choir Concert @ HBHS PAC (7pm)

11th & 12th - Current 5th graders visit HMS during school

Email: abyford@sdale.org
Website: http://springdalear.apptegy.us/o/hellstern-middle-school
Location: 7771 Har-Ber Avenue, Springdale, AR, USA
Phone: (479)750-8725
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hellstern-Middle-School-243986482329649/
Twitter: @HellsternHeroes