HMS October Newsletter

Monica Turner, Principal

Haley Street, Assistant Principal
Mark Mattingly, Counselor (A-L)
Kristin Godoshian, Counselor (M-Z)
Phone: (248) 328-3400
Attendance Number: (248) 328-3426
Fax: (248) 328-3404

Happy Friday!

We've had another amazing week, and it's so encouraging to see students eagerly sharing their thoughts and problem-solving skills with one another. We’re looking forward to continued growth and deeper learning as the school year progresses.

Exciting news: A student-led initiative has resulted in a partnership with the Holly Township Library to increase reading opportunities. This will allow students to access additional materials beyond our school, right from the middle school building. In the coming weeks, each student will receive a Holly Township Library card, unless you opted out during online verification. Once they have their card, students will have access to E-Books and the library’s online catalog, with books delivered directly to the school. Students will also have access to many digital resources. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

The Alliance for Housing is hosting a Community Resource Day on October 9th from 4-7 pm at Genesis the Church (309 N Main St., Royal Oak, MI 48067). This event is not only for families experiencing housing instability but for anyone in need. There will be a free dinner, vaccine clinic, and various resources. If you’d like to attend but need transportation, please contact: Sydney Sinclair, sydney.sinclair@hask12.org, 248-328-3417.

Love and Logic Event: Join us for the Family Outreach Program’s Love and Logic Watch Parties, hosted at Holly Elementary on October 15th, 22nd, and 29th. More details can be found in the flyer linked here.

Parenting with Love and Logic (PDF).pdf

https://forms.gle/4KPeV3yjHiRbXgG46

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Mark your calendars for Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 16th. Since it’s a half-day, the conferences will run from 12 pm-3 pm and 4 pm-7 pm. A sign-up link was sent out this week, and we’ve included it here for your convenience. HMS Conference Manager

Picture Retake Day is October 10th. Check out the flyer in the link provided.

Copy of Holly MS Fall 24 Retake Flyer.pdf

As always, I’m honored to be part of your family, just as you are part of mine. Wishing you a safe and healthy weekend!

Monica

Upcoming Events:

• October 10th: Picture Retake

• October 11th: HHS Homecoming Football Game and Parade

• October 16th: Half-Day and Parent-Teacher Conferences (12-3 pm and 4-7 pm)

Our Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, October 16th, from 12pm - 3pm and then from 4pm-7pm.

To help our staff be prepared to meet and discuss your child while also ensuring that families are able to meet with teachers in an efficient manner, we are utilizing the Holly Middle School Conference Manager to schedule conferences. If you have a child at HHS this is the same software. Please click on the following document that explains how to create an account so you can sign up for conferences: HMS Conference Manager

When you arrive at HMS, on the date you selected, you will enter through the center doors and come to the Welcome Table to:

• Receive your child’s Progress Report (these will also be available online through Skyward) and other documents

• Get a map of the school

• Stop off at a table to have your child lead you through their Data Notebook (students will use the chromebook cart provided) or complete this step at home.

• Visit the teachers you signed up to see.

The Conference Manager Sign-Up Form is live and will stay open through Tuesday, October 15th (10/15) at 7 a.m. Please contact me if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you next week!

Our doors open for students at 7:25am. They will have an opportunity to get breakfast and eat at this time. The start of our instructional day is 7:44 am - 2:41 pm.

Visitors will not be allowed to access the hallways during arrival or dismissal time. This is for the safety of our students and staff. We are unable to process visitors during these busy times of the day. If you need to make an appointment with a teacher please email or call to set that up. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe.

On Sept 17th we invited all HMS students who are "new to Holly Area Schools" to the cafeteria for our annual Welcome Breakfast. Our food service staff provided a fantastic spread and our students had opportunities to connect and win some Holly swag!!

If you missed schedule pick up, are a brand new student, or just didn't like your picture, Lifetouch will be here October 10th, from 7:44 - 10:45 for retakes. If you are getting a new photo taken to replace the original, please bring back the packet you are returning.

Order Form

On Thursday, October 31st, students can wear their school-appropriate Halloween costumes to school. A few important reminders about Halloween costumes at school:

• Inflatable costumes or costumes with masks are not allowed
• Each costume must follow our school handbook guidelines (please be sure that the costume doesn't include any fake weapons - guns, knives, swords, etc.)
• Make-Up is permitted but a student must be able to be identified. We will ask you to remove any make-up or aspects of your costume that obscures your identity

If you are not sure or have any questions, please see Mrs. Turner or Mrs. Street before you decide to wear your costume on the 31st.

The LEAD program, a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative, stands as a cornerstone in promoting a nurturing and respectful school environment. Each letter in LEAD represents a key principle:

• L "Listen to Others" encourages active listening and understanding, fostering an inclusive community where every voice is valued.

• E "Encourage Everyone" focuses on building a supportive atmosphere, where students uplift one another and celebrate each other's successes.

• A "Act Responsibly" instills a sense of accountability, guiding students to make thoughtful decisions and take ownership of their actions.

• D "Display Kindness & Respect" emphasizes the importance of treating others with compassion and dignity, creating a positive and harmonious school culture.

Together, these principles form the foundation of the LEAD program, driving positive behavior and enhancing the overall learning experience.

Addison Longhurst's artwork for the " I Voted " sticker was 1 of 6 that was chosen to be printed for Holly and Groveland Twp. Congratulations Addison!

Beginning this month we will be recognizing student's who have a C- or above in all classes, 0 discipline entries, 3 or fewer absences, 6 or fewer tardies for the term.

Students in Mrs. Curl's ecology class learned about local ponds with the help of Randy Baker from Naturalist Endeavors. Students got to hold and search for creatures such as tadpoles, salamanders, leeches, and water bugs native to Michigan ponds this time of year.

For those parents that missed the informational meeting Oct 3rd, please reach out to Mr. Loria for more details if you are interested in this trip.

marc.loria@hask12.org

Information Packet

The white cane signifies that the person using it is blind or visually impaired.

Michigan law requires drivers to stop or yield the right-of-way when you see a

pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog.

We have a white cane user at Holly Middle School.

For more information about the significance of the white cane please click here

Families, we are here to help support your child!! If there are any topics you'd like us to connect with your child on, please reach out. We can also work with you to connect you to resources and supports in the community.

Mrs. Godoshian & Mr. Mattingly

A - L contact Mr. Mattingly, mark.mattingly@hask12.org

M - Z contact Mrs. Godoshian, kristin.godoshian@hask12.org

Love and Logic Sign up

Just a reminder, that all middle school and elementary age students are required to have an adult present with them in order to attend any athletic event at Holly High School or Holly Middle School. Also, middle school student athletes that have paid their athletic pay to participate fee for the 2024-25 school year are granted free admission to athletic events as long as they are accompanied and supervised by an adult.

FinalForms: FinalForms is the student management system that is used by our athletic department and coaches throughout each sport’s respective seasons. It is a great tool for monitoring compliance and communication purposes. If you have not registered on FinalForms, please use this link: https://holly-mi.finalforms.com to create a parent account. Once the parent account is completed and you have selected the sports in which your child would like to participate in for the 2024-25 school year, an email will be sent to the student for them to create and verify their account. For those of you that have used FinalForms in past years, please log in and confirm your sport selections for this upcoming year.

***This is the process that will populate athletes onto the sport specific rosters and will allow our coaches to communicate directly with their teams with information that is pertinent to their sport.

Physicals: The Michigan High School Athletic Association is requiring all athletes to obtain an updated physical for the 2024-25 school year. This physical must be dated on or after April 15th, 2024. Physicals can be completed by your family doctor or many different urgent care facilities in the area offer sports participation physicals at a reasonable rate. Walk-up physicals are also available this Saturday (Saturday Aug. 3rd) at Holly HS between 11:00-1:30 at the annual HAS Health and Enrollment Fair. I have attached the MHSAA Physical Form that will need to be filled out to this message. Once completed, please send an electronic copy to casey.lombard@hask12.org or feel free to bring the hard copy into the athletic office during our office hours listed above.

MHSAA Physical Form.pdf

***Athletes will not be able to participate in any practices/tryouts or competitions until this requirement is met.

Schedules: Competition schedules can be accessed using your mobile device using a free app called Activity Scheduler (the icon is a blue baseball cap). Please download the app on your mobile device and follow the prompts to select Michigan as the state and Holly High School (all MS schedules are included under the HS selection). This platform provides dates, times, locations, and bus times for all events in our athletic department and any changes that are made on our end are updated instantaneously within the app.

Sport Specific Practice and Contact Information for HS Sports:

--Wrestling:

Coaches: Joe Walters and David Dryer

Practice Times: The MS wrestling team (6th-8th grade boys and girls) will begin with their first practice on Monday October 28th. Practices will take place in the MS gym on weekdays from 3:00-5:00. Coaches will be communicating via FinalForms in the near future with more information as we get closer to the start of practices.

--Volleyball:

Coaches: TBA

Practice Times: The MS Volleyball teams (7th-8th grade girls) will begin on Monday October 28th at Holly MS. More information will be sent out via FinalForms as we get closer to the first practice.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the athletic department at Holly HS. We look forward to seeing you all participating in middle school athletics this year.

Take Care,

Mr. Lombard

HMS's Coed Tennis team is in desperate need of a coach for their Spring Season! We're looking for 1-2 people.

Here is some information for you:

• MS tennis is a no cut sport
• About 30-40 kids come out each season
• Practices are on Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-4:30 pm
• Matches are typically on Mondays and Wednesdays
• Varsity tennis girls and boys join in to help facilitate practices and matches, they are a huge help

Being a coach for the HMS Coed Tennis team is FUN! The kids are so invested and it's a great opportunity to build relationships with students. The parents are FANTASTIC and very helpful.

If interested please reach out to the AD at 248-3247

Click the link above to view the UPDATED 24-25 student handbook. Please review the new cell phone policy for students.

BACKPACK/BOOKBAGS/COAT POLICY Backpacks, book bags, and bags may not be used in the school building during school hours. Medical exceptions, which require a doctor's note identifying a need for a student to use a backpack during the school day, must be turned in at the office. At this point, the student will either be given a clear backpack or a medical tag for their bag.

To Access information on any of these topics click the button above.

• Drop off/Pick up
• Student Access to the building - times and locations
• Dropping off items for students
• Scheduling meetings
• Student sign-out procedures
• Attendance

**Parents, as a reminder, we do not require a phone call prior to your arrival if you are picking up your student early. Please just come up to the building with your ID and we will call your student at that time. We can not call them prior to your arrival. If you have a prearranged appt, see Option 1 in the student sign-out procedures instructions.**

To minimize classroom disruptions, we are asking you to communicate with your student regarding their transportation home prior to the school day whenever possible. We understand that emergencies happen, if you do need to call we ask that you call the office no later than 2pm so that we have time to relay the message. We kindly ask that you make every effort to do that before 2, it would be greatly appreciated.

We kindly ask that you do not use the Hampton Manor parking lot adjacent to HMS to wait for your child after school. That is private property and the Fire Lane to the facility is being blocked which is a safety concern for their residents.

The Parent Lighthouse Team meets once a month. For meeting times and other PLT information please visit our site to find out how we are working to support our students and school!

Please reach out to our PLT via email for information on meetings, volunteering, and donations.

hollymiddleschoolplt@gmail.com

Sept Meeting Minutes

Next meeting TBD

The PLT is running its very popular pickle sale fundraiser! At lunch students can purchase a pickle for $1. The next scheduled day is Friday Oct 25th.

Nov 8, Dec 20, Jan 24, Feb 28, March 28, May 30

PLT is offering popcorn for purchase for $1 during lunches. The next popcorn sale will be on Oct 24th!!

Nov 21, Dec 19, Jan 23, Feb 20th, Mar 20th, Apr 24, May 15, Jun 5

All 7th graders and any students new to the district (grades 6-8), please remember to get your updated immunizations or a waiver by October. Any questions, contact Natalie Ayers at (248) 328--3413 or email natalie.ayers@hask12.org

Please have all appropriate paperwork and Dr authorization forms signed and fully completed. Renewal of medical alert information is required to be updated every school year.

**Students that have chronic medical conditions that require a rescue medication such as seizures, severe allergies, or asthma can self-carry and are encouraged to. The school MUST have a current medical care plan on file with Dr authorization.

See the district website for more details on our medication policy and printable forms to take to your family Dr.

Please reach out to our district nurse with any questions. jessica.morantes@hask12.org

Health Guidance

Showing up to school every day is critical for children’s well-being, engagement, and learning.

Click here for more information on when to keep your child home from school and when to send them.

This year Breakfast and Lunch are free for ALL HAS students!! ONLY IF you've filled out your Education Benefits form!!

To see what we offer each day, check out all of the great menu options here!!

For assistance or questions please reach out to the Food Service Dept or visit their website.

248-328-3036

Holly Area Community Coalition and Holly Area Youth Assistance are community based organizations that can provide a multitude of resources for students and families. Please visit their websites for details.

Holly Area Youth Assistance

Holly Area Community Coalition

For Questions regarding any of these programs, please reach out to HACC. 248-328-3135

Choices is an after-school program sponsored by HACC that helps students with a multitude of skills and is a great opportunity to meet new friends. See the flyer below for details.

District 2024-25 Calendar

Holly Middle School Webpage ( supply lists are under the "Parent/Student Resources" Tab)

Schoology Parent Access

Technology Protection Plan

Efunds for Schools

10/2 - COUNT DAY

10/7 - 10/11 - Homecoming Week

10/11 - End of Progress Report 1

10/10 - Picture Retake Day

10/16 - Half Day Students

10/16 - Parent Teacher Conferences - 12pm - 3pm and 4pm - 7pm

10/25 - Jamfest hosted by NJHS

11/5 - No School - District PD

Daily Announcements, pictures of HMS students in action and more, are easily accessible by following us on Facebook and Twitter!!

Website: http://www.hask12.org/schools/holly-middle-school/
Location: 14470 North Holly Road, Holly, MI, USA
Phone: 248 328 3400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Holly-Middle-School-Sherman-Campus-634705656664993/
Twitter: @HMSBronchos