Hall Happenings

October is here, and I’m excited to share some important updates and reminders to ensure a successful month at Hall Middle School.

The Importance of Attendance

One of the key factors in student success is regular attendance. Students who attend school consistently are more likely to stay engaged, keep up with coursework, and build positive habits that carry into adulthood. Please ensure that your child is present every day unless absolutely necessary. We will continue monitoring attendance closely, and we encourage your support in helping your child prioritize being at school on time.

Tardy Policy Reminder

Starting this month, we are implementing a revised tardy policy. Punctuality is critical to maintaining a focused and productive learning environment. Frequent tardies not only interrupt learning for the student but for the entire class. Our new policy will encourage good time management and responsibility, helping students arrive promptly.

Student I.D. Badges

All students are required to wear their ID badges while on campus. Wearing IDs enhances school security, allowing staff to easily identify students. Please remind your child to have their badge visible at all times, as this is essential for ensuring the safety of everyone at Hall Middle School. You can click on the button below to order a badge replacement online.

WISD Dress Code

It is also important for our students to continue adhering to the WISD dress code. The dress code is in place to promote a positive learning environment and minimize distractions in the classroom. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring your child is dressed appropriately each day, as it contributes to both their focus and the overall school climate.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

We are looking forward to our Parent-Teacher Conference meetings this month. This is a valuable opportunity to discuss your child's progress and collaborate with teachers to support their learning journey. Please reach out to any teacher you need to schedule a meeting with and discuss concerns.

Fall Sports and Arts Update

Our football and volleyball teams have been outstanding this season, demonstrating remarkable teamwork and dedication. In addition, our band and choir have delivered incredible performances, showcasing the talent and passion of our students. We're proud of their hard work and are excited to see their continued success.

As we move through October, I encourage you to remain actively involved in your child’s education and the school community. Be on the lookout for each week's Parent Connect Series!

Let's have a great month!

Mr. Kenny

Principal

Attendance is critical to your child’s success at HMS. Research shows that students who are present each day in school have higher success rates. Please make every effort to get your child to school each and every day. Contact our attendance clerk, Tracy Townsel , if your student must miss a day of school. If your child is sick at home or sees a doctor, please turn in a written note to the front office when they return to school.

At the middle school level, attendance is taken every class period and students are held accountable for attending each individual class and for being there on time.

Regular school attendance is essential. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s education. The student and parent should avoid unnecessary absences.

Two important state laws—one dealing with compulsory attendance and the other with how attendance affects the award of a student’s final grade or course credit—are discussed below.

Compulsory Attendance

Communication is required when a student is absent from school. Please phone or email the office if your child will be absent, as we truly value your communication. When the student returns, they must bring a note from a doctor in order to excuse the absence. Parent notes are no longer accepted as excused absences. Notes must be turned in within 3 days of the absence. Notes can be turned in to the front office or via email to ttownsel@weatherfordisd.com.

Attendance for Class

The State of Texas requires students to be present 90% of the school year. If a student is absent for more than the allotted days, excused or unexcused, they run the risk of not receiving class credit. The allotted days for the school year are 8 days for the first semester and 9 for the second semester.

Secondary Attendance

Attendance is taken every period at the secondary level. Picking up a student early/bringing them late could result in an absence for a period.

• Leggings - acceptable with a shirt that covers the bottom
• Athletic shorts are acceptable….Volleyball shorts are NOT … biker shorts are not, UNLESS they are under athletic shorts.
• Jeans - May have holes in them, however if they are upper thigh then they must have leggings, or shorts on underneath.
• No tank tops or off the shoulder shirts, and no crop tops.
• No pajamas / no house shoes / no hats *except for designated days
• No clothing articles that promote death, alcohol, drugs, or vulgar references.

* For questions about dress code, please see our student handbook.

Yearbook pictures were taken on October 1st. You will be sent an email with your child's proofs to view in about two weeks with a code allowing you to view them. From there you can select the background and portrait package to purchase them online. Packages will be shipped to your home and are 100% guaranteed.

If you missed picture day or do not like the proof you have previewed, picture retakes will be on Wednesday, November 13th.

OCTOBER

September 23-October 8 : PTA Membership Contest

10- Parent/Teacher Conference Day

11- No School

14- No School

18- Deadline to Sign Up for UIL Academics

28-31 Red Ribbon Week

31- End of 2nd 6 Weeks

31- Band Fall Concert, Hall MS, 6:30 PM

Coming soon...

NOVEMBER

1- Professional Development Day (students no school)

4- Staff Work Day (students no school)

5- Begin 3rd 6 Weeks

6- College/Career Spirit Day

8-9 HMS Theatre Presents Willy Wonka Jr.

13- Picture Retake Day

25-29 Fall Break (No School)

*Keep reading below for more information about each event!

It is time to sign-up for UIL Academic Teams. If your child is interested in joining one of our teams, they can sign up in the library. Sign-ups will close October 18th. Please click the button below to learn more about each event. You can also visit the UIL Academic website for more information. The coaches will hold their first meeting during the last week of October. After teams are established, they will practice weekly. Our teams will compete at the Middle School UIL Academic Meet at Hall MS with 6 other middle schools after school on February 26th and 27th.

If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Jester.

sjester@weatherfordisd.com

817-598-2822, ext. 3901

• If your student needs tutoring, please reach out to his/her teacher to get their tutoring schedule.
• There is an additional opportunity for students to work on late or missing work during lunch, in a quiet space with technology available.

Sometimes you just need a little extra help! Mrs. Gonzalez is offering Spanish tutorials, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:35 AM - 8:05 AM. Remember you MUST need a pass to come to the tutorials.

This year we are offering you the opportunity to celebrate your child's or a staff member's birthday with a personalized message on our marquee. For only $10 a day or $35 for the week, you will see a "Happy Birthday" message to your child or staff member on their birthday!! We are offering this to our families for the 24-25 school year. We also have shout-outs available for students and staff. If you are interested, be sure to complete the form below and bring payment to the front office (cash or check made payable to Hall Middle School). All requests and payments must be made 1 week prior to the date of request. No exceptions can or will be made.

Please contact Mrs. Crawford at lparriscrawford@weatherfordisd.com for any questions.

We understand the importance of mental health and the need for support during the school year. To make it easier for our students to access our counseling services, we have created an online form. If you or your child would like to speak with one of our counselors, please fill out the form linked below. Our counselors are here to help with any academic, social, or personal concerns. We encourage all students to take advantage of this resource whenever needed.

Dear Hall Middle School Families,

We are excited to announce the kickoff for this year's Texas PTA Reflections Program! The theme for this year is “Accepting Imperfections,” a wonderful opportunity for students to explore and express their creativity through the arts. The Texas PTA Reflections program celebrates arts in education, and we want to see as many students as possible getting involved.

Students can submit entries in the following categories:

• Dance Choreography
• Film Production
• Literature
• Music Composition
• Photography
• Visual Arts

The deadline for submissions is October 18.

If any of your student is interested, if help is needed or if you have any questions, please contact, Tiffnie Versola, Reflections Chair at tiffnie.versola@gmail.com.

The PTA is essential to Hall Middle School, providing invaluable support, motivation, and resources to help our students excel both academically and socially. Beyond supporting our students, the PTA also shows appreciation for our staff with luncheons, classroom supplies, and various other initiatives. Greater parental involvement means more accomplishments for our students and staff at Hall Middle School.

One of our immediate needs is to form a partnership between the PTA and our athletic teams to set up a concession stand committee. This project will not only generate essential funds for our programs but also enhance the game day experience for all.

Let’s collaborate to make a meaningful difference!

Sign up to volunteer for 7th or 8th grade football or volleyball concessions!

ALL football games are at Kangaroo Stadium.

A- Team volunteers can volunteer during B- Team games.

B- Team volunteers can volunteer during the A- Team games.

Please click on the buttons below to review the available slots and sign-up.

Thank you for your help!

Invitational Honor Band Audition : Saturday, October 5

Invitational Honor Band auditions are on Saturday, October 5. Honor and select Symphonic Band members will meet at 7:15 AM to leave by 7:30 AM. We should be back on campus around 3:30 PM. The audition is at Tannahill Middle School in Fort Worth.

Wish them luck as they compete for a place in this esteemed organization!

Weatherford Mass Band Performance : Friday, October 25

This performance is required for all eligible Honor and Symphonic band students at Hall Middle School. Middle school band students will have the opportunity to sit and perform with the high school band during the Varsity football game. Students will be released after halftime, usually around 9:30 PM.

Fall Band Concert : Thursday, October 31, 6:30 PM

This is a required performance for all Honor and Symphonic Bands. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an outdoor concert while the top bands perform for your fall enjoyment. The students MAY wear costumes for this event. Parking is available in the front of HMS, District Services Building, and the athletic parking lot. Bands will be playing in front of the “HMS” on the Bowie side of the building, weather permitting.

Tennis Schedule

In effort to remain in compliance with best nursing practices, beginning August 2024, administration of OVER-THE-COUNTER medication during the school day will require a parent/guardian signature and an order from a medical provider. This includes but is not limited to: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, oral or topical allergy medication, cough suppressant, or insect bite ointment.

All medication should be given outside of school hours if at all possible. If it is necessary for the student to have medication in order to remain in school, the appropriate request form should be completed and returned to the campus clinic. Forms may be obtained from the school.

Medication, prescription or non-prescription, will not be given without written parental/guardian permission and an order from a medical provider (non-expired prescription label is sufficient).

Most medication will be secured in a locked area in the campus clinic. Maintenance of adequate amounts of continuing medication is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. First dose of any medication, prescription or non-prescription, must be given at home in case of an unexpected reaction.

Prescription medication requires that the parent/guardian complete the medication form. Prescription medication, including inhalers, must have the student’s name on the label and be a current prescription. You can obtain a current prescription bottle from your preferred pharmacy by requesting a "School Bottle".

Non-prescription medication must be in the original container, require parent/guardian permission, and a medical provider's order. Only FDA approved medications will be given. The medication usage should be reviewed by medical personnel and instructions given to the school to ensure safe administration of the medication and that the student is receiving proper medical care.

For both prescription and non-prescription medication, the medical provider's order must include the date, child’s name, name of medication, time, amount of dose, and parent/guardian signature.

Students may NOT carry or self-administer any medications at school. Exceptions to this regulation include the use of Epinephrine for anaphylaxis, Insulin for diabetes, and asthma inhalers. A medical providers signature for self administration will be necessary in these instances and will be kept on file in the clinic.

It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to take outdated/unused medication home. After notification, outdated/unused medication will be destroyed if not picked up. Parents are strongly encouraged to pick up the medication no longer being used. Students will not be given medication from the clinic to take home. Medications not picked up at the end of the school year will be properly destroyed according to nursing guidelines.

We are here for you if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for helping keep our students healthy and safe!

Kelsey Ward, RN

kward@weatherfordisd.com

Kirstin Mitchell, LVN

kmitchell@weatherfordisd.com

817-598-2822 x 3910

Our school telemedicine clinics are a partnership between Weatherford ISD and Parker County Hospital District Outreach Program to provide medical care onsite at each campus. Through the use of telemedicine and the MedPod Medical Cart, the healthcare needs of both staff and students can be met in a convenient setting with each campus nurse.

Please contact the HMS nurses with questions and instructions on how to enroll your student for KangaRoo Care. Remember, sign up for KangaRoo Care now if you would like your student to be tested or seen by our PCHD doctor at any point during the school year.

8:05 AM – 3:45 PM

• Students will be allowed in the building at 7:35 each morning. Breakfast is served in the cafeteria until 8:00.
• Students will be supervised outside of the building until 4:05 each day. Please make arrangements to have your student picked up by that time.

Hall has four 33-minute lunch periods:

Lunch A: 11:41 - 12:14

Lunch B: 12:16 - 12:49

Lunch C: 12:51 - 1:24

Lunch D: 1:26 - 1:59

Lunch Procedures:

• Students may bring a lunch or purchase one in the cafeteria.
• We have four microwaves available for student use at lunch. Microwaves can be busy, so please consider this when planning your student's lunch.
• Parents/Guardians may drop off lunch for their students by coming into the front office.
• Parents/Guardians must inform their student that lunch is being dropped off, as front office staff will not be able to call students out of class to pick up their lunch.
• Students will need to come to the office to pick up their lunch.
• Reminder: For safety purposes, no delivery services are allowed. Only parents/guardians may deliver lunch to their student. Hall does not accept food delivery services such as Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc.
• Parents who wish to eat with their student will need to show a valid form of ID, get a visitor’s pass, and eat in a designated area in the cafeteria. We love to see you take time out of your day to spend it with your kiddo!

Free and reduced meals will be available to all who apply and qualify. All families are encouraged to apply for this program.

Parents may apply:

1. Online during the Verification of Enrollment process
2. Online by visiting Weatherfordisd.schoollunchapp.com
3. By completing a paper application (available in the front office)

Email: skenny@weatherfordisd.com
Website: https://hall-ms.weatherfordisd.com
Location: 823 S Bowie Dr, Weatherford, TX, USA
Phone: 817-598-2822