Hawk News

• September 24: BLUE OUT Pep Rally! (Pep Rally is for Hays students and staff only / Pep Rally Bell Schedule)
• September 26: Rock Hill Middle School Night (flyer below)
• September 20: Spelling Bee permission forms due (info below)

Our Lost & Found, located in the cafeteria, is already filling up! If your child is missing an item, please have them check the Lost & Found. We have lots of water bottles and lunch boxes, pencil pouches, sweatshirts, shoes, and other items waiting to be claimed by their owners!

Parents, pay tribute to your graduating 8th grader's milestone with a Dedication Ad in the yearbook. All ads are designed by you and featured in the back of the book to memorialize your pride and love for your Hawk!

Would you like your Summer Vacation or First Day photos featured in the Hays Hawk Heritage Yearbook? If so, submit it here (link: https://forms.gle/gbY3pMbe4NS1KqVN7) for consideration by the yearbook staff! Reach out to Ms. Freed at eafreed@prosper-isd.net if you have any questions.

The Texas Legislature has mandated that children who meet certain grade criteria be screened for specific health problems. These screenings will take place at Hays Middle School during the school day on October 25,2024 (Spinal Screening) and November 12, 2024 (Vision and Hearing Screening). If applicable, please be sure that your child wears their glasses on this day. If we are unable to fit all screenings in one day they may be completed on another day. The required screenings are broken down by grade level as follows:

• 8th grade boys: Spinal screening
• 7th grade girls: Spinal screening
• All 7th grade: hearing, vision and risk assessment for Type 2 Diabetes
• All new-to-district students in 6th &8th grade: hearing & vision
• All new to district 7th grade: hearing, vision and risk assessment for Type 2 Diabetes

For more information on the required screenings please visit https://www.dshs.texas.gov/schoolhealth/tgshs-services/

Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. We offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites, books, and music. Our Parent Concerns and Parent Blog help families understand and navigate the problems and possibilities of raising children in the digital age.

In the 21st century technology age, the way the world works is ever changing. From physical, emotional, mental, and, even, social development, society looks different from generation to generation. Common Sense Media for Families was created to help assist in navigating the rapid pace of information in all forms of media. Common Sense Media, not only, assists in the safety and security of technology, but it provides age appropriate materials from movie selections, books, websites, and more. One thing to take into account is the social media activity of your teenager(s). Not only are future employers looking but colleges and universities have been looking into applicant’s social media footprint. Due to this rise, Common Sense offers tips, not only for your student, but for you as well to guide your child on his/her next steps. We invite you to take a look at this free service for your family. To get you started with Common Sense Media, we have provided a Family Media Agreement you may use with your family if you choose.

Common Sense Media for Families

Family Media Agreement

Kind Regards,

Mrs. Melanie Friesenhahn, MLIS

Library Media Specialist

Academic UIL Season is here! We are VERY excited about our students having the opportunity to participate in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) A+ Academics Competition.

Each school year, schools create a Campus Improvement Plan in order to ensure continued growth and achievement for students and staff. We are seeking 3-5 parents/community members to attend a brief meeting after school on September 26th as we review campus priorities for the year. If you are interested in serving as a parent or community representative at this meeting, please email Mrs. Brittain.

• Did you miss Coffee with the Counselors? You can view their presentation here.
• The guidance lesson topic for September is Mental Health Awareness. Learn more here.

Volleyball and Football seasons have begun, and we are excited to cheer on our Hawks! Reminders about students who come to spectate:

• Students who attend games to spectate should go home between the end of the school day and the start of the game. The school does not provide supervision for students in the interim. Backpacks need to be left at home.
• Students should have rides ready to pick up at the conclusion of the games. Please communicate with your child to ensure you have a plan for pick-up.
• Our Hays REAL Hawk expectations apply to behavior at games and events.
• Game tickets for all PISD games can be purchased here.
• Support our Hawk Athletes through Booster Club membership! Visit hayshawks.membershiptoolkit.com.
  

• Join PTO! Your membership and partnership help to fund materials, experiences, and celebrations for students and teachers throughout the year!
• Give your child a birthday shout out with a message on the Hays marquee! Details here!

Parents and Guardians,

It is time to sign up for the Scripp's National Spelling Bee. The 2024-2025 Prosper ISD Spelling Bee will take place in several levels. As set by our Regional organization, the minimum grade level for participation is 3rd grade.

At the first level, campuses with more than 20 students interested in competing will host a written test for all interested participants. The top 20 students from those tests will compete in the Campus Spelling Bee held in November in a traditional Spelling Bee oral format. The Champion from each campus will advance to the District Spelling Bee on December 12 at the Prosper ISD Community Room.

The top 3 students from Prosper ISD will advance to the Collin County Spelling Bee held on February 6, 2025 in Prosper ISD at the Walnut Grove High School Auditorium. The top 3-6 students at the Collin County Bee will advance to the Dallas Regional Bee on March 8, 2025 at the WFAA studio. From there winners will advance to the National Bee.

Please go to the Prosper ISD Academic Competition Newsletter for information about a study app for your student.

If your child is a Prosper ISD student in grades 3 - 8 and you want them to participate, click the link below to sign them up to compete. The deadline to register is September 30, 2024. After signing up, instructions will be emailed to you regarding how to get the study words. The campus meet will be in October so the sooner you register, the quicker your student will be able to start studying. By completing this form, you are giving your permission for your child to participate in the Prosper ISD Scripp's National Spelling Bee preliminary contests and for your child to represent Prosper ISD in the contest should your student advance. Additionally, by completing this form, you acknowledge that your child's name and image may be used by Prosper ISD and the Scripp's National Spelling Bee organization when acknowledging winners and grant permission for that use.

PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM SEPARATELY FOR EACH STUDENT THAT YOU WANT TO SIGN UP FOR THE BEE!

• Dec 7th from 9am-2pm INDOORS at Walnut Grove High School.

While we will continue to post current events on our Facebook and Twitter pages, you will be able to find the same content utilizing the Live Feed feature on our website (https://www.prosper-isd.net/hays) as well as via the Prosper ISD App! In addition to the feed, there are several other features on the app that we hope you will enjoy using as you stay connected with HMS and Prosper ISD!

*Click here for instructions on how to find and use the feed.

Hays Middle School

14441 Hillcrest Road

Frisco, TX

469-219-2260