
Panther Update - Family Edition #21
January 31, 2025

A Note from the Principal...
Hello Everyone,
As we say goodbye to January and welcome February, we have a couple of special celebrations coming up next week!
School Counselor Appreciation Week (Feb. 3-7)
Next week, we will take time to recognize and appreciate our amazing school counselors! They play a vital role in supporting our students academically, socially, and emotionally. Feel free to encourage your student to write a note or share a kind word of appreciation with their school counselor!
World Read Aloud Day – Wednesday, Feb. 5
Reading aloud fosters a love for books and strengthens literacy skills. Join us in celebrating World Read Aloud Day by reading a favorite book aloud as a family or encouraging your student to share a story with a sibling, pet, or friend!
We’re looking forward to a fantastic February filled with learning and hopefully, warmer temperatures!
Ms. Janie Ulmer
Interim Principal
Car Rider Line
Drop Off Zone Reminder
We have a large drop off zone between the two orange cones set up at Door 1. Please do your best to pull forward past the front door. This allows at least four or more cars to unload at the same time. Sidewalks are treated to allow students to slowly, yet safety get into the building.
Panther Fest
Save the Date! Friday, March 28, 2025, from 6:30-8:30pm.
Join us for Panther Fest! This is our 5th & 6th grade night of fun. Enjoy inflatables, games, trivia, face painting and more! Wristbands will be $20. Concessions will be available as a separate purchase and are not included in the price of the wristband. This is a drop off event. All volunteers must have a current background check on file. No siblings or non-HIJH students may attend with volunteers.
Due to the large attendance for this event, we really need ADULT volunteers to make this a success! Please consider volunteering for a shift. Link to volunteer is below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CA9A82DAAFE3-53328762-pantherfest
Rise Game Request
All items can be dropped off in the bin labeled “RISE GAMES” outside the front office at school. Please place any loose items in a ziploc bag or grocery bag.
Any questions? Email: hijhpto@gmail.com
Indy Zoo Tickets for HSE Families
Dates of Club:
Wednesday, January 29
Wednesday, February 5
Wednesday, February 12
Wednesday, February 19
Wednesday, February 26
Wednesday, March 5
Wednesday, March 12
Thank you for all your donations!
Clinic Notes 🩺🥼
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury that affects how your brain works. It can happen when your brain gets bounced around in your skull after a fall or hit to the head.
+ What should I do if I have a fall or hit to my head?
Report it to your coach or teacher, get checked by a doctor, and give your brain time to heal.
+ What are some signs and symptoms of a concussion?
You may have a concussion, and should be evaluated by a doctor, if you have any of these symptoms after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head:
Get a headache
Feel dizzy, sluggish, or foggy
Are bothered by light or noise
Have double or blurry vision
Vomit or feel sick to your stomach
Have trouble focusing or problems remembering
Feel more emotional or “down”
Feel confused
Have problems with sleep
District Policy for Illnesses
- Fever of 100.4 should stay home for 24 hours and remain home until fever is normal without the use of medication.
- Vomiting should stay home for 24 hours and remain home until vomit free without help of medication.
- Diarrhea should stay home for 24 hours and remain home until diarrhea free without use of medication.
Injuries
Any injuries that need restrictions from a doctor, please let us know. We are happy to allow students to use elevator and to have a book carrier with a doctor's note showing the restrictions.
Orthodontist Visits
It may be beneficial to give your student a pain reliever an hour BEFORE getting braces tightened. It helps keep the pain down and makes their day easier when returning to school.
NJHS - National Junior Honor Society
HIJH is recognized as one of the official charter schools for the national academic organization known as National Junior Honor Society. Students are eligible to apply based on the GPA calculation after Semester 1 of 7th grade. A GPA of 3.67 is required to apply.
Invitations are sent to students' email if they are eligible to apply. Students are also notified via email if their application and essay has been approved by the Faculty Council. The process can take two to three weeks for all applications to be reviewed. Not all applicants are accepted, and several may be given a chance to re-write their essay. If approved, a Canvas page is created to help with information and tracking community service.
By April of their 8th grade year, candidates must maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA, complete 50 hours of community service, and show good character to be formally inducted in May of their 8th grade year. Please note that participation in NJHS is not required for qualification to NHS at high schools.
Induction: May of the 8th grade year.
Helpful Tips & Links from the Counseling Department
Panther Peers
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=PkZ4tvvZX0eBU43PqJYEfQJDrP3aXbVMkdIrr69iGBxUMEtITjkwVzhNVjdDSkUzSjBJQ1cwV01FUC4u. This is a link for 7/8 parents to fill out for an upcoming group opportunity. The group is called Panther Peers, which will focus on healthy relationships/friendships. This group will be held one day a week during RISE. If you should have any questions, please feel free to email me at scampbell@hse.k12.in.us
Withdrawing Student from School
If your child is withdrawing from Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate/Junior High School, please notify the Counseling Department at least two days in advance of your child’s last day. Withdrawal forms must be signed by the parent/guardian.
Panther Spirit Wear Clothing Closet
New this year, we are collecting gently used Panther spirit wear to give to students in need or that move to our school during the year and want something. Please contact Mr. McCord at gmccord@hse.k12.in.us if you are interested in receiving items or have items to donate.
Snack Attack
Fishers Youth Assistance Program (FYAP) offers a free weekend snack program for any student attending Hamilton Southeastern Schools who qualifies for the reduced lunch program or has an increased need currently. Snacks are delivered to schools each week and sent home with students. To be part of this free program, you must sign up your family online at https://forms.gle/ZDZ4mtJ2sXoaRRRx6.
Local Food Pantry
Northview Fishers has a mobile food pantry to serve the Fishers community. Some items available are meat, milk, fresh bakery items, fresh produce, pharmacy, and hygiene products. This resource is available to ANYONE. More information and dates are available at mobilepantry.info.
21st Century Scholars
The 21st Century Scholars program helps eligible students who meet certain high school requirements attend college for free, https://learnmoreindiana.org/scholars/enroll/.
Library Update
World Read Aloud Day
World Read Aloud Day is coming up on Wednesday, February 5. There are lots of opportunities for ideas of things to read to others in your household, activities to do, and even authors to hear from and connect with! Find some ideas and resources here. HIJH Library will be facilitating 5 live virtual author connection opportunities for classrooms that day that teachers can sign up for their classes to join.
HEPL’s Winter Reading Program
Hamilton East Public Library will host their Winter Reading Program during the month of February. Sign up is open now for all ages, and books can be logged from February 1-28. Find more details here.
Think Spring Book Fair
Save the date! Our Think Spring Book Fair will be coming up at the end of February from February 24-28. More details to come.
Mudsock Youth Athletics
Curious about rugby? Join Mudsock Youth Rugby for a FREE Try-It Day on Sunday, February 23rd at Fall Creek Intermediate:
This event is open to 2nd–8th grade boys and girls and is the perfect opportunity to learn about this exciting, inclusive sport. Our experienced coaches and board members will be on hand to teach fundamental skills, answer questions about the upcoming spring season and introduce youth to the growing sport of rugby. Learn more including times here.
Spring Boys Volleyball Callout:
Intermediate and junior high boys, it’s time to hit the court and serve up some fun this spring! Whether you're just getting started or dreaming of playing in high school, our spring skills clinic and intramural-style league is the perfect way to build skills and make friends. Register now at myathletics.com and learn more here.
Sign Up Now - Spring Sport Registration Remains Open:
Get ready for an action-packed spring! With 9 sports to choose from, there’s something for every skill level and interest. Registration is now open at myathletics.com. Sign up for baseball, softball, soccer, boys and girls lacrosse, rugby, boys volleyball, pickleball and track & field. Explore detailed season information here and secure your spot today!
R.A.V.E. Reviews
Help us in recognizing and appreciating our talented, hard-working, and dedicated employees by submitting a R.A.V.E. (Recognizing All Valuable Employees) Review. All HSE staff members are eligible for nomination and may be recognized multiple times. To submit a R.A.V.E. Review, click here to fill out a quick and easy online form and share why the individual is a 5-Star employee.
Recipients will receive a R.A.V.E. Review window cling to proudly display their nomination in their workspace, a certificate and letter of recognition with their review. Each month, one R.A.V.E. Review recipient will be selected at random by the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation for a $100 gift card. Thank you for your support!
HSE Intermediate and Junior High
12278 Cyntheanne Road, Fishers, IN, USA
Main Line: 317-594-4120
Attendance: 317-594-4126
Counseling: 317-594-4124
Fax: 317-594-4129
Website: https://hij.hseschools.org
Permitted use of school newsletters as required by the Equal Access Act is not an endorsement of this group or this group’s beliefs by Hamilton Southeastern Schools or the Board of School Trustees.
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