May Newsletter 2023

As of May 16, we are only 8 school days away from the Class of 2026 being promoted to Habersham Central as sophomores. That also means we are days away from my favorite event of the year, Habersham Central's graduation (8:00 PM in Raider Stadium). This event is the culmination of all the hard work that the members of the Class of 2023 have put into their studies. In just three short years, the members of the Class of 2026 will be on the same field, walking across the same stage, celebrating that accomplishment. It is my goal as the principal of HNGA and Dr. Jonathan Stribling's goal as the principal of HCHS, that 100% of students graduate from high school, on time, and with their peers.

The next three years won't be easy; there will be times of doubt for both students and families. And there will be times when the thought of giving up may creep in. But I believe that the skills, instruction, and resources that the Class of 2026 have learned here at HNGA this year from our amazing faculty and staff will equip and empower them to do anything they want in life.

Again, congratulations to the graduating seniors. It feels like yesterday you all were wide-eyed freshmen figuring out your first day of high school. Congratulations as well to the freshmen who have worked so hard this year. I cannot wait to see these students grow over the next three years. You will do amazing things!

For Students,

David Leenman

Principal

We have an exciting opportunity for our students that we would like to announce. We will be offering a Credit Recovery Summer Program for any HNGA student who has failed to earn credit in a required, core academic subject. If your student lost credit in English, math, science, or history or is in danger of being retained, they will be eligible to attend our credit recovery program. We have found that credit recovery not only stops students from having to retake the entire course from the beginning but also can keep students on track for graduation.

The dates for Summer Learning are Monday through Thursday, June 5-22 from 8:00-12:00. Free transportation, breakfast, and lunch are available to all students who attend.

If your student hasn't returned the form that was sent home with them, you can register them for Summer Learning at this LINK.

For more information, please call me at 706-778-0830.

Congratulations to the April Raider Pride winners. They were treated to lunch provided by Casa Bariachi and a t-shirt.

Front (l-r): Alex Cardenas Mendoza, Haeli Borchert

Back (l-r): Maverick Chitwood, Gracen Thomas, Marian Kline, Ben Rogers, Omar Rivera

Students are required to take a final exam in courses that do not require a Georgia Milestone. At HNGA, all courses except Algebra 1 have a final exam that counts 20% of a student's final grade.

Please mark your calendar for these important, upcoming events:

May 22: Elective Finals

May 23: Science & Math Finals

May 24: English & History Finals

May 25: Missing work & final make-ups

May 26: Early Release Day (1:12) & HCHS Graduation (8:00PM)

We had such a Fantastic Friends-themed Teacher Appreciation Week! Special thanks to our parents/families, The Torch, Hill Crossing Baptist Church, students, and staff who provided terrific treats, gifts, breakfasts, festive decor, and notes of gratitude!

Save the Date! Honor's Day will be Friday, May 19th at 9am. Invitations have been sent out to students receiving awards.

Everything we do here at HNGA is done with our eyes on the ultimate goal, graduation from Habersham Central. After the first semester, most students are well on their way to earning the required 5 credits to go to Habersham Central as a sophomore in the fall. (Refer to HNGA Handbook pg. 33 - 34 for more details).

One of the best ways to ensure our freshmen graduate on time is to pass all their classes. Research shows that 85% of students with 0 semester failures will graduate on time. It is vital that our students end the year without any course failures.

We will continue to motivate our students, and the first step towards graduation is to earn all 8 credits as a 9th grader, including core content credits in science, history, math, and English.

If you need Powerschool access to see your student's grades and attendance, please email Penny Rineheart @
prineheart@habershamschools.com. Your student also has access to Powerschool and can access it at home.

HNGA recently celebrated Administrative Professional's Day. We are so thankful for Mrs. Jessalan Smith, Mrs. Penny Rineheart, and Mrs. Erica Laguna. These ladies support our parents, staff, and students every day and truly make the school run efficiently and effectively each day.

Students are expected to continue to follow the HNGA dress code found in the student handbook - Pages 13-14.

Please review this particular section which is a problem area for a number of students:

• No blankets at school - students may bring jackets or coats, but blankets are not allowed.
  

• Leggings, "jeggings", tights or yoga pants are permitted ONLY if the outer garment (shirt, skirt, dress, etc.) appropriately covers the student’s front and back.
  
• Shirts must be long enough to extend beyond the top of the pants, shorts, leggings/joggers, or skirt. No midriff exposed.
  
• No cleavage should be exposed. Sleeveless shirts/dresses are permitted providing the clothing meets the end of the shoulder and does not expose undergarments or have arm openings large enough to expose the sides, back or chest of the student. Shirts with cutoff sleeves are not permitted.
  
• Exposing undergarments is prohibited.
• Halter tops, strapless tops, midriff tops, tank tops, and spaghetti straps are not permitted.
• Pajamas or other bedroom apparel are not permitted.This includes pajama pants and bedroom attire.
  
• Dresses, holes in jeans, or shorts (for all students) must be no higher than 3" above of the knee.
• Sweatshirt hoods are not allowed to be worn in the building as this is a safety issue. Hats are only allowed on designated hat days.
  

For more information, please reference page 13-14 of your student's handbook. Thank you for your support!

Students are permitted to use cell phones at HNGA for classroom instructional purposes only and only with the teacher's permission.

Parents who need to communicate with their student throughout the day are encouraged to call the front office, where there is also a phone for students to use as needed.

HNGA Handbook Policy: Students may use headphones/earbuds for instructional purposes only, and should not be worn when not being used with the teacher's permission.

Students are to have their electronic communication devices and other electronic media turned off and put away upon entering the school, throughout the school day, and until they leave the school each day. A student using a cell phone outside of instructional purposes (including, but not limited to use in common areas, cafeteria, restrooms, locker rooms, and hallways) will result in the following consequences:

• First Offense: Cell phone will be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the school day.

• Second Offense: Cell phone will be confiscated and returned to a parent at the end of the school day.

• Third or additional Offenses: Cell phone will be confiscated and returned to a parent at the end of the school day. The student will also serve one day in In School Suspension (ISS).

Students who repeatedly violate the cell phone policy may be required to leave their cell phone in the office at the beginning of each school day.

Students are not permitted to video, take pictures of, or audio record other students violating any section of the Code of Conduct.

Habersham Ninth Grade Academy will provide a positive, safe learning community, equipping and empowering students with skills necessary for graduation and post-secondary pursuits.

Email: DLeenman@habershamschools.com
Website: https://hnga.habershamschools.com/
Location: 171 Raider Circle, Mount Airy, GA, USA
Phone: 706-778-0830
Facebook: facebook.com/HabershamNinthGradeAcademy