Hammond Middle School Bulletin
October 4, 2025
- October 1-31 - LGBTQ+ History Month
- October 2 - National Custodian Appreciation Day!
- October 6 & 7 - Grade 7 MAP Testing
- October 9 & 10 - Grade 8 MAP Testing
- October 13-17 National School Lunch Week
- October 17 - Schools Closed for Students
- October 20 - Schools and Offices Closed - Diwali
- October 22 - Unity Day - Bullying Prevention
- October 20-24 - National School Bus Safety Week
- October 31 - End of 1st Quarter - 3hr Early dismissal
- November 2 - Daylight Savings Time
For National Custodian Appreciation Day, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible team that keeps our school shining, safe, and welcoming every single day. From early mornings to late evenings, their hard work makes our learning environment brighter (literally and figuratively!). Please take a moment to thank our custodial staffâwhether itâs a smile, a kind word, or a quick note of appreciation. Small gestures go a long way in showing just how much they mean to our school family.
To our custodial team: We see you. We appreciate you. We couldnât do this without you.
Dear HMS Families,
Research is clear that showing up for school has a huge impact on a studentâs academic and social success, starting from kindergarten and continuing through high school. Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school, or even facing social challenges.
Missing 10% (or about 18 days of a school year) can drastically affect a studentâs academic success.
By the 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that can indicate if a student is at risk for dropping out of high school.
In the 9th grade, regular and high attendance predict graduation rates better than 8th-grade test scores.
Student attendance is a major point of focus for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, MSDE lowered the chronic absenteeism rate from 20% to 10%, meaning that at 10%, a student should receive support and interventions to improve their absenteeism.
Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) believes that attendance is key to student success. Maryland's attendance rate represents the average daily attendance rate of students in grades 1-12, including special education students. The state's proficient standard for attendance rate is 94%, and the advanced standard is 96%."
In support of achieving Exemplary Attendance for all students, we are sharing with you a comprehensive approach to attendance supports and interventions.
If a student has missed 5% of their monthly attendance days (as few as 1-2 days a month), parents/guardians will receive a Care and Concern Phone Call and letter from their school. This step will allow staff members to coordinate with families to determine how the student can be supported for better attendance.
If a student has missed 10% of their monthly attendance days (this is defined as chronic absenteeism by MSDE), parents/guardians will receive a 10% Chronic Absenteeism Attendance Letter. Parents/guardians and students may be scheduled for an attendance conference. Other interventions and supports may also be used in an effort to assist the student.
If a student has missed 15% of their monthly attendance days, in addition to the interventions and supports at 5% and 10%, these students may require an attendance support plan. Students may also be referred to the Central Attendance Team.
If a student has missed 20% of their monthly attendance days, parents/guardians will receive a 20% Emergency Chronic Absenteeism Letter or Habitual Truancy Letter. Students may be referred to Project Attend and/or the Stateâs Attorneyâs Office for habitual truancy.
With the collaborative effort of HCPSS parents/guardians, staff, and students, we are confident that all students can have successful attendance. This will enhance student success in school and beyond.
Sincerely,
Ms. Smith, Principal
Mrs. Thompson, Assistant Principal
Our students will soon participate in the Math MAP assessment.
This important test helps us monitor student growth and guide instruction throughout the year.
To ensure the best testing experience, students should bring their own wired headphones each testing day. (Please note: Bluetooth headphones are not compatible with the testing platform.)
Thank you for helping your child come prepared and ready to do their best!
Hello Band Families,
Please check out the October 3 Band Newsletter and let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for reading!
Best wishes,
Natalie Pretzello, NBCT
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Director of Bands & Related Arts Team Leader, Hammond Middle School
Howard County Teacher of the Year 2025-2026
Maryland State Department of Education Teacher of the Year Finalist 2025-2026
410-880-5830
