Panther Update Family Edition #21

We are incredibly proud of our students who earned a spot in the Indiana Honors Choir through a competitive audition process. Their talent, dedication, and hard work are truly impressive. Be sure to check out the full story later in this newsletter.

Families of current 8th graders, please take a moment to review the high school FAQs included below. This information will help as you begin planning for the transition ahead.

As we head into the weekend, winter weather is expected to be less than ideal. Please watch for communication from the district regarding school on Monday. We encouraged students to bring their devices home today in case we need to move to an asynchronous learning day. If that happens, I will follow up with clear expectations so you know exactly what to expect.

For now, stay warm, stay safe, and take care of one another.

Janie M. Ulmer

Principal

Eight Jr. High students and four Intermediate students from HIJH were selected through an audition process to sing in the Indiana Music Educator’s Association’s 2026 Middle School Honor Choir.

They arrived last Thursday morning in Ft. Wayne with Mrs. Johnson and Ms. Bryan to rehearse with students from around the state and work with directors Mariana Romero Serra & Maria Ellis.

The concert last Friday afternoon at the historic Embassy Theatre was spectacular!

A special shout out to Raelin Semler, Olivia Underwood & Caroline Wall who were also selected to be a part of small feature vocal groups during the performance.

We are so proud of our Panther Singers!

Payment Information:

You can fund your child’s lunch account by sending in cash or a check. Please be sure to write your child’s name and student ID on the check and/or envelope. You may also deposit funds through eFunds.

HSE Food Services Newsletter

Click the link above to find information on free/reduced lunch applications, eFunds, what’s included in a meal, Global Flavors, and Harvests of the Month.

HSE Food Services Website

Click the link above to find menus, pricing, nutrition policies, and contact information.

As you have seen on the news-flu cases are on the rise all over Indiana. Please call the attendance if your student needs to miss school. Remind students to wash their hands often with soap and water.

The clinic is in need of sweatpants for males and females. Black or gray is appreciated. We are needing all sizes.

When reporting your child’s absence due to illness, please share specific symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. This information helps our health team track trends and monitor the overall level of illness in the building.

Young Adult Permissions for 5th and 6th Grade

With a new semester brings new requests from 5th and 6th graders who want to check out young adult books from the library. The library has resources to inform and entertain all students and grade levels, including middle grade books geared towards our younger students, middle school books for all, and young adult books geared towards our older students that reviewers and publishers have recommended for ages 13 and up or 14 and up. It is up to the adults at home if 5th and 6th graders have permission to check out young adult books. Email Mrs. Boudreau if interested in giving your 5th or 6th grade student permission to do so.

World Read Aloud Day

World Read Aloud Day is coming up on Wednesday, February 4. 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 connecting classrooms with at least 4 authors that day, and teachers can sign up for their classes to join.

Tryout information and permission slips are now available for the 5/6 math bowl team. Tryouts for 5th graders will be held before school on Wednesday, February 4th, and after school for all 6th graders.

Interested students can pick up a form outside Mrs. Mockler’s classroom (room 220) or from the main office. Forms are due on or before February 2nd in order to take part in the tryout. Contact Mrs. Mockler at jmockler@hse.k12.in.us with any questions.

Do you know an HSE employee who makes our schools a better place for everyone? Someone who truly embodies our mission. Have you noticed an employee who consistently goes above and beyond to make a meaningful difference?

Help us recognize these extraordinary individuals by submitting a R.A.V.E. (Recognizing All Valuable Employees) Review. Nominating someone takes just a minute - use the link below to submit your nomination today!

https://www.hseschools.org/community/rave-reviews

Grade 5/6 Student Council Meeting Dates:

Meeting Location 234 (Ms. Reiter’s Room)

Meeting Time: 8:20

Dropoff: Door 17. Please DO NOT prop doors open

Feel free to bring snacks

• Feb 6

• Feb 20

• Mar 6

• Mar 20

• Apr 17

• May 1

• May 15

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.

Twitter:

@HIJPanthers

@hijhathletics