The Heritage Herald

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! I hope your summer was restful and enjoyable. I know our HMS students are eager to get back to school, and we are just as eager to see them.

This newsletter, The Heritage Herald, will be sent out twice a month and will also be posted on our website and social media pages. Please read all information, and feel free to contact the school with any questions.

I look forward to having a great year with you and your children!

Mrs. P. Malone

Principal, HMS

pmalone@sd104.us

708-458-7590

8/13 ~ 6th Grade Walkthrough Day - 9:00-1:00

8/18 ~ Back To School Bash (see below for information)

8/20 ~ First Day of School (8:50-1:50)

9/1 ~ LABOR DAY--NO SCHOOL

9/11 ~ HMS CURRICULUM NIGHT - 6:00-7:30

9/26 ~ Fall Picture Day

On the first day of school, students will line up near the back parking lot at the following doors. Students who arrive early for breakfast will be sent to their homeroom classes after breakfast.

6th Grade: Door 16

7th Grade: Door 12 (7th Grade will dismiss from door 1 each day.)

8th Grade: Door 13

*REMINDER: THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IS AN EARLY DISMISSAL DAY.

School District 104 provides bus transportation for students who live more than 1.5 miles from their home school or need to cross a dangerous intersection to get there. Transportation is not available for students living within walking distance, less than 1.5 miles from their home school. Families must register each student for bus service every school year through our online form.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check the Bus Schedule

The bus schedule is available separately and can be viewed via the link below.

2. Review the Bus Policy

Parents must review, share with their students, and agree to the busing policy. The bus policy can be accessed through the link below.

3. Register for the Bus Service

For the 2025–2026 school year, families can sign up using the district’s online bus registration form linked below.

4. Be Timely at the Bus Stop

Students should arrive at the designated bus stop 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Early delays are common, especially during the first weeks of school, bad weather, or heavy traffic.

5. Register Early to Avoid Missing Service

All bus riders must be registered officially; students without registration will not be allowed to ride the bus.

If you would like to utilize the HMS/Graves Drop Off/Pick Up Line, please stop by the HMS main office to pick up a car placard. If you are unable to stop by, call and we will give your placard to your child on the first day of school.

It is extremely important that you follow this flow of traffic so that we keep all students safe. Please pull all the way ahead, and allow your child to walk back to their door.

As you were registering for classes, you reviewed and signed off on our student handbook. In it was information regarding student expectations.

In an effort to keep all students safe and to create a positive learning environment, we expect all of our HMS students to follow the rules and expectations that are detailed in the student handbook. If you have any additional questions, please call us.

On August 13th, our 6th grade families are invited to a self-directed walkthrough of the building. Please click the button below for additional information.

If you are not able to make the walkthrough, do not worry. Teachers will be assisting students with finding their way around the building and with lockers.

All students and parents can check PowerSchool for student schedules. If there were any changes made to your child's schedule, they will be reflected on PowerSchool.

UNIFORM AND GRADE LEVEL SHIRTS CAN BE PURCHASED IN THE HMS OFFICE NEXT WEEK FROM 9:00-1:00.

ON FRIDAYS, STUDENTS MAY WEAR SCHOOL APPROPRIATE JEANS (NO RIPS/TEARS THAT SHOW SKIN).

HOODIES

PER OUR STUDENT HANDBOOK, "NO HOODIES MAY BE WORN EXCEPT FOR RECOGNIZED SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR."

STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE ORDER FORMS FOR SPIRIT WEAR HOODIES AND SWEATSHIRTS THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL.

August 12, 2025--Admin Center

September 23, 2025--HMS/Graves Multi-Purpose Room

October 14, 2025--Admin Center

November 11, 2025--Walsh Elementary School

December 9, 2025--Admin Center

January 13, 2026--Walker Elementary School

February 10, 2026--Admin Center

March 10, 2026--Wharton Elementary School

April 14, 2026--Admin Center

May 12, 2026--Graves Dual Language School

June 9, 2026--Admin Center