Hawks
Make Kindness the Norm!
At Heatherwood Middle School, we believe that kindness should be the norm—not the exception. Every student, staff member, and family plays a part in creating a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. Together, we can make a lasting difference by standing up against bullying, harassment, intimidation, and disrespectful behavior.
This November, we celebrate Anti-Bullying Week, World Kindness Day (November 13), and World Kindness Week (November 9–15)—a perfect time to remind ourselves that kindness and respect should be part of our everyday actions, not just something we focus on once a year. These observances are deeply connected in their message: everyone deserves to feel accepted, included, and free from harm.
What began as an anti-bullying initiative in the early 2000s has grown into a global movement dedicated to promoting empathy, compassion, and positive change. Let’s carry that spirit into our homes, classrooms, and neighborhoods. Parents and guardians can play a powerful role by modeling peaceful communication, showing empathy, and demonstrating what it means to treat others with dignity. When children witness kindness in action, they learn to lead with it themselves.
As we focus on kindness this month, Heatherwood is also proud to give back to our community through our annual Food Drive, organized by the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). This effort helps support local families in need and reminds us that kindness extends beyond words—it’s something we do. Giving back to others, assisting and uplifting those who need a helping hand, is a powerful act of compassion and gratitude. This season, and every season, we encourage our students and families to reflect on what they are thankful for and look for opportunities to share that gratitude with others. Acts of kindness are always in season, and even small gestures can make a big difference.
Let’s continue to ensure our Heatherwood school community is a place where every student and family feels valued and uplifted.
Warmly,
Dr. Laura Wellington, Principal and Chris Doll Assistant Principal
Please Note - Friday, November 7, is early release at 12:20 pm
November 3 & 4 – Fall Conferences – No school for students
November 3 – 21 NJHS/ASB Food Drive
November 6 – Veterans Day Assembly – 9:50 am – Assembly Schedule B
November 7 – Early Release at 12:20 pm
November 11 – Veterans Day – No School
November 14 – LIF Day 1:35 pm release
November 21 – LIF Day 1:35 pm release
November 26 – 28 – Holiday Break – No School
Washington College Bound Scholarship:
The Washington College Bound Scholarship is a great opportunity in Washington State to earn a full scholarship to college. This scholarship can cover tuition, fees, and a portion of textbooks for students attending eligible public colleges and universities in Washington.
How to Qualify:
Be a Washington resident.
Be enrolled in 7th or 8th grade at the time of application.
Be from a family that meets the income requirements. For the 2023–24 school year, the income limits are:
Household income must be at or below 65% of the state median income.
For a family of four, the household income must be under $65,000 (this varies based on family size).
Sign up by June 30th of the student’s 8th grade year. (The earlier you sign up, the better!)
Maintain a 2.0 GPA in high school.
Complete the Free/Reduced Lunch application (even if your family doesn’t need it for meals), which helps determine eligibility.
Once a student qualifies and signs up, they are eligible to receive the scholarship when they graduate high school, as long as they meet the academic requirements.
Check out the Washington College Bound Scholarship website or reach out to your grade level counselor for assistance.
Free/Reduced Lunch Benefits: Did you know that even if your family doesn’t need the meal assistance, signing up for free/reduced lunch can still benefit your child in many ways? Besides ensuring your child receives healthy meals, being enrolled in this program opens up access to a wide range of opportunities that can support their academic and extracurricular growth.
Here’s why it’s important:
Access to Scholarships and Opportunities: Students on the free/reduced lunch list are automatically included in various lists for scholarships, summer programs, internships, and other educational opportunities. This includes special opportunities for college-bound programs like the Washington College Bound Scholarship.
Improved Access to Resources: In some cases, students may also receive discounts for activities, field trips, or even technology and supplies that support their learning.
Confidentiality: Enrollment in the program is confidential, so your child won’t be singled out or treated differently in any way.
How to Apply for Free/Reduced Lunch: If you haven’t yet completed the application for free/reduced lunch this year, we encourage you to do so! It’s quick, easy, and can unlock many additional opportunities for your child. You can apply online through the district's system at: Free/Reduced Lunch Application
Please use the link below for helpful information for families in need.
