HMS Parent Update
August 30, 2026
Aryana Garcia, Grade 6
June Elkinton, Grade 6
June is a kind, motivated, and responsible student. She works hards during learning time and makes sure to follow directions. June is great at helping students at her table, and is a great example of following her PAWS. Way to go, June!
Cristian Rodriguez, Grade 7
Cristian is a kind and thoughtful student who is always prepared and consistently gives his best effort. We are so grateful to have him as a part of our classroom community!
YaYa (Yazmaris) Rogel, Grade 7
Mason Bloomberg, Grade 8
Aubree Guzman, Grade 8
Aubree is a stellar student! She comes to class prepared and on time, follows expectations, works well with others, and shows respect to her peers.
Helping Students Be Here, Be Ready, and Be On Time
At Hampshire Middle School, we are continuing to focus on the importance of regular attendance and arriving to class on time. Being present and on time gives students the best opportunity to learn, participate, and stay connected to their school community.
This year, HMS is introducing a few initiatives to encourage strong attendance and on-time arrival:
đź“Š Attendance Thermometers
Each grade level has an attendance thermometer displayed in the cafeteria. We are tracking the number of days when 90% or more of the grade level is present. Each quarter, our Student Voice Team will help determine how we celebrate the grade level's progress. If all grade levels reach the goal, everyone wins!
⏰ Tardy Expectations
Beginning August 31, tardies are being tracked and followed up with a progressive support system. Students will receive reminders and support first, with additional interventions—including parent contact, detention, and individualized support plans—as tardies continue.
Our goal is not simply to count tardies—it is to help students develop the habits and routines that allow them to arrive at school and class ready to learn.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your student’s attendance and success at HMS.
Bus Behavior and Expectations
Maintaining a safe and respectful environment on the school bus is a shared responsibility between the school, students, and parents. During the first week of school, all students participated in learning about Bus Behavior Expectations during Advisory through a Whippur Way Lesson. To help ensure a smooth commute for everyone, please take time to talk with your child about safe bus behavior and the importance of driver safety focus.
Student Expectations
Follow Directions: Listen to and promptly follow all instructions from the bus driver and monitors.
Stay Seated: Remain seated in your designated seat, facing forward, for the duration of the trip. Do not stand up or switch seats while the vehicle is in motion.
Maintain Quiet Voices: Use indoor/conversational volume to avoid distracting the driver. Portable speakers are not permitted on the bus.
Keep Space Clear: Keep hands, feet, and personal belongings inside the windows and out of the center aisle.
Show Respect: Treat fellow passengers with kindness; physical roughhousing, bullying, or inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
No Food or Drink: Eating or drinking on the bus is prohibited for safety and cleanliness.
Bikers and Walkers
Students who ride bikes or scooters to school need to park their bikes/scooter on the bike rack in front of door 18. At arrival and dismissal, students with bikes/scooters need to walk their bike/scooter on the sidewalk to State Street by the crossing guard before being able to ride their bike/scooter. All walkers should be using the same route when they exit school grounds. We have many students crossing through the parking lot during arrival and dismissal causing a safety concern with moving vehicles. Please take some time to discuss this with your student.
Safety Drill
Hampshire Middle School will participate in a safety drill on Thursday, September 3rd at 10:15 AM. This drill is a required drill by Illinois State Law and will be conducted with the Hampshire Fire Department. The purpose of this drill is for students and staff to be aware of our safety procedures if we should need to evacuate our building during an emergency situation. If you have any questions regarding this drill please contact the main office. Thank you.
Fall Sports Picture Day
HMS Fall Sports picture day is Monday, August 31, 2026. Coaches will be sharing information regarding picture attire and timeframe. Please use this VIP Link for more information regarding how you can order pictures or contact VIPs customer support team.
Washington DC Trip
Registration is now open for the 8th Grade Washington, D.C. trip, travel taking place April 21–23, 2007. An informational meeting will be held Wednesday, September 2 at 7:00 p.m. via Google Meet. The meeting link and registration details can be found on the HMS Student Information Schoology tile under the 8th Grade folder. We hope you can join us!