The BULL'S EYE

It's hard to believe that we're approaching the middle of October already! October 31st isn't just Halloween, but it marks the end of the first marking period. Now is a great time to check your child's progress in Schoology. All of students have taken the fall STAR assessment, the results of which will be shared with families during the week of October 21st. This assessment provided baseline data for our teachers in both reading and mathematics. Look for additional information about the STAR Parent Reports in our next Bull's Eye.

Our halls and classrooms continue to buzz with excitement. After school clubs and fall athletics are well underway. Field trips and assemblies have begun and will continue throughout the school year. These opportunities provide our students with opportunities to connect classroom concepts to real world experiences, they encourage relationship building with peers, and they spark curiosity and excitement making learning more memorable and enjoyable. You'll find a calendar of upcoming events for each class under the grade level news headings in this newsletter.

We would like to thank the parent volunteers who assisted with lunch coverage both inside and out so that our students could enjoy time outside each day. We'll continue to provide this opportunity as weather permits this month before closing the courtyard until Spring.

We would also like to thank our families for the many donations of gently used and new items for our Monday Advisory Clubs. Currently, we're seeking donations of chunky yarn and old CDs or DVDs for art projects. If you're cleaning out your closets, attics and basements and have these items to donate, you can send them with your student or drop them off at school.

In addition to the parents and families, I wanted to take a moment to recognize three organizations who have helped us tremendously with funding the "extras" that make Hereford Middle School such as special place for our students.

First, our PTA is absolutely outstanding! Last month, the PTA sponsored the Camfel assembly for students in each grade level. As you know, they are working hard to bring Fall Fest back later this month. I witnessed firsthand how much our students enjoy this event, when I attended last year. This year, the PTA has brought back the Reflections competition, and I know our students will be successful with all their amazing talents! If you haven't looked at the Reflections competition information, scroll to the "In case you missed it ..." section of this newsletter. Our ELA and Art teachers are promoting the event in their classes and club activities. The PTA is planning a reception for families of all Reflections entrants in March 2026. We realize that they couldn't do this work without your membership and generous donations. Thank you for making these events possible!

My Neighbors Foundation has always generously provided items that students need to be successful in school. This year, My Neighbors Foundation has provided and has committed to continuing to provide items for student use in classrooms (again those extras) that simply wouldn't be possible otherwise. My Neighbors Foundation also works collaboratively with the HMS PTA and provides pizza for our students at Fall Fest every year! If you are able and inclined to do so, we encourage you to donate just $25 to My Neighbors' Foundation using the QR code below. We can't thank Linda Price enough for her support of Hereford Middle School.

Last but not least, the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools provided pencil bags for each student which were distributed with student planners during the first week of school. Through the Exchangeree locations, the Education Foundation provides classroom supplies free of charge to BCPS Educators who choose to "shop" once per month. These items supplement our school budget, and it really makes a difference. I shop with and for our teachers one afternoon each month to bring these supplies right back into the hands of our students for classroom and club use.

If you would like to learn more, check out their website https://www.educationfoundationbcps.org.

The Education Foundation facilitated the grant that was awarded to our Educators Rising Club for the installation of the Little Free Library. In addition to the unit, we were gifted 100 diverse books and funds to use for student engagement at the Ribbon Cutting event. We're extremely grateful for this gift to our community. If you're available, join us on October 23rd at 3:30 for our Ribbon Cutting event.

Warm Regards,

Mrs. Moore-German

Principal

Ticket sales have been extended through Monday, October 13th, during all 3 lunch shifts.

🏀Winter Sports Registration is NOW OPEN!

It’s time to gear up for an exciting winter season at Hereford Middle School! Registration is now open for Basketball and Allied Bocce Ball. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of the action, teamwork, and school spirit!

Parents, please register your students through FOCUS in the Athletics Portal.
👉 Registration Deadline: November 13th
🏁 Season Begins: Week of November 17th

Not familiar with BCPS Allied Sports? These inclusive athletic opportunities bring students of all abilities together for teamwork, fun, and friendship. Learn more here: Allied Sports - Baltimore County Public Schools

If you have questions, please reach out to Lilly Richardson at lrichardson2@bcps.org

Let’s go Bulls!!

Hereford Middle School is excited to announce that Career Day will be held on Thursday, November 21st! This special event gives our students the opportunity to explore a wide variety of professions, hear real-world experiences, and begin thinking about their own future goals.

We are currently seeking guest speakers to join us as presenters. Speakers will share their career journey, insights, and advice with our middle school students in classroom sessions. It’s a wonderful way to inspire the next generation and help them see the many possibilities ahead!.

If you are interested in being a presenter, please let us know by completing this interest form: https://forms.office.com/r/i6J6cARXUk

Thank you for supporting our students—we can’t wait to make Career Day a meaningful and memorable experience!

Box Tops for Education has gone digital. We encourage families to use the QR code to download the app, scan and submit qualifying receipts or connect directly to your Walmart account.

Our goal is to earn $500 through this program, which is the approximate cost of one grade level assembly (like Justin Berk, Camfel, etc.).

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the devastating effects of bullying and to preventing bullying through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. This past week we wore colors represent character traits that all people should demonstrate.

If your family is experiencing challenges or could benefit from additional support, please complete this confidential form. Only our School Counselors and School Social Worker will have access to the information you share.

Click Here: https://forms.gle/d8xAUUcqMACatxhZA

The Charleston Wrap Fundraiser continues at HMS! You may click on the link or scan the QR code to begin shopping online. All funds raised go directly to support our students. All items are ordered online and ships direct to the customer so consider sharing with family and friends, far and wide. This fundraiser will end on October 31, 2025. Thank you for your continued support!

www.registercw.com

Today, we celebrated with this week's recipients of The Hereford Way pencils! Of those who received pencils for being respectful, responsible and kind, one student in each grade level was selected for a special prize. Our winners are:

Please remind students to check the current lost and found! (photo as of 10/9/25)

Please see our updated list of requests for club supplies in this newsletter. Thank you to all who have already contributed! The donations have made fun projects possible.

All students are encouraged to wear their "Class of ..." Tee Shirts to show their class spirit!

Yearbooks are now on sale! See the information below. Scan the QR code link OR head to the school website to order. If you have ordered a yearbook in the past, please make sure that you select that you are ordering the 2025-26 yearbook. If you are new to HMS, you will need to register with TreeRing.

Also, we are looking for student input regarding the yearbook! Make sure your student checks out their grade level Schoology page to complete the form! We look forward to their suggestions and thoughts!

In early 2025, the state of Illinois moved forward with passing the first in the nation-Illinois Mental Health Screening Bill. During the signing of the bill, Abhinav Anne, alongside Governor JB Pritzker, shared his stories and advocated for youth mental health. Research has suggested that early screening for mental health helps students with positive results such as early intervention for depression and anxiety.

Here are some Mental Health Tips that Abhinave Anne shared to keep grounded when it often felt like school was spinning out of control:

Curate Your Feed Like It’s Your Mindset: If we are what we eat, we’re also what we scroll.

· Social media can be a source of connection –or a source of stress. Select those sites, creators who empower you and remind you that imperfection is human, choose mental health accounts that remind you- You are not alone.

Find Your Person - Or Be that Person:

· Find that one person you can “ugly” cry with or the person who will listen when things are not ok. Finding one person who is trustworthy, even just once, reminds us you do not have to carry this alone.

If you have not found that person yet be that person for someone else. Listen without judgement, offer space, and check-in often. Healing is Mutual.

Create a “Mental Health Playlist”:

· When a spiral of anxiety happens, use a playlist full of songs that get you. They may be soothing to rest; others may be loud and match the mood inside and can help you feel you are not alone.

Treat Your Mind Like a Muscle, Not A Machine:

· Tune into your feelings, acknowledge and respond to help. Brains are not machines and need rest. Muscles need recovery time. To help regulate, journal messy feelings, doodle, nap, or log off.

For More information from Abhinave Anne and his tips and the channel kindness, visit :

· 7 Mental Health Tips I Swear by as a Teenager in the 21st Century - Channel Kindness

Additional resources can also be found in the Mind Over Matters Campaign website. Click here for the Mind Over Matters SEL Calendar for September.

Here are some additional resources:

· 2 Minute Stress Relievers- UNH

· SAMHSA Digital Toolkit

· Risk Factors, Protective Factors, and Warning Signs

Vision & Hearing Screenings + Flu Season Reminders

Dear Families,

Hearing and vision screenings will be conducted for 8th grade students and new or returning BCPS students from Monday, October 13 through Thursday, October 16.

If your child is scheduled to be screened at school, you should have received a message from the school, and your student should have brought home a paper with more information last week. If you have any questions or would like to opt out of the screening, please contact the school nurse at kstarling@bcps.org or 443-809-6868.

Flu Season is Approaching!

As we head into flu season, now is a great time to speak with your child’s healthcare provider about getting a flu shot and/or a COVID-19 booster.

To help keep our school community healthy, please continue to:

• Practice good hand hygiene at home and school.
• Check your child’s temperature in the morning if they are not feeling well. Temperature should be taken prior to giving medications.
• Keep your child home if they have:
• A fever of 100°F or higher – they must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and feeling better before returning.
• Diarrhea or vomiting – they must be symptom-free for 24 hours without medication and feeling better before returning.

Thank you for helping us keep our students healthy and ready to learn!

Warm regards,
Kristen N. Starling MSN, RN
School Nurse

October

10/14/25 – Officer Joe Dugan Assembly (Internet Safety) provided by the PTA

10/16/25– Grade Level Class Spirit Day - Wear your Class of '32 shirt

10/15/2025 Maryland Zoo Field Trip

12/4/2025 STEM Day at Towson University

4/1/2026Justin Berk Storm Ready Assembly

4/21-4/23/2026 Junior Achievement Finance Park Field Trips

We are so excited for next Wednesday.

If you are a chaperone, please arrive at HMS at 8:50.

If you were not chosen for this trip, please make sure you have completed the online application process to be a bcps volunteer so that you can join us for the next trip.

https://www.bcps.org/cos/communications/face/b_c_p_s_volunteers

Thank you!

All students should bring a lunch. Chaperones may want to bring a backpack.

11/25/2025 - Justin Berk Faith in the Flakes Assembly

1/2026 - Career Fair and College Tour with Basketball Game @ Towson University

3/2026 - Museum Field Trip

5/29/2026 - Bunker Hill Field Trip

The 8th grade is excited to welcome Justin Berk (Just In Weather) to HMS on Tuesday, November 25th. He will be here to hold a STEM assembly about Winter Weather. Prior to our assembly, we will be selling shirts as a fundraiser. They are the perfect item to help us hopefully get some "Hereford Zone" snow days this year. Please use the link provided to purchase a shirt. When purchasing, please note your student's 1A class for easier distribution. The store closes on October 28th. The Hereford Zone has "Faith in the Flakes". Although this is an 8th grade assembly we plan to bring Justin Berk back every year, so that all of our students can look forward to this exciting event!

Products - FITF The Hereford Zone - Maryland Print House

Tee shirt sales are open to all students, families, staff and members of the community who have "Faith in the Flakes!"

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s something special about reading a story that sends a little shiver down your spine or whisks you away to a world of magic. Encourage your student to check out a spooky mystery, a chilling classic, or a fantastical adventure from our library this month. Whether they’re reading under a blanket or by the glow of a jack-o’-lantern, October is a great time to fall in love with reading all over again!

Our newest edition to our HMS Ag program is an 8 week old English Lop bunny and she needs a name. Donate $1 to vote for her name! Proceeds benefit the Hereford Middle School FFA end of year awards and projects. Place your donation form and money in the buckets at the front door during homeroom or deliver them to Mrs. Raulerson in E-13. See the attached flyer for name options.

Presented by Maryland FFA, Nationwide, and Maryland Farm Bureau, the Golden Owl Award aims to recognize outstanding agricultural educators across Maryland through their work in guiding and empowering the next generation of agriculturists. Students, fellow teachers and other supporters can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher and summarize what makes him or her the best in the state. Nominees have an opportunity to win the title of Maryland Agricultural Educator of the Year and great cash prizes for their school’s ag program. Nominations are due October 31st, 2025.

Please note that the nominations will be judged on the following criteria:

1. Teacher’s dedication to agriculture education

2. Teacher’s commitment to his/her student(s)

3. Teacher’s impact on his/her student(s)

4. Teacher’s impact on their local community

Weekly, on Friday, parents and guardians receive an attendance report and a Schoology grade report. A support document is attached below to assist parents and guardians with understanding the Schoology report.

Forgot your donation? It's not too late! Donate Today!

Donate to the HMS PTA HERE

Sign Up to Sell Tickets to Fall Fest! 6 Parents Needed Oct. 9 & 10:

Fall Fest Ticket Sales Volunteer Signup

Sign Up to Donate Needed Items to HMS In-School Clubs:

Donate to Student Clubs HERE

Sign Up to Volunteer at Lunch:

Sign Up For Lunch Helpers HERE

Sign Up to Donate to Halloween Staff Treat Day:

Sign Up for Halloween Treats HERE

Reflections National PTA Art Program Returns to HMS! Students are able to explore their creativity, exhibit their work in a schoolwide exposition, and be recognized for their artistic talents. See flyer sent home with your student or email reflections.hmspta@gmail.com for more information. Learn how your student can craft their entry here: Reflections Official Website

Parents and caregivers can register online for free virtual workshops offered by the BCPS Department of Special Education.

Thursday, October 16, from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

"LRE: Inclusive Practices for Students with Significant and Complex Instructional Needs"

November 6th 11:30-12:30

Considering an FBA: How to partner with your child's school to Build a Behavior Intervention Plan

November 12th 11:30-12:30

Maryland ABLE Savings account: Financial Planning for your child with a disability

December 3rd 11:30-12:30

Understanding Your Child's IEP

Please use the following link for the month of October:

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/October-News---Resources.html?soid=1139260511191&aid=cxF4mwBVdVE

Have you attended a recent IEP team at HMS? Leave us feedback!

The Baltimore County Public Schools Department of Special

Education is committed to providing high-quality support to

our students, families, and schools.

As part of this effort, we would like to ask parents and

guardians to complete a brief Parent Satisfaction Survey at the

conclusion of each IEP meeting.

Your feedback is essential—it helps us understand how well we

are supporting your child’s educational journey and guides us

in making improvements to our services. All responses

are confidential and will be used to inform future support

provided to schools.

https://survey.k12insight.com/survey/form?k=SsTUYQXsTUPsPsPsP&lang=0

October 17, 2025 School Closed for Students

October 20, 2025 Schools Closed for Students

October 24, 2025 PTA Sponsored Fall Fest at HMS

October 31, 2025 First Marking Period Ends and Schools Close 2 Hours Early

November 17-21, 2025 American Education Week

November 19, 2025 5th Grade Parent Open House

November 21, 2025 Hereford Middle School Career Day

December 1, 2025 - School Picture Make Up Date

To learn more about what BCPS Parent University offers:

· Visit the website.

· Watch the latest "Parent University Show."

· Listen to the "In the Know" podcast.

· Register for a free virtual workshop.

· Stop by the Parentmobile at events across the county.

Sign up for the FACEtime newsletter.

Register now for BCPS Parent University virtual workshops in October

“BCPS and Talkspace: Online Mental Health Support for Teens”

Tuesday, October 14, at 6:30 p.m.

In this virtual workshop open to all BCPS parents, guardians, and caregivers, Gabriella Stajic of Talkspace will help families learn more about how BCPS high school students can access free mental health support through Talkspace. Registration required.

“Dementia Information Workshop”

Monday, October 20, at 6:30 p.m.

Emily Kearns, a dementia specialist from the Baltimore County Department of Aging, will lead this virtual workshop about how to support family and friends living with dementia. She will cover the signs and symptoms of dementia, key communication tips, and helpful resources! A follow-up workshop on November 5 will be titled “Brain Health.” Registration required.

“Grandparents Raising Grandchildren”

Tuesday, October 28, at 12:30 p.m.

Approximately 2.7 million children in the United States are being raised by their grandparents. This virtual workshop, presented by Wendy Carver of the BCPS Office of Family and Community Engagement, will explore the challenges faced by grandparents raising grandchildren, as well as strategies for building a home-school partnership and accessing needed resources. Registration required.

Central Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Wednesday, October 8, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: BCPS operating/capital budget

All students at HMS/BCPS will receive one quarter of Health during the school year. During this course, families have the option to opt their student out of 3-4 lessons about Family Life and Human Sexuality, in the Changes and Me unit. Please review the appropriate letter for your child’s grade. This letter provides you with the scope and sequence of the lessons in that unit. If you wish to opt your child out of these lessons, you must complete the form on FOCUS or return the paper portion to your student’s Health teacher. Please reach out to knawrocki@bcps.org with any further questions. This form must be completed by 9/26 for Quarter 1 Health students. The forms will come out each quarter, as students have Health class at different times throughout the year.

A recent change to Google’s License Agreement requires Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) to gain parent permission for students to access certain Google Additional Services, including YouTube, Google Earth, Google Maps, Google News, and Google Translate.

The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has created a parent-facing form in Focus to allow parents to opt out of these services. The form offers two opt outs, one for YouTube (this is only applicable for Grades 6-12 as YouTube is blocked at the elementary school) and the other for the remaining services as a group. If a parent opts out of one or all of these services, the student will lose access to them automatically. A student’s access to these tools will follow them throughout their BCPS school career.

Questions can be directed to our Tech Team: Mr. Thomas tthomas@bcps.org and Mr. Putnam cputnam@bcps.org.

For the safety of our students, please follow the updated parking and drop-off procedures for games and events at the stadium.

Parents are no longer permitted to drive up the stadium driveway to drop students off. Instead, please use the Student Lot near the tennis courts for drop-off. Students can then walk up the sidewalk to the stadium.

We have received reports of parents stopping on York Road—sometimes in the middle of the road—to let students out. This creates a serious safety risk and is not permitted.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us keep all students safe. Please review the attached parking plan for full details.

The BCPS Department of Special Education invites stakeholders to participate in a brief survey to help prioritize focus areas for the BCPS Special Education Staffing Plan for the 2026-2027 school year. This survey is available through December 1, 2025.

This information should be shared with all stakeholders. Please place it in your front office and share in your parent and community communications.

The Special Education Focus Area Survey link should be copied into your school and community communications, or you can print the QR code flyer for dissemination.

Staffing Plan Feedback Flyer

Questions regarding this information should be directed to the following individual(s):

Jason Karolkowski, Sr. Project Specialist jkarolkowski@bcps.org

Principal

Hereford Middle School

712 Corbett Road, Monkton, MD 21111

443-809-7902

cmooregerman@bcps.org

Hereford Middle School is committed to providing a safe and supportive community in which students celebrate diversity, demonstrate integrity and develop mutual respect and responsibility in order to pursue academic excellence.

Hereford Middle School empowers every learner, every day through rigorous, diverse, educational experiences to become productive global citizens.