The Weekly Update #4
August 18th, 2024
We couldn't be more excited to welcome our staff and students back into the building on Monday, August 24, to start the 2026-27 school year! Please scroll through this entire newsletter weekly so you can stay informed and see some of the amazing things our students and staff are doing every single day at Harding. Please also be sure to read important information regarding this school year.
This Harding Herald newsletter will be sent out to all HMS families on a monthly basis; you will also be able to find each newsletter on our school website.
Thank you for playing an active role in your child's education. GO RANGERS!
Sincerely,
Christopher Plush
christopher.plush@lakewoodcityschools.org
(216) 227-5787
X (formerly known as Twitter): @LkwdHarding
Main Office: (216) 529-4261
Attendance Line: (216) 529-4311
For student absences, tardies, early releases, etc.
Fax: (216) 529-4708
Principal, Christopher Plush
christopher.plush@lakewoodcityschools.org
Assistant Principal, Amanda Sears
amanda.sears@lakewoodcityschools.org
School Counselor, Lyndie Schuckert
melynda.schuckert@lakewoodcityschools.org
School Psychologist, Diane Moyer
Amanda Sears, formerly a K-12 instructional coach with Amherst Exempted Village School District, has been board approved to become the next assistant principal at Harding Middle School. Mrs. Sears, who is also an adjunct professor at Ashland University, holds a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Cleveland State University and a bachelor’s in PK-12 visual arts education from Kent State University.
Melissa Long has been board approved to be our 6th Grade Advanced ELA/SS teacher. She brings a plethora of middle school teaching experience, including teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies in a variety of educational settings, with experience serving both traditional middle school students and gifted learners.
Megan Sutula will be our new ISA Leader/Coordinator. Mrs. Sutula brings a diverse professional background that includes experience as a teacher, school administrator, and manager in the private sector. Her broad range of experiences will be a valuable asset in supporting our students, staff, and school community.
Molly Patrick joins the 8th grade ELA team with a strong foundation in education and a passion for supporting student learning. A graduate of the University of Mount Union, Molly is committed to building positive relationships with students, creating engaging learning experiences, and fostering a classroom environment where all learners can thrive.
Harding Middle School will be open for students to place their belongings in their lockers on Friday, August 14, from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM. Out of respect to our custodial staff, we kindly ask anyone coming into the building on this day to please be as mindful as possible to keep everything neat and clean.
- Walking and biking help students arrive at school alert and ready to learn. Whenever possible, Lakewood City Schools encourages students to walk or bike to school.
- If you drive your child to school, please watch for students walking and biking when entering and exiting school property.
- Please pull all the way up to the drop-off sign and avoid blocking sidewalks or crosswalks while waiting in the car line.
- The doors on Madison AND the main entrance off Woodward are open starting at 8:05 AM for students to enter the building.
- Students who arrive earlier than 8:05 AM should report to the designated area in the gym.
- Please do not park in marked no-parking areas near the school.
- These spaces improve visibility, making it easier for drivers to see students walking and biking.
- Traffic flows smoothly when everyone is courteous and patient. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and efficient process.
- In order to help with traffic and overall safety, there are now 2 designated turn lanes on Hilliard.
- Drivers are not permitted to turn left into the school parking lot from Hilliard between 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM. This restriction helps reduce conflicts with students walking and biking to school.
- As a reminder, vehicles will not be permitted to turn into our parking lot from Hilliard between 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
- Please also consider turning off your engine while waiting for your child. Reducing vehicle idling improves air quality and creates a healthier environment for everyone at school.
- I have attached pictures below to help make this as clear as possible.
Thank you for helping keep everyone safe here at Harding. Your attention to these guidelines is greatly appreciated!
If your student is able, using active transportation such as walking or biking is a great alternative to tackling the car line and it benefits both your student and the environment!
- Returning parents/guardians must update their student and family information for the new school year in the Infinite Campus parent portal.
- You should receive an email in early August with the necessary info to make your student updates. Need help logging in? Click here.
In order to maintain a safe, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment, personal electronic devices—including cell phones—must remain powered off and secured in student lockers during the school day. This includes all instructional periods, study halls, lunch, and any other time students are not specifically authorized to use a device. Students may not access their phones until after school unless given permission by a staff member for academic or safety purposes.
If a student is seen with a phone:
Offense #1:
- Warning is issued
- Student is directed to power off their phone and put it in their locker.
Offense #2:
- Student powers off and puts away the phone in their locker.
- The staff member contacts the student’s parent/guardian.
Offense #3:
- Student powers off and puts away the phone in their locker.
- An administrator contacts the parent/guardian and may assign a consequence.
Offense #4 and Beyond:
- Student powers off and puts away the phone in their locker.
- An administrator will implement progressive discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
Please click on the below attachment to read our dress code.
Here is the Harding Student-Family Handbook, which can also be found on our school website.
- Meet our dedicated teachers and staff
- Visit classrooms
- Tour the building
- Learn more about what to expect this school year
Families are welcome to stop by anytime during the event window. There is no formal presentation; just an open time to connect, ask questions, and get to know our school community.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, 8/26, between 6:00 PM-7:30 PM.
More details will be forthcoming.
- A sign up site will be sent out as we get closer to this date.
- Wednesday, October 28, 5:00 PM-8:30 PM.
- Thursday, October 29 (NO SCHOOL), 1:00 PM-4:00 PM & 5:00 PM-8:30 PM.
- Friday, October 30 (NO SCHOOL), 8:00 AM-11:00 AM.
What is the cost of meals?:
Due to rising food costs, supply line disruptions among other factors, the Board of Education this summer approved slight price increases for the 2026-2027 school year. View the new prices on this meal cost sheet for prices for at all District buildings.
How do I apply for free & reduced meals?
Beginning this school year, the Free/Reduced Price Application meal deposits will go through Infinite Campus via the Parent Portal. See link for instructions below:
Free/reduced meal application instructions
How do I deposit money in my student's account?
You can add money to your student's lunch account and view the balance via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. See link for instructions below:
Lunch deposit instructions
Where can I find out what's on the menu for the day?
The District uses an online menu program called My School Menus, which provides comprehensive information about our school meals, including nutrition content and allergy information. During the school year the link can be find on the Nutrition Services webpage.
- Please see the Harding Clubs List from last school year.
- We will update this and share it out in the near future.
