Miners in the Middle

We're heading into another full week at HMS, and while our calendar may be a little quieter, there is still plenty happening in our classrooms and around our campus.

One of my favorite parts of walking through our building is getting to see what our students are learning and creating. This week, I'm excited to share a little of that with you, including some work from our art students and a sampling of projects completed by our 8th graders after reading The Outsiders. Be sure to check those out below!

We also have a big week for Miner athletics, including a home middle school football game against Wilburton Monday, varsity football at home Friday, and our district hosting high school softball regionals Thursday and Friday.

Have a great week, Miners! 💙🤍

— Mrs. Green, Principal

Regular attendance is one of the most important pieces of student success. Every day — and every class period — matters!

Here are a few important reminders from our attendance policy:

• Both excused and unexcused absences count toward a student's total number of days absent. The excused/unexcused designation determines whether a student may make up missed work.
• Parents should call the school when their child is absent or send a signed note when the student returns. Whenever possible, documentation such as a physician's statement, court documentation, or appointment verification should be submitted promptly.
• Students who accumulate eight or more absences that cannot be verified through appropriate documentation during a semester may be placed on attendance probation following review by the Hartshorne Attendance Committee.
• School-sponsored activities do not count toward these attendance limits.

We understand that students get sick and that circumstances arise that sometimes make an absence unavoidable. When that happens, please communicate with the school and provide documentation whenever possible.

Most importantly, when students are well and able to be at school, we need them here! Consistent attendance helps students keep up academically, stay connected to their classes, and build strong habits for success.

We've spent time reviewing our cafeteria expectations with students, but unfortunately, lunch continues to be an area where we need significant improvement.

The biggest concerns continue to be excessive noise, students moving around the cafeteria unnecessarily, trash being left behind, and inappropriate behaviors such as throwing food or ice. With nearly 200 middle school students sharing one lunch period, these behaviors quickly create an environment that is difficult to manage and unpleasant for everyone.

I spoke with students last week and challenged them to show us on Monday that they can make the necessary changes themselves. I would much rather give our students the opportunity to make good choices than add more restrictions to their lunch period.

However, if we do not see significant improvement, we will make changes to the way lunch operates. Those changes may include assigned tables/seating, more structured movement and dismissal procedures, and other restrictions as needed.

Our expectations really are simple: sit where you're supposed to sit, keep the noise at a reasonable level, clean up after yourself, keep food and ice where they belong, follow directions, and treat our cafeteria and the people in it with respect.

Lunch should still be a time when students can eat, visit with friends, and enjoy a break in their day. We want to keep it that way — but that requires everyone to do their part.

Parents and guardians, we'd appreciate your help reinforcing these expectations at home.

Our 8th-grade students recently wrapped up reading The Outsiders and had the opportunity to demonstrate their learning through a reading project. Here's a sampling of their work!

Great job, 8th grade and Mrs. Highfill! 🌟

Next up, they will watch the movie and have a culminating activity from the novel and film. Parents/Guardians - please make sure you see the note Mrs. Highfill sent home with all 8th graders for more info!

Our HMS art students have been busy creating! Take a look at some of the work coming out of art class recently. We love seeing our students have opportunities to learn, create, and show off their talents!

💧 Water Bottles: Water bottles/tumblers brought to school must be clear and transparent and contain water only.

👕 Dress Code: Please continue helping us by making sure students arrive at school in clothing that meets HMS dress code requirements. As temperatures begin to change, remember that our regular dress code still applies.

Monday, September 21
🐐 Oklahoma State Fair Livestock Judging

🏈 HMS Football vs. Wilburton — HOME | 6:00 PM
💙🤍 Rivalry Night — Come support our Miners!

Wednesday, September 23
✝️ FCS — 7:35 AM | Old Gym

Thursday, September 24
🥎 HS Softball Regionals — Hosted by Hartshorne

Let's Go, Lady Miners!

Friday, September 25
🥎 HS Softball Regionals — Hosted by Hartshorne
🏈 Varsity Football vs. Kellyville — HOME | 7:00 PM

Parents/Guardians: Stay connected to your student's progress!

Sylogist is an important tool for monitoring your student's grades and attendance throughout the school year. We strongly encourage every parent/guardian to have an active parent account and check it regularly.

If you do not have access to your account or need assistance logging in, please contact the Middle School office and we will be happy to help.