Haverford Middle School Newsletter

It was lovely to see so many families this week at the Back to School Nights! Thank you fro supporting your student and learning about their days at HMS.

As I shared a couple of weeks ago, students completed benchmark assessments in Math, ELA, and Science. Benchmark data provides teachers with valuable information about what students know and are able to do at this point in the school year.

Most importantly, we don't collect this data just to have it. Our teachers use it throughout the year to make instructional decisions, plan interventions and enrichment, and monitor student growth.

Students will complete benchmarks again later in the year, allowing us to track how our students are growing, and how we adjust our instruction to help them continue to grow.

Beginning Monday, September 28, you will see your child's benchmark scores posted in PowerSchool. These scores are not grades and will not impact your child's course grade. They are being shared simply to keep you informed and provide a snapshot of your child's starting point.

Please do not interpret a benchmark percentage the same way you would interpret a classroom grade. For example, a score of 40% on a benchmark does not mean that your child is earning a 40% in that subject. The benchmark assesses skills and content from across the entire school year, including material that has not been taught yet. Because this first assessment is given near the beginning of the year, students are not expected to demonstrate mastery of the content. Instead of focusing on whether the first score seems “high” or “low,” think of it as a baseline. It tells us where your child is starting. When students take future benchmarks, we will be able to compare results and look for growth over time.

One benchmark score also does not tell the whole story of a student. Teachers consider benchmark results alongside classroom performance, assessments, observations, and other information when making instructional decisions. The goal isn't where students start. It's how much they grow from here.

Have a great weekend!

Eighth grade is an important year for building independence and preparing for the transition to high school. We know that students are still developing the organizational and time-management skills needed to manage multiple classes, assignments, and deadlines. Our goal is to work together to help students take ownership of their learning while providing the support they need to be successful. Please see the file below from the 8th grade teams.

For our full attendance policy please review policy 204 and its accompanying administrative regulations.

Late arrivals

• Students must report to the main office if they arrive after 7:50 AM to receive a late pass
• Students will provide a note to the main office when they enter school

Absences

• Email MS-attendance@haverfordsd.net and include the name of your child, grade, date of absence, and reason for absence within 3 days of the absence.
• Excused absences include illness, bereavement, medical or dental appointments, pre-approved religious instruction, pre approved educational travel, and others.
• Please be mindful of the 5 day maximum for pre-approved educational travel.
• Students may be excused from school when observing a bona fide religious holiday.

Early dismissal

• Early dismissal notes should be delivered by the student to the main office before they go to homeroom
• Please review your early dismissal plan with your child before they come to school
• Communicate in your note if your child has permission to leave school on their own
• We will give your child a note to check in at the main office before being picked-up or leaving school on their own

Self-Sign Out from School

If your student needs to leave the building for an appointment and plans to walk, this is an example of the letter that should be sent.

I , parent/guardian, am allowing student and grade on date at time to sign themselves out and walk to location on their own. They will/will not return to school after the appointment.

Parent/guardian signature

Eighth grade athletes, please see the notice below about the Haverford High School Athletics Open House on October 1st at 6:00.

We are excited to introduce our clubs and activities for the 2026–2027 school year! Getting involved is a great way for students to meet new people, explore their interests, try something new, and feel connected to the HMS community.

This week, we are sharing two resources to help students and families learn about the opportunities available:

Clubs and Activities Slide Show
This presentation provides an overview and description of the many clubs and activities offered at HMS.

Clubs and Activities Schedule
This is a live document that will be updated weekly with club and activity meeting dates. Meeting information will also be shared with students during morning announcements.

Both resources will continue to be updated throughout the school year and will remain available on the Clubs and Activities page of the HMS website.

It is time for our fall spirit wear sale. Please find the flyer and link below. All orders should be placed by September 28th.

Fords Fight for Life t-shirts will be for sale during lunches next week (starting September 28th). T-shirts will be $20 cash.