HDMS Newsletter

Thank You!

Eleven years goes by too fast! For that matter, 41 years goes by too fast! I came across a great quote this year, “I thought growing old would take longer.” This is my 41st year working in education and my 28th year as a building principal. 1983 seems like a long time ago! I will be 65 years old in September. I feel that it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life. As I reflect on my 41 years in education, I think of the thousands of students and their families and hundreds of staff that I’ve had the pleasure to work with. I truly feel fortunate that I’ve been able to work in the education field for my entire working career.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at HDMS! It’s been an honor and privilege to work with the students, families and staff these past 11 years! Thank you to everyone who helped make my last year in education at HDMS an enjoyable one!

I wish you all the best in the future!

Sincerely,

Marc Peterson

We want to hear about your experience with your student’s education. We invite you to participate in completing the School Climate Survey. This survey includes questions about your student’s learning, school safety, and interpersonal relationships, as well as your attitudes about the institutional environment and your personal involvement in school. Your responses will be very helpful in improving student relationships, learning conditions, and the overall school environment.

We invite all parents, guardians and caretakers to complete this survey for our school. The survey is completely anonymous and brief. You can take the survey online by using the QR CODE to the right.

All your responses are completely anonymous. We have no way to connect you to your answers, and results will only be reported as group responses. There are no right or wrong answers. We just want to know about your personal experiences. Responses will be housed securely and locally on the District network.

ELA - This month, our 8th grade ELA students are diving into the world of William Shakespeare through an engaging author study and class reading of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As part of the unit, students are exploring Shakespeare’s life and the lasting impact of his work on literature and language. Through interactive discussions, character analysis, and creative performance activities, students are gaining a deeper understanding of the play’s themes of love, transformation, and illusion. This hands-on approach helps bring the text to life, making Shakespeare’s language more accessible and enjoyable for 8th grade students.

Social Studies - In 8th grade social studies students engaged in powerful learning experiences that connect history with empathy and critical thinking. They analyzed iconic Vietnam War photos, deepening their understanding of the conflict’s impact through visual storytelling. Next, they participated in a draft selection simulation, gaining first hand insight into the difficult choices faced during wartime conscription. Finally, students planned a Civil Rights Road Trip using the historic Motorist Green Book, exploring how Black travelers navigated safely through the Jim Crow South. These activities bring history to life while fostering thoughtful reflection on courage, justice, and resilience.

ELA - The final month in 7th grade ELA was a very enjoyable time! We read the classic book The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton and all the students got the chance to read the roles of Ponyboy, Soda, Darry, Dally, Two-Bit, Steve, Cherry, and all the other parts. They thoroughly enjoyed reading the character roles and had a great time analyzing the different parts that make up the major characters, plot, conflicts, and setting. After reading the book, the classes were given the summative assignment of making record albums where they had to design a playlist with 12 songs. Each song had to represent a character or a significant part of the book and explain the connections. They did a fantastic job! Overall, it was a terrific year in 7th grade ELA and I'm very proud of all their accomplishments! Wishing them all the best of luck in 8th grade next year!

Science - We will end the year studying macroinvertebrates which involves identifying and analyzing the types and numbers of non-backboned animals (like insects, crustaceans, and worms) that live in ecosystems. These organisms are valuable as bioindicators, providing insights into the health of water bodies. By examining the presence, absence, and abundance of different macroinvertebrate species, researchers can assess water quality and identify potential pollution issues.

Social Studies - Social Studies wrapped up it's year discussing the economic and social development of the country in the Gilded Age as we studied 'The Jungle' and it's far-reaching impact it had on basic hygiene in the workplace. It has been a pleasure to get to know and teach your students over the course of the school year. Thank you, all, for your support. Have a great summer!

Math - The 7th Grade has completed their Mathville Project that focused students' mastery of finding a variety of shapes Volume and Surface Area. The 7th Grade is now working hard on researching multiple famous Mathematicians and their accomplishments!

ELA - Students will wrap up our mythology unit with the story of Heracles. Then, we'll watch Disney's version of the myth and spend some time comparing and contrasting the two versions of the same myth.

During the last few days of school, the 6th grade will be hosting our annual Academic Decathlon. Students will compete in individual and group events in all core class subjects and we'll determine overall winners in each event and for all events combined. This is a fun tradition that the students always enjoy and it is a great way to end the school year!

Math - The last unit of the year will involve researching a famous mathematician and/or scientist and completing a project so the students can show off their new knowledge.

Social Studies - Caesar's been assassinated! Whodunnit? The students will explore Ancient Rome, its religions, architecture, and way of life for the rest of the year.

Science - : Students just finished building electrical houses and will nish the school year learning about waves.

This past week, 6th graders had an exciting opportunity to participate in a Challenge by Choice. Students learned the essential skills of safely securing a harness and supporting one another during their climbing experience. Each student had the freedom to choose their climbing height and they took turns assisting each other with safety equipment. This activity emphasizes teamwork and encouragement. It was a fantastic way to wrap up our time together!

Use the links below to view our Spring Concert!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H9kPPl10fY1GXeZZ3Gj8u1j1Jn6ApCp8/view?usp=drive_link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DJ2LVR8qQmbBr_MKXQxF6U-EF5k0HrcR/view?usp=drive_link

Students have been busy at work in the library finishing projects in the Makerspace and updating our outdoor area. Thank you to everyone that helped contribute during our Community Service time and UA2 classes to help clean up our space.

A special thanks to the Duncan Jenkins Trust for helping our 7th grade Media Lab classes visit the Daisy Jack Studio on W Main Street. Students had a great time decorating pottery and visiting the studio.

Lastly, call all READERS! Don't forget to check out our Summer Bingo! to participate in the HDMS summer reading challenge. Students can choose Bingo Challenge 1 or 2. Reach out to Mrs. Petersen (spetersen@hdsd.org) with any questions!