HAROLD MARTIN SCHOOL NEST

Dear HMS Families and Friends,

Our first four-day week was a success! We continue to dedicate significant time and care to building our school community and establishing shared expectations and language as our Hawks grow into one unified school community. Although routines such as recess guidelines, cafeteria procedures, and schoolwide expectations may seem simple, teaching and reinforcing them with intentionality makes a tremendous difference. Together, we are laying a strong foundation for a wonderful school year.

Our families and community are essential partners in our success. If you have questions at any time, please feel encouraged to reach out, we are always happy to connect. Enjoy the long weekend! We cannot wait to welcome our students back to HMS on Wednesday.

Sara Duval

Harold Martin School, Principal

• Monday, September 7 – No School: Labor Day
• Tuesday, September 8 – No School: State Primary Election/Professional Development Day
• Wednesday, September 9 - Wear Your Hawk Gear or the Color Green Spirit Day 💚
• Tuesday, September 15 - International Dot Day. Wear Polka Dots Spirit Day 🔵🟡🔴🟠
• Thursday, September 17 - Constitution Day
• Friday, October 9 – No School: Professional Development Day
• Monday, October 12 – No School: Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day
• Thursday, October 15 – HMS Picture Day
• Friday, October 16 - Hopkinton Lions Club Vision Screening
• Monday–Friday, October 26–30 – HMS Book Fair
• Tuesday, October 27 – Book Fair Family Night 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 3 – No School: Election Day
• Tuesday, November 10 – No School: Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Wednesday, November 11 – No School: Veterans Day

Spirit Days are occasional schoolwide celebrations that invite students and staff to dress according to a fun theme. Participation is always optional, and families do not need to purchase anything special. These days are a wonderful way to build school spirit, strengthen our sense of community, and have fun together!

A note from our Spirit Committee:

September’s Spirit Days are here!

• Wednesday, September 9 – Hawks Spirit Day: Celebrate our return from the long weekend by wearing your favorite Hawks gear or the color green.
• Tuesday, September 15 – International Dot Day: Wear polka dots as HMS celebrates creativity, courage, and the unique contributions each student brings to our school community. Students will also participate in fun Dot Day activities throughout the school day.

We love celebrating and showcasing the wonderful learning happening at HMS! Throughout the year, we may share photos or videos of students participating in classroom activities and school events in our school publications, yearbook, website, and social media pages. Students’ first and last names will not typically be included unless a student is being recognized for a specific accomplishment.

If you do not want your child to appear in photos or videos, please notify the main office by email no later than September 15 each school year.

We are excited to introduce our Family Resource Center, created to support families across the Hopkinton School District with helpful books, parenting resources, educational materials, and guidance on a variety of topics. Family Resource Center bookshelves are located in the Maple Street School main office, the Harold Martin School conference room, and the Hopkinton Middle High School conference room.

Borrowing a resource is quick, convenient, and discreet. Simply browse the available materials, scan the QR code located on the bookshelf, and complete a brief three-question checkout form. Resources may be borrowed for up to three weeks and returned to the school’s main office when you are finished.

We will continue to expand the Family Resource Center throughout the school year by adding new titles, developmental resources, and informational materials. If you have questions, need assistance, or would like to suggest a resource or topic for the collection, please contact Emily Squibb at esquibb@sau66.org.