Hammond Middle School Bulletin

February 27- Chamber Orchestra Assessment
February 28 - String Orchestra Assessment
March 1-7 - National School Social Work Week
March 2-6 - Natinal School Breakfast Week
March 2 - Read Across America Day & International SEL Day
March 3 - Schools close 3hrs Early- Professional Learning
March 8 - Daylight Savings Time
March 14 - Pi Day

Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. While the official dates encompassing the holiday vary by culture, HCPSS observed the holiday Feb. 17th. Thank you to all of our HMS Families that provided the decorations for our building to celebrate.

As many students begin the celebration of Ramadan, we want to ensure that our students who are fasting feel supported and have comfortable options during lunch.

Staff will take a moment before sending students to lunch to remind them of the following alternate locations available throughout the duration of Ramadan:

Students are welcome to go to the Media Center instead of the cafeteria during their lunch period.
If students need a quiet space for prayer, they are welcome to visit Student Services or the Front Office.

These options will be available for the entirety of the Ramadan celebration.

Dear Hammond Middle School Families,

I’m writing to share an important update regarding student Chromebooks at Hammond Middle School. Beginning Quarter 4, we will be piloting a new Chromebook model wherein student devices will be housed in classrooms in secured carts for use during instructional time.

As part of this pilot, current student Chromebooks will be collected and returned to our media specialist. Each classroom will be stocked with enough new devices for every student. The new Chromebooks will remain unassigned and teachers will facilitate their distribution when necessary for instruction.

Under this pilot:

Students who have a device identified as a supplementary aid as designated in an IEP or 504 Plan will continue to have an assigned device that may travel home with the student, and
Parents/guardians may request that their student continue to have an assigned device to bring home to support equitable access.

Our teachers remain committed to strong instruction that is meaningful, accessible, and equitable for all students. Technology will continue to be available as a tool to support learning and differentiation when it makes sense instructionally, and it will be used in purposeful ways. Teachers will also still be able to assign work to be completed outside of class time, and we will remain mindful of students’ access to technology at home.

Our goal is for this shift to support student learning while also promoting responsible and healthy technology use. You will receive additional information soon, including next steps for requesting a device for home use and the process for returning your child’s currently assigned Chromebook.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

In partnership,

Ms. Lisa J. Smith

Principal, Hammond Middle School

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen to the Chromebooks students are currently assigned?

The current devices will be collected and returned to the Department of Information Technology (DIT). DIT staff will evaluate the devices and either prepare them to be redeployed to other sites or, if they are beyond their usable age, have them recycled.

How many Chromebook carts will our school have? Will every instructional space have a Chromebook mobile cart?

Our school will have computers in nearly all of the instructional spaces. Our school will determine how to best distribute the devices and carts to meet our instructional needs.

Will my child have a Chromebook cart in their classroom?

Carts will be divided among instructional spaces based on the needs of each content area. The intention is to make devices available for instructional use when they are needed, and there will be flexibility in the model.

How will students be identified as needing a Chromebook for home use?

Staff will identify students who have a documented need for technology in their IEP or 504 Plan and work with their families to determine if the student will continue to take a device to and from school. Additionally, all families will receive a communication letting them know they may request to continue to have an assigned device for their student. Families will be asked to complete a form indicating their preference.

Will teachers still be able to assign homework that requires a computer?

Yes. Teachers may still assign homework that requires a computer. Teachers will also speak with students about access at home and provide flexibility or extended deadlines as needed. Families whose students do not have access to a computer at home will be provided information about how to request a device for home use.

Will the Chromebooks be assigned to students?

Most students will not have a device assigned to them. Students will use devices available in their classroom as needed. Some students, such as those with a documented need in an IEP or 504 Plan, or those whose families request a device, will have one assigned. That device will travel with the student to and from school and be available for use during instruction.

What happens if a family requests a device and it becomes damaged?

If a family requests an assigned device for home use and the device becomes damaged, the school will work with the family and the Department of Information Technology to determine next steps. Families will be expected to follow the same care expectations and procedures that apply to all school-issued devices. Additional details about repair and replacement procedures will be shared as part of the request process.

HCPSS will host its second annual HBCU College and Career Fair on March 7, 2026, from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at Guilford Park High School. Over 20 HBCU representatives will be in attendance to provide students and families with information on admissions, scholarships, and pathways to higher education. Many HBCUs offer rolling admission, making this event especially beneficial for students who have not yet applied to college.

Students will also have an opportunity to connect with over 20 careers and trade programs! Students and families can get assistance with resume, cover letter creation, interview preparation along with application and essay writing support.

This event is for all HCPSS students. Students and families can register to attend through this website. Registration link in Spanish can be found here.

2026 Family Academy Conference

HCPSS families are invited to attend the 2026 Family Academy Conference on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 5:30–8:30 pm at Long Reach High School. This free, districtwide event brings families, educators, and community partners together for an evening of learning, connection, and support. Families can enjoy a light dinner, a community resource fair, interactive workshops focused on academic achievement and well-being, and free childcare. Workshops will include topics such as college and career readiness, special education supports, curriculum updates, and hands-on learning strategies for use at home. Interpretation services will be available. For additional information, please contact BSAP Supervisor, Nicole Brown.