Panther Update Family Edition #18

We have some exciting news to share! Our very own Hannah Ginther has been named a 2026 Riley Champion, presented by Kroger. The Riley Champions program, created by the Riley Children’s Foundation, honors remarkable Riley Hospital patients who turn their courage during medical challenges into meaningful philanthropic action within their communities.

During the coming semester, our school will partner with Hannah and her family to support fundraising efforts for Riley Children’s Hospital. Be on the lookout for opportunities to get involved and support this important cause. Please join us in congratulating Hannah, our school community’s 2026 Riley Champion.

While we are talking about Riley Children’s Hospital, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our Toy Drive. I am incredibly proud of our students and families for the difference they are making. Because of your generosity, it appears we will be able to bring joy to nearly 100 families this holiday season.

Supporting others teaches our students so much. I received the email below from one of our Student Council members, and it beautifully captures the heart of this experience and the impact of our community.

Hello Mrs. Ulmer and Mrs. Reiter,

I am a 6th grader and part of the student council. I wanted to let you know that all the toys we collected have been dropped off with the pediatrician who lives next door, and she has delivered them to the Cheer Guild at Riley Hospital. This experience has truly shown me the heart of our community. What started as a small idea after hearing from my neighbor that children at Riley Hospital did not receive many toys last Christmas rapidly grew into something this big.

At first, I had collected only five toys on my own, but once our Student Council supported the idea, it turned into a school-wide toy drive. The kindness and generosity went beyond our walls. Together, we were able to collect more than 100 toys for children who truly needed them. I am incredibly grateful to be part of a school that cares for others. This experience taught me that when we come together with empathy and kindness, even small actions can make a huge difference in the lives of others. Thank you both so much for your support. I look forward to being part of more meaningful projects like this in the future. Happy Holidays!

I also want to take a moment to thank our Student Council Advisors, Maria Dorsel, Alex Chisley, Amy Reiter, and Lisa King. They are doing an exceptional job developing student leaders. Thank you for the time, care, and energy you pour into our students each day. You are truly growing leaders.

We wish all of our Panther families a restful and rejuvenating break. We hope this time allows you to relax, recharge, and enjoy time together. We look forward to welcoming our students back on Monday, January 5, 2026. Enjoy the break!

Ms. Janie Ulmer

Principal

Payment Information:

You can fund your child’s lunch account by sending in cash or a check. Please be sure to write your child’s name and student ID on the check and/or envelope. You may also deposit funds through eFunds.

HSE Food Services Newsletter

Click the link above to find information on free/reduced lunch applications, eFunds, what’s included in a meal, Global Flavors, and Harvests of the Month.

HSE Food Services Website

Click the link above to find menus, pricing, nutrition policies, and contact information.

Help Us Keep Our School Healthy
When reporting your child’s absence due to illness, please share specific symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. This information helps our health team track trends and monitor the overall level of illness in the building.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your school nurse.

Hour of Code/AI

This week is Computer Science in Education week, and December is internationally a big push for Hour of Code. This year Hour of Code is also having an Hour of AI with several computer science related activities that involve both coding and AI. The CS for All website explains that, “Through hands-on, fun activities, your children will explore how AI can be used to imagine, build, and solve real-world problems. They’ll begin to see AI not as magic, but as a tool they can understand and shape.” Students can explore Hour of Code and Hour of AI activities/resources here. Some of them may also explore these or other coding resources in their classroom or in the library! There are other coding and Hour of Code/AI resources students can find in the Library’s Canvas too.

MackinVIA

Did you know that students have lots of options to keep reading over school breaks? Of course, they may have some books checked out from us or visit the public library. But they also have access to MackinVIA in Clever! We subscribe to a middle school collection of eBooks that are available to our students through Clever in MackinVIA. They just need to select their right school, and it will automatically log them in. It’s a great way to find new things to read over breaks or when out of town.

Do you know an HSE employee who makes our schools a better place for everyone? Someone who truly embodies our mission. Have you noticed an employee who consistently goes above and beyond to make a meaningful difference?

Help us recognize these extraordinary individuals by submitting a R.A.V.E. (Recognizing All Valuable Employees) Review. Nominating someone takes just a minute - use the link below to submit your nomination today!

https://www.hseschools.org/community/rave-reviews

Grade 5/6 Student Council Meeting Dates:

Meeting Location 234 (Ms. Reiter’s Room)

Meeting Time: 8:20

Dropoff: Door 17. Please DO NOT prop doors open

Feel free to bring snacks

• Jan 16

• Feb 6

• Feb 20

• Mar 6

• Mar 20

• Apr 17

• May 1

• May 15

12278 Cyntheanne Road, Fishers, IN, USA

Main Line: 317-594-4120

Attendance: 317-594-4126

Counseling: 317-594-4124

Fax: 317-594-4129

Website: https://hij.hseschools.org

Permitted use of school newsletters as required by the Equal Access Act is not an endorsement of this group or this group’s beliefs by Hamilton Southeastern Schools or the Board of School Trustees.

Twitter:

@HIJPanthers

@hijhathletics