Horner Parent/Family Newsletter

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we approach the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our journey together. We have just 22 days left, with our last day of school being May 30th. It’s important to read this newsletter very carefully, as it contains crucial information regarding the upcoming school year.

I am truly grateful for the collaboration between home and school this year. Your support has been instrumental in fostering a successful learning environment for our students, and it is my goal to continue this partnership moving forward.

As we head into summer, I encourage you to make meaningful connections with your children. Remember, “Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.” Let’s inspire our students to keep pushing forward and to embrace new challenges.

Thank you for always putting your best foot forward in supporting your children’s success in school. Have a wonderful summer! For those with 8th graders, I wish them the best of luck in high school. If you have a 6th or 7th grader, we look forward to seeing them back in August for MAZE Day!

With respect, Cindy Hicks-Rodriguez, Principal

Horner Vision Statement

We at Horner Middle School, envision a future in which every student receives an effective, equitable, and engaging education that allows them to reach their full and unique potential.

Horner Mission Statement

At Horner Middle School our mission is to provide students with the Knowledge, Tools, and Skills they need to master content standards, make effective decisions, and collaborate with others, which will enable them to be successful lifelong learners.

Knowledge, Tools, Skills = Master, Make, Collaborate!

The Horner teachers have voted and it was determined that our bell schedule for the 24-25 school year will be the exact same bell schedule as this year. Please note that our AC Transit bus will continue to provide pickup and drop off's on regular day Monday's, Tuesday's, Wednesday's, Thursday's and Friday's. The only days that after school bus service will not be provided is on minimum days that are NOT Wednesday's. Those dates will be as follows:

May 27 (Tuesday last week of school)

May 29 (Thursday last week of school)

May 30 (Friday the last day of school)

Bell Schedule 24-25

M/TU/TH/F

Start time: 815 AM. End time: 228 pm

WED

Start time: 815 AM End time: 120 pm

Other minimum days that are NOT Wednesday's

Start time: 815 AM. End time: 120 pm

Last day of School

Start time: 815 AM. End time: 1248 PM

SBAC testing ELA CAT

May 1 – 2, 2025

SBAC ELA PT

May 5 – 6, 2025

PTSA meeting (zoom)

Wednesday, May 7⋅6:30 – 8:00pm

SBAC testing Math CAT test

May 8 – 9, 2025

SBAC testing Math CAT test

May 8 – 9, 2025

8th grade carnival (promotion)

Friday, May 9⋅5:00 – 7:00pm

Career day at lunch for students

Monday, May 12⋅12:00 – 12:40pm

Career and college parent night in MUR

Monday, May 12⋅5:30 – 6:30pm

SBAC testing MATH PT

May 12 – 13, 2025

Choir concert in MUR

Tuesday, May 13⋅6:30 – 7:30pm

SBAC CAST Science test grade 8

May 15 – 16, 2025

Band concert in GYM

Friday, May 16⋅6:30 – 8:00pm

Awards Night in MUR- invitation only

Monday, May 19⋅5:30 – 6:30pm

8th grade field trip to water park

Tuesday, May 20

Minimum day

Friday, May 23

No school

Monday, May 26

Minimum day

Tuesday, May 27

Minimum day

Thursday, May 29

Handout award certificates for grades 6-7 in Period 6

Thursday, May 29⋅12:40 – 1:10pm

Last day of school

Friday, May 30 Dismissal at 1248 pm

Hand out 8th promotion certificates in period 1 -students only

Friday, May 30⋅8:30 – 9:30am

Yearbook signing/DJ music/ice cream social

Friday, May 30⋅11:00am – 12:30pm

Hello Horner Families!

A quick ASB update for this month.. 24 days left?? This year has really flown by and we appreciate everything PTSA has helped us with this year including our last social of the year April 4th.

ASB has two things left in May to let you know about. The first thing is the 8th grade trip on May 20th. Thank you so much for filling out the necessary paperwork but we are still going through it so don’t be surprised if your student brings it back. Please return it ASAP if this happens. We are also looking for parent volunteers to help us chaperone this trip. Please email Mrs. Hicks if you are an 8th grade parent who is interested. Of note, we sold the whole week before break and two days this week so students had plenty of time. I would also add that if your child becomes ineligible for the trip from this point on, there will be no refund.

Finally ASB is hosting the final spirit store of the year. We are finalizing the dates but points reset after the year so make sure you spend them.

Please head to hornerhornets.org or follow us on Instagram @hornermiddle.hornets for more updates on things going on in the ASB classroom!

Dear Parents,

We are excited to announce the MAZE Day orientation for the upcoming school year! Please mark your calendars for the following dates:

• August 6th: 6th graders from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
• August 7th: 7th and 8th graders from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM

This event is critical for your child to attend, as it provides their opportunity to receive their school ID card. ID cards are essential and must be carried by students every day at school. They will be used for accessing restrooms, library and cafeteria services, as well as earning reward points for positive behavior and intervention supports.

During MAZE Day, there will be several activities and information available, including:

• School pictures for ID cards
• CLUB and sports information
• Donation stations
• School booths with various information for both students and parents
• PTSA booths and more
• Student schedules

We strongly encourage you to ensure your child attends the scheduled MAZE Day for the 2025-26 school year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get them prepared and excited for the upcoming year!

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Dear Incoming 6th Grade Parents,

We are excited to invite your child to the Horner 6th Grade WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) Orientation Day on August 1st from 10:00 to 11:30 AM in the Horner Multi-Use Room (MUR). This event is specifically designed for our new 6th graders and is a crucial step in helping them transition smoothly into middle school.

Why is WEB Orientation Important?

During this orientation, our incoming 6th grade students will have the opportunity to:

• Learn About Middle School Expectations: Students will hear important information about what to expect in middle school, including academic and behavioral expectations.

• Participate in a Rally-Style Welcome: We will kick off the day with an engaging rally to welcome our new students and help them feel excited about their new journey.

• Ask Questions: Students will have the chance to ask questions of the administration and staff, ensuring they have the information they need to feel comfortable as they start this new chapter.

• Take a Campus Tour: A guided campus tour will help students familiarize themselves with the school layout, including classrooms, facilities, and important locations.

Pickup Information

Parents are asked to pick up their child at 11:30 AM. If you prefer, you can wait in the parking lot area for your student to join you. This event is exclusively for new 6th grade students, so please ensure they attend to fully benefit from the experience.

Conclusion

We believe that the WEB Orientation Day will set a positive tone for your child's middle school experience. This event is not just informative; it’s also a fantastic opportunity for students to connect with their peers and begin building friendships that will last throughout their time at Horner.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to welcoming your child to Horner!

Below is a schedule for Horner for the 25-26 school year. More information on any updates to schedules will be posted prior to the start of school and will be available during MAZE day.

There are 4 different bell schedules: A regular bell schedule which happens for 128 days; A minimum day bell schedule which happens 43 times per year; A testing schedule which happens for 10 of the school days; A last day of school schedule which happens on the last day of school.

I want to take a moment to explain what PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) means for our middle school and the purpose behind our set behavior expectations for students.

What is PBIS?

PBIS is a framework designed to promote positive behavior and create a supportive school environment. It focuses on teaching and reinforcing appropriate behaviors, rather than simply reacting to misbehavior. The aim is to improve student outcomes by fostering a positive school culture.

Purpose of Set Behavior Expectations:

1. Clarity and Consistency: By establishing clear behavior expectations, we provide students with a consistent understanding of what is expected of them throughout the school day. This clarity helps reduce confusion and promotes a sense of security.

2. Positive Reinforcement: PBIS emphasizes recognizing and rewarding positive behaviors. This encourages students to engage in and model these behaviors, leading to a more respectful and cooperative school environment.

3. Improved Academic Performance: A positive and structured environment allows students to focus better on their learning. When behavior expectations are met, students are more likely to succeed academically.

4. Social and Emotional Development: By teaching students how to interact positively with their peers and teachers, we help them develop essential social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

5. Support for All Students: PBIS provides a framework that supports all students, including those who may struggle with behavior. It allows us to identify students who need additional support and intervene proactively.

By working together, we can reinforce these expectations at home and help our students thrive both academically and socially. Thank you for your ongoing support in fostering a positive learning environment for our children.

We will be providing parents with more information about our PBIS initiatives at MAZE day and Back to School night in the Fall.

If your son or daughter is interested in trying out for any of the sports teams at Horner, it is critical that you get them a sports physical now or over the summer as the paperwork is due to the school office when school begins. The sports that we have are: Boys and Girls Vollebyall and Boys and Girls Basketball. The first season is Girl's Volleyball. Below are the forms that are required to be completed each school year along with a copy of your child's physical clearance from their doctor. We will have a box for parents to drop off their forms at MAZE day in August. Students who do not meet the deadlinen to submit all forms will be ineligible to try out for that specific sport. Students are only required to get one physical per year so if they want to try out for multiple sports, they still only need one physical and one packet per year as long as the parent information is still accurate and up to date. Please be ahead of the game and get that physical done early! Deadline to turn in Girl's volleyball tryout packet is: August 20th by 4 pm. Forms should be turned into the school office. Thank you.

Dear Parents,

We are excited to share information about the vibrant Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) programs available at Horner during the 2025-26 school year! Our after-school VAPA offerings provide students with the opportunity to explore their creative talents and develop new skills in a fun and engaging environment.

After-School VAPA Programs

Here are some of the fantastic programs we will be offering:

• Dance Classes: Students will have the chance to learn various dance styles, including hip-hop, ballet, and contemporary. These classes encourage self-expression, teamwork, and physical fitness.

• Art Classes: Our art programs allow students to explore different mediums, from painting to sculpture. Young artists will unleash their creativity while developing their artistic skills.

• Photography Classes: In our photography classes, students will learn the fundamentals of capturing images, including composition and lighting. They will have the opportunity to showcase their work in school exhibitions.

• Digital Arts Classes: Students interested in technology and design can participate in digital arts classes, where they will learn to create digital illustrations, animations, and graphics.

Learn More at MAZE Day

Parents and students are invited to learn more about these exciting offerings at our MAZE Day orientation. Be sure to stop by the VAPA after-school programs booth to ask questions, and explore how these programs can enrich your child’s educational experience.

Free for Students

We are pleased to announce that all VAPA programs are free to students! This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to engage in the arts and discover their passions without any financial burden.

We look forward to an inspiring year filled with creativity and artistic exploration at Horner.

Thank you for your support in encouraging your child to participate in these enriching after-school programs!

As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to encourage your child’s social-emotional growth while preparing them for the transition to middle school. Engaging in activities that promote emotional intelligence, resilience, and social skills can set the foundation for a successful school year ahead. Here are some suggestions for summer activities that focus on development without the pressure of academic work.

1. Volunteer Together

Volunteering is a powerful way for students to connect with their community and develop empathy. Look for local organizations, shelters, or community events where your child can lend a hand. This experience will help them understand different perspectives and foster a sense of responsibility.

2. Join a Team or Group Activity

Encourage your child to participate in a sports team, dance class, or community theater group. These activities promote teamwork, communication, and the ability to handle both success and disappointment—essential skills for middle school.

3. Plan a Family Outing

Organize a family day trip to a museum, park, or local event. Involve your child in the planning process to develop decision-making skills and learn how to work collaboratively. Discussing the outing afterward can also enhance their communication skills.

4. Explore Nature

Spending time outdoors can significantly improve mental well-being. Plan hikes, nature walks, or camping trips. Encourage your child to share their thoughts about nature and their feelings during these activities, fostering mindfulness and reflection.

5. Create a Summer Journal

Encourage your child to keep a journal throughout the summer. They can write about their experiences, feelings, and reflections. This practice promotes self-awareness and helps them articulate their emotions, preparing them for the emotional landscape of middle school.

6. Organize a Neighborhood Book or Movie Club

Start a book or movie club with friends or neighbors. This encourages discussions about themes, characters, and feelings, enhancing social interaction and critical thinking without the pressure of formal academic work.

7. Learn a New Skill Together

Whether it’s cooking, gardening, or crafting, learning something new can boost confidence and resilience. Collaborate on a project, allowing your child to express creativity and develop patience as they navigate challenges.

8. Encourage Friendships

Facilitate playdates or outings with friends to strengthen social bonds. Encourage your child to communicate openly about their feelings and experiences, helping them build stronger, supportive relationships.

Summer is a wonderful opportunity for your child to grow socially and emotionally without the confines of traditional academics. By engaging in these activities, they will develop essential skills that will help them transition smoothly into middle school.

Thank you for your continued support in nurturing your child's growth. Wishing you all a fun and fulfilling summer!

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to provide you with a general list of recommended school supplies for your middle school student. These supplies will support learning across various subject areas. However, please note that the actual supply needs will be provided during the first week of school, as teachers may request specific educational supplies based on the students' actual class schedules.

Recommended Supplies by Subject Area

Physical Education (PE)

• Athletic shoes (non-marking soles)
• Comfortable clothing (purchased school shorts, purchased school t-shirts)
• Water bottle
• Gym bag

History

• 1-inch binder or folder
• Notebook (spiral or composition)
• Pens and pencils
• Highlighters

Math

• Graphing calculator (check with the teacher for specific models)
• Ruler
• Protractor
• Notebook (preferably graph paper)
• Pencils and erasers

7&8 Science

• 1-inch binder or folder
• Binder paper
• Composition notebook (for lab work)
• Pens and pencils
• Colored pencils or markers

• Ruler & Graph paper

• Basic 4 function calculator

• Pencils and erasers

• 1-inch binder with dividers or folder

• Binder Paper

• College ruled notebook

• Pens and pencils

• Colored pencils or markers

• Highlighters (Several different colors)

English

• 1-inch binder or folder
• Loose-leaf notebook paper
• Pens and pencils
• Highlighters

Art

• Several wood #2 pencils with an eraser!

Music

• Music binder (for sheet music)
• Pencils
• Specific instrument supplies (e.g., reeds for woodwind instruments, valve oil)
• Notebook for notes

Computers

• USB flash drive (for saving documents)
• Headphones (optional, but recommended)
• Notebook or folder for printed materials

Spanish/Hindi

• 1-inch binder or folder
• Binder paper
• Index cards to make flash cards
• Notebook (for vocabulary and grammar notes)
• Pens and pencils
• Spanish-English dictionary (optional)
• Poster boards regular size 22” X 28” or 24”X36”

Film production

• 1-inch binder or folder
• Notebook (for vocabulary and grammar notes)
• Pens and pencils
• Highlighters
• USB drive

Important Note

While this list provides a general guideline, your child’s teachers will provide specific supply needs during the first week of school to ensure that all materials align with their educational objectives.

Thank you for your support in helping your child prepare for a successful school year!