July 2025 Family Newsletter Horner
July 2025
Principal's Message
Dear Horner Families,
As we wrap up the first semester, I want to take a moment to share my heartfelt appreciation with all of you. These past five months have reminded me—yet again—why I’ve dedicated over three decades to middle school education. Working side by side with our Horner families to support our students has been a true pleasure. We are incredibly lucky to have a school community that always puts kids first and comes together to do what is best for our campus as a whole.
One thing I’ve learned over my many years as a principal is that a strong school community isn’t built by chance—it’s built by people who choose to lift each other up. Every day, I see students, staff, and families offering support, showing kindness, and stepping up in ways both big and small. When we each do our part, we help create the kind of environment where everyone can grow and succeed. I often say, “When we work for the greater good, we become a positive force that makes our entire school community better,” and I truly see that here at Horner.
It’s hard to believe we are already approaching second semester. I am excited for all that the new year will bring and for the many opportunities ahead to watch our students thrive, take on new challenges, and continue building the skills they’ll need to become successful young adults. Your partnership plays such an important role in that process, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support you give us every day.
I wish you and your families a wonderful, restful Winter Break.
Thank you for being such an important part of the Horner community.
Happy Holidays,
Cindy Hicks-Rodriguez
Principal, Horner Middle School
Horner Vision and Mission Statement
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!
All Wednesday's are minimum days with early dismissal at 1:17 pm. We will also have other days that we have a 1:17 dismissal that are NOT Wednesdays. Please not on these dates below there will be NO AC transit bus right after school. Students can walk to the Grimmer bus stop near IHS to catch the bus right after school. Thank you for noting these dates below.
12/19, 5/29, 6/1
If your child is interested in trying out for a Winter or Spring sport please print out the forms that are attached prior to the school year. At MAZE day you are able to turn the forms into the athletic table if you have the physical form from your doctor attached. All students trying out for a sport MUST have all paperwork and physicals completed and submitted on the due dates below in order to try out. If you have any questions you can email Mr Sean Davis at Horner Middle School as he oversees the athletic programs.
Forms due for Girls Basketball: December 19, 2025
Girls basketball tryouts: January 6, 2026
Forms due for Boys Volleyball: March 4, 2026
Boys volleyball tryouts: March 9, 2026
All deadlines are firm and we cannot accept forms past the due date listed above. Thank you.
We are excited to share information about our Semester 2 VAPA classes! VAPA teachers will be notifying parents via email regarding students who have been selected for individual VAPA classes. These notifications will be sent between December 16-19. Deadine to sign up for semester 2 classes for lottery selection is December 15th. Below is the link in case you missed it.
Classes will begin in January, and specific start dates will be included in the email notification you receive. Emails will only be sent to families whose student(s) were selected for the programs.
We appreciate your support and enthusiasm for the arts!
Dress code reminders! With the weather changing rapidly, please take a moment to remind your student about dressing warm for school. The rainy season is approaching and so is the cold caps! Tank tops, shorts and sandals might not be the best for students to wear during the winter months. Please see the dress code below as a reminder. Thanks families!
DRESS GUIDELINES - SCHOOL WIDE: Students are required to wear clothes that are appropriate for school ( CA Education Code 35183. Dress for Success Guidelines: At Horner, we believe that dressing appropriately helps create a positive and focused learning environment. We want you to feel comfortable and confident while also maintaining a respectful and distraction-free atmosphere. Please keep the following guidelines in mind when choosing your school attire:
✅ Stay Classroom Ready – Sunglasses are great for outdoors, but please remove them when you’re in class to stay focused and engaged.
✅ Keep It Secure – Shirts, tops, and dresses should have straps for comfort and support. Clothing should fully cover undergarments at all times.
✅ Express Yourself Safely – For everyone’s safety, gang-related clothing, accessories, jewelry, and emblems are not permitted at school. Chains and spikes on jackets or pants should be left at home.
✅ Keep It Covered – Tops should cover the midriff, and lower-body garments should fully cover the buttocks without exposing underwear.
✅ Step Safely – Shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals and flip-flops are allowed, but wear them at your own risk.
✅ Keep It Appropriate – Pajamas, flannel pants that resemble pajamas, bathrobes, house slippers, and blankets should stay at home.
✅ Avoid Confusion – Red or blue bandanas with a handkerchief print are not allowed to prevent any misunderstandings or conflicts.
By following these guidelines, you’re helping to create a positive, safe, and respectful learning environment for everyone. Thank you for doing your part to represent Horner with pride! 🐝
First infraction - the student is given a warning plus change of clothing/or parent/guardian will be called to bring a change of clothes. Infractions will be input into the students behavior record.
Students who violate the dress code repeatedly may receive progressive disciplinary consequences.
🎄✨ Horner Middle School – December 2025 Calendar ✨🎄
A month filled with learning, community, and festive cheer!
December 1–2 (Mon–Tue)
Social Tickets on Sale at Lunch
Don’t miss your chance to grab tickets for our December Social!
December 2
Boys Basketball @ Hopkins (Away) ⏰ 2:45 – 5:30 PM
December 3
PTSA Meeting (Online) ⏰ 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Join us virtually to stay connected and informed!
December 5 (Lunch)
Girls Basketball Meeting 📍 Near Locker Rooms
December 5
Lockdown Drill (No Evac) 11:15–11:45 AM
December 5
School Social (Grades 6–8) 📍 Indoors. 2:45 – 4:45 PM
December 8
Winter Choir Concert 📍 MUR ⏰ 6:30 – 8:15 PM
December 8-December 16
CHKS Survey (Grade 7). Administered in English classes.
December 9
Boys Basketball @ Horner vs. Centerville ⏰ 2:45 – 5:30 PM
December 9
ELAC Meeting (Zoom) ⏰ 5:00 – 6:00 PM
December 9
Boys Basketball @ Thornton (Away) ⏰ 5:00 – 6:00 PM
December 11
AMC 8 Payment & Forms Due! Turn everything in to the office before 4 PM.
December 12
Winter Band Concert 📍 Gym ⏰ 6:30 – 8:15 PM
December 12
Boys Basketball @ Walters (Away)
December 16
Boys Basketball @ Horner vs. Hopkins – LAST GAME! ⏰ 2:45 – 5:30 PM
December 18
Girls Basketball Forms Due 📍 Submit to Office
December 19
Minimum Day — Start of Vacation! Enjoy the break!
🎁 Winter Break. December 22, 2025 – January 5, 2026
❄️ School resumes Tuesday, January 6, 2026
🏀 Coming in January 2026
Tuesday, January 6. Girls Basketball Tryouts
Hello Horner Families!
The big event for ASB for the month of December is our annual charity drive. Again please head to hornerhornets.org or follow us on Instagram @hornermiddle.hornets for more updates on this incredible event to help families in need.
Our next social will be taking place on December 5th. If you don’t have a gold card, to purchase a ticket, you must buy a ticket beforehand. This will be taking place on November 19th, 20th and December 1st and 2nd. Located in the C downstairs hallway near room C102 for 10 dollars. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving break and spending time with your families!
Mr. Shaffer
Activities Director
More Than Photos—It’s Your Story! Created by Horner students with creativity and care, the yearbook captures the moments that matter most. Preorder now for $55 (Sept–Dec) while supplies last! yearbookordercenter.com (Code: 7874) | Room C120
We’re excited to offer a fun way to celebrate your child’s birthday at Horner Middle School! Since we do not allow treats, balloons, or other birthday items to be brought to school due to the distractions they can cause, a marquee birthday greeting is a wonderful alternative to make your child feel special.
For just $10 cash, you can have a personalized birthday message displayed on our school marquee — a great way to make your child a “celebrity” for the day!
If you’re interested in purchasing a birthday greeting, please stop by the school office for more information.
Thank you for helping us celebrate our students in a fun, safe, and school-friendly way! All proceeds go towards our school safety supplies and technology needs.
Dear Horner Families,
Each year, I receive several emails from parents and families asking about meaningful gift ideas for staff during the holiday season. To help with this, our staff displays their wish lists to the Horner Holiday Virtual Giving Tree, where families can view the types of items staff members have requested, should you wish to show appreciation to someone special on our team.
Below is the link to the Horner Virtual Giving Tree for this year.
If you are interested in contributing, please note that all gifts should arrive at Horner Middle School no later than December 16th. Our final day before winter break is December 19th, which will be a minimum day, and staff will be leaving with students at 1:30 PM.
Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity should you choose to participate in this year’s Virtual Giving Tree. We wish all our families a wonderful holiday season, and we truly appreciate your ongoing partnership and support at Horner.
