The Heritage Herald
October 23, 2026
Important Dates
TODAY ~ Dia de los Muertos
10/26-30 ~ SPIRIT WEEK (more info below)
10/30 ~ PBIS COSTUME DAY (for participating students-see below)!
FALL FUN AT HMS
HMS students who meet the target behavior of "BEING PREPARED FOR CLASS" will be allowed to wear costumes to school on Friday, October 30th! Any student who receives 3 minors (= 1 Major) in the being prepared for class category will not be able to participate in October’s monthly event.
Your child’s safety is our first concern. We ask that you guide their selection of costumes and accessories in a manner that will allow them to comfortably work and learn throughout the day. If your child decides not to wear a costume, they can wear a school appropriate Halloween themed shirt (one that does not encourage violence) with their jeans.
Any items/costumes that encourage violence are inappropriate for children at school. Therefore, students will not be allowed to bring toy guns, swords, pitchforks, or other toy weapons. Students are not allowed to wear masks; however, students may paint their faces. Face paint should be appropriate and not include fake blood or inappropriate symbols or words.
Finally, please do not allow your child to bring candy on Halloween, they will receive a spooky treat at school.
Thank you for your cooperation. We are looking forward to EVERYONE having an enjoyable day!
🤒 When is TOO Sick for School?
When you send your student to school, you are confirming they are healthy and ready to learn. Please help keep our school community healthy by following these guidelines:
Fever (100.0°F or higher): Students must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning.
Vomiting: Students must be free of vomiting for 24 hours before returning.
Diarrhea: Students must be free of diarrhea for 24 hours before returning.
Help Stop the Spread of Illness! Encourage frequent handwashing, cleaning commonly touched items such as Chromebooks and cell phones, and avoiding close contact with others when sick.
🪮 "Once a Week, Take a Peek!" Head Lice Awareness
Head lice can affect students of all ages, including middle schoolers! Although lice do not spread disease, they can spread easily through direct head-to-head contact.
Prevention Tips:
Check your student's hair and scalp weekly.
Avoid sharing hats, brushes, combs, and hair accessories.
Avoid head-to-head contact, including when taking group selfies.
Use personal pillows and bedding during sleepovers.
If live lice are found: HMS students may finish the school day, per the Student Handbook. Over-the-counter treatment may be provided by the Health Office when available. Students must return with evidence of treatment, which will be evaluated by the Health Office.
👓👂 Vision & Hearing Screenings
Schoolwide vision and hearing screenings were conducted on October 20–21, 2026.
Students who were absent will have an opportunity to complete their screenings on November 17, 2026.
If your student receives a referral following screening, please follow up with an appropriate care provider. Early identification of vision and hearing concerns supports classroom success.
🌙 Sleep & Screen Time: Recharge Your Brain!
Between homework, extracurricular activities, social media, and gaming, middle school students have busy schedules! However, quality sleep is essential for concentration, memory, emotional regulation, and overall health.
How much sleep do middle schoolers need?
Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours each night.
Ages 13–18: 8–10 hours each night.
Healthy Sleep Tips:
Power Down: Put away phones, gaming devices, and tablets at least 30–60 minutes before bedtime.
Stick to a Schedule: Keep consistent sleep and wake times, including weekends.
Create a Calm Environment: Keep bedrooms cool, dark, and quiet.
Avoid Late-Night Caffeine: Energy drinks, soda, and some specialty coffees can interfere with sleep.
Charge Devices Outside the Bedroom: Reduce late-night scrolling, notifications, and distractions.
Middle school is a time of big physical, emotional, and social growth. Encourage your student to build healthy habits, communicate when they are not feeling well, and take responsibility for their personal health.
Oliva Gomez, CNA
(708)924-6308 Ext 7207
Fax: (708)728-3103
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