A Message from the Principal!
DATE
October 4, 2026
This Week at HMS
Monday, October 5th - Unified Arts Rotation #2 begins
Wednesday, October 7th - Faculty Senate Time 2.5 Hour Early Dismissal (NOON)
Thursday, October 8th - Cross Country Chris Burg Invitational Championship at Poor House at 5 p.m. (Please note this was moved up by a half hour, from 5:30 to 5.)
Thursday, October 8th - School Pictures for the Yearbook
Upcoming Events
October 13th- End 1st 9 weeks
October 14th- Professional Learning Day No Students
October 16th- Gold Team West Oak Farm field trip
October 20th- Report Cards sent home
October 20th/ 21st - Middle School Matters (6th grade students)
October 22nd- Sky Zone Reward Trip (for schoolwide fundraiser)
October 23rd- First 9 Weeks Awards (2nd, 3rd, 4th periods)
October 26th- 30th - Red Ribbon Week
October 27th- HMS Social Studies Fair Set up
October 28th- HMS Social Studies Fair/ Open House @ 4:30, Awards @ 5:00 PM
October 28th- Parent Teacher Conferences (5-7 PM)
October 29th- Green/Pink Team Medieval Times field trip
October 30th- Blue Team Field Trip – Udvar-Hazy field trip
Was your child's iPad locked on September 30th?
Students are required to have a current Acceptable Use Policy on file in order to use a school-issued device or access the school network. If your student's device was locked on 9/30, complete your Annual Forms & Information Update for their device to be able to be unlocked.
From the Board Office:
We have noticed that some of our students have already missed school days this year. Currently, 20% of Berkeley County students have missed two or more days since the first day of school. Establishing strong attendance habits early is important, and we are committed to partnering with families to support every student’s success.
If you have received communication from your student’s school regarding attendance, we encourage you to connect with the identified staff member. Together, we can work to support your child and keep them on track for a successful year.
Did you know that you can write a note and provide documentation to explain your student’s absence? Providing a valid reason helps ensure accurate attendance records, supports student safety, and reinforces the importance of communication and responsibility—skills students will carry with them into the future.
When documentation is not received, the absence must be marked as unexcused. Students who accumulate more than ten unexcused absences may be considered truant under state law. Our goal is to help families stay informed and avoid this situation by working together proactively.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting student attendance. Your involvement makes a difference in helping every student stay engaged, connected, and successful.
Attendance Policy Reminders:
- Parents are allowed to excuse ten days of absence due to illness during the school year (a doctor’s note is not required for these days).
- Send a note within three days of absence. Please use the Absence Note link
- Include the date(s) of absence and reason.
- If your student suffers from a chronic medical condition, please contact the school nurse.
Absences related to trips/vacations are no longer excused by State Law.
