Hixson Happenings

84th Issue, September 3, 2021

Important Dates

September 6 - Labor Day - NO SCHOOL

September 17 - half professional development day for staff; early dismissal @12:32 pm

September 19 - WGSD Community Open House for Hixson Middle School, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

October 4 - Picture make-up/retake day
October 19 & 20 - Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences, 4pm - 8pm

October 21 - Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences - 9am - 4pm; NO SCHOOL for students

October 22 - NO SCHOOL

Update on Masks

Attention parents/guardians,

Over the past two weeks, we have noticed that many students need a mask when they arrive at school. Please be sure to send your student with a mask to school everyday. Your student must be wearing a mask that adequately covers the face and nose prior to entering the building. During this week alone, I have given out approximately 100 masks to students entering the building through the Main Office doors in the morning. Administrators who supervise the entrances at the circle drive have also given out about 100 masks this week to students who don't have one. At this rate, we will eventually exhaust our supply of masks. Please make sure that your student is wearing a mask from home upon entering the building. It is also a good idea for your student to keep extra masks in their bag, locker etc.

We could also use parent/guardian support with reminding students to make sure that their masks cover their noses throughout the school day. We are giving several reminders to many students throughout the day to pull their masks up. Any support that you can give us with these reminders would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your support of Hixson Middle School!
Dr. Mayes

Arrival & Dismissal Update

Thank you for your continued patience with arrival and dismissal procedures. Throughout this week, we have worked with the Webster Groves Police Department to continue analyzing our arrival and dismissal procedures, and as a result, we have decided to make another adjustment to arrival.

Starting next week, parents/guardians will no longer be allowed to make a left turn onto Ambrose Way from S. Elm Ave. The S. Elm lot will only be accessible by driving west on Ambrose Way during morning arrival. The Webster Groves Police Department will continue to be present to enforce this change, and a sign will also be placed on Elm. In addition, parents/guardians are not permitted to drop their students off on Ambrose Way.

Please remember, we have two drop off locations in the morning. You can drop off at the Main Entrance on the S. Elm lot or in the circle drive (north side of the building facing hwy 44).

Late Arrival & Early Dismissal

Please view Hixson's late arrival and early dismissal procedures below. Please note, our new Main Office is located on the Elm lot. Late arrivals and/or early dismissals take place at the Main Entrance.

After School Activities

Happy Friday! Hixson is so excited to begin After School Activities next week! What a great opportunity for all involved to create new relationships, make new connections, share similar interests and just HAVE FUN! Here are a few things to remember as you prepare for after-school activities next week.

Mr. Atterberry is personally emailing families of students who did not get into a club due to a size restriction. IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD DIRECTLY FROM MR. ATTERBERRY, your admission to the club(s) you chose has been accepted and you are expected to show up for your club next week.
The VICC activity bus is only for students from St. Louis City who participate in our volunteer transfer program. If you select the mode of transportation and are not a part of this program you will need to either be picked up or walk home after your club.
All students who signed up for Drama Auditions should show up next Tuesday and Wednesday for an informational session with the club sponsor Mr. Conners. All students will then audition on September 9th and September 16th. The auditions will determine who will continue with this club and who will not. Please contact me with any questions.

See you next week and have a wonderful and long weekend!

Mr. Atterberry

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Online Registration Forms

Click the link below to access instructions for how to complete your Online Registration Forms. These forms need to be complete before your student can receive a Chromebook.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING ONLINE REGISTRATION FORMS

Hixson's 1:1 Technology Plan + Insurance

Hixson Middle School will continue with a 1:1 Technology plan for students. This year, parents/guardians have the option of purchasing insurance for their student's device to help cover the cost of repairing the device, if needed. Here are the basics of our 1:1 model:

We need all parents/guardians to opt in or opt out of the insurance for their student's device.
We strongly encourage parents/guardians to opt in to the $18 insurance, which helps cover one repair during the school year. There will be an $18 fee to cover additional incidents of damage.
Students will receive a loaner device while their device is being repaired. If the student damages the loaner device while it is in their possession, then the parent/guardian will pay an $18 fee for the repair of the loaner device.
Lost or stolen devices are subject to a $50 deductible. Stolen devices must be reported to law enforcement in order to be covered by the insurance.
Students will be issued a protective case for their Chromebook.
Students will be expected to carry their device to and from their classes and to and from school each day.
Students cannot receive their device until online registration in SIS is complete.
Students are allowed to bring their own device instead of using a school issued Chromebook, if they prefer. If this is your preference, parents/guardians should opt out of the insurance.
Devices will be issued during the first week of school. Every student will receive a device except for those who are planning to use a personal device. Until you officially opt in or opt out of the insurance for your student's device, you will be responsible for the full cost of repairs and/or replacements of the school issued device, if needed.
We believe all students should have access to resources. If you anticipate needing assistance with insurance fees, please reach out to your student's counselor for additional support.
If you would like to donate $18 for a Hixson student in need of assistance with the insurance fee, you may do so when you pay on the RevTrack website (below).

STUDENTS WILL NOT RECEIVE A CHROMEBOOK PRIOR TO PARENTS SUBMITTING ALL ONLINE REGISTRATION FORMS, WHICH INCLUDES THE AUP. PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORMS. THEN, COMPLETE THE 1:1 CONSENT FORM AND PAY FOR THE INSURANCE, IF APPLICABLE.

https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/Domain/230

Click HERE to opt in or out of the device and insurance for your 6th grade student.

Click HERE to opt in or out of the device and insurance for your 7th grade student.

Click HERE to opt in or out of the device and insurance for your 8th grade student.

*Please complete a separate form for each one of your students.

Then, follow the instructions below to pay the insurance fee, if applicable.

How to pay for your student's Chromebook insurance.

Go to webster.revtrak.net.
Click on “Hixson Middle School”.
Fill out the information needed for purchase.
Create an account through RevTrak to check out.
You can add multiple items in the cart.
Once you place your order, you will receive an email receipt in the email you used to sign up.

The table below shows the average cost of the most common Chromebook repairs. We cannot accurately predict the cost of all replacement parts, or their availability. In some cases, the cost could be higher or significantly higher than what is listed below. Students are expected to respect their Chromebook and case as much as they respect any other district property.

Free & Reduced Price Lunch

We want to make sure you know about the Free/Reduced Meal Program that is available for students. Webster Groves School District is offering free meals to all children ages 18 and under for school year 2021-2022. This is available due to a nationwide waiver in response to COVID-19.

We still want to encourage each household to submit a Free and Reduced Meal Application, as additional savings will apply! A family of four with an annual income below $49,025 will qualify for free/reduced meals. Please read below the other opportunities for savings if your family qualifies.

Additional Savings and Discounts

Up to $50 off your Monthly Internet Bill
Bus transportation
Emergency – P-EBT Benefits

We recognize that many families may be experiencing a change in financial circumstances and are seeking additional help. Please know that we are here to help connect you to programs and resources that can provide support.

You are encouraged to check out this website www.webster.k12.mo.org or visit the main office at your child’s school for more information and to apply. Signing up only takes a few minutes and the information submitted is only used to determine meal eligibility.

Our priority is the health and well-being of all students so they are able to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Thank you,

Nancy Pelant

Food Service Director

Webster Groves School District

The institution is an equal opportunity provider.

WGSD Community Open House for Hixson Middle School - 9/19/21

Webster Groves School District will hold a community open house and ribbon cutting at Hixson Middle School on September 19, 2021. The purpose of event is for community members to get a chance to tour the building, view a brief ribbon cutting ceremony, enjoy light refreshments, take fun pictures at the Hixson Middle School photo station, meet members of the Hixson community and more! Additionally, since Cbabi Bayoc has painted three beautiful murals at Hixson, he will be conducting artist talks during the event to discuss his inspiration and process for painting our murals. We are looking forward to a fun time! Hope to see you there!

Picture Make-up/Retake Day

Picture make-up/retake day will be October 4, 2021. Please read the following note from Wagner Portrait Group.

Wagner has moved to 100% paper-free ordering! Last school year, as we encouraged families to order online due to COVID precautions, well over 80% of orders came through the website and resulted in tremendous advantages including: