Haverford Middle School Newsletter

Somehow, earlier this week we reached the halfway point of the first quarter! That certainly snuck up on us.

By now, students have mastered navigating the hallways during passing periods, we can evacuate the building in five minutes during a fire drill, and everyone knows that wings are the best lunch option. Clearly, our routines are taking shape!

As students settle into their school routines, we encourage families to establish a few at home as well. Middle school is an important time for developing independence, organization, and responsibility. A little consistency now can go a long way.

Here are a few simple habits that can make a big difference:

• Check Canvas daily. Encourage your child to review upcoming assignments, due dates, and any work they may have missed. A quick five-minute check can prevent surprises later.

• Charge Chromebooks nightly. Make plugging in the school-issued Chromebook part of the bedtime routine. A fully charged device means one less obstacle to learning the next day.

• Pack up the night before. Have students check their schedules and pack their backpacks with everything they need. The goal is for students to take ownership of this responsibility, with a little prompting from you when necessary.

• Review PowerSchool together. Set aside a few minutes each week to check grades and missing assignments. Rather than focusing only on the grade, ask questions like, "What are you proud of?" or "Is there anything you need to follow up on?"

• Encourage self-advocacy. If a grade seems incorrect, an assignment is confusing, or your child needs help, encourage them to email their teacher or ask a question in class. You can help them think through what to say, but let them take the lead.

• Make a plan. When something is missing or an assignment is late, help your child identify the next step. What needs to be done? When will they do it? Who can help? The goal is to build problem-solving skills, not to solve every problem for them.

None of these routines needs to be complicated or time-consuming. And we certainly don't expect middle schoolers to master them overnight! There will be forgotten assignments, uncharged Chromebooks, and the occasional frantic morning. Those moments are opportunities to learn.

Our goal is not simply to help students make it through eighth grade. It is to help them develop the habits, confidence, and independence they will need in high school and beyond.

With cold and flu season approaching, we want to remind families of our school’s medication policy. Students may not carry prescription or over-the-counter medications at school. The only exceptions are EpiPens, inhalers, and diabetes medications, in accordance with school procedures.

Any medication that needs to be kept in the nurse’s office must be brought to school by a parent or guardian, rather than sent with a student.

We recognize that our students are responsible, but mistakes can happen. Our medication policy helps keep all students safe. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Attendance Procedures

Clubs and Activities Schedule

Clubs and Activities Slide Show