Horner Parent/Family Newsletter
March 2024
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!
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we step into the month of March, we are reminded of the importance of not just academic growth, but also the overall well-being of our students. We hope this message finds you well and in good spirits.
This month, we urge all parents and guardians to take a moment to check in on your child's social and emotional health, alongside their academic progress. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the academic year, it's crucial that we support our students in every aspect of their development.
Here are a few reasons why checking in on your child's social and emotional well-being is so important:
- Healthy Minds, Better Learning: A positive state of mental and emotional well-being directly impacts a student's ability to learn, retain information, and engage in the classroom.
- Building Resilience: By discussing feelings and challenges, students learn to build resilience, coping skills, and emotional intelligence, which are invaluable life skills.
- Identifying Needs Early: Regular check-ins allow parents to identify any signs of stress, anxiety, or other emotional struggles early on, enabling them to seek appropriate support.
- Strengthening Parent-Child Bond: Open conversations about feelings and experiences help strengthen the bond between parents and their children, creating a supportive and trusting relationship.
In addition to discussing emotions and well-being, we encourage you to also take a moment to review your child's academic progress. March marks a significant point in the academic year, and assessing where your child stands can help in setting realistic goals for the remainder of the term.
Please consider these simple steps to support your child this month:
- Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Set aside dedicated time to talk with your child about their day, any challenges they may be facing, and how they are feeling.
- Encourage Healthy Habits: Ensure your child is getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. Physical health greatly impacts mental and emotional well-being.
- Review Academic Progress: Take a look at recent assignments, grades, and any feedback from teachers. Use this information to celebrate successes and address any areas that may need improvement.
- Reach Out for Support: If you notice persistent signs of distress or academic challenges, don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teachers or school counselor. We are here to support you and your child.
As partners in your child's education, we appreciate your dedication and involvement in their growth. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Thank you for your continued support.
Warm regards, Mrs. Hicks-Rodriguez
Assistant Princpal's Message
Welcome to March. We wanted to take a moment to review the dress code in the student handbook. We are starting to see an uptick in students wearing pajamas again so please make sure that when your student leaves for school that they are dressed appropriately to avoid any consequences at school. Please see below for the dress code guidelines as well as the picture of dress code from head to toe pictoral.
DRESS GUIDELINES - SCHOOL WIDE: Students are required to wear clothes that are appropriate for school ( CA Education Code 35183: FUSD and Horner Middle School believes that appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment and expects students to wear clothing that is suitable for the school activities in which they participate. Students shall not wear clothing that presents a health or safety hazard, or is likely to cause a substantial disruption to the educational program. The following guidelines must be followed:
Along with the dress code visual posted, the following articles of clothing may not be worn to school:
Pajamas or flannel pants that resemble pajamas, nightgowns
Bathrobes or slippers
Tights worn in place of pants
Flip flop sandals
We ask for your cooperation in following these guidelines which help us meet our goal of providing the best educational environment possible. If a student violates the dress code policy, he/she will be sent to the office to resolve the dress code issue.
First infraction - the student is given a warning plus change of clothing/or parent/guardian will be called to bring a change of clothes.
Students who violate the dress code repeatedly may receive progressive disciplinary consequences.
Also, with the unpredictable weather, could you remind your student to bring a coat and umbrella with them to school should the weather change quickly? Thanks so much for your hellp with this.
Thank you for your partnership in helping us create a safe and orderly learning environment for all!
Health and Sex education info
Hello families,
Health lessons will begin in Science classes on April 29, 2024. If you wish to opt your child out of any of the applicable opt out lessons, please email your child's Science teacher no later than March 29, 2024. We will not be able to process opt out requests after March 29th as we will need time to prepare for student locations and substitutes for opt out students. Thank you for reviewing the lessons ASAP on the district website and letting your teacher know any opt out requests by March 29th.
SBAC State Testing coming in April
The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments are comprehensive, end-of-year assessments for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics that are aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics and measure progress toward college and career readiness. The tests capitalize on the strengths of computer adaptive testing—efficient and precise measurement across the full range of achievement and the timely turnaround of results.
Horner will be administering the SBAC assessments to all students in grades 6-8 during the following dates:
April 29 - May 3 : ELA testing
May 6 - May 10: Math testing
May 13- May 15: Science testing (Gr. 8)
May 16- May 17: Makeups
Please note that Horner does not grant independent study contracts during SBAC testing and parents are highly encouraged to make medical or dental appointments after school so that students do not miss their testing days.
Join our virtual information session to learn more about the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), which is the state academic testing program.
Monday, March 11, 2024
6:00pm - 7:15pm
Topics to be covered:
- What is the purpose of the CAASPP
- Who takes the CAASPP
- Understanding your child’s CAASPP
- Report
- Explore practice tests
- How to help your child prepare
Buzz Buck prizes needed for students
Hello everyone....
We are still in need of $5 gift cards and bags of jolly ranchers, fruit chews, individual bags of pretzels and goldfish, and other individual hard candy for our BUZZ Buckss incentive program. Any help you can give would be greatly appreicated. The kids love turning in their BUZZ bucks on Friday's for goodies AND the kids love it when their name is drawn out of the bin the the gift cards!
ELPAC testing begins first week in March
For students who are designated as Multi-lingual learners, they will be testing with the ELPAC assessment in March. Students will be tested on written and oral language skills as well as speaking skills. If your student is within this designated group you would have already been contacted about the testing via email by administration. Good luck to our students with this very important assessment.
Intra-District Transfers
Intra-District transfers are available for parents/guardians to request their student attend a school
different from their home school, but within the District. Parents/Guardians complete the transfer form and indicate the requested school. Transfers are approved by principals based on space availability and district guidelines. The student’s home school remains the same. Assembly Bill (AB) 1127 amended Education Code section 46600 to now require California school. districts to approve intra-district and inter-district transfer requests by victims of an act of bullying. Transfers must be approved annually. Students must maintain satisfactory grades and attendance, and excellent behavior. Intra-District transfer forms and additional instructions are available online. If a junior or senior high school student moves during the school year, the student may complete the school year at that school, after registering at the school of their new residence with an approved. Intra-District Transfer. The following year the student must attend the school of their new residence. (BP/AR 5117.2). Please be aware that Horner is full with enrollment at this time therefore the potential of any intradistrict transfer into Horner being approved will most likely be denied.
Restroom ettiquette and cleanliness
We kindly ask for your assistance in addressing a concerning issue we've been observing in the student bathrooms at Horner.
Lately, there has been a noticeable increase in misuse, resulting in unclean and disorderly restroom conditions. We have found instances of graffiti, toilets stuffed with food cartons, and even full rolls of toilet paper causing plumbing clogs. These behaviors not only create an unsanitary environment but also disrupt the smooth functioning of our facilities.
We urge you to have a conversation with your child about the importance of keeping the restrooms clean and orderly and to report misuse to the office or their teacher if they observe it.
Please emphasize the significance of respecting shared spaces, not only for their own benefit but for the well-being and comfort of their fellow students. Please remind them that a clean environment promotes a healthier school community for everyone.
Let's team up to counter these challenges together. By instilling a sense of responsibility and respect for the facilities, we can ensure that every student has access to clean and functional bathrooms.
Thank you for your partnership in maintaining a positive and hygienic learning environment for all at Horner.
March upcoming events
Please find below a list of upcming events at Horner this month:
ELPAC testing - March through May
Boy's Volleyball tryouts - March 4 & 5
PTSA meeting - March 6
Talent show - March 8
End of quarter 3 - March 15
Boys VB game @ Walters - March 19
Open house - March 20
Boys VB game at Horner - March 21
ELAC parent meeting - March 21
SSC meeting - March 26
WEB application deadline for current 7th graders - March 27
No school - March 28
No school - March 29
Please review the Horner school calendar on the website for specific times for each event.
Ms. Omstead - Horner Teacher of the Year Nominee 2024
Congratulations to our Science Dept. Chair, Jackie Omstead for being nominated as Horner's Teacher of the Year Nominee 2024. Mrs. Omstead is a true professional and she has taught Science for many years at both Washington High School and Horner Middle School. Jackie Omstead demonstrates excellence through meticulous lesson planning, tailoring content to meet diverse learning needs and employing innovative teaching methodologies to engage students actively. She fosters a supportive and inclusive classroom environment, where every student feels valued and encouraged to participate, reflecting excellence. Jackie goes beyond the curriculum to instill critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning skills within students and highlights educational excellence. Her effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues, as well as a passion for teaching and inspiring others, are hallmarks of her being an excellent educator.
Congratulations to Ms. Omstead on her nomination for FUSD Teacher of the Year!
Tips to help your child improve their study skills in middle school
Middle school marks an important transition period for our students, where developing effective study skills becomes crucial for academic success. As partners in your child's education, we would like to share some valuable tips and strategies to help support their growth and achievement during these formative years.
Encourage your child to establish a regular study routine that includes dedicated time for homework, reviewing class notes, and preparing for upcoming tests. Consistency helps create good habits and sets the foundation for effective studying.
Create a Distraction-Free Study Space:
Designate a quiet and organized study area at home where your child can focus without distractions. Ensure this space is well-lit, comfortable, and stocked with necessary supplies like pens, paper, and textbooks.
Teach Time Management Skills:
Help your child learn how to manage their time effectively by using tools like planners or digital calendars. Encourage them to break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, setting specific deadlines for each.
Encourage Active Learning Techniques:
Encourage your child to engage with the material actively. This includes summarizing notes in their own words, creating flashcards for key concepts, or teaching the material to a family member or friend. Active learning enhances understanding and retention.
Promote Healthy Study Habits:
Emphasize the importance of breaks during study sessions. Encourage short breaks to recharge and refocus the mind. Additionally, ensure your child gets enough sleep each night, as a well-rested mind is better equipped for learning.
Support Effective Note-Taking:
Teach your child different note-taking methods such as Cornell notes or mind mapping. These techniques help organize information, make connections between ideas, and serve as valuable study aids later on.
Encourage Communication with Teachers:
Foster open communication between your child and their teachers. Encourage them to ask questions, seek clarification on confusing topics, and attend extra help sessions if available. Building a positive relationship with teachers can provide valuable support.
Model effective strategies:
Show your child the value of lifelong learning by discussing interesting topics, sharing books or articles, or engaging in educational activities together. Being a role model for curiosity and a love of learning can inspire them on their academic journey.
Use Technology Wisely:
While technology offers many resources for learning, ensure your child uses it purposefully. Help them find reputable educational websites, apps, or online tutorials that complement their studies.
Celebrate Achievements and Progress:
Recognize and celebrate your child's efforts and achievements, no matter how big or small. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and motivates them to continue working hard.
By implementing these strategies at home, you can empower your child to become a more independent and effective learner. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way. Together, we can help them thrive academically and develop the skills they need for a successful future.
Thank you for your partnership in your child's education.
Hindi lottery complete at Horner
This year we had 175 entries for the Hindi lottery at Horner. We have completed our lottery draw and have pulled out 34-7th graders and 34-8th graders for next year's two sections of Hindi. We are in the process of screening candidates for the Hindi teaching position and will be conducting interviews by May 2024 with hopes of finding the Hindi teacher for Horner. All parents who had a student name drawn from the lottery have been contacted. Please know that if you did not receive an email, this means that your child was not selected in the lottery draw. We only notified those parents of students going into the program next year. Thank you to those who partiicpated in the lottery this year.
Spring enrichment classes happening at Horner!
The FUSD Board of Education approved our plan for VAPA enrichment classes for the Spring. Horner will be offering two different Art enrichment classes after school as well as a 6th grade Band program after school. Students who were selected in the lottery draw have had their parents. notified by email last week. We had an overwhelming response to these program choices therefore a lottery did have to take place. We have filled all three after school programs for the Spring. We are looking forward to next school year in which we will be having more offerings for after school programs using our Prop 28 funds. Please be on the lookout for those program offerings in the fall. Thank you to those who entered the lottery and congratulations to those who were selected to participate in the spring programs.
STEAM event with the City of Fremont
https://www.fremont.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/events/spring-into-steam-event
The City of Fremont is hosting a Spring into STEAM event to promote educational programs that will lead to careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Downtown Event Center: 3500 Capitol Ave, Fremont, CA
This FREE, family-friendly evening will have fun STEAM activities, giveaways, FUSD’s STEAM Scavenger Hunt, food trucks, music, free raffle prizes, and more. The Spring into STEAM event is a Cargill sponsored event hosted by the City of Fremont.
Parent square resources
https://fremontunified.org/students-community/support/portals/
Please click on the link above if you need additional help with parent square or if you would like to join parent square. This is a key communication tool that Horner uses as the connection between home and school. We hope that you join and enjoy the application.