PRINCIPAL'S CORNER

Dear Patriot families,

March is upon us! It won't be long before warmer weather arrives. Please, send your child in layers as spring weather approaches. Virginia can throw us a mid-day weather curve ball sometimes.

There are many wonderful things going on this month, including Read Across America this week Our students and staff are excited about this week and the following activities:
Read Across America: March 1 - Guest Reader Day, March 2 - Mix It Up Day (Read a new book and wear mixed up clothing), March 3 - Snuggle Up With a Book Day (wear school-appropriate PJs and bring a stuffed animal and book to school), March 4 - Dress Like a Book Character Day (wear something to represent your favorite book character)

Reach out to us if there is anything your student or family needs; we truly appreciate your partnership!

Fondly,

Kim Doucette, Principal

March 7: Make-Up Picture Day

March 11: NO SCHOOL (Teacher Workday)

March 14 -18: SPRING BREAK - NO SCHOOL

March 29: Report Cards will be sent home

The HMES Field Day Spiritwear Store is NOW OPEN for ONLINE ORDERS! The store is open through March 11, and proceeds benefit the PE department.

Please submit your attendance notes online by using the button below.

HMES students earn Patriot Pride tickets for showing that they are READY, CARING, and SAFE. Students can cash in their tickets to earn prizes to include laptop stickers, fidgets, lunch with a friend, or special time with a staff member (Doodling with Dr. Doucette, Crafts with Ms. Keels, and Sports/Games with Mr. Wishard are a few of our top choices). Students who exemplify Patriot Pride can also receive a Positive Office Referral from their teacher or any HMES staff member. Students who are recognized get to visit our book vending machine with a golden coin to pick out a brand-new book to take home! Ask your students to show you how they exemplify Patriot Pride by being ready, caring, and safe on the bus and at school. Our students are AMAZING; we’re eager to celebrate them!

Please submit your student's transportation change online by using the button below.

Lost and found items can be found in the showcase in the main hall. Please see office personnel for assistance.

Masks Are No Longer Required Inside Schools and on School Buses

On March 1, 2022, FCPS transitioned to optional student, staff, and visitor use in school and on school buses.

We want to respect each individual’s decision to wear a mask or not wear a mask. We still believe that masks are one of many successful mitigation strategies we employed during the pandemic. For that reason, we will continue to distribute masks to anyone who wants one. Please also know that our procedures regarding isolation and quarantine remain unchanged.

As shared in a division alert yesterday (2-27-22), our school division will continue to share important information and remains committed to keeping everyone in our school community safe. Please, visit our division website for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19: www.fxbgschools.us

If your child is ill or has been exposed to COVID 19, please don’t send them to school. If they test positive for COVID-19, please call the school nurse at 540-372-1115 and keep them at home. If your child is waiting for test results, please keep them home as well.

If your child has to stay home due to quarantine or isolation, please call us and communicate with your child’s teacher. Call the office if you need assistance 540-372-1115.

Thank you for your continued support and all you do for our school. We look forward to a wonderful week together and lots of opportunities to share our love of reading – and a great book!

Summer School will be June 6 - July 27 (Monday - Thursday)

• No school July 4 and 5
• K-5 Summer School will be at HMES this summer
• More to come on how to register your student for Summer School

Email: kdoucette@cityschools.com
Website: https://hmes.fxbgschools.us/
Location: 2100 Cowan Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA, USA
Phone: (540) 372-1115
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HughMercerES