Hammond Middle School Bulletin

We are so proud of Mrs. Pretzello for being named 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year Finalist by the Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland State Board of Education. We are excited for her and wish her the best as the Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced on September 26th. Please wish Mrs. Pretzello well!

Join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15! This is a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Throughout the month, students will have the opportunity to learn the origin story, important dates in history, why language matters, as well as important people in history.

As we continue to welcome new students to our school community, we are currently making adjustments to student schedules in order to maintain balanced class sizes and create the best learning environment for everyone.

We know that change can sometimes feel unexpected and difficult. Some students may experience a change in their math teacher or ELA teacher, and we want to assure you that our staff is here to support all students through these transitions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to create classrooms where every student can thrive. Our team is committed to making these adjustments as smooth as possible and ensuring that every child feels supported and valued.

Students in grades 6-8 who participated in the Spring 2025 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) will be bringing home score reports on Wednesday, September 24th.

The reports show the prior grade level's understanding in math, science and English language arts. These assessments are just one measure of your child's performance and provide you with insight into your child's level of proficiency. Federal accountability requires that students assess annually in grades 3-8 and once in high school.

Please visit HCPSS MCAP for more information.

For the safety of our students, we kindly remind all families and community members that jogging, walking, or strolling through the recess field and blacktop area is prohibited during the student day.

These areas are actively used for Physical Education classes and recess, and limiting access ensures a safe and secure environment for all students.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a safe school campus!

Hello!
Reservoir high school is excited to share that we are launching a Food Pantry Program at our school to provide food support for students and families in need. All responses are confidential and will only be used to determine the need for this program. Link:

The BSAP Saturday Math Academy fall session is approaching! The program offers an in-person enrichment for Howard County Public School System students in all levels of math for grades 3-12, based on course availability. Registration will take place online Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 9:00 am until capacity is reached. Class space is limited. Families can register by accessing the HCPSS Connect WebsiteLinks to an external site. on the registration date. Please contact BSAP Supervisor, Nicole Brown if you have any questions. For more information, please visit: https://news.hcpss.org/news-posts/2025/09/black-student-achievement-program-bsap-saturday-math-academy-fall-2025-program/Links to an external site.

• September 23 - Schools & Offices Closed - Rosh Hashanah
• September 24
• September 25 - Picture Day
• September 27 - Family Academy Kick-Off
• September 29 & 30 - Grade 6 MAP Testing
• October 2 - Schools & Offices Closed - Yom Kippur
• October 6 & 7 - Grade 7 MAP Testing
• October 9 & 10 - Grade 8 MAP Testing
• October 17 - Schools Closed for Students
• October 20 - Schools and Offices Closed - Diwali
• October 31 - End of 1st Quarter - 3hr Early dismissal
• November 2 - Daylight Savings Time

Our Lost and Found areas in the cafeteria and front office are filling up! If your student is missing items—especially water bottles and lunch boxes—please stop by to take a look.

• Hammond Middle School Website
• HCPSS Calendar SY 25-26
• HCPSS Student and Parent Handbook
• Hammond Middle School PTA
• Follow us on Instagram: @hms_middle
• 2025-2026 HCPSS Academic Calendar

HCPSS Community News https://community-programs.hcpss.org/
Howard County Library News https://hclibrary.org/
Resources and Supports https://www.hcpss.org/supports/family-resources/

Grassroots Crisis Intervention - 410-531-6677

The Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 and a trained counselor will respond.