The Hawk's Nest News

HMS Families,

As we approach the final stretch of the academic year, there’s a renewed energy in the air. April brings warmer days, exciting learning opportunities, and a strong finish to the school year. Spring is a season of renewal, and in our school, it’s a time to refocus on academic goals, personal growth, and teamwork. With state testing, end-of-year projects, and special events on the horizon, we encourage students to stay engaged, motivated, and committed to their learning.

Let us approach these final two months of the 2024 - 25 academic year with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence. Thank you again for trusting us, in partnership with you, to educate your child and allowing us to watch them grow academically, socially, and emotionally!

Other important information is noted below, including...

• Hebron Havoc -- Friday, April 4, 2025 -- 7:00 pm
• Quarter 3 Honor Roll and Perfect Attendance
• ILEARN Testing Information Dates
• End of Year Awards Ceremony Information

And much more! Please take time to read the newsletter below.

GO HAWKS!

Matt Beahm

Principal

Hebron Middle School

MSD of Boone Township

Important Dates for Semester 1 (Subject to change):

Monday, March 24 - Friday, March 28, 2025: Spring Recess -- No Classes

Friday, April 4, 2025: Hebron Havoc VIII -- HHS Gym -- 7:00 pm

Wednesday, April 9, 2025: MS/HS Choir Concert -- HS Auditorium -- 6:00 pm

Friday, April 18, 2025: Make-Up Day # 2 or No Classes

Monday, April 21, 2025: Make-Up Day # 3 or No Classes

Tuesday, May 6, 2025: 1/2 Virtual Day -- Dismissal at 11:10 am

Thursday, May 8, 2025: HMS Band Concert -- HMS Gym -- 7:00 pm

Saturday, May 17, 2025: Science Night

Wednesday, May 21, 2025: Glow Dance until 4:15 pm

Monday, May 26, 2025: Memorial Day -- No Classes

Tuesday, May 27, 2025: 8th Grade Awards Night -- Front Lawn of HMS or HMS Gym -- 5:30 pm

Thursday, May 29, 2025: Last Day of Classes

The popular Hebron Havoc VIII (Eight is Enough) returns to Hebron High School on Friday April 4, 2025. Start time is 7 pm.

Hebron Middle School will be selling concessions at Hebron Havoc VIII, including Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, cookies, drinks and other items!

THIS IS A CASH ONLY EVENT!

Congratulations to our middle school students who made the Honor Roll for Quarter 3! Your hard work, focus, and determination have paid off, and we’re incredibly proud of your academic achievements!

Congratulations to our middle school students who achieved perfect attendance (no absences or no tardy to any class) in Quarter 3! Your dedication and commitment to being present every day is truly commendable, and we're proud of the example you've set for your peers.

ILEARN testing will be administered primarily in the morning on the below dates. Please be sure your child gets a good night's sleep the night before testing, eat breakfast, and are ready for testing. Also, it is imperative that students get to school on time and that appointments, if possible, are scheduled in the afternoon. Finally, please make sure all students have their Chromebooks fully charged.

6th Grade

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 -- Math Computer Adaptive Test

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 -- Math Computer Adaptive Test

Thursday, April 17, 2025 -- Math Performance Test

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 -- ELA Computer Adaptive Test

Thursday, April 24, 2025 -- ELA Computer Adaptive Test

Friday, April 25, 2025 -- ELA Performance Test

Tuesday, April 29 2025 -- Science Computer Adaptive Test

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 -- Science Computer Adaptive Test

Thursday, May 1, 2025 -- Science Performance Test

7th Grade

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 -- Math Computer Adaptive Test

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 -- Math Computer Adaptive Test

Thursday, April 17, 2025 -- Math Performance Test

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 -- ELA Computer Adaptive Test

Thursday, April 24, 2025 -- ELA Computer Adaptive Test

Friday, April 25, 2025 -- ELA Performance Test

8th Grade

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 -- Math Computer Adaptive Test

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 -- Math Computer Adaptive Test

Thursday, April 17, 2025 -- Math Performance Test

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 -- ELA Computer Adaptive Test

Thursday, April 24, 2025 -- ELA Computer Adaptive Test

Friday, April 25, 2025 -- ELA Performance Test

Each year, we recognize the accomplishments of our students at an 8th-grade awards night (this is not a graduation ceremony -- it is an awards night, honoring the many accomplishments of our 8th-grade class.) and awards day (6th and 7th grades).

Information about each is below:

8th grade awards night will be on Tuesday, May 27. See the information flyer below.

6th and 7th-grade awards will be presented during the academic day on Thursday, May 29 (or on the last day of school). 6th and 7th-grade awards will be with their peers only.

Our lost and found table has accumulated a variety of items so far this year, and we want to make sure everything finds its way back to its owner. The pictures below show the current collection of lost belongings. If your child is missing something, we encourage them to check the table and reclaim their items as soon as possible. Any unclaimed items left on the table at the end of the academic year will be donated to those in need. Please take a moment to review the pictures and remind your child to look for anything they may have lost.

Asynchronous Learning (eLearning Days)

With the winter months upon us, there are days that will inevitably be called off because weather conditions warrant it. School corporations are only allowed to have three (3) eLearning days for inclement weather days. For these reasons, the first three inclement weather cancellations will be made up in the normal way, asynchronously (eLearning); no "live" classes. For all students, learning will be conducted via eLearning protocols.

1. Assignments will be posted by 9 a.m. on inclement weather days.

2. Assignments should be completed for the next academic day or per the teacher's instructions.

3. Instructions and assignments will be posted in Google Classroom.

4. Teachers are available through email from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Students have practiced the procedures for an eLearning day and should do the work independently with encouragement from parents and guardians. It is always best to have a designated workspace and a set schedule for students to complete the work.

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Synchronous Learning (Live Instruction)

Any days after we have used our asynchronous days that results in the MSD of Boone Township canceling classes could be made up synchronously (live instruction via Google Meet). Students will be required to follow their class schedule, get online during specific times, join their teachers live interaction and instruction via Google Meet and complete their learning. Students must arrive at the Google Meet on time, be able to participate in their daily education, answer questions when the teacher asks, and be present until the teacher excuses students for the class period, just as they would in a normal, in-person classroom environment. Students will not meet during their study hall/SRT, 5th hour or Team-Time class. If/when they have study hall, they can take that time make sure their work from previous classes is complete or read their Independent Reading book for ELA. Students should work as they would during a traditional school day. If possible, students should have a designated work area free of disruptions to ensure their attention is on what our staff is teaching. Assignments will be due the following academic day or at the teacher’s discretion. Staff will be available during live instruction and then thereafter until 2:35 pm. The schedule for synchronous learning days will be posted should we look to utilize this option.

The MSD of Boone Township tentatively plan to utilize our traditional eLearning and makeup days before choosing the synchronous learning option, but this type of learning is an option on inclement weather days. Please know the synchronous learning days will be a learning opportunity for our district. We will adapt as we see fit, and as always, we appreciate your unwavering support!

In accordance with Indiana Code 20 - 33 - 2 - 14, which states "The governing body of each school corporation shall have a policy outlining the conditions for excused and unexcused absences. The policy must include the groups for excused absences. Any absence that results in a person not attending at least one hundred eight (180) days in a school year must be in accordance with the governing body's policy to qualify as an excused absence", the MSD of Boone Township has written and will enforce the following policy regarding attendance starting with the 2024 - 25 academic year. Additional attendance information will be available in the MSD of Boone Township Universal Handbook, which will be published on our school website

To ensure a focused learning environment, all MSD of Boone Township students are required to turn off and store all wireless communication devices in their lockers throughout the school day. This includes cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, and any other electronic devices with two-way communication capabilities. Not included in this policy are school issued MSD of Boone Township devices and devices utilized to manage the student’s health care or as part of a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan. This is in accordance with IC 20-26-5-40.7 and MSD of Boone Township School Board Policy 4307 (Wireless Devices Prohibition).

MSD of Boone Township School Board Policy: 4307 (Wireless Devices Prohibition)

Possessing and/or using a wireless electronic device which is portable and is capable of providing voice, messaging, or other data communications between two or more persons and includes cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, digital cameras, and/or gaming devices in a manner which constitutes an interference with a school purpose or educational function, an invasion of privacy, or an act of academic dishonesty, or is profane, indecent, or obscene.

This rule is not violated when the student has:

a) been given permission from a teacher to or use a wireless device for educational purposes during instructional time;

b) to use a wireless device in an emergency or to manage the student’s health care; c) to use a wireless device as part of the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.

In addition to being disciplined, students who use a wireless electronic device in a manner which violates this rule may have the device confiscated by school administration. Such a device will be returned to the parent.

Additional wireless communication device information will be available in the MSD of Boone Township Universal Handbook, which will be published on our school website.

In order for a student to be eligible to participate in or attend games, clubs, dances, extra-curricular activities, or any other school-sponsored events students, a student must be in "Good Standing". The "Student in Good Standing" policy can be found on our corporation website once it is published.

Students must adhere to the following:

• Attendance: Students must have no more than 2 unexcused absences and/or 3 tardies per nine-week grading period.

• Grades: Students must have no more than one F. This will be taken at the end of each nine weeks, previously completed nine weeks will count towards eligibility.

• Behavior: Students may not have more than one (1) discipline referral to the office per semester. Students may not have more than two (2) discipline referrals for any teacher per semester.

A student in good standing has full rights with respect to participation in activities of the school, academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular, subject to any restrictions which apply to all students. A student is not in good standing during the period of time he/she is under in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. A student not in good standing may have limited participation in any school activity, contest, practice, ceremony, dance, or trip, whether academic, co-curricular, or extracurricular, except as may be allowed by the principal and/or expulsion examiner. Also included are students with delinquent fees without a payment plan.

We are excited to continue our partnership with Elevate Students, which helps "elevate students' character, self-esteem, academic success, and leadership abilities through curriculum and coaches" (http://elevatestudents.com/wp/). They will be helping to strengthen our already robust social-emotional curriculum in all grades. Elevate Students will be meeting in person with our each week, as we continue to promote positive values and prepare our students for the world outside these four walls.

Knowing that family situations can change or new families may not know, free and/or reduced lunch applications can be found at the link below. This can be useful for families, even if it is for temporary support. If you have questions or need help, don't hesitate to contact Kelsey Rodriguez (NIESC Food Service Director) at 574-229-2209 or krodriguez@niesc.k12.in.us. If your family is needing a paper copy of the application, please contact our office.

We have five (5) virtual days scheduled during the academic year. With our virtual days, students will be picked up for school at their normal time, car riders can be dropped off at their normal time and our doors will open at their normal time of 7:30 am. Classes will begin at their normal time of 7:40 am. Lunch will be served to our MS students around 10:45 am. Students will be dismissed at 11:10 am. Students will have assignments for hours 6, 8, and 9 on Google Classroom to complete (with the exception of an SRT class if they have that class during those hours). Assignments will be due the following academic day or at the teacher’s discretion.

With the number of students, who are being dropped off and picked up each day at HMS, the picture below shows the traffic flow. This has not changed from last year. As noted above, door D (which is where drop-off and pick-up occurs) opens at 7:30 am, with pick-up occurring at 2:40 pm.

Students who are not in school must be called off. To do so, please call the office by 9 am at (219) 996-4771 Ext 101 to report your child will be absent from school. If you do not call your student off, it will count as an unexcused absence. Please note the attendance policy above!

As a reminder, parents are only allowed to call off their students 4 times a semester for illness, vacation, or otherwise. Everything after those 4 regardless of previous year's accommodations will be marked as unexcused without a doctor's note. If you feel you are going to exceed the 4 call-offs per semester, please be proactive in contacting me and your child's doctors to be prepared. This is in accordance with a new state law that went into effect on July 1st of this year. Students who reach 10 total absences in a single semester or 18 absences for the combined semesters, regardless of the reason or accommodation (this includes call-offs, excused, or unexcused), will be placed on a truancy plan. Depending on the number of absences that are unexcused, Project Attend and the Porter County Prosecutor's Office may get involved.

When a 2-hour delay is called, door D will open at 9:30 am, with classes starting at 9:40 am. Those who are riding the bus will be picked up 2 hours after their original pick-up time. Breakfast will not be served. We will dismiss at our regular dismissal time of 2:30 pm.

Please be reminded of the MSD of Boone Township student dress code. The policy can be found on pages 55 and 56 in the Universal Student Handbook. I’ve also attached our policy below:

Parents/guardians must ensure that students come to school properly groomed and dressed. Proper attire is defined as clothing that is clean, modest, which does not create a health or safety hazard, and which is not distracting or demeaning to other students in the classroom.

School attire should conform to the following guidelines that are not intended to be all-inclusive. The administration reserves the right to use its discretion in determining the type of clothing appropriate for the school setting.

Students are to abide by the following:

• All students must wear soled shoes at all times. Elementary students are not allowed to wear high heels.

• Any clothing exposing the torso, such as ripped shirts, tops that are torn or meant to expose bare midriffs, barebacks, low necklines, as well as those that are strapless and see-through, are not permitted. Pants, skirts, and shorts must completely cover undergarments.

• Shorts and skirts must be long enough to enable stair-climbing, sitting, and participating in any school activity without the possibility of undergarment exposure.

• Clothing with unacceptable writing or pictures will not be allowed. This includes anything advertising drugs, tobacco, alcohol, vulgarities, nudity, sex, weapons, criminal activity, gang activity, or is contrary to the school’s mission.

• No wearing of hats or coats in the building without prior administrative permission. Hoodies are not to be worn on the head. No outerwear is allowed in the classroom unless extenuating circumstances dictate.

• Students are not to wear objects that could be used as weapons such as chains etc.

• Clothing must be in good repair

Any athlete who wants to play a late winter or spring sport must have their IHSAA physical (linked below) on file prior to practices starting. In addition, Final Forms (linked below) must be filled out completely, including forms, parent signature, student signature, and the Final Forms fee paid, which can be paid in the MS office, not to incur the handling fee, if paid by credit card.

The links below will direct you to the Hebron Schools Athletic Website where you will find updated schedules, pictures, and news from the athletic department.

If you have athletic questions, please contact our athletic director, Mr. Todd Adamczyk.

Email: adamczykt@hebronschools.k12.in.us
Athletics Website: https://websites.eventlink.com/s/hebron-schools-indiana

Teachers at Hebron Middle School are trying to encourage our students to become actively involved in the entire life of the school and take advantage of the programs offered here at the middle school.

The middle school staff has adopted and slightly modified a program that incorporates five areas we want to emphasize as making a more complete or successful student: scholarship, citizenship, attendance, extracurricular activities, and service.

• Scholarship – Students get a point for having no grade below a C- each grading period. A student is automatically out if they earn 2 or more F’s for the quarter.
• Attendance – Perfect or near-perfect attendance (maximum of 2 absences per grading period or 2 tardies). Attendance is determined by school records and can be reviewed by school administration. A student is automatically out if they miss 6 or more days.
• Citizenship – Students will automatically earn their citizenship points unless they have received more than 1 one-hour detention. If a student earns a two-hour detention, they do not earn the citizenship point. A student is automatically out if they are suspended or expelled during the quarter the Hawk Trip is for.
• Extracurricular Activities – This category includes teams, clubs, and academic competitions at Hebron Middle School. ONLY school-sanctioned activities count for this program (exceptions will be allowed for exceptional circumstances granted by the team-time teacher). You are only allowed one point total, regardless of the number of activities you are involved in during a grading period
• Service -- REPLACEMENT POINT (as long as a student isn’t automatically out and they earn a service hour, they can replace the service hour with not earning a point for grades, attendance, citizenship, or extracurricular activity) -- this allows students to earn their way back into the Hawk Trip. If a student completes a community service activity and return a signed paper from the event organizer/individual for whom the service was completed, this will allow the student a replacement point for that quarter's Hawk Trip. This point may need to be confirmed by the staff.

The middle school staff has end-of-the-quarter activities and this year we’d like to make these activities extra special, one which our students earn. Students will have the opportunity to participate in all areas each grading period and will earn points in each category. Team Time teachers will use the form found on the back to tally points each grading period. If you have any questions, please talk with your child's Team Time teacher.

Students who participate in extracurricular events (sports or clubs) must be in good standing. Those who participate in clubs or sports at Hebron Middle School will be subject to a grade check every two weeks, starting with midterms, two weeks after midterms, and at the end of the grading period. Students who have a failing grade will immediately become ineligible for the club/sport they’re participating in until the next grade check. This also applies to the end of each grading period. Students who have two or more failing grades at the end of a grading period will be ineligible for the next 9-week grading period.

Coaches/club supervisors reserve the right to remove athletes from practice and contests if their academic progress is unsatisfactory. Additionally, athletes/club members may be removed from a team/club due to poor academic performance.

Every student-athlete, manager, trainer, or support group member is subject to this rule. Those affected may attend practices during the period of ineligibility at the coach’s discretion.

The MSD of Boone Township is committed to serving healthy and nutritious meals to all students. The link below will direct you to the foodservice calendar for Hebron Middle School. If you have any questions about the breakfast or lunch service, you may contact our Cafeteria Director, Mrs. Paula Cunningham at her email address below or (219) 996-4771 Ext: 215

Email: cunninghamp@hebronschools.k12.in.us
Menu Website: https://calendar.hpsmenu.com/?school=3079

We will be continuing (the first delivery is tentatively planned for the week of September 9) our partnership with NWI No Child Hungry, which is a local, non-profit organization dedicated to fighting hunger in Northwest Indiana. This program, called Buddy Bags, provides enough food for a weekend's worth of meals. Buddy Bags are free of charge and available to any student enrolled at the MSD of Boone Township that may need them. At the end of each week (normally placed in their locker on Thursday after school hours), your student will receive a bag of non-perishable, single-serve, child-friendly food to bring home. The food bags will be handed out discreetly and in a caring manner. Your participation is anonymous to our organization. Only your child’s school will have your information.

We have made some changes to the menu. NWI No Child Hungry is happy to announce that we will have a rotating 4-week menu so that students can have a variety of meal items and not just the same foods every week.

If you are in need of this program, please fill out the Google Form that is linked below.

Google Form to Buddy Bag Program Sign-Up

Please contact Gretchen Mercer at the information below or if you'd like to monetarily support their organization.

Email: NWINoChildHungry@gmail.com
Website: www.nwinochildhungry.wixsite.com/mysite
Phone: 219-730-5928
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nwinochildhungry/

The MSD of Boone Township has partnered with a company called "Tip 411" so that students can send anonymous tips regarding school safety and bullying incidents. If you "See Something, Say Something!"

You can download the app through the app store on any Apple or Android device. The app is free to download. Search "Hebron Schools Tip Line" and you will see the icon to download. To send a tip, make sure you start with the key word "Hawks" and then write the description.

You may also simply text the tip using the number 847-411. Make sure to start the message with the key word "Hawks" when sending the text.

It’s never too early to start planning for college and the 21st Century Scholars Program is available to offer help to Indiana residents who apply and qualify. Indiana 7th and 8th graders are welcome to apply, with the final deadline being June 30th of a student’s 8th-grade year. Those who do qualify for this program can be awarded up to four years of undergraduate college tuition to attend an eligible Indiana public or private college, university, or proprietary institution.

All you have to do to pursue this opportunity is to:

• Create ScholarTrack accounts at ScholarTrack.IN.gov (you and your parents/guardians will both need your own accounts in order to complete the application process)

• Apply online at Scholars.IN.gov/enroll before June 30th of your 8th-grade year. (If requested, our Middle School code is “6814” and the High School code is “6813”)

• Fulfill the Scholars pledge to the State of Indiana.

• Meet the guidelines for Indiana student financial aid.

• Attend an eligible institution within two years of graduating from High School.

We encourage you to pursue this opportunity and wish you the best! If you have any questions or concerns regarding this program or filling out the application itself, feel free to call Mrs. Hunzelman at 996-4771, ext. 129, or get in touch with a Scholars representative using the contact information listed on their website.

https://scholars.in.gov/parents/enroll/

Website: https://learnmoreindiana.org/scholars/students/middle-school/
Location: 101 W. Ohio Street, Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 888-528-4719
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearnMoreIN
Twitter: @learnmorein

If your child is having technical issues such as connectivity, log in or general issues, with their Chromebook, please use the contact information below. The technology department has office hours Monday through Friday from 7:30 am until 3:30 pm.

Email: trulleyj@hebronschools.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 996-4771 + 131

The following positions at the MSD of Boone Township are available:

Food Service Associate

Bus Driver

Substitute Teachers

Substitute Bus Drivers

You can view these job postings on our website:

www.hebronschools.k12.in.us

Open "Departments" - then "Employment / HR"

Location: 307 South Main Street, Hebron, IN, USA
Phone: (219) 996-4771 + 121

#YouBelongAtHebron

2020 - 2021 HMS Motto: "Rise Above the Uncertainties of Tomorrow"

2021 - 2022 HMS Motto: "Work Hard. Dream Big. Never Give Up"

2022 - 2023 HMS Motto: "One step at a time but always forward"

2023 - 2024 HMS Motto: "Learning Today...Leading Tomorrow"

2024 - 2025 HMS Motto: "Every Accomplishment Starts with a Decision to Try"

Schools To Watch Original Designation: 2012

Redesignation I: 2015

Redesignation II: 2018

Redesignation III: 2022

Email: beahmm@hebronschools.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.hebronschools.k12.in.us/2/Home
Location: 307 South Main Street, Hebron, IN, USA
Phone: (219) 996-4771
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hebronmshawks
Twitter: @hebronmshawks