Parent Update

Each week at HMS we celebrate whippurs of the week. These awards celebrate a student who has been observed showing positive behaviors at some point during a week. We also have Quarterly PAWS Award winners at HMS. These students have demonstrated consistent positive behaviors throughout the ENTIRE Quarter and are nominated by their team of teachers! Congratulations to our 1st quarter PAWS award winners! These winning students were recognized with a Dairy Queen treat, a t-shirt, a certificate and recognition over the announcements.

Ms. Olvera worked hard all Summer organizing and getting the building ready for staff and students to arrive this school year. Mandy supports the Admin team, staff, students, and parents every day by answering all the questions and making it all happen! Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Mandy. We appreciate you!

Mrs. Super is a significant asset to the learning environment. She provides support to not just students but to myself as the classroom teacher! Sharon is truly a second set of 'teacher' eyes and is always focused on doing what's best for students. She assists me in identifying areas of struggle, which students are on-task or need more 1:1 support, and even ways to vary instruction to reach all students. Mrs. Super you are a great communicator, supportive colleague, and asset to HMS. Thank you!

We have a busy parking lot at HMS. Please refrain from parking in no-parking zones. This blocks our buses and causes a disruption to our student dismissal.

As your child steps into quarter 2, building strong daily habits matters more than ever. Being in class every day helps students stay on top of coursework, feel confident with their peers, and build the routines they need for high school and beyond. Missing just two days a month—whether excused or unexcused—adds up to missing 10% of the school year. That is considered chronic absence, and it can quickly make catching up in core classes like math and ELA much harder.

Helpful Attendance Tips:

• Make school a daily priority: Set a consistent bedtime and morning routine so your middle schooler arrives on time.

• Plan around the calendar: Schedule family trips and non-urgent doctor appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.

• Monitor absences: Keep track of your child’s missed days through the parent portal or reach out to us if you need support.

• Communicate with us: If your child is facing health challenges, anxiety, or transportation hurdles, please let us know. We are here to partner with you and help your student succeed.

Thank you for working with us to keep your child engaged, present, and thriving all year long!

At HMS we expect our students to be prepared for class and to arrive on time. This includes having a CHARGED chromebook and other needed materials. Every moment missed is a missed opportunity for learning. Our teachers teach and challenge from bell to bell. Additionally, we expect our hallways to be clear and quiet for safety. Therefore, tardies matter. Students who accumulate 10 tardies will be assigned a before or after school detention.

We will conduct a shelter drill this week.

The shelter drill is planned to be on Thursday, October 22, 2026

During the shelter drill, students and staff will practice the protective actions they would take should severe weather occur during the school day. The upcoming drill is an important part of our emergency preparedness plan, helping students and staff practice safe shelter procedures.

Our schools regularly conduct such drills to prepare everyone for potential emergencies.

Picture retake day is Wednesday, October 28th from 11 AM - 1:30 PM. Students will be dismissed during their lunch period to have their picture retaken. More information will follow from VIP on how to view and order picture retakes.

We are looking for participants to be a part of the 2026 Veterans Day program at HMS on Wednesday, November 11th. We will have an assembly to honor and celebrate our veterans as well as a breakfast in the gym. Part of our program will involve having Veterans visit Social Studies classrooms throughout the day to talk with individual classes about their military experiences.

Please complete the form below if you are interested in being a part of this year's program!

Interest Form

Auditions for this year's HMS Musical, "Shrek", start on Monday, October 19! Interested students in grades 6-8, please pick up your paper audition materials in the HMS Main Office, and visit the Student Schoology Page to sign up for an audition time slot and practice music tracks. Performances will take place in the HHS Auditorium the first week of February 2027. Who will be the next SHREK, DONKEY, and PRINCESS FIONA? Email questions to: alexis.dahlberg@d300.org and kelly.baker@d300.org.

Sometimes, students need a little extra support to be successful. Tier 2 PBIS gives students extra encouragement, guidance, and tools to help them at school.

Your child may receive support with:

• Making positive choices

• Building good routines

• Managing emotions and behavior

• Staying focused in class

• Building positive relationships

• Handling challenges

Our goal is to support your child, celebrate their strengths, and help them succeed!

How Families Can Reinforce PBIS at Home

Families can help reinforce PBIS at home by using the same positive approach we use at school. Encourage and praise your child when they demonstrate respect, responsibility, kindness, and safe choices. Consistent expectations, positive encouragement, and celebrating small successes can help children build strong habits both at home and at school.

During Advisory this week, students set Wildly Important Goals (WIG), and discussed steps to take to reach their goals. Ask your child what their goal is and the steps they will take to make sure they can reach their goal! They also discussed Growth Mindset. Ask your student, what the difference is between a Growth Mindset and a Fixed Mindset.