The Heritage Herald

Happy Fall!

As we approach cold weather, please continue to remind your children of appropriate school uniforms. As we know, our middle schoolers often wear hoodies in the summer and shorts in the winter. With this, please encourage your child to dress appropriately for the cooler temperatures. Order forms for District 104 hoodies and crewnecks are due Wednesday, October 9th.

A few reminders:

• Make sure your child charges his/her chromebook each night.
• Students should be in uniform each day. (Jeans can be worn on Fridays.)
• School starts at 7:50; 8:50 on Wednesdays.

If you have any questions, please call the main office (708-458-7590).

Mrs. Malone, Principal

Heritage Middle School

TODAY ~ PROGRESS REPORTS GO HOME

10/8 ~ Loyola Medical Van

10/11 ~ NO SCHOOL-Institute Day

10/14 ~ NO SCHOOL-Indigenous Peoples' Day

10/15 ~ MEDICAL EXCLUSION DAY FOR STUDENTS WITHOUT CURRENT HEALTH EXAMS.

10/15-18 ~ Bullying Awareness Spirit Week (more info below)

Each month, 3 students will win a raffle prize for their entire family for having perfect attendance! Also, in order to decrease the number of students arriving late to school, we are enforcing our tardy policy. School starts at 7:50 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and 8:50 on Wednesdays. When students are late for school, they are missing valuable instruction.

Excessive/Chronic late arrivals to school may result in the following consequences:

5 Tardies per trimester ~ Verbal warning

10 Tardies per trimester ~ After School Detention

15 tardies per trimester ~ In school suspension

20 tardies per trimester ~ Social suspension from dances, athletics, athletic games, etc.

This tardy policy starts over ever trimester.

HMS students will be participating in the SOS (Signs of Suicide) program here at school.

Through the program, students learn:

● that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help

● how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend

● to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend

● who they can turn to at school for help, if they need it

Please click the link below to read the parent letter. Students will also bring this letter home today.

HMS students will be allowed to wear costumes to school on Thursday October 31st. Your child’s safety is our first concern. We ask that you guide their selection of costumes and accessories in a manner that will allow them to comfortably work and learn throughout the day. If your child decides not to wear a costume, they can wear a school appropriate Halloween themed shirt (one that does not encourage violence) with their jeans.

Any items/costumes that encourage violence are inappropriate for children at school. Therefore, students will not be allowed to bring toy guns, swords, pitchforks, or other toy weapons. Students are not allowed to wear masks; however, students may paint their faces. Face paint should be appropriate and not include fake blood or inappropriate symbols or words.

Finally, please do not allow your child to bring candy on Halloween, or the day after.

Thank you for your cooperation. We are looking forward to an enjoyable day!

• 6th grade students must submit a current health exam and proof of immunizations by Tuesday October 15th in order to avoid school exclusion per Illinois State Board of Education school code. Thank you to those who have turned them in already!

• Washing your hands is the most effective way to prevent the spread of back to school bugs!

• The Loyola mobile van will visit again on October 8th, 2024. All appointments are booked! We hope to host the van again this spring!

• IESA sports physicals are required for student athletes. They are to be updated annually as they are valid for 365 days. Sports physicals should be submitted to the athletic department.

• Miles of Smiles is returning to Graves/HMS in February for dental exams! Sign up using the link below or stop in the office. https://na4.docusign.net/Member/PowerFormSigning.aspx?PowerFormId=9014ef60-41ba-4e93-bbbc-848c65309116&env=na4&acct=eca59414-4d1f-4217-8c33-72fb4ff1f87c&v=2

Nurse Anita, Nurse Tina & Ms. Oli

Sd104 Health Services Webpage

October 8, 2024 - HMS/Graves Multi-Purpose Room
November 12, 2024 - Walsh Elementary School
December 10, 2024 - Admin Center
January 14, 2025 - Walker Elementary School

February 11, 2025 - Admin Center

March 11, 2025 - Wharton Elementary School
April 8, 2025 - Admin Center
May 13, 2025 - Graves Dual Language School
June 10, 2025 - Admin Center