HAST Families Happenings

HAST Families,

As we head into another week at Hammond Academy, please take a few minutes to review this week’s S’more for important updates and upcoming events.

• A reminder that Wednesday, October 7 will look different for our students. Students in grades 6, 7, and 12 will have a Virtual Learning Day, while students in grades 8, 9, 10, and 11 will be on campus taking the PSAT. Additional PSAT information, including testing expectations and reminders, is included in this week’s S’more.
• I also want to remind families about our preapproved absence policy. Students are limited to one preapproved absence per school year, for a maximum of five school days, and approval is dependent upon the student being in good academic and attendance standing.
• With our block schedule, regular attendance is especially important. Missing even one day can mean missing a significant amount of instruction in a class, making it more difficult for students to catch up. Whenever possible, we strongly encourage families to schedule vacations, medical appointments, and other non-emergency commitments outside of school hours or during scheduled school breaks.

Thank you for helping us protect valuable instructional time and keep our students on track. We appreciate your continued partnership and support of Hammond Academy!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dr. Deborah Snedden
Superintendent

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Tim Oliver will be held for those who would like to attend and honor his memory.

Date: Sunday, October 4
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Village Church
14849 W. 93rd Ave.
Dyer, IN 46311

We continue to keep Mr. Oliver’s family, friends, colleagues, and students in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Our first ILEARN Checkpoint testing window is coming up for students in grades 6–8.

Tuesday, October 13 – Math
Wednesday, October 14 – English/Language Arts

All Indiana students in grades 3–8 complete three required ILEARN Checkpoints during the school year in addition to the spring ILEARN assessment. These shorter online assessments help teachers and families see how students are progressing toward Indiana Academic Standards and identify areas where additional support may be needed.

Please help us by making sure students are present, on time, and ready to do their best.

Wednesday, October 7 will look different depending on your student’s grade level. Please review the information below carefully and view the flyer for a quick summary.

Grades 8, 9, 10 & 11 – REPORT TO HAST FOR PSAT TESTING

• Students will report to HAST by 8:00 a.m.

• Testing is expected to run from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

• Students with testing accommodations may require additional time.

• Students will be dismissed after testing is complete.

• Participation in testing will count for attendance for the day.

• Students should bring their fully charged HAST iPad.

• Grades 8–11 will not have asynchronous B-Day assignments.

Grades 6, 7 & 12 – ASYNCHRONOUS VIRTUAL LEARNING DAY

• Students will not report to HAST and will not attend live Google Meets.

• This will be an asynchronous B-Day.

• Students should follow their B-Day schedule and complete assignments posted in Google Classroom.

• Teachers will post assignments by 8:00 a.m.

• Complete assignments by 3:00 p.m.; attendance will be based on work completion.

• Students should contact their teachers with questions or for assistance.

Area Career Center (ACC) Students

• 11th-grade ACC students: Do not attend ACC on October 7. Report directly to HAST for PSAT testing.

• 12th-grade ACC students: Attend ACC as normally scheduled. After ACC, students will not report to HAST and should complete their HAST B-Day assignments asynchronously.

• No bus transportation will run from ACC back to HAST on October 7. Families of 12th-grade ACC students should plan accordingly.

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On Tuesday, September 29, HAST middle school students will hear from Mateo Magdaleno, an empowerment speaker and community servant leader with the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) Student Leadership Series.

Through personal stories and real-life experiences, Mateo will encourage students to take ownership of their education and future. His message will focus on resilience, academic focus, self-belief, personal responsibility, and leadership—helping students recognize their potential, set meaningful goals, and persevere through challenges. We are excited to bring this positive and inspiring experience to our HAST middle school students!

Parents we will be doing an audit of our parking lots this week, vehicles that do not have valid license, stickers, and HAST parking tags are subject to tickets, and tow. HAST Student parking tags can be purchased in the business office for $15.00

Hammond Academy parents and guardians are invited to apply to become substitute teachers! This is a flexible opportunity to earn extra income while supporting our students and school community.

Guest teachers can accept assignments based on their availability. Whether you are available occasionally or several days each week, your support can make a meaningful difference by helping students continue learning when their regular teacher is absent.

As a parent or guardian, you are already an important part of the Hammond Academy community—we would love to have you join our guest teacher team!

Apply to Become a Substitute Teacher

For questions or additional information, please contact Stephanie Kite, Guest Teacher Coordinator

• Please reach out should your family need support with community resources. Additionally, we are able to assist with household cleaning supplies and hygiene products in the wake of the storm recovery. Please reach out if you are in need of these items.

• If your student previously had a 504 plan and is new to HAST, please make sure to provide me with a copy if you have not already done so. I will be holding conferences for new students first and then will move into annual updates for students who had a 504 last year. If there are immediate concerns, please reach out anytime and we will ensure that your student’s needs are met. As all of our students settle into the new block schedule and teachers, we want to ensure we are attentive to your student’s adjustment and plan accordingly.

• Please reach out for any concerns related to your student’s academics, behavior, mood, or home related concerns that are disrupting your child’s ability to function from day to day. I want to be in tune with our students and attentive to supportive measures while they are at school. Your child’s mental health has a direct effect on how they function academically throughout the year.

• If your child is in need of community based therapy services and you are looking for a convenient option, we have partnered with Pillars of Wellness. Sessions will be via telehealth in a private area at school and occur consistently with the assigned therapist. This is a great way to ensure your child has ongoing support therapeutically as well as the short term solution-focused sessions that are offered as needed with me.

Lisa James, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Social Worker | 504 Coordinator | Certified School Safety Specialist

Hammond Academy of Science and Technology
33 Muenich Ct.
Hammond, IN 46320

Phone: (219) 852-0500 ext. 129
Email: ljames@hammondacademy.org

HAST is pleased to share the NWI No Child Hungry Buddy Bags program, which provides free weekend food support for students. Buddy Bags include food for Saturday and Sunday, with items for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.

Families who would like their child to participate can simply complete the electronic sign-up form below. This is a wonderful resource available to support our HAST families and help ensure students have access to nutritious food throughout the weekend.

https://forms.gle/LR9Tc1qu8riSwF7o6

PSAT will be on Wednesday, October 7th for all 8th, 9th, 10th, & 11th graders. Testing will begin promptly at 8am. Arrive early. Students will be dismissed following testing which will be around noon. If your student receives accommodations, it may be later.

• Wear comfortable clothing that is school appropriate

• Come with a fully charged Ipad.

• Get a good night of sleep.

• Cold breakfast will be provided before testing. Be early!

• No cell phones, smart watches, or smart eyeglasses in the testing rooms. Failure to abide could result in the cancellation of scores.

• Completing the test will count for student attendance for the day.

• Do your best. Scores will determine your placement in classes.

Here is a video if you'd like more information: PSAT Video

Due to the storms and delayed start to the school year, HAST has extended the deadline for families to submit required physicals and immunization records.

• All 6th and 9th grade students, as well as any student new to HAST, must have a current physical on file by September 25, 2026. Students in 6th and 12th grades should also make sure all required immunizations are up to date.
• Students who participate in athletics, bowling, or theater must also have a current physical on file.

• We appreciate families taking care of these requirements as soon as possible.
• Beginning September 28, students who are missing a required physical, immunizations, or an approved exemption will not be able to attend school until the required documentation is received.

If you have any questions regarding physicals, immunizations, or required health documentation, please contact Nurse Powell at apowell@hammondacademy.org.

Special Education Notice:

We want to make sure that all families have a current copy of their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). If you are unsure whether you have received a copy of your child’s IEP or would like another copy, please contact the Special Education Department. We are happy to assist you and make sure you have access to this important information. Thank you for your partnership and continued support of your child’s education!

Multilingual Education Notice (LDP):

Our middle school students have been receiving pull-out services this week to support their language, and our high school students receive support within their classrooms. Ask them about their experience. Please let us know if you feel your child could benefit from more support after reviewing their Individual Language Plan (ILP), which were sent through parentsquare.

What is time and a half on homework and tests?:

If your child’s IEP includes time and a half, this means your child is allowed up to 50% more time than the regular time given to complete tests, quizzes, and assignments when extended time is appropriate. Our block classes are 85 minutes, so if an assessment is designed to take the full class period, a student with time and a half may receive up to 127.5 minutes (2 hours and 7.5 minutes) to complete it. Since our school follows a block schedule, with A classes meeting one day and B classes meeting the next, the extended-time accommodation applies to the class and assignment being completed. On VLD (Virtual Learning Day) days, if an assignment would normally be due at 3:00 p.m. that day, students with a time-and-a-half accommodation will have until 8:00 a.m. the following morning to submit the work. Teachers will work with students to provide the extended time outlined in their IEP. If you have questions about your child’s extended-time accommodation, please contact your child’s teacher or the Special Education Department.

Save the Date!

Multilingual Family Night October 9, 2026 6:00–8:00 PM

!!!See Flyer BELOW!!!

We invite our whole school to join us for an evening of connection, information, and fun! More details will be shared soon, so be sure to mark your calendar.

Most importantly, remember that you are an important part of your child’s educational team. We are here to help and look forward to partnering with you throughout the school year.

Wishing all of our students and families a happy and successful start to the school year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Danielle Lopez

Director of Special Programs

Kindness Comes in Many Languages

Phone: (219)852-0500 ext.105

My Email: dlopez2@hammondacademy.org

• Please be sure to pay your child’s yearly ipad insurance fee of $19.75 if you have not done so yet. You may pay in person with Ms Landa or online.

The ParentSquare mobile app is the best way to stay connected with HAST and receive important school information.

The app allows parents and guardians to:

• Receive school and classroom notifications
• Read posts and announcements in one place
• Send and receive direct messages with staff
• View photos, forms, and other shared information
• Manage notification preferences
• Receive push notifications directly on your phone

While ParentSquare can also send messages by text and email, the mobile app provides the most complete ParentSquare experience and makes it easier to keep all school communication together in one place.

Check Your Notification Settings

To make sure you are receiving the messages you want:

1. From Home, tap the menu (≡) in the top left.
2. Tap Account.
3. Tap Notifications.
4. Make sure School Alerts is turned on if you want to receive all alerts and notices.
5. Under Direct Messages, choose how you would like to be notified:
   • App – receive a push notification
   • Text – receive a text message
   • Email – receive an email
6. Under Posts, choose Mobile, Email, or both. Then select:
   • Instant – receive a notification as soon as a post is sent
   • Digest – receive one daily summary of posts

Please note: If you have both app and text notifications enabled, ParentSquare may deliver regular post notifications through the app first and use text as a backup when needed. Direct Messages and Alerts can still be sent by text.

We strongly encourage all parents and guardians to download the ParentSquare app and make sure their notification settings are turned on.

• October 5 Special Board Meeting to approve Budget 12:00
• October 7 PSAT Day (Grades 8-11) Asynchronous Learning (B-day) for 6,7, and 12th grade
• October 13-14 ILEARN Checkpoint 1 (Grades 6-8)
• October 14 End of Quarter One Grade Period
• October 15-16 Fall Break
• October 22-23 Mandatory Student-Led Conferences Grades 6-12
• October 22 Student Led Conferences 4-6 pm
• October 23 Student Led Conferences 12-2:30 / Morning Virtual Learning
• October 27 (B-day) Picture Make-up day
• November 3 MAKE UP DAY ALL STUDENTS to be in person

A few updates and reminders from our Food Services team:

• Salad bar coming soon!
• Encourage your student to check out our snack bar during lunch. A variety of snacks are available for $1 or $2 cash.
• Pizza Friday continues! Students can purchase a delicious slice of pizza for $2 cash.
• HAST participates in Offer Versus Serve (OVS) at breakfast. OVS allows students to choose from the breakfast items offered while helping reduce food waste. Students must select at least three items, including a fruit or vegetable, and they may take all items offered if they choose.
• Please see the attached Offer Versus Serve at Breakfast Notification for more information.

• Grade 6 Team Lead : Carl Dunlap cdunlap@hammondacademy.org
• Grade 7 Team Lead: Alyssa Medina amedina@hammondacademy.org
• Grade 8 Team Lead: Jason Meyer jmeyer@hammondacademy.org
• Grade 9-10Team Lead: Mira Projovic mprojovic@hammondacademy.org
• Grade 11-12Team Lead Matt Sokol msokol@hammondacademy.org

• It's crucial to keep your information updated to ensure you're always in the loop with HAST. This will not only foster a strong partnership but also contribute to the success of all our students.
• We are on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Parent Square.
• You may update your email address on our mailing list by going to the Parents tab: https://hammondacademy.org/home/
• In the menu, select “Update Your Email Address.” The form also gives you the option to have us delete your old email address. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU SPELL YOUR EMAILS CORRECTLY.