Panther Way Newsletter

Dear HJHS Families,

As we move through the school year, we want to thank you for your continued partnership and support of Huntsville Junior High School. Your involvement plays a critical role in the success of our students, and we appreciate all you do to help reinforce high expectations for learning and behavior.

Our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) focus this month centers on building positive relationships, self-awareness, and responsible decision-making. Students are being encouraged to reflect on their actions, communicate effectively, and demonstrate respect for themselves and others. Families can support this work by engaging students in conversations about goal-setting, managing emotions, and making positive choices both in and out of school.

We also take time this month to recognize and appreciate the Huntsville City Schools Board of Education. Board Appreciation Month is an opportunity to acknowledge the leadership and service of our board members, who work diligently to support students, staff, and families across the district. Their commitment helps ensure our schools remain focused on excellence and continuous improvement.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to Huntsville Junior High School. Together, we will continue to build a strong, safe, and successful learning environment for all students.

Sincerely,
Dr. Tony Bonds
Principal, Huntsville Junior High School

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Dear HJHS Families,

Getting to school on time is an important part of student success. When students arrive on time, they begin the day prepared, engaged, and ready to learn without missing valuable instruction. Tardiness not only disrupts a student’s own learning but also interrupts the flow of the classroom.

Please note that students who arrive after 8:00 AM must be signed in by a parent or guardian in the front office. This policy helps us ensure student safety and accountability while also reinforcing the importance of punctuality.

Thank you for your support in helping our students build positive habits that lead to success in school and beyond.

Instructional Update from Huntsville Junior High School

At Huntsville Junior High, we are committed to raising expectations and ensuring that every student is challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow.

During the second semester, we will begin sending out more communication from our teachers. The communication will center on what teachers are doing in class. We are asking that you use this information to help your student with assignments and assessments that come up.

Teachers are intentionally beginning the semester by prioritizing relationship-building and clearly resetting expectations to create a strong foundation for learning. Through purposeful conversations, check-ins, and consistent classroom routines, teachers are working to ensure students feel seen, supported, and valued. At the same time, they are explicitly reteaching behavioral and academic expectations aligned with schoolwide practices, emphasizing consistency, accountability, and mutual respect. This deliberate focus will help to establish a positive classroom culture, strengthen trust between students and teachers, and support a productive and engaging learning environment for the remainder of the semester.

I’d like to share a few reminders and updates with you:

Dress Code

Our goal is to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment where every student can focus on learning. The dress code helps us create consistency and minimize distractions. Thank you for helping your student make good choices each morning before coming to school. The full policy can be found in the Student Code of Conduct, but here are a few key reminders:

• Oversized shirts should be tucked in.

• Hoodies and sweatshirts must fit appropriately (hoods off while inside).

• Shirts should cover midriffs when arms are raised.

• Tops should provide full coverage (no halter, spaghetti straps, or large armholes).

• Undergarments should remain fully covered.

• Leggings/jeggings are permitted if tops provide coverage.

• Shorts, skirts, skorts, and dresses must extend to mid-thigh.

• Pants with holes above mid-thigh should have leggings/shorts underneath.

• Pajamas are for spirit days only (with approval).

• Pants should fit securely at the waist.

Student Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Student safety is always our top priority. To keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely:

• Please use only the front circle entrance for drop-off and pick-up only. Please refrain from dropping students off on Adams or Townsend.

• Pull forward to the furthest staff member, yellow line, or car before letting your student out.

• Attempt to have students exit on the passenger side of the vehicle.

• Remind your child to be ready to exit quickly.

• Treat Adams Street as a school zone: 15–20 mph, watch for buses, and be alert for students.

• Please avoid parking in the front faculty lot during pick-up and drop-off.

Student Conduct

At HJHS, our expectations are simple: Be Respectful, Be Resourceful, Be Responsible.
We encourage students to focus on positive interactions and to walk away from negative ones. Thank you for reinforcing these values at home—we know it makes a big difference. Fighting will not be tolerated, and our staff is here to support students in handling conflicts the right way.

Schedules

Because of changes in our master schedule, some students' schedules have changed.

Communication

Please keep your phone numbers and addresses updated throughout the year. This ensures we can reach you quickly if needed, especially in emergencies.