Welcome Back Newsletter 26-27

Dear Horner Families,

Welcome to another exciting school year at John M. Horner Middle School! Whether your family is joining the Horner community for the very first time or you are returning for another year, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you.

As the proud Principal of Horner Middle School, I am incredibly excited to begin another year of learning, growth, and partnership. Our dedicated staff has been working throughout the summer preparing classrooms, planning engaging lessons, and ensuring that our campus is ready to provide every student with an outstanding educational experience.

This year, we are thrilled to welcome several outstanding new staff members to our Horner family. They will be joining our Special Education Department, Sixth Grade Team, and Mathematics Department, bringing new ideas, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to supporting student success. We know they will be wonderful additions to our already exceptional staff.

At Horner, we believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential to student success. Open, positive, and effective communication allows us to work together in supporting not only our students' academic achievement but also their overall well-being. When families and schools work together, students thrive.

Stay Connected

We encourage every family to regularly monitor our primary communication sources throughout the school year:

• ParentSquare – Our primary method for school announcements and communication.
• The Horner Family Newsletter – Important updates, upcoming events, celebrations, and reminders.
• The Horner Middle School Website – School information, calendars, resources, and important documents.
• Our School Marquee – Quick reminders and important announcements as you drive by campus.

Checking these communication platforms regularly will help ensure you stay informed about everything happening at Horner.

Don't Miss MAZE Day!

One of the most important events before school begins is MAZE Day on Tuesday, August 4th. During MAZE Day, students will receive important school information, pick up materials, complete required paperwork, and prepare for a successful first day of school.

Please plan to attend during your student's assigned grade-level time:

We strongly encourage all families to attend, as MAZE Day helps ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year. But don't worry if you are still on vacation and cannot attend. Your student will be able to get all necessary information needed on the first day of school. They can also print out their class schedule on August 6th at 5 pm. School pictures are scheduled for those students who miss MAZE day. That picture day is August 28th. Students who don't get their picture taken on MAZE day will need to remember their ID number as ID cards are used for just about everything at Horner.

Communication with Staff

Our teachers, counselors, office staff, and administrators are committed to supporting every student and family. Because our administrative team and staff spend much of the school day in classrooms, supervising students, and supporting instruction throughout campus, email is the most efficient and effective way to reach any staff member or administrator.

We strive to respond as promptly as possible and appreciate your understanding that we may not always be immediately available by telephone during instructional hours.

Looking Ahead

Horner Middle School continues to be a place where students are challenged academically, supported socially and emotionally, and encouraged to become responsible, respectful members of our school community. We are proud of the positive culture we have built together and remain committed to providing engaging learning experiences while helping every student reach their full potential.

On behalf of our entire Horner staff, thank you for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to welcoming our students back, building meaningful relationships, celebrating accomplishments, and creating another outstanding year together.

Here's to a wonderful 2026–2027 school year!

With Hornet Pride,

Cindy Hicks-Rodriguez
Principal
John M. Horner Middle School
"Together, we will make this an incredible year of learning, growth, and success for every Hornet!"

As we prepare for another exciting school year, we would like to share some important information regarding our 2026–2027 school bell schedule to help your family plan for a successful year.

School begins each day at 8:15 AM. To ensure students arrive on time, have an opportunity to eat breakfast if needed, and be seated and ready to learn before the first bell, we strongly encourage all students to arrive on campus no later than 8:05 AM. The school bell will ring at 8:10 AM each day which signals students are to walk to class. Students should already be on campus prior to the start of the morning bell ringing. Arriving on time helps students begin the day calmly and ensures they do not miss valuable instructional time. The black school gates open at 7:45 AM for breakfast.

Please note the following dismissal times for the 2026–2027 school year:

• Every Wednesday is a Minimum Day with student dismissal at 1:16 PM.
• Regular school days and state testing days will both have a dismissal time of 2:28 PM.
• In addition to Wednesdays, there will be seven (7) non-Wednesday Minimum Days throughout the school year. Students will also be dismissed at 1:16 PM on those days.
• The last day of school will have a special dismissal time of 1:24 PM.

We encourage families to review the school calendar and make note of all minimum days as you plan transportation, appointments, and after-school activities throughout the year.

Thank you for your partnership and commitment to ensuring your student arrives at school each day on time and ready to learn. We look forward to an amazing 2026–2027 school year and all that our Hornets will accomplish together! See the bell schedule below for Horner.

Dear Parents,

We are excited to announce the MAZE Day orientation for the upcoming school year! Please mark your calendars for the following dates:

• August 4th: All students in grades 6-8 will attend MAZE day. It is recommended that families come to the MAZE day during the following time slots if possible to reduce congestion and overcrowding: 6th grade - 900-11 AM, 7th grade - 11-100 PM, 8th grade - 100-300 PM. MAZE day will wrap up at 3 pm.

This event is critical for your child to attend, as it provides their opportunity to receive their school ID card. ID cards are essential and must be carried by students every day at school. They will be used for accessing restrooms, library and cafeteria services, as well as earning reward points for positive behavior and intervention supports.

During MAZE Day, there will be several activities and information available, including:

• School pictures for ID cards
• CLUB and sports information
• Donation stations
• PTSA booths
• VAPA information
• Student schedules
• AC Transit information
• Athletics
• PE information

We strongly encourage you to ensure your child attends the scheduled MAZE Day for the 2026-27 school year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get them prepared and excited for the upcoming year! All families that donate $150 or more to the school will receive a special Horner T shirt. Please consider making a donation to the school for various events/activities that support all students. We do not have a card reader for donations so please keep that in mind when considering your donation. We can accept checks and cash.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you there! Below is the link for the MAZE day donation sheet.

Dear Incoming 6th Grade Parents,

We are excited to invite your child to the Horner 6th Grade WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) Orientation Day on August 3rd from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the Horner Multi-Use Room (MUR). This event is specifically designed for our new 6th graders and is a crucial step in helping them transition smoothly into middle school.

Why is WEB Orientation Important?

During this orientation, our incoming 6th grade students will have the opportunity to:

• Learn About Middle School Expectations: Students will hear important information about what to expect in middle school, including academic and behavioral expectations.

• Participate in a Rally-Style Welcome: We will kick off the day with an engaging rally to welcome our new students and help them feel excited about their new journey.

• Ask Questions: Students will have the chance to ask questions of the administration and staff, ensuring they have the information they need to feel comfortable as they start this new chapter.

• Take a Campus Tour: A guided campus tour will help students familiarize themselves with the school layout, including classrooms, facilities, and important locations.

Pickup Information

Parents are asked to pick up their child at 11:00 AM. If you prefer, you can wait in the parking lot area for your student to join you. This event is exclusively for new 6th grade students, so please ensure they attend to fully benefit from the experience.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

AM and PM pickup and drop off is very tricky at Horner. There is a high level of congestion in the school loop both in the mornings and after school. It is highly recommended that parents find a location near the school to drop off students rather than use the school loop. The school loop gets very busy and please know that if you choose to use the school loop for drop off and pick up, wait times inside the loop can get extensive.

• Please follow the directions of staff on duty. They will be clearly marked with vests and signs.
• Please do not get out of your vehicle in the loop. Students should gather their belongings and exit while you remain in the car. If you have large items you need to get out of the car it is recommended that you arrive early in order to unload your items while not stopping traffic flow of the loop
• Please pull all the way forward when entering the loop. If there is room to move up, please do so to avoid blocking the driveway and pedestrian entrance.
• Please do not enter the parking lot. It is reserved for staff and is not to be used for student pick-up or drop-off. If you have school business the use of the parking lot is permitted but that should only occur if you have the need to enter the office for a meeting or assistance.
• Students should not use the loop crosswalk before or after school. Please either use the loop or park on the street for student drop-off and pick-up.
• Please only allow students to exit in the designated “drop-off zones.” Those zones are marked in the loop.
• Students must exit on the passenger side of the vehicle only. Exiting on the driver side is unsafe.
• Please do not stop, park, or block the AC Transit zone on Chapel Avenue. Fremont Police Department will issue tickets for parking in undesignated areas.
• Please stay alert and pay close attention to the flow of traffic while entering and exiting the loop.

Note: The picture below shows the AC transit bus pick up and drop off for both AM and PM times. Parking is NOT permitted nor any drop off on Chapel way. There are signs posted to keep this area clear. Thanks for not using the bus drop off area to let students out of cars or parking. Fremont

I want to take a moment to explain what PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) means for our middle school and the purpose behind our set behavior expectations for students.

What is PBIS?

PBIS is a framework designed to promote positive behavior and create a supportive school environment. It focuses on teaching and reinforcing appropriate behaviors, rather than simply reacting to misbehavior. The aim is to improve student outcomes by fostering a positive school culture.

Purpose of Set Behavior Expectations:

1. Clarity and Consistency: By establishing clear behavior expectations, we provide students with a consistent understanding of what is expected of them throughout the school day. This clarity helps reduce confusion and promotes a sense of security.

2. Positive Reinforcement: PBIS emphasizes recognizing and rewarding positive behaviors. This encourages students to engage in and model these behaviors, leading to a more respectful and cooperative school environment.

3. Improved Academic Performance: A positive and structured environment allows students to focus better on their learning. When behavior expectations are met, students are more likely to succeed academically.

4. Social and Emotional Development: By teaching students how to interact positively with their peers and teachers, we help them develop essential social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

5. Support for All Students: PBIS provides a framework that supports all students, including those who may struggle with behavior. It allows us to identify students who need additional support and intervene proactively.

By working together, we can reinforce these expectations at home and help our students thrive both academically and socially. Thank you for your ongoing support in fostering a positive learning environment for our children.

We will be providing parents with more information about our PBIS initiatives at MAZE day and Back to School night in the Fall.

At Horner Middle School, we use the 5-Star Students app as part of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program to encourage responsibility, recognize positive behavior, and help students stay engaged in our school community. The 5-Star Students platform allows schools to track positive behaviors, manage digital hall passes, recognize student involvement, and reward students through an easy-to-use mobile app and web-based system.

How We Use 5-Star at Horner

Every student at Horner uses the 5-Star Students app throughout the school day. Students use the app to:

• Request restroom and hall passes during class on a classroom chromebook
• Earn positive behavior points for demonstrating our Horner expectations:
  • Show Respect
  • Make Good Decisions
  • Solve Problems
  • HORNET character traits
• Receive recognition from teachers and staff for positive choices, academic effort, citizenship, attendance, and participation.
• Redeem earned points for a variety of incentives and rewards, including school swag, treats, special activities, events, and other PBIS prizes offered throughout the year.

Our goal is to recognize students for making positive choices and to create a safe, respectful, and engaging learning environment for everyone.

How to Download the 5-Star Students App

The 5-Star Students app is available free of charge for both Apple and Android devices.

1. Open the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your student's phone.
2. Search for "5-Star Students."
3. Download and install the app.
4. Open the app and search for John M. Horner Middle School.
5. Students can then sign in using the login method provided by the school to access their account, view their points, use their digital hall pass, and redeem rewards.

We encourage all families to help their student download the app before the start of school so they are ready to use this important tool on the first day of classes.

We do a montly redemption for students to cash in their earned points for lots of things. Students would pre-order their items and they come pick them up in the breezeway on the specified day at lunch time.

If your son or daughter is interested in trying out for any of the sports teams at Horner, it is critical that you get them a sports physical now or over the summer as the paperwork is due to the school office when school begins. The sports that we have are: Boys and Girls Vollebyall and Boys and Girls Basketball. The first season is Girl's Volleyball. Below are the forms that are required to be completed each school year along with a copy of your child's physical clearance from their doctor. We will have a box for parents to drop off their forms at MAZE day in August. Students who do not meet the deadlinen to submit all forms will be ineligible to try out for that specific sport. Students are only required to get one physical per year so if they want to try out for multiple sports, they still only need one physical and one packet per year as long as the parent information is still accurate and up to date. Please be ahead of the game and get that physical done early! Deadline to turn in Girl's volleyball tryout packet is: August 27 by 4 pm. Forms should be turned into the school office. Thank you.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to provide you with a general list of recommended school supplies for your middle school student. These supplies will support learning across various subject areas. However, please note that the actual supply needs will be provided during the first week of school, as teachers may request specific educational supplies based on the students' actual class schedules.

Recommended Supplies by Subject Area

Physical Education (PE)

• Athletic shoes (non-marking soles)
• Comfortable clothing (purchased school shorts, purchased school t-shirts)
• Water bottle
• Gym bag

History

• 1-inch binder or folder
• Notebook (spiral or composition)
• Pens and pencils
• Highlighters

Math

• Graphing calculator (check with the teacher for specific models)
• Ruler
• Protractor
• Notebook (preferably graph paper)
• Pencils and erasers

7&8 Science

• 1-inch binder or folder
• Binder paper
• Composition notebook (for lab work)
• Pens and pencils
• Colored pencils or markers

6th Grade Math/Science

• Ruler & Graph paper

• Basic 4 function calculator

• Pencils and erasers

• 1-inch binder with dividers or folder

• Binder Paper

• College ruled notebook

• Pens and pencils

• Colored pencils or markers

• Highlighters (Several different colors)

English

• 1-inch binder or folder
• Loose-leaf notebook paper
• Pens and pencils
• Highlighters

Art

• Several wood #2 pencils with an eraser!

Drama

• Notebook or script journal
• Pencils/pens and highlighters (for annotating scripts)
• Folder or binder for scripts and handouts

Music

• Music binder (for sheet music)
• Pencils
• Specific instrument supplies (e.g., reeds for woodwind instruments, valve oil)
• Notebook for notes

Computers

• USB flash drive (for saving documents)
• Headphones (optional, but recommended)
• Notebook or folder for printed materials

Spanish/Hindi

• 1-inch binder or folder
• Binder paper
• Index cards to make flash cards
• Notebook (for vocabulary and grammar notes)
• Pens and pencils
• Spanish-English dictionary (optional)
• Poster boards regular size 22” X 28” or 24”X36”

Film production

• 1-inch binder or folder
• Notebook (for vocabulary and grammar notes)
• Pens and pencils
• Highlighters
• USB drive

Important Note

While this list provides a general guideline, your child’s teachers will provide specific supply needs during the first week of school to ensure that all materials align with their educational objectives.

Thank you for your support in helping your child prepare for a successful school year!

We are currently in the process of setting up our VAPA classes for the 26-27 school year. Parents will have an opportunity to sign their student up for lottery draw for specific after school programs. Those programs are on Friday's after school from 235-335 pm. There will be a VAPA sign up QR code at MAZE day for signups. Look for the school information booth to use the Google form. We will have a variety of 6 week classes offered during 3 different sessions. All sessions are free to students and are selected during a randomizer lottery draw. Deadline to sign up will be August 22nd. All of that information will be available to parents/students on MAZE day. Thank you.

Most all communication that comes home will be via parent square. Please make sure that you sign up for an account so that you don't miss any pertinent information. Newsletters will also be coming through parent square. Directions are posted below.

https://fremontunified.org/students-community/support/portals/

As required by California law, all students entering 7th grade must provide proof of a T-dap (Whooping Cough) booster immunization before they can attend school.

If your child will be in 7th grade this school year, please submit proof of their T-dap vaccination to the Horner Middle School office before the first day of school. Students who have not submitted the required immunization documentation will not be permitted to attend classes until they have been cleared.

We encourage families to schedule any needed appointments with their healthcare provider as soon as possible to avoid delays at the start of the school year.

If you have questions about the T-dap requirement or need assistance submitting your child's immunization record, please contact the Horner Middle School office. Your contact would be Linda Pricer. Her email is lpricer@fusdk12.net and you can email her beginning Monday, July 27th. If you have already submitted this documentation via online registration, you do not need to do anything else. For those families who have not submitted, we will be emailing you to inform you of outstanding immunizations.

We appreciate your partnership in helping us ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year!

Support Horner's PBIS Program Through Donations!

At Horner Middle School, we are committed to recognizing and celebrating our students for making positive choices each and every day. Through our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, students earn rewards for demonstrating our school expectations:

Show Respect, Make Good Decisions, and Solve Problems.

To help keep our PBIS incentive program thriving, we are seeking donations from our wonderful Horner families. All food items would need to be individually wrapped. If you are able to contribute, we would greatly appreciate donations of any of the following items:

• Individually wrapped chocolate candies
• Bags of Jolly Ranchers
• Sour jacks candy
• Sour patch candies
• Suckers
• Fruit snacks
• Fruit roll ups
• Ring pops
• Fun dips
• Capri suns
• Bags of cookies
• Bags of chips (Hot cheetos)
• School pencils
• Pens
• Highlighters
• School erasers
• Personal size pencil sharpeners
• Notebooks
• Pencil bags/pouches
• Small brown or white paper lunch bags (bulk amounts needed for student prizes)
• $5 gift cards to any Fremont business or retailer

Donations may be dropped off in the Horner Main Office during regular school hours beginning August 3. See below for the PBIS prize chart for ideas on things we would love to have donated.

Your generosity helps us recognize students for their hard work, positive behavior, and commitment to making Horner a safe, respectful, and welcoming place for all. We sincerely appreciate your support and partnership in making a positive difference for our students.

Thank you for supporting our Hornets!

What is a School SPSA Plan?

Every public school in California develops a Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) each year. The SPSA is a comprehensive roadmap that outlines a school's goals, priorities, and strategies for improving student learning and ensuring the success of every student.

The plan is developed collaboratively by school staff, parents, students, and the School Site Council (SSC) using school data, state assessment results, attendance information, and other indicators of student success. It identifies areas of strength, areas for growth, and the specific actions the school will take to improve academic achievement, student well-being, school climate, and equitable access to learning opportunities.

The SPSA also guides how state and federal funding is allocated to support students and ensures that resources are aligned with the school's greatest needs. Each year, the plan is reviewed, updated, and approved by the School Site Council and the Fremont Unified School District Board of Education.

Horner Middle School's 2026-2027 SPSA Plan

At Horner Middle School, our 2026-2027 Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) reflects our unwavering commitment to providing every student with a safe, inclusive, engaging, and academically rigorous learning environment.

This year's plan focuses on several key priorities, including:

• Increasing academic achievement for all students through high-quality instruction and data-informed decision making.
• Continuing to strengthen our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure every student receives the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support they need to be successful.
• Expanding Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to foster a positive school culture where students feel connected, respected, and valued.
• Strengthening family partnerships and communication to support student success both at home and at school.
• Ensuring equitable learning opportunities by implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), culturally responsive teaching practices, and targeted interventions that meet the diverse needs of all learners.

Our SPSA serves as the blueprint for continuous improvement and reflects the shared vision of our staff, families, students, and School Site Council. Together, we remain committed to helping every Hornet thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while preparing students for success in high school, college, career, and beyond.