Learning is aBuzz at Howe!
January 6, 2024
New Year, New Beginnings!
Happy New Year, Howe families!
As we step into 2025, I want to share with you some exciting changes ahead. I have been given the opportunity to move into a new role within IPS as the Unified Student Supports Special Projects Coordinator. I am truly grateful for the successes we've shared this past year, the connections we've made, and the leadership we've fostered together here at Howe. I look forward to bringing my skills and experience to this new position.
Though I am excited about this next chapter, I remain fully committed to Howe's continued success. I will stay on for a couple weeks to ensure a smooth transition and to support our community during this time. Dr. Jason Bletzinger, a current district employee, will be stepping into the principal role at Howe, pending board approval.
Wishing you all a wonderful start to the new year, and thank you for your continued support!
"Most of the time, change is a good thing. Now, I think that's what it's all about. Embracing change. Being brave..." -Ted Lasso
-Frances Rivera
IB Trait of the Month: We Are Open Minded
This month, T.C. Howe Middle School is celebrating the IB Trait of Open Mindedness! Being open-minded means embracing new ideas, perspectives, and experiences with a willingness to learn and grow. It’s about respecting and considering the views of others, even when they differ from our own. As an IB school, we encourage our students to challenge their thinking, ask questions, and explore diverse viewpoints with curiosity and empathy. Being open-minded helps us build stronger connections, fosters a deeper understanding of the world, and promotes a culture of respect and inclusivity. Let’s continue to inspire each other to be open-minded in all that we do!
Media Specialist's Corner
The totals for Library circulation have been released for the months of September through November. Howe Middle School has the most check outs at a school of the 5 middle schools in IPS!!!
Keep reading Hornets!!
Pie in the Face Was a Hit!
2nd Place Mr. Shah
3rd Place Mrs. Presutti
Bonus Principal Rivera
PowerSchool Parent Access
School Hours
The school day begins at 9:00am. Students will be able to have breakfast in the cafeteria upon arrival.
8:45 am – Doors Open/Breakfast
9:00 am – First Bell
9:15 am – Students Arriving Late Must be Checked-In by a Parent
4:00 pm – Announcements/Dismissal
Bus Riders & Walker will enter/exit Door 1
For car rider drop-off & pick-up see the picture below.
Howe we do IB MYP
We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming informational series, "Howe We Do IB MYP", Check your inbox and/or texts for more info.
School Highlights
We are still seeking qualified applicants for key positions. Your support in spreading the word about these opportunities within our school community would be greatly appreciated. Together, we can ensure a supportive and enriching environment for all our students.
We Still Need:
- Special Education Teacher (2)
- Science Teacher
- SpEd Instructional Assistant
- Math Teacher
- Science Teacher
Before & After School Childcare
T.C. Howe has partnered with the Shepherd Center for before and after school care for the 24-25 school year. Before school care has already begun and after school care will begin at the end of the month!
Contact Information:
Renee Pitzulo
Shepherd Community Center
317-375-0203 ext 208
Update on Mr. Akers
Dear Howe MS Families,
We want to share some news about Mr. Akers, our Assistant Principal. Recently, Mr. Akers was diagnosed with cancer. While this news is undoubtedly challenging, his determination and positivity remain unwavering. In his own words, Mr. Akers wants to share this message with you: "I am trying to fight off this cancer, and I plan to kick its behind! Tell the students I love them and miss them terribly."
Mr. Akers’ resilience and care for our school community are truly inspiring. As he focuses on his health, we ask for your thoughts, and support during this time. If you or your students would like to send him messages of encouragement, please reach out Mrs. Breedlove, breedlovea@myips.org
Together, we can lift up Mr. Akers and show him the strength of our community.
Warm regards,
Principal Rivera
Cell Phone Policy
Students will not be permitted to use cell phones between 8:45 am - 4:00 pm, which includes all instructional time. When we return from Thanksgiving break students will be required to place their cell phones in a designated lock box located with their advisory period teacher. Students will return to their advisory period at the end of the day (3:50 pm) at which time their cell phone will be returned to them. If a student arrives late, they must leave their cell phone with the office for the duration of the day.
Please note that failure to comply with this policy will result in the confiscation of the cell phone by school administration and implementation of the following progressive discipline:
1st Offense: Cell phone will be confiscated, held in the front office, and returned to the student at dismissal.
2nd Offense: Cell phone will be confiscated, held in the front office, and can be picked up by a guardian.
3rd Offense: Cell phone confiscated, held in the front office for parent conference and pick-up, cell phone contract must be signed by the student and the parent.
Any further violations may result in suspension and/or the office will keep the phone for the remainder of the semester.
Howe Spirit Shop
Exciting news, Howe Middle School families! We’ve launched a new Spirit Shop where you can find a variety of school gear and merchandise to show your Howe pride. Best of all, Howe Middle School earns 12% of every item sold, helping to support our programs and activities. Visit the shop today and gear up while supporting our school!
PBIS Rewards
PBIS Rewards is a Software-as-a-Service solution that provides a digital schoolwide PBIS management system. The system simplifies the implementation and tracking of the PBIS framework within a school. With PBIS Rewards, school administration can clearly see how teachers are utilizing PBIS and how PBIS is improving school culture.
PBIS Rewards is easy-to-use for both students and staff, and provides accountability for everyone in the school. The suite of PBIS Rewards Apps includes a Parent App that gives parents a view into how their child is doing with respect to the PBIS program.
You will receive your login information the week after Thanksgiving.
Howe PTA Corner
We’re excited to remind families that our PTA is always welcoming new members! If you’re interested in joining our vibrant community and making a positive impact at our school, please reach out for more information at howepta@gmail.com. We’d love to have you on board!
Upcoming Games
Howe Hive PTA Meeting (virtual)
Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025, 06:30 PM
Howe Hive PTA Virtual PTA Meeting
6:30 - 7:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88614760238?pwd=NKWIHigwucdYx4n7M7i1xK7ZlWPzkJ.1
Meeting ID: 886 1476 0238
Passcode: 606046
School Information
Breakfast & Lunch
All students can receive breakfast and lunch free of charge. If you prepare a lunch from home, we kindly ask that you avoid including sodas and sweets, as we increase our efforts to promote healthier eating habits.
School Transportation
IPS Transportation Department will be contacting families directly with bus information. If you have any questions, please contact 317-226-4000.
Student Planners
All MYP students will be receive a FREE IB planner valued at $25.00. If a student loses their planner they will be charged $15.00 if we run out of already printed copies, families would have to pay for the full amount in the form of cash or check (payable to T.C. Howe Middle School).
Lockers
Students will be assigned a locker during the first couple of weeks of school. Students will put their school items, including backpacks and cell phones in their locker. Food for lunch must secured in a sealed container or bag.
Blankets
Please note that blankets are not allowed in classrooms, hallways, or the cafeteria. Students are expected to store blankets in their lockers and take them home daily; blankets will be confiscated if students do not follow these guidelines.
Chromebooks
Students are required to ensure their Chromebooks are fully charged daily. Taking personal responsibility for these devices is essential for learning, and families will bear financial responsibility for any damages or repairs incurred. We have a lot of students not bringing in their chromebooks and we've had quite a few chromebooks destroyed, this is unacceptable and consequences will be assigned to students. Please speak to your student about how property that does not belong to them should be treated.
Toddle
Toddle provides families round-the-clock access to our school calendar, classroom communications, documents, your child’s digital report card, and portfolio. Families will receive a login during the first couple of weeks of school.
Medications
If your student will be taking medications during the school day, please come by the school to drop them off. Nurse Gouard-West will be happy to see you!
Late Check-In/Early Check-Out
Students arriving after 9:15 am will need to be signed in by a parent.
Please let the office know in advance if you will be checking your student out early, we would love to have them ready to go once you arrive. 317-693-5560
Absences
If your student is out please call the front office and let our Administrative Associate, Mrs. Graham know. All notes for excused absences can be brought in by students and turned in to the teacher or the front office.317-693-5560