Greetings Houston Middle School Families & Friends,

It's hard to believe that May is already here! Every year at this time, I often reflect on how quickly time passes. This is especially true when I consider working with students at Houston Middle School and my own children at home. I read a phrase several years ago that succinctly characterizes my thoughts and feelings during this reflection, "The days are long, but the years are short." This strikes true even more so as children grow older and they transition to their next grade level. It seems they go from needing us every step of the way in Kindergarten to walking alone across a graduation stage to receive a high school diploma. It's also an important reminder to cherish and enjoy as many moments as we can.

As the school year draws to a close, I'd like to thank the entire staff for their incredible work this year. Every staff member at Houston Middle School does his or her part to make sure that this is a great place for students: that they are safe, well cared for, and have the opportunity to learn each and every day.

Also, I'd like to thank the parents and guardians of our students who truly are their first teachers. Without your support, encouragement, and commitment to education, nothing would get done. Your participation and relentless advocation for what is best for your child are essential to his or her success.

Finally, I'd like to thank all of our students who come to Houston Middle School everyday and keep the fire of public education burning bright. You are the reason we exist in our daily roles as teachers, classroom assistants, custodians, food service staff, secretaries, counselors, and school board members. The educational community is built for you.

Have a great summer everyone! We'll see you all back in August

Principal Orin Wear

Planning for next school year:

Medications

All student medications must be picked up by a parent/guardian no later than 2:15pm on Friday, May 19. If your student has medication or inhaler medication stored in the nurse office, Nurse St. John will NOT send them home with the student per MSBSD policy. All medications not picked up will be destroyed prior to the new school year. Please don’t forget!

Also, New Medication Forms must be completed by the parent/guardian and health care provider before each school year. Medication authorization forms expire at the end of each school year. Make sure you make your request to the health care provider before August. Clinics get very busy and may not be able to complete your request if submitted after mid- August. New medication forms must have a start date on or after July1st, 2023, or say 2023-24 school year to be valid for next school year.

Medication Authorization Forms can be found on the MSBSD website https://www.matsuk12.us/PublicForms

Immunizations

Immunization requirements must be up-to-date before the first day of school attendance in the 2023-24 school year. Summer is a great time to follow up with your child’s primary health care provider, as appointments may be made per your family’s schedule.

Please visit the link for Immunization Requirements for School Compliance

https://www.matsuk12.us/Page/44958

Free Meals for Children

Kids Kupboard will provide free meals during the summer months, beginning May 20 through August 18. Local pick-up will be at the following locations:

1. King Arthur (by mailboxes) M,Tu,Th@1-1:45pm
2. Big Lake library M,Tu,Th@2-2:45pm
3. Willow Community Center M,Wed,Th@11:45am-12:30pm

Please visit Kids Kupboard website for more locations across Wasilla and Palmer or call (907)357-5439

School Nurse Substitutes are Needed

Are you a Registered Nurse who might be interested in exploring the rewards of school-based nursing, supplementing work hours or simply maintaining nursing licensure credentials? We would love to discuss available opportunities as a substitute school nurse with the Matanuska Susitna Borough School District -- this is a great way to transition into community nursing with K-12 school age children.

Contact: Sarah Jamieson
Health Services Coordinator
(907) 761-4073

sarah.jamieson@matsuk12.us

Virginia St. John, BSN RN - Houston Middle School Nurse

Matanuska -Susitna Borough School District

Ph: 907-892-9406 l Fax: 907-892-9460

All participation forms and physicals must be turned into Big Teams, formally called (PlanetHS) to participate in any practices. Please contact your students coaches with any questions regarding game times, changes, locations and practices.

Sports Scheduled Dates and Times are Subject to Change at any time. Hawks don’t run… They fly!

Parent/Guardians,

Students will be taking their chromebooks home over the summer unless they are leaving the Mat-Su Borough School District. If your student will not be returning to a Mat-School school in the fall, please return them to the library the week of May 15th before the last day of school.

Please ensure that your students are using this equipment respectfully and that they are prepared to bring them back to school in August.

• 6th and 7th graders will bring their chromebooks back to the middle school.
• 8th graders will take their chromebooks to the high school.

Parents - There is a goguardian app for parents that you can download to monitor your students. This will allow you to manage chromebooks during the summer months. Look online for the goguardian app for parents.

Adam Ames - Teacher/Librarian Houston Middle School

Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Ph: 907-892-9478 | Fax: 907-892-9460
www.matsuk12.us

Hello Hawks. We are able to order more yearbooks for those interested in getting a copy. Please see Ms. Hallam, Ms. Hina, or Ms. Schnittker to get your name added to the list. You have until Tuesday, May 9th by the end of the day to get your name on the list. You can pay when you pick up your yearbook. The yearbooks are still $30.

Go Hawks!

Kelly Schnittker

6th Grade Science

HMS Yearbook

(907) 892-9438

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