Hawk Nation
December 2020
The official monthly newsletter of Horning Middle School
Contact Us
Main Office
Principal: Mr. Robert Blessington 262-970-3305Principal's Secretary: Ms. Jodi Aylsworth 262-970-3305
Assistant Principal (6B, 7B, 8B, Dual Language 6 and 7): Mr. Bryan Lyday 262-970-3311
Dean of Students (6A, 7A, 8A, 8C, FLIGHT): Ms. Susan Inkmann 262-970-3450
Attendance/Associate Principal Secretary: Ms. Pamela Craig 262-970-3317
Attendance Line: 1-866-490-7371 or 262-970-3316
Athletic/ Activities Director: Ms. Susan Inkmann: 262-970-3450
School Resource Officer
Officer James Wolbert, 262-970-3304
Student Services
Counselors
Mrs. Angie Jackson (6A, 7A, 8A, FLIGHT), 262-970-3327
Ms. Natalie Ramirez (6B, 7B, 8B, 8C, Dual Language 6 and 7), 262-970-3326
Student Services Secretary: Ms. Sue Miller, 262-970-3303
Social Worker: Ms. Angie Krueger, 262-970-1699
School Psychologist: Ms. Lindsey Lemus 262-970-1093
Health Room: Ms. Olivia Trejo 262-970-3315
Email: rblessin@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/horningms
Location: Horning Middle School, Wolf Road, Waukesha, WI, United States
Phone: 262-970-3305
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorningMSHawks/
Twitter: @HorningMiddle
Mark your Calendar
- Wednesday, December 23-Friday, January 1: Winter Break. NO SCHOOL.
- Thursday, March 2nd, Family/ Learner Conferences, 3:30-6:00 PM (more information to follow)
- May 2021 TBA Showcase of Learning, 4:00 -7:00 PM
Dear Horning Students and Families,
I hope all students and families had a very HappyThanksgiving!
Linked here is the schedule for our hybrid model which will begin the week of November 30th. Cohort assignments are still visible in Infinite Campus for students who were assigned cohorts at the start of the year. The cohort schedule should be followed by students beginning on the first hybrid face-to-face day on Tuesday, December 1st, and moving forward.
Student grades and learning expectations are the same as if we were face to face. Students not participating in class and not turning in work will receive grades that reflect this. Monday will continue to be an all virtual day for students.
Additionally, I have provided some reminders on some of the virtual learning expectations as we move into the hybrid model starting on Tuesday, December 1st:
You need to log into all of your classes through WebEx every day, when virtual. Follow the same daily schedule on both your face-to-face and virtual days.
Attendance: During classes, work completion is expected and mandatory. Students will follow the same attendance protocols that are currently in place on their virtual days. Classes will start and end on time. If your student is unable to attend for any reason, they must communicate that with their teacher(s) - preferably the day before. The live stream is not recorded, so the student should appropriately follow-up with the teacher if they miss the live session.
All classroom expectations remain the same when you are virtual. You must log on to WebEx on time and remain in the class for the entire period (unless released by the teacher).
WebEx is your window to your classroom, not a social media venue--the chat is for academic questions and discussion only.
Identify a workspace (other than your bed) to sit with all of your class materials in order to ATTEND class just as you would in person.
Above all, please be courteous to your teachers and classmates. Horning staff members are doing an amazing job managing in-person and virtual instruction, but they need your help by raising your hand if you have a question, not interrupting or distracting other students and following each teacher's specific directions.
It is your responsibility to log into Blackboard each hour as well to access all classroom materials and resources.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Regards,
Robert Blessington
Robert Blessington
Principal Horning Middle School
Attention 8th Grade-Waukesha South Engineering & Health Virtual Open House
SDW Face Covering Enforcement & Refusal Process
The School District of Waukesha recognizes the importance of face coverings in order to best ensure health and safety in the school environment. We recognize that this will be a learning curve for many of our students and is something that will require teaching, reteaching, and reinforcement. All 19 public school districts in Waukesha County will be utilizing a "three strikes" policy regarding refusal to comply with the face-covering requirement. The following progressive discipline will be utilized in accordance with board policy #5600.01 - Disciplinary Consequences for Student Misconduct.
Teaching, Re-teaching, & Reinforcing
The first week of school will include a heavy emphasis on providing clear expectations, support, and instruction to students regarding face coverings. This will include the information regarding the consequences of repeated refusal to wear a face covering. There will be increased leniency during the first week of school in order to best establish this new procedure and requirement for all students and staff; however, all incidents of refusal will be logged in Infinite Campus.
First Refusal
Teacher redirection
Parent contact
Infinite Campus Documentation
Second Refusal
Infinite Campus Documentation
The student will be referred to administration and suspended for the remainder of the school day. A reminder of the consequences for further violations will be provided to the parent and student along with the written notice of suspension per board policy #5610 - Suspension and Expulsion.
Third Refusal
Infinite Campus Documentation
The student will be referred to the administration. An out-of-school suspension will be issued and the student will be auto-enrolled in eAchieve for the remainder of the school year. The student will be suspended for no more than 5 days until the enrollment and student’s course schedule are finalized. A written notice of suspension will be provided with a resolution detail of "enrollment in eAchieve."
**If the student has an individualized education plan or Section 504 plan, face-covering accommodations should be discussed with the case manager. In the event a disciplinary response is necessary, the administration will follow all federal and state guidelines for discipline, which will include working with the IEP/504 team and potentially proceeding with a manifestation determination process.**
Expectations for Students During Virtual Learning
Student Expectations:
1. Login
- Their first and last name should be what appears when video conferencing. Do not change your screen name.
- Students should login early for each class so that teachers have adequate time to admit them through the waiting room. Unless dismissed by the teacher, students must remain present for the duration of class. If they do not, they will be marked absent.
- Students should login to Blackboard each day to see the day’s agenda and access any handouts, documents, or additional learning materials.
2. Safe Learning Environment:
- Webex classroom is a school environment where all school policies and rules apply. A safe and respectful learning environment as outlined in the Horning Student Handbook is expected at all times.
- Students should be visible to the teacher with their camera enabled. They may use a standard virtual background provided by Webex to maintain privacy of their home environment. If there are any temporary circumstances why students cannot enable their camera, they should tell their teachers in advance. Further, they should communicate with their teacher immediately if an interruption causes them to lose video functionality.
- Students who are not visibly present throughout the class period will be assumed absent
- Students should refrain from multitasking on other devices or on their iPad. Doing so interferes with their own learning and is disracting to others.
- Positive language and behavior are critical in both whole group instruction, breakout rooms and in chat.
- Students should only share their screen when given permission by the teacher.
- Students should only be controlling their own mute button if that feature is enabled. Students should not be controlling the mic of their teacher or classmates.
3. Privacy: Respect the privacy of the classroom environment.
- Students are encouraged to use headphones or earbuds to protect the privacy of other students’ voices if they are in a room with other people present.
- Students are not permitted to record a Webex session or take screenshots on any device.
4. Engagement: Participation in class increases engagement and understanding.
- Students should be prepared to enable their audio during each class session and all breakout room sessions.
5. Attendance:
- During classes work completion is expected and mandatory. Students will follow the same attendance protocols that are currently in place on their virtual learning day. Classes will start and end on time. If your student is unable to attend for any reason, they must communicate that with their teacher(s) - preferably the day before. The live stream is not recorded, so the student should appropriately follow-up with the teacher if they miss the live session.
6. Teamwork:
- Administrators and teachers value the partnership between home and school. We do ask that parents/guardians/siblings/others do not participate in the live stream as we are developing this experience for the students. Parents/guardians are always encouraged to connect via email or phone with their child’s teachers.
- We may encounter hiccups along the way. Students should always reach out to their teacher(s) at any time if they need assistance. We’re here to help, and we will strive to respond to our students and families within 24 hours Monday through Friday.
Virtual Parent Event for Youth Substance Use
Counseling Services for Horning Students
Meet Horning's Student Services Team
(Front Left to Right ) LINDSEY LEMUS, School Psychologist; KAITLYNN SOSA, School Social Work Intern; ANGIE KRUEGER, School Social Worker; (Back Left to Right) ANGIE JACKSON, School Guidance Counselor; NATALIE RAMIREZ, School Guidance Counselor
GREETINGS FROM HORNING STUDENT SERVICES!!!
School Psychologist: Evaluate students using a wide variety of techniques to determine: Eligibility for special education services, Academic skills and aptitude for learning. Intervene directly with children and their families to help resolve learning and adjustment problems. Promote tolerance, understanding, and an appreciation of diversity within the school community.
School Guidance Counselor: Assist students in personal growth through educational and career planning, self-awareness, goal setting, decision making. Work as student advocates while consulting and collaborating with school staff and families to assist students to be successful academically, vocationally and personally. Please contact them for questions related to school schedules.
School Social Worker and Intern: Provides services related to a student's social and emotional needs while being a link between the home, school, and community. Please contact them for questions related to community resources such as Christmas Clearing Council, financial support, and counseling.
Healing Hearts of Waukesha County
FALL/WINTER PROGRAMS 2020
Healing Hearts is dedicated to creating safe opportunities for grieving children to feel supported, connect with others their age who understand and share their stories. This fall we will hold our 12-week grief support sessions on-line. We have updated and enhanced our program to incorporate current issues impacting families. To register, contact Healing Hearts at 262-751-0874 or info.hhwc@gmail.com. All services are provided at no cost.
Eighth Grade Career Fair
We are looking for professionals for our career information day for 8th grade. As kids look to the future and start to pick classes and paths in high school, it’s important for them to see the career paths that are out there. There are so many careers to explore and so many different educational paths they need to be exposed to.
We are planning on holding the event Friday, January 15th from 1-2:30 p.m.. Our career presenters would participate virtually either via live stream or they would be able to record a presentation with a live Q and A. Ideally, we would like to have enough participants so kids can have a list of choices to explore.
We are planning 3 different rotations. If you are interested in participating, please complete this form (http://sdwone.us/familycareers) by December 1st, with your contact information. Any additional questions can be directed to Ms. Gallagher at sgallagher@waukesha.k12.wi.us
What is AVID?
What Is the AVID Binder?
The AVID binder is a system for keeping essential school materials and assignments organized into one binder. A proper AVID binder contains all the materials in the “Required Items” section below. Items on the “Suggested” list are optional and may be added at your discretion. Binder checks will be conducted once a week in predetermined classes. Teachers leading the monthly binder checks will be looking for the required items and overall organization.
How can I support my child at home?
We encourage you to ask your student to show you their organization system. Your support of the binders and agendas will greatly add to the success of its implementation.
Regularly check your child’s backpack and binder. All papers should be placed in binder rings in the proper class section. Ask them to remove unnecessary papers. Ensure all required materials are present. We encourage you to reference the binder/agenda checklist referenced below.
Check your child’s student agenda daily and have a conversation with him/her about what he/she is learning. It may be a good idea to sign your child’s planner when you review it.
What is AVID?
AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other postsecondary opportunities. For more information about AVID, visit their website at avid.org.
Required Contents:
- Good quality 3-ring, 3” binder / Case It
- Agenda/daily planner
- (provided by the school)
- Colored tab subject dividers to separate all classes
- Three-hole pencil pouch
- 2 or more pens
- 2 or more pencils with erasers
- Loose-leaf notebook paper for each class
- Single subject notebook for Thoughtful Log/Literacy
- 1 or more highlighters
- 1 or more dry erase markers
- 1 glue stick
- Hole reinforcement stickers
- Post-it notes
- Colored pencils or markers
- Earbuds or headphones
Suggested Contents:
- 3 hole punch
- Index Cards
Please take a few minutes to hear from a student’s point of view how valuable her organization system is.
Sophia’s Video
Thank you for your partnership and support. If you have any questions about the binder, do not hesitate to contact us.
COVID-19 Parent Letter
- What is being done in the schools to reduce spread
- What you and your student can do to reduce spread
- Quarantine guidelines
Athletics and Activities
Our website, https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/horningms will have a current calendar of our co-curricular activities for your planning purpose and a Guidebook that will help you learn more about our offerings.
Please contact Ms. Inkmann with questions at sinkmann@waukesha.k12.wi.us.
Email: sinkmann@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Phone: 262-970-3450
Join Horning Site Council!
The 2nd Thursday of each month starting in September is reserved for our Horning SIte Council meetings. More information will be provided regarding the format.
Horning Site Council's mission is to build community among families, learners, teachers and staff. We WANT people like you to get involved to help improve communication, support school needs, and plan activities to bring the Horning community together.
Site Council was formed in the 2016-17 school year, so we’re fairly new and trying to build our family involvement here at Horning. For the 2019-20 school year, we are looking for members to fill the following roles:
Please join us at any meeting, or contact us any time for more information!
Connect With Us!
Horning Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/horningms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorningMSHawks/
Twitter: @HorningMiddle