Hocker Grove Family Newsletter
September 20, 2022
SECTION 1: NEW/UPDATED INFORMATION THIS WEEK
School-Wide Fundraiser Kickoff
Between now and next week, you can prepare for the fundraiser by using the QR code below or registering online through the website at www.clubschoicefundraising.com. Our school code is HOCK22.
Prizes for sales and competitions will be announced when the fundraiser kicks off next week.
Bilingual Community Resource Night
To celebrate the start of the new school year, Shawnee Mission Public Schools are celebrating with a Spanish Community Resource Night. We realize that schools are a nexus of the community and resources. Please join us in celebrating our SMSD community by sharing this information with our bilingual families.
September 20, 2022 5:00 - 7:00pm
Center for Academic Achievement, 8200 W. 71st Street, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66204
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Bilingual Advocacy Team using the emails listed below or at 913-993-7212.
Dr. John McKinney, Director of Family Services, johnmckinney@smsd.org
Connie Springfield, Ed.S., Associate Principal, conniespringfield@smsd.org
Dr. Elizabeth Ault, ELL Teacher, elizabethault@smsd.org
Immunization Deadline
We are closing in on our first exclusion date for students who are missing required vaccinations.
Emails were sent at the end of last school year notifying parents/guardians of students who were in need of required vaccinations. Messages were sent last week, letters will be sent in the next week via email to those who are still in need of vaccinations.
Once your student receives the required vaccine, please send a copy/proof of that to the nurse’s office. You may email the copy to lisafeingold@smsd.org and/or davidfox@smsd.org . You can also fax to 913-993-1432 if you prefer.
We do not want to exclude any student from school. However, if they do not have the state required immunizations they will not be able to be in attendance after October 13th. They will need to get vaccines before returning to school. Thank you all for helping us out! We appreciate your time and dedication to keeping our Hocker Grove Eagles safe and healthy!!
SECTION 2: Previously Announced, Still Relevant, Information
Late Start Continues Through April
Our first Late Start Thursday went well for the first time out of the gate. Late start will continue every Thursday that school is in session. A few reminders:
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Eagle Hour - our homeroom period (mascot hour) will not take place Thursdays from 9/1/22 - 4/27/23, and school will begin with 1st hour at 9:19 a.m. Teachers will collaborate from 8:05 - 9:05 a.m. each Thursday.
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Students may still arrive at the normal time to be supervised from 8:20 - 9:10 a.m. until released to go to 1st hour at 9:10 a.m.
Breakfast will still be served for students that want to take advantage of that option at school.
Buses will continue to run at the exact same time as they do on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Your student will show up at normal time (8:20 - 8:35 a.m.) if they choose to take the bus on Thursdays.
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Although not required, your student has the option of taking advantage of a late start each week because the school day will technically begin at 9:19 a.m. each Thursday.
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A tentative weekly schedule is pictured below:
Internet Hot Spots Available for Checkout
Hocker Grove continues to have Hotspots available for check out to students/families in need of internet support. Families with a demonstrated need may check out a hotspot for home access. The first step is to complete the application: http://bit.ly/smsdhotspot
Need is established by an inability to secure internet access in the home and one of the following:
National School Lunch Program qualification (District letter confirming qualification should be shown to establish this need.)
Academic need - the student is at risk of failing or at least 1 academic year behind peers for their age.
Children with Limited English Proficiency
Immigrant children/youth or Migrant Educational Program participant
McKinney Vento or Youth in Foster Care
Parent experienced recent job loss/unemployment/financial hardship
Checkout will be for a semester. If a device is not actively used, the district will request it be returned and reallocated to another student in need.
Does Hocker Grove Have a PTA?
· Fund Teacher Grants Applications for materials not provided by the SMSD
· Provide support for school field trips
· Assist with events for student and family activities
· Host Staff Appreciation Events for our AMAZING faculty and staff
There is no wrong or right way to be involved – anything you can give, whether it’s time or money, will support your child’s potential. We invite you to join because we can do more together than apart. It only takes 5 minutes: https://hgms.new.memberhub.store/store
Hocker Grove Middle School
Email: ChrisKase@smsd.org
Website: hockergrove.smsd.org
Location: 10400 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS, USA
Phone: 913-993-0200
Facebook: facebook.com/HockerGroveMiddleSchool
Twitter: @HockerGroveMS