Hawk Nation
The official newsletter of Horning Middle School #1Horning
September 9, 2016
Contact Us
Principal Secretary: Mrs. Michelle O'Donnell: 262-970-3305
Associate Principal (A-G): Mrs. Sharin Tebo: 262-970-3311
Dean of Students (H-Z): Mrs. Kenyell Floyd Hutchins 262-970-3450
Athletic/ Activities Director: Mrs. Sharin Tebo: 262-970-3311
Attendance/Associate Principal Secretary:
Mrs. Kay Tschurwald 262-970-3317
ATTENDANCE LINE: 262-970-3316 (please leave a detailed message, this line is monitored throughout the day)
Health Room: Mrs. Pam Craig 262-970-3315
Email: modonnel@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Website: http://www.horningmiddleschool.com/
Location: Horning Middle School, Wolf Road, Waukesha, WI, United States
Phone: 262-970-3305
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorningMSHawks/
Twitter: @HorningMiddle
Communication Updates
In an effort to improve communication efforts at Horning Middle School, we are encouraging that parents/guardians sign up for Twitter, www.twitter.com. Twitter is a website that allows people to communicate through the exchange of brief statements of 140 characters or less.
We have created an account @HorningMiddle to disseminate useful information about Horning (i.e. school news, testing, school events, etc). The best part is, once you have signed up to follow the updates, you receive these messages instantly to your Twitter page as well as your cell phone (standard text rates apply) if you have it set up in that manner.
If you do not wish to sign up, you can still view the profile and any updates by going to the site listed here and bookmarking it: twitter.com/HorningMiddle. Our Twitter feed is linked up to the Horning Facebook page as well so you can follow any tweets there.
You can like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HorningMSHawks/. By “liking” this page, important information and updates will come directly to your newsfeed.
Thank you for staying connected! I hope you will find these new communication updates useful.
Some reminders for parents/guardians about pick-up and drop-off of students:
Parents who are dropping off or picking up their students at the beginning or end of the day are asked to not utilize the circle driveway on Wolf Road, rather use the parking lot on the Butler Drive side of the building. This is necessary to help keep our students safe, as the circle driveway is used for buses. Please make arrangements with your child to either pick them up in the parking lot on Butler Drive, or even from the sidewalk on Butler Drive.
We also ask that you use caution when driving near the school, on both Wolf Road and Butler Drive- there are a lot of students that walk to and from school. Please also remind your students that they should be cautious when crossing the street, and using crosswalks.
INFINITE CAMPUS
ONLINE PAYMENTS
You can still pay for fees online! Please log in to your Infinite Campus account to access RevTrak through the "fees" link. You will be able to pay for district fees for all students enrolled in the School District of Waukesha, as well as for gym uniforms, locks and yearbooks for Horning. Please contact the office if you are a new parent to the district and do not have your access information, at 262-970-3305. Although we encourage parents to utilize our online payment system, it is not required; payments can be made in the office.STUDENT FEES
If you choose not to use the online payment system, you can still make cash or check payments in person. At this time, the school is not able to accept credit card payments.
Fees are as follows:
Book/ Material fees $60.00
iPad Application/ Technology fee $25.00
Gym Uniform (see explanation): $14.00
Locks (see explanation): $ 4.50 ea.
Yearbook (optional) $18.00
All students will need to pay for book fees. All 6th graders and new students will need to purchase two locks and a gym uniform. Seventh and 8th graders may use their locks and gym uniforms purchased previous years. Additional uniform pieces ($7 each for shirt or shorts) are available for purchase if needed. The book fee of $60.00 covers such items as book rental, classroom material and student activities. This fee does not cover loss or abuse of books issued to students. The iPad $25 Technology Application Fee covers content and application licensing on the device. If, for some reason, you cannot pay at this time, please call the principal’s secretary at 970-3305 to make payment arrangements.
Fees for the elective classes will be collected when the student begins the class either first or second semester. Teachers will make students aware of the class fees that are owed.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
The Importance of Attendance
Attendance is the #1 Predictor of Academic Success! Let us not forget or underestimate absenteeism.
Here are a couple resources for parents and guardians to help ensure your students attend school every day:
Classroom Tardy Procedure
After the final bell rings:
Teachers will close locked door and begin class. Students will not be allowed to enter without a tardy pass. Teacher enters tardy into Infinite Campus.
Teacher Classroom Managed:
1st Tardy - Verbal Warning by teacher. Tardy is entered into Infinite Campus by teacher.
2nd Tardy - Final Verbal Warning and phone call home. Tardy is entered into Infinite Campus by teacher.
3rd Tardy - Tardy is entered into Infinite Campus by teacher. Documented into Infinite Campus as a minor lunch detention served with teacher (or as designated by grade level team)
After 3rd tardy, repeat process from 1st Tardy
Failure to show up for assigned detention may result in students losing privileges for school events activities and events.
Parents: PLEASE CALL THE SCHOOL WHEN YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT!
You (the parent or guardian) must call before 8:00 a.m. each day the student is absent. For your convenience, we have a voicemail system whereby you can leave a message 24 hours a day. OUR ATTENDANCE LINE NUMBER IS 262-970-3316
Attendance is the best predictor of success in any class. You are expected to be present at school every day and arrive to all of your classes on time.
What happens if I will be out?
PARENT/GUARDIAN MUST CALL ATTENDANCE OFFICE PRIOR TO 8:00A.M. THE MORNING OF THE ABSENCE
What happens if I will be out for more than 1 day?
PARENT COMPLETES “PRE-PLANNED ABSENCE FORM” FOUND IN THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE
- DAY BEFORE VACATION HAVE TEACHERS SIGN THE REQUEST FOR HOMEWORK FORM (WHITE FORM)
ABSENCES
All unexcused absences must be cleared in 24 hours by a parent/guardian to avoid being marked truant.
The previous day’s attendance can be checked through INFINITE CAMPUS and in the attendance office.
YOU & Parents/guardians have access to attendance information (INFINITE CAMPUS).
It is your responsibility to periodically verify the attendance record and clear any unexcused absences with the Attendance Office Secretary.
Bus Information
Bus information can be found in your student's Infinite Campus account. Parents are responsible to see that their child rides only their assigned bus! If you have questions about your child's transportation information, please contact the District's transportation office at 262-970-1150.
Misbehavior on the bus can result in tragic accidents. Therefore, students who do misbehave will lose their bus privileges. The bus driver must have complete cooperation from all students. Please discuss this important need with your children.
BUILDING SECURITY
Horning continues to work to be as safe as possible. Our building doors are locked during the school day, including the doors at the Wolf Road turn-around.
NEW THIS YEAR: If you need to come in to the building anytime during the school day, please use the buzzer at Door #2 on the Butler Drive side of the building. Please do not be offended if you are questioned about your reason for coming to school by our office personnel. They have been asked to screen all visitors seeking entrance into our building. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
4th Annual Hawk Classic!
Please join us on Saturday, October 8th starting at 9:00 AM for Horning’s 4th annual Hawk Classic 5K race, 3K Walk, and 1 Mile Kids Run! This fun, family event raises money for Horning’s PBIS committee and goes right back to students. The race happens in the neighborhoods surrounding Horning. Race day registration starts at 8:00 AM in the Horning cafeteria. Every participant gets a T-shirt, and after the race or walk there is a cookout and a raffle with awesome prizes! Medals are awarded to top finishers in each age group and a trophy goes to the top male and female!
Check back here for more information: https://goo.gl/zXXTvl
IMPORTANT: NEW Middle School Schedule & "S.O.A.R. Like a Hawk!"
With the new Middle School schedule, you will see a time frame called "MS Advisory" below and on student schedules in Infinite Campus. At Horning, this MS Advisory Monday schedule will be called S.O.A.R. and it will begin September 26, 2016.
S.O.A.R., as in "SOAR Like a Hawk" stands for:
Student-centered Opportunities for Academic Planning and Real-world Responsibility
S.O.A.R. is a dedicated time on Mondays with a core group of students and an adviser. While a big component of S.O.A.R. will be devoted to Academic and Career Planning, learners and advisers will work together to teach, practice and reteach PBIS Cool Tools to build positive community, and reinforce the skills and responsibilities through Digital Citizenship activities. Because this is new to everyone involved, we want to ensure we have a successful launch and we are careful in planning the activities that students will engage in with their peers and their advisers. More information will be forthcoming on what this looks like for our students and our Horning advisers.
Please visit the slideshow that follows for a short introduction on the WHY and WHAT of Academic and Career Planning (ACP).
News from the iCenter
If you chose to have the district store your child’s iPad over the summer, your son or daughter can stop by the Genius Cafe, which is located in our iCenter, and pick it up.
Also, in order to keep your iPads running smoothly, make sure you stay current with Software Updates. Your son our daughter’s iPad should be at iOS 9.3.5.
Athletics and Activities Corner by Mrs. Tebo
We are all very excited to kick off another year of Horning Middle School activities and athletics! Our activities' advisers and coaches met on August 31 to meet and greet and review some necessary expectations, so that our students enjoy a safe, fun, & fulfilling experience this year. One necessary item advisers and coaches brought forward was the pick up time of students after an activity has concluded.
Parents/guardians are expected to have picked up their student with 15 minutes after the activity has concluded.
- Loitering is not permitted.
- Please make arrangements to have your student picked up in a timely manner.
- All activities are publicly posted on our school website at http://www.horningmiddleschool.com/ so we encourage you to check for dates and times to plan accordingly. We also strongly encourage students to bookmark our school's website on their iPad to access activities and daily student announcements.
Below are some upcoming activities we're looking forward to.
All activities are 2:45-3:45 unless otherwise noted.
September 12:
Cross Country Meet @ Lake Denoon MS 4:00-6:15
September 13:
Cross Country Practice
Flag Football
Jazz Choir
Madrigal (6:45-7:20)
Robotics Information Meeting
September 14:
Cross Country Practice
Flag Football
September 15:
Cross Country Practice
Flag Football
FLIGHT Conferences (3:00-6:30)
September 17: 10:30-1:30
The Waukesha Middle School Cross Country Festival Meet is at Minooka Park.
Come support our student runners!
September 19:
Cross Country Practice
September 20:
Cross Country Practice
Flag Football
Jazz Choir
September 21
Cross Country Meet @ Greenfield Park 3:45-6:15
Flag Football
September 22
Cross Country Practice
Flag Football
I Wish My Teacher Knew
You know the saying, "It takes a village?" When talking about ensuring all our learners have what it takes to succeed and be prepared for THEIR tomorrow, this rings true.
"One day, third-grade teacher Kyle Schwartz asked her students to fill in the blank in this sentence: “I wish my teacher knew _____.” The results astounded her. Some answers were humorous, others were heartbreaking—all were profoundly moving and enlightening. The results opened her eyes to the need for educators to understand the realities which their students face in order to create an open, safe and supportive place in the classroom. When Schwartz shared her experience online, #IWishMyTeacherKnew became an immediate worldwide viral phenomenon. Schwartz’s book tells the story of #IWishMyTeacherKnew, including many students’ emotional and insightful responses, and ultimately provides an invaluable guide for teachers, parents, and communities."
Interested in reading more?
Please purchase I Wish My Teacher Knew by teacher Kyle Schwartz, and join the Hawk Nation to discuss and share takeaways:
- Thursday, October 13, iCenter 4:30-5:30
- Thursday, November 3, iCenter 4:30-5:30
Please complete the form below at least 2 days in advance of the dates above, so we know many will be joining us.
See you then!
Hawk Safety Nest
Safety Tip of the Week for the Horning Community:
Safety Tip for Students:
Passing through the hallways needs to be safe for all students. Remember to use our time management skills:
- Get to school on time
- When you go to your locker remember to grab what you need - you will not be able to go to your locker during every break and still be on time
- You do not have to run to class if you use the passing period to pass to the next class and do less socializing
- Be on time for all classes - NO BLUE SLIPS - you can do it!!!
8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip
SAVE THE DATE
HAWK Classic
Saturday, October 8th
I Wish My Teacher Knew Book Discussion #1
Thursday, October 13, iCenter 4:30-5:30
Parent/ Teacher Conferences:
Thursday, October 20th 3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 26th 3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
No School
Thursday, October 27th
Friday, October 28th
I Wish My Teacher Knew Book Discussion #2
Thursday, November 3, iCenter 4:30-5:30
Horning Activities
Student Welcome Assemblies
REMINDER: Horning Cell Phone Policy
PBIS Information- Horning Way School Wide Acknowledgement Systems
Golden Tokens will be used again to acknowledge positive behavior. These are based on the current Horning Way PBIS Matrix and on the focus area: The Hallway. The power of giving Golden Tokens is really about the positive comment staff makes and the relationship they are building with the students.
Students may turn Golden Tokens into bins in the cafeteria. All tokens may go into the monthly bin, or students may choose to turn them into the 2 Bi-weekly Raffle bins. New this year is the “Greater Good Container” where students who do not need this type of acknowledgement can help others. (ie. 100 Golden Tokens = 1 winter coat). Each Tuesday, beginning 9/13 the School Store will be open, and students may choose to use the tokens to purchase items, and put the Golden Tokens into the bins as well.
Bi-weekly Raffle drawings will take place in the Cafeteria on Fridays beginning 9/16. Mr. Blessington will conduct the monthly drawing, and announce 1 winner per grade level on the last school day of the month. Please ask your child if they have received any Golden Tokens this school year. Together we can make a difference.
Our PBIS Family Meeting will be September 29, from 5:45-6:30, following the Family Literacy Night. Please come join us!
--The Horning Way Committee
News from our Community
First United Methodist Church is the congregation that supports Healing Hearts of Waukesha County, El Sistema, and other programs that support youth in our community. This year we are expanding our support of students in Waukesha through the development of a new, weekly youth internet café on Thursdays, starting September 15th, from 2:45-5:30pm.
We will be providing free wi-fi for students to use their school iPads for homework completion, as well as a safe, encouraging environment for doing homework, receiving tutoring, and improving academic skills. We will also be providing a healthy snack and closing each week with asset building activities. Students can drop in for all or part of each week.
Please contact Tina Itson with any questions at tina.itson@fumcwaukesha.org or 262-542-4256.
Why are our Children so Bored in School?
Annual Registration Feedback
Current Fundraisers
Culvers Night
Future dates will be the second Wednesday of each month, starting in October.
We'll see you there!