HMS Bearcat Bulletin
April 2020
Notes from Ms. Buschmann
I have heard, repeatedly, that the events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic are unprecedented. While that is true, and there was no preparation in any of our education classes for this, what we have prepared for and are used to is doing hard things. The staff and students of Hermann Middle School are faced with challenges every day, some large and some small, and the consistent thing is that we work hard to overcome them. We do our best. We learn from them. We do better next time.
I am so thankful to be surrounded by a staff that will do whatever it takes to take care of kids and educate kids, families who are responsive and hold their students accountable, and students who are responsible and respectful of the learning environment. We are all doing our best and dealing with a tough situation in the best way we can. That is the most important lesson for our students to learn at this time.
I have tried to think about everything you might be wondering and address questions that I have already gotten from families so that you have all the information you need moving forward. Please see the "Frequently Asked Questions" below for more information about the school closure. If there is anything I can do to help you or I can provide you with additional information, please let me know. My email and the school phone number are all in the address bar at the bottom of the newsletter.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the School Closure
This work is overwhelming for my child or for my family, what do I do?
There are a few things you might try:
Work in an environment that is free from distractions
As a group of parents, decide on a time when your kids will be working on school so that nobody is online gaming
Work in a few shorter sessions rather than 1 long one
Email the teacher to see if there is a time he or she can work with your child or if he or she can just clarify the expectations for the work
If you just can’t do it all, focus on math and reading.
We have work to turn in to teachers, how do we do that?
- There is a bin out in the front of each building for work to be dropped off in. Please make sure all work is marked with the student’s name and the teacher’s name. If you are unable to come to town to turn in work, you can drop it off during meal service at our outlying locations, or you can use the “Notes” app on an iPhone to create PDF’s to turn in on Google classroom. Here’s an article that will walk you through how to do it.
How are my child’s grades going to be affected?
- We have run reports with students’ grades as of the school closure. On Infinite Campus, we will grade AMI work (the work sent home during the closure) and enter those assignments as we have throughout the school year. The grades on Infinite Campus will reflect zeroes for any missing work so that you and your child know what is missing. You will see grades calculated for the fourth quarter as they normally would be. When it is all said and done, however, we will compare what is in Infinite Campus and what the current grade was when we closed school and take the higher of the two grades. That way, work from the AMI’s can only help students grades.
My Chromebook has stopped working, what do I do?
- Call or email the technology department and leave a message as to what the problem is. They will make arrangements with you to trade out so that yours can be repaired. (573) 486-2116 x1231 aelder@hermann.k12.mo.us
What about Spring Break?
- Teachers are not sending work for the days we were scheduled to have our Spring Break (April 9-13). Take that time to unplug and enjoy the spring weather. We have also instructed teachers to give themselves a break. If your child chooses to work during that time and has questions, they should not plan on getting answers or feedback until Tuesday, April 14.
We still have our Trash Bag Fundraiser order, what do we do?
- We have pushed the deadline back for order turn-in to April 15. If you have order forms and payment, they can be turned in at Central Office, Monday- Thursday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, or you can call school to arrange a time to drop them off.
- Trash bags will be delivered during the first week of May. If we are not back to school by then, we will wait until it is a safe time to distribute the bags.
My child needs their calculator/book/ (or another vital item) and it is in his or her locker. Can we get it?
- If there is something that you must have to do classwork, please call the office and we can arrange to get the stuff you need.
Ongoing Fundraising Efforts
Please keep in mind a few easy ways to raise funds for HMS:
- Boxtops for Education- no more clipping logs to send to school. Just download the app, create an account, and then scan your receipts in. The app will automatically credit our account for the applicable items. Receipts have to be scanned in within 14 days. If you want us to scan them in for you, please send them to the office.
- Shutterfly- start your order at our storefront and 8% of each purchase will be sent to HMS. Visit our Storefront: hermannmiddleschool.ShutterflyStorefront.com
- Best Choice UPC's
- Coca-Cola Give: Put codes from bottles or12-packs or cases of cans in and designate Hermann Middle School as your giving partner at Coke.com/Give.
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Hermann Middle School
Email: nbuschmann@hermann.k12.mo.us
Website: hermann.k12.mo.us
Location: 164 Blue Pride Drive, Hermann, MO, United States
Phone: 573.486.3121
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HermannMiddleSchool/
Twitter: @HMSBearcats