Hocker Grove Family Newsletter
January 12, 2021
SECTION 1: NEW/UPDATED INFORMATION THIS WEEK
Transition to Hybrid Learning
As part of that planning, we have created some videos that were shared with students the first time we were in the hybrid learning model. We also wanted to share them with you so that you know what to expect. We'd love for you to take the time to watch them all, but in case you don't have the time, I would encourage you to watch the video titled "Hybrid Learning Arrival and Dismissal Procedures" as it is the aspect that is most likely to impact families whether you'll drop off/pick up your student regularly or only occasionally.
All of the videos can be found here on YouTube.
If your student would like a tour of Hocker Grove prior to the transition to hybrid learning please reach out to Dr. Kase at your earliest convenience to setup a time by emailing ChrisKase@smsd.org. Student schedules for second semester will open up to be viewed on January 20.
Additionally, student fees for second semester should now be showing up in Skyward as being available to be paid. You can pay them directly through Skyward or contact Michele Dirks, HGMS Bookkeeper, at MicheleDirks@smsd.org. Mrs. Dirks can also help you figure out if you have ordered a 20-21 yearbook if you're not sure.
Attendance Requirements
Transportation Enrollment
If your student will be riding the bus to or from school, we encourage you to start the process of enrollment as soon as possible if you haven't already done so earlier in the year.
New this year, we are requiring ALL that want to receive bus service to enroll online.This includes those that qualify for free busing.
- For those who qualify for free busing (residing over 2.5 miles from school) Click here to enroll
- For those enrolling in Parent Pay Busing (where routes are offered): Click here to enroll
Bus fees will be prorated for the days that the district is in remote attendance per JCDHE
gating criteria. Additional information may be found on the SMSD transportation
webpage: https://www.smsd.org/families/transportation
DS Buslines can also be contacted by calling 913-384-1190.
Hocker Grove Athletics
With our transition to the hybrid learning model on January 26th, we will be begin our after school athletic clinics. Information regarding the athletic clinics can be found at the link below. We will begin with boys basketball which will run from February 1st to February 26th. Girls basketball, volleyball, and cross country will follow.
In order for students to participate, they must submit a completed athletic packet to our athletic coordinator, Ms. Brents (melindabrents@smsd.org).. The packet includes a physical form and a concussion & head injury information release form. Both are required by KSHSAA for participation. These can be dropped off at our main office or given directly to Ms. Brents in the counseling office. The athletic packet can be accessed via the link below, and hard copies are available at the school.
We look forward to the opportunity to safely engage our students in athletics. If you have questions, please give me a call at school or reach me via email at anthonygalindo@smsd.org.
Hybrid Bell Schedule
Remote Bell Schedule
Hearing and Vision Screening
In typical years school nurses provide mandated hearing and vision screenings per Kansas statute. During this time of COVID-19 school nurses are working hard to maintain the safest learning conditions and respect the wishes of each family as it relates to their student’s health. Parents have expressed concerns about performing mass hearing and vision screenings due to:
- Increased potential for COVID-19 exposure to students (exposure to additional building location, equipment, and personnel).
- Screening procedures requiring the nurse to be within 6 feet of the student.
- School nurses would be a part of every student cohort.
- Remote learning students coming into the school for screening, increasing exposure opportunity and mixing of cohorts.
If you would like the school nurse or nurse aide to complete vision and/or hearing screening for your student on a 1:1 basis, please email (stacypanagakis@smsd.org) or call 913-993-0207.
2021 Bond Issue
This bond proposal is designed to provide lasting facilities improvements across the district, and to strengthen student learning. View a video overview about the proposed bond here.
The goal is that the Shawnee Mission School District can continue to be ranked among the finest school districts in the nation, employing exceptional educators who work in state-of-the-art facilities, where learners achieve their full potential.
School Pictures Postponed
HG office staff will be reaching out to parents that were signed up to make sure everyone is aware of that change.
SECTION 2: STILL RELEVANT
Important Upcoming Dates
January 11-15 Math MAP Testing
January 18 No School- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 20 Materials Distribution 4:00-8:00 pm
January 20 Student Schedules Open Up for Student/Family Viewing
January 22 Final Day of First Semester
January 25 No School- Teacher Work Day
January 26 First Day of Third Quarter/Second Semester
February 3-9 Reading MAP Testing
Updated District Calendar available at https://bit.ly/smsdcalendar
Academic Support: After School Opportunities
Academic Enrichment for remote students also started this week and will continue each week Monday-Thursday from 3:50-4:30pm. Students will be able to log into a WebEx room for additional tutoring on assignments, study for tests, and complete missing work. The link to access Academic Enrichment online is: https://smsd.webex.com/meet/hgacademicenrichment Please email Ms. Schmitt at jessicaschmitt@smsd.org if you have any questions. The number of students participating will determine our ability to continue this resource.
SECTION 3: MAINSTAY NEWS
Checking Out HGMS Library Books
Follow these steps to getting the latest releases or your favorite title!
- Open your Chrome browser and type in www.gofollett.com
- Type in “Hocker Grove Middle School” and then “Log In”.
- Log in with your student ID # and the SAME password you use to log in to your MacBook.
- Once logged in, you can either search for a specific title or subject, or you can browse the titles shown.
- Click on a title and click “Hold” to reserve it.
- BEFORE YOU COME TO SCHOOL: Check your student's Destiny account. If the book(s) is checked out to your student, then it is ready for pickup. If it is NOT showing as checked out to the student with a due date, it is NOT READY.
- Requests (holds) will usually be filled within 24 hours.
- It is NOT a same day pickup.
- The office is open 8am-4pm M-F.
- If students have an overdue HG book, they will not be allowed to check out additional books until it is returned; all holds will be deleted. Overdue books will also show on the student account. If you wish to make arrangements with Mrs. Edds to hold a book to be picked up when you return the overdue one, please email Mrs. Edds at CarolEdds@smsd.org.
- If a hold has disappeared AND a student does not have any overdue books, that means the book was not found and the hold was deleted.
- Students are allowed a MAXIMUM of 2 books at this time. The checkout period is 3 weeks.
- A blue crate for returned library books is now on the table in the office.
Observer Accounts for Parents in Canvas
If you would like to become an “observer” of your student in his/her Canvas courses please follow the directions below.
Canvas Parent Directions:
- Download the Canvas Parent App from the App or Google Play store.
- Follow the Canvas instructional guide here to setup your observer account.
- To find your student’s “Pairing Code”
b. Click on “Settings” > then click on “Pair with Observer” (Right side)
c. Enter this “Pairing code” when prompted in your Canvas Parent App.
i. Note that each parent needs a different code, therefore repeating this process to generate a different code
ii. If more than one student, you will be prompted to “add student” on the app. Repeat the process to generate their observer code.
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