HMS Bearcat Bulletin
March 2017
A Note from Ms. Buschmann
For me, the preparations have brought back memories of hiding under my covers with a pen light, past my bed time, to read (Yes, I was that kid); Mrs. Bradbury reading, and crying through, Where the Red Fern Grows to my 4th grade class; laughing at Amelia Bedelia; crying when Beth died in Little Women; and wanting be Claudia Kincaid hiding in the Met in From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
Even if you are unable to join us for our reading events or the book fair, I hope you will share some book memories with your students and take a little extra time to read with them this month.
The Gasconade Co. R-I School District $0.50 Levy Issue
- instructional materials and supplies
- technology
- transportation costs
- recruitment and retention of staff.
Approval will allow the flexibility to provide the needed resources to prepare students to be competitive in careers and post-high school education.
Below are some graphics that provide more information about school finances in Hermann, the state of Missouri, and neighboring school districts.
Transportation Costs
The costs of transporting students is approximately $700,000 per year. Although it is state law to fund transportation at 75% of the costs, this has been overridden by our legislature and Governor when setting the state budget.
The projections, based on the Governor's budget for 2017-18, allow no funding for transportation from the General Revenue. This directly impacts the operations budget of the District. The operating budget of the district is the fund that will be supplemented by an increase to the tax levy by $0.50.
Recruitment and Retention of Quality Educators
It is not uncommon for teachers to get their start in our school and move to a different school district to earn a higher salary. We must retain the highest qualified teachers if we are to make a significant impact on high student achievement.
HMS Student Showcase
Tuesday, Mar 28, 2017, 05:30 PM
Hermann Middle School, Blue Pride Drive, Hermann, MO, United States
Missouri Schools Read-In Day
A flyer was sent home with students on February 28 and included an order form for lunch. An electronic version was sent on February 24 if you need more information.
Friday, Mar 10, 2017, 11:00 AM
Hermann Middle School, Blue Pride Drive, Hermann, MO, United States
Counselor's Corner
Hello parents! As many of you may already know, I am spending time with your students in the classroom talking about careers.
The 5th graders are learning about the six career paths. The 6th graders completed an interest survey and worked in groups on a scavenger hunt to help them become more familiar with the Missouri Connections website. The 7th graders also worked in groups on a scavenger hunt and the students selected an occupation based on seven occupational characteristics and identified what information is important to them in selecting an occupation.
Mrs. Pazdera and I met with the 8th grade students to explain the process to sign up for Freshman classes. That registration form is due Friday, March 16th, remember if your student signed up for Spanish you will need to sign the Rosetta Stone: Spanish Information Letter. After the forms are turned in I will work with the students in small groups to help them complete their Personal Plans of Study.
-Mrs. Pehle
Reminders
3rd Quarter report cards will be sent home soon. You WILL NOT need to return report card envelopes; please keep them. From now on, report cards will be sent with students and a School Messenger call made to let you know they are coming home. We trust that you will communicate with your child to ensure you get the grade card and hope that you are making regular use of the Parent Portal a habit.
Spring Book Fair
March 17: 7:30 am- 12:30 pm
Lunch Event- March 10
Breakfast Event- March 15
Student of the Month
The character trait of the month for February was Self-Discipline. Self-Discipline is about perseverance and choosing appropriate behaviors- both maintaining good behaviors and refraining from bad ones. We shared with students a video from Mike Smith of "The Harbor by Jostens." Mike talked about GRIT- having stamina, passion, and sticking to your long-term goals. GRIT allows you to continue even though it is difficult and is as important or more important than talent to success. Mike talked about the 5 characteristics/ habits of mind that contribute to grit: (1) courage, (2) intentionality, (3) endurance, (4) resilience, and (5) the pursuit of excellence, not perfection. All of these require people to leave their comfort zone and choose to do the hard thing. It is hard for kids, especially at the middle school age, to try something and not be perfect but the idea of falling down and getting back up is so important for them to understand and it leads to GRIT!
Back Row (L to R): Hannah, Parker, Morgan, Allyson, Ryan, Madison, Kaleb, TJ,
Front Row (L to R): Hannah, Isaac, Garret, Gracie, Iteara, Alaina, Hattie, Lydia
Not Pictured: Katelyn, Brady, Macy
Congratulations Student of the Month Winners
6th Grade- Isaac
7th Grade- Ryan
8th Grade- Madison
A Few Photos from Around HMS this Month
Trash Bag Sales
Order pick up will be on March 28 to coincide with our Student Showcase Night (more info on that to come!). The highest selling homeroom will receive a pizza party and the top 3 individual sellers will receive cash prizes. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and continued support!
Ongoing Fundraising Efforts
Please keep in mind a couple of easy ways to raise funds for HMS.
1. Boxtops for Education
2. Shutterfly- start your order at our storefront and 13% of each purchase will be sent to HMS.
Visit our Storefront: hermannmiddleschool.ShutterflyStorefront.com
3. Best Choice UPC's
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