HMMS Happenings!
June 2, 2023
Dear HMMS Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you all well, and navigating the final weeks of this school year!
Our students and staff have been busy in the home stretch, still working steadily on term 3 units and lessons to end the year on a strong and positive note.
Each grade level has also been able to leave our school campus this month for fun and educational field trip experiences.
- 8th Graders travelled to Boston to tour the state house and visit important historical sites
- 7th Graders travelled to Colt State Park in Bristol, RI to explore the salt marsh ecosystem
- 6th Graders travelled to Save the Bay Providence, RI to explore Narragansett Bay
We appreciate the HMMS PCC and our teachers for collaborating to create these meaningful experiences for our children! See the pictures below!
See below for timely reminders and information included in this newsletter:
- An introductory message from our Assistant Principal, Mr. Jeffers!
- End-of-Year Activities: An update on what is planned for June...
- HMMS Spring Concert & Book Buffet is June 6th!
- Summer Reading Recommendations & Kickoff at Escape into Fiction
- Counselor's Corner Newsletter from Mrs. Castro!
- Bus Transportation Information for 2023-2024
- Summer Programing: High School Experience & Life Long Learning STEM offerings
A reminder that next week is the
LAST WEEK FOR CLUBS AND LATE BUS.
All clubs end on June 8.
As always, we have included an updated list of "Important Dates to Remember" at the bottom of this newsletter.
I will send another June newsletter with more information about the 2023-2024 school year!
Sincerely,
Ms. Motte
Principal
Grade 7 Exploring the Salt Marsh
Grade 8 Visiting the State House
Grade 6 at Save the Bay Center
A Message from Mr. Jeffers!
Dear Horace Mann Families:
I am humbled and honored to have been selected as Horace Mann Middle School’s full time Assistant Principal beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. I come to HMMS with 18+ years experience in public education, including 16 years in the classroom and two years as assistant principal. My educational journey has taken me from Washington, DC, to Newton, to Whitman, to Silver Lake, and now Franklin Public Schools.
Speaking from experience, I can tell you that Horace Mann is a special place. In my short time serving as Interim Assistant Principal here this year, I have been on the receiving end of many acts of kindness and generosity from students, teachers, and parents alike. This outpouring has not only made me feel welcomed as a new member of the building, it has shown me the core values that exist throughout the entire HMMS community. Additionally, by spending time in the classrooms, I have witnessed countless examples of selfless dedication by each and every educator in the building. Seeing first hand how each teacher goes above and beyond for their students is truly inspiring. It speaks to the passion for educating students that has driven each teacher throughout their respective careers, and has shown me where the heart of the building lies.
Throughout my career, I have always felt that a strong relationship between a school and the community is essential to the success of every student. I believe that open and honest home-school communication, mutual respect and understanding, accountability, and a growth mindset are all vital toward achieving that end. Last but not least, I believe that middle school should be FUN! School is absolutely a place of learning, but I hope that students and teachers can always find ways to let loose and enjoy the process, and appreciate a really bad joke every once in a while.
Although we are nearing the end of the school year, it is never too late to continue meeting and building relationships with parents and the community. Whether it is via email, phone, or in person, please feel free to say hi, give input or suggestions, ask questions, or just offer up a “joke of the day” for me to tell during student lunch blocks. You may call the school or email jeffersk@franklinps.net any time. I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you soon!
Sincerely,
Kris Jeffers
Spring at HMMS: End-of year Activities!
Below is an updated list of end-of-year activities for the remaining weeks of the 2022-2023 school year!
8th Grade Activities
- June 5: 8th Grade Guest Speaker, Janet Applefield Holocaust survivor Janet Applefield shares her story and provides a powerful and personal connection between the past and present.
- June 6-8: 8th Grade Legacy Project Our 8th graders will reflect on their middle school years and create an artifact that tells their "middle school story".
- June 13 or 14: 8th Grade Field Day HMMS PCC volunteers are organizing an 8th grade field day for our students to enjoy!
- June 15: 8th Grade Promotion and Celebration will take place from 6:30-9:00pm in our HMMS auditorium and cafeteria.
- June 16: 8th Grade Movie The PCC is generously hosting this event for our 8th graders Friday morning.
- June 16: 8th Graders tour FHS The class will walk over to FHS after lunch to take a tour and learn more about opportunities for 9th grade.
- June 20: 8th Grade Breakfast & Yearbook Signing Our PCC volunteers are hosting an 8th grade breakfast for students on this last day of the year. A favorite tradition!
- June 20: HMMS Video Yearbook Presentation
7th and 6th Grade Activities
- June 5: Grade 6 Social - PCC volunteers are planning an end of year Carnival themed social for our 6th graders. This will take place after school from 2:00-3:10pm in the HMMS courtyard or cafeteria. The late bus will be available.
- June 8: Grade 7 Social - PCC volunteers are planning an end of year social for our 7th graders as well. This will take place after school from 2:00-3:10pm in the HMMS courtyard or cafeteria. The late bus will be available.
- June 14: Grade 6 Academic Bowl Students will test their knowledge in a trivia contest!
- June 16: 7th Grade Probability Carnival Students will have some fun playing probability games designed by their peers!
- June 20: Grade 6 & 7 Yearbook Distribution and Signing
- June 20: HMMS Video Yearbook Presentation
2023 Summer Reading Recommendations and Kickoff!
We will provide more information in our Summer HMMS Happenings! Newsletters and on our HMMS website.
Escape Into Fiction will be hosting a Summer Reading Kickoff for the Franklin Middle Schools on Wednesday, June 14th from 2-6 pm. Show the flyer below for 10% off your purchase!
Counselor's Corner Newsletter
Bus Transportation for 2023-2024
Register for Transportation before June 12, 2023
For the 2023-2024 school year, transportation registration for FPS students is to be completed online through the Aspen portal.
- Log onto the Aspen portal ma-franklin.myfollett.com/aspen/logon.do
- Click here and follow Aspen instructions to register.
- If you are registering more than one child, you will need to complete a registration form for each child.
Make any payment due before June 12, 2023
- FY24 annual cost per student is $360 for a family cap of $1,080. This rate is subject to change.
- Payment must be made online through Unibank at this link. No cash, checks or money orders will be accepted.
- Partial payment is due by June 12, 2023 (minimum $180) with payment in full due by July 10, 2023
8th GRADERS: Register for High School Experience!
High School Experience is a transitional program to help 8th graders as they move to the high school next year. The program runs on August 8th & 9th from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Here is a brief video describing the program!
Use this website to register:
High School Experience Registration
Questions? Contact: Kristin Letendre Smith, Director: High School Experience (smithk@franklinps.net)
Lifelong Learning Summer STEM Opportunities
Franklin's Lifelong Learning Institute has posted their 2023 summer programs for students in grades K through 12. Below is information on Summer STEM opportunities for students entering Grades 6-10. All programs are 8:30am-12:30pm at Franklin High School.
- Catch Me if You Can - An Overview of Forensic Science, Grades 6-9 (July 10-14 or July 17-21
- NEW - Tinkering with Technology, Grades 6-9 (July 10-14)
- NEW - Engineering with Newton, Grades 6-9 (July 17-21)
- Financial Literacy for Teens, Grades 8-10 (July 10-14)
Please reach out with any questions:
The Lifelong Learning Staff
www.franklinlifelonglearning.com
Email: lifelong@franklinps.net
Phone: (508) 553-4814
Click here to view LLL Programs by Week and by Grade!
Important Dates to Remember...
June
- Mon Jun 5: Janet Applefield visit, Grade 8
- Mon, Jun 5: 6th Grade Social, 2-3:10pm, HMMS Cafeteria & Courtyard
- Mon, June 5: Incoming 6th Grade Parent Information Night, 6:30-8pm, HMMS Auditorium
- Tue, Jun 6: HMMS Spring Music Concert (6pm)
- Thu, Jun 8: 7th Grade Social, 2-3:10pm, HMMS Cafeteria & Courtyard
- Fri, Jun 9: Early Release Day for Students (10:45am dismissal)
- Jun 12-16: HMMS Spring Spirit Week! More info to come...
- Tue, Jun 13: 8th Grade Field Day (rain date 6/14)
- Wed, Jun 14: 6th Grade Academic Bowl
- Wed, Jun 14: Summer Reading Kick-Off at Escape into Fiction (2-6pm)
- Thu, Jun 15: Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony & Celebration (6:30-9:00pm)
- Fri, Jun 16: 8th Grade Movie Day & FHS Tour
- Fri, Jun 16: 7th Grade Probability Carnival
- Mon, Jun 19: Juneteenth (no school)
- Tue, Jun 20: 8th Grade Breakfast
- Tue, Jun 20: HMMS Yearbook distribution & signing
- Tue, Jun 20: Early Release Day for Students (10:45am dismissal)--Last Day of School!
- Tue, Jun 20: Final Report Cards posted in Aspen @ 2pm
About HMMS
508-541-6230 ext 2816
Mr. Healy's contact information
508-541-6230 ext 2846
Email: name@franklinps.net
Website: https://www.franklinps.net/horacemann
Location: 224 Oak Street, Franklin, MA, USA
Phone: 508-541-6230
Twitter: @HMMSLightning