Hawk Nation
November 2020
The official monthly newsletter of Horning Middle School
Contact Us
Main Office
Principal: Mr. Robert Blessington 262-970-3305Principal's Secretary: Ms. Jodi Aylsworth 262-970-3305
Assistant Principal (6B, 7B, 8B, Dual Language 6 and 7): Mr. Bryan Lyday 262-970-3311
Dean of Students (6A, 7A, 8A, 8C, FLIGHT): Ms. Susan Inkmann 262-970-3450
Attendance/Associate Principal Secretary: Ms. Pamela Craig 262-970-3317
Attendance Line: 1-866-490-7371 or 262-970-3316
Athletic/ Activities Director: Ms. Susan Inkmann: 262-970-3450
School Resource Officer
Officer James Wolbert, 262-970-3304
Student Services
Counselors
Mrs. Angie Jackson (6A, 7A, 8A, FLIGHT), 262-970-3327
Ms. Natalie Ramirez (6B, 7B, 8B, 8C, Dual Language 6 and 7), 262-970-3326
Student Services Secretary: Ms. Sue Miller, 262-970-3303
Social Worker: Ms. Angie Krueger, 262-970-1699
School Psychologist: Ms. Lindsey Lemus 262-970-1093
Health Room: Ms. Olivia Trejo 262-970-3315
Email: rblessin@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/horningms
Location: Horning Middle School, Wolf Road, Waukesha, WI, United States
Phone: 262-970-3305
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorningMSHawks/
Twitter: @HorningMiddle
Mark your Calendar
Thursday, November 19 Family/ Learner Conferences, 3:30-6:30 PM
Thursday, March 2nd, Family/ Learner Conferences, 3:30-6:00 PM (more information to follow)
May 2021 TBA Showcase of Learning, 4:00 -7:00 PM
It's time for Family/Learner Conferences!
Expectations for Students During Virtual Learning
Student Expectations:
Login
Their first and last name should be what appears when video conferencing. Do not change your screen name.
Students should login early for each class so that teachers have adequate time to admit them through the waiting room. Unless dismissed by the teacher, students must remain present for the duration of class. If they do not, they will be marked absent.
Students should login to Blackboard each day to see the day’s agenda and access any handouts, documents, or additional learning materials.
Safe Learning Environment: Webex classroom is a school environment where all school policies and rules apply. A safe and respectful learning environment as outlined in the Horning Student Handbook is expected at all times.
Students should be visible to the teacher with their camera enabled. They may use a standard virtual background provided by Webex to maintain privacy of their home environment. If there are any temporary circumstances why students cannot enable their camera, they should tell their teachers in advance. Further, they should communicate with their teacher immediately if an interruption causes them to lose video functionality.
Students who are not visibly present throughout the class period will be assumed absent.
Students should refrain from multitasking on other devices or on their iPad. Doing so interferes with their own learning and is distracting to others.
Positive language and behavior are critical in both whole group instruction, breakout rooms and in chat.
Students should only share their screen when given permission by the teacher.
Students should only be controlling their own mute button if that feature is enabled. Students should not be controlling the mic of their teacher or classmates.
Privacy: Respect the privacy of the classroom environment.
Students are encouraged to use headphones or earbuds to protect the privacy of other students’ voices if they are in a room with other people present.
Students are not permitted to record a Webex session or take screenshots on any device.
Engagement: Participation in class increases engagement and understanding.
Students should be prepared to enable their audio during each class session and all breakout room sessions.
Attendance:
During classes work completion is expected and mandatory. Students will follow the same attendance protocols that are currently in place on their virtual learning day. Classes will start and end on time. If your student is unable to attend for any reason, they must communicate that with their teacher(s) - preferably the day before. The live stream is not recorded, so the student should appropriately follow-up with the teacher if they miss the live session.
6. Teamwork:
Administrators and teachers value the partnership between home and school. We do ask that parents/guardians/siblings/others do not participate in the live stream as we are developing this experience for the students. Parents/guardians are always encouraged to connect via email or phone with their child’s teachers.
We may encounter hiccups along the way. Students should always reach out to their teacher(s) at any time if they need assistance. We’re here to help, and we will strive to respond to our students and families within 24 hours Monday through Friday.
Counseling Services for Horning Students
Meet Horning's Student Services Team
(Front Left to Right ) LINDSEY LEMUS, School Psychologist; KAITLYNN SOSA, School Social Work Intern; ANGIE KRUEGER, School Social Worker; (Back Left to Right) ANGIE JACKSON, School Guidance Counselor; NATALIE RAMIREZ, School Guidance Counselor
GREETINGS FROM HORNING STUDENT SERVICES!!!
School Psychologist: Evaluate students using a wide variety of techniques to determine: Eligibility for special education services, Academic skills and aptitude for learning. Intervene directly with children and their families to help resolve learning and adjustment problems. Promote tolerance, understanding, and an appreciation of diversity within the school community.
School Guidance Counselor: Assist students in personal growth through educational and career planning, self-awareness, goal setting, decision making. Work as student advocates while consulting and collaborating with school staff and families to assist students to be successful academically, vocationally and personally. Please contact them for questions related to school schedules.
School Social Worker and Intern: Provides services related to a student's social and emotional needs while being a link between the home, school, and community. Please contact them for questions related to community resources such as Christmas Clearing Council, financial support, and counseling.
Online Christmas Clearing Council applications - apply today
CHRISTMAS CLEARING COUNCIL
Applications HAVE to be done online this year. Any questions or need assistance, contact Angie Krueger (social worker) at 262-970-1699 or akrueger@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Healing Hearts of Waukesha County
FALL PROGRAMS 2020
Healing Hearts is dedicated to creating safe opportunities for grieving children to feel supported, connect with others their age who understand and share their stories. This fall we will hold our 12-week grief support sessions on-line. We have updated and enhanced our program to incorporate current issues impacting families. To register, contact Healing Hearts at 262-751-0874 or info.hhwc@gmail.com. All services are provided at no cost.
Eighth Grade Career Fair
We are looking for professionals for our career information day for 8th grade. As kids look to the future and start to pick classes and paths in high school, it’s important for them to see the career paths that are out there. There are so many careers to explore and so many different educational paths they need to be exposed to.
We are planning on holding the event Friday, January 15th from 1-2:30 p.m.. Our career presenters would participate virtually either via live stream or they would be able to record a presentation with a live Q and A. Ideally, we would like to have enough participants so kids can have a list of choices to explore.
We are planning 3 different rotations. If you are interested in participating, please complete this form (http://sdwone.us/familycareers) by December 1st, with your contact information. Any additional questions can be directed to Ms. Gallagher at sgallagher@waukesha.k12.wi.us
What is AVID?
What Is the AVID Binder?
The AVID binder is a system for keeping essential school materials and assignments organized into one binder. A proper AVID binder contains all the materials in the “Required Items” section below. Items on the “Suggested” list are optional and may be added at your discretion. Binder checks will be conducted once a week in predetermined classes. Teachers leading the monthly binder checks will be looking for the required items and overall organization.
How can I support my child at home?
We encourage you to ask your student to show you their organization system. Your support of the binders and agendas will greatly add to the success of its implementation.
Regularly check your child’s backpack and binder. All papers should be placed in binder rings in the proper class section. Ask them to remove unnecessary papers. Ensure all required materials are present. We encourage you to reference the binder/agenda checklist referenced below.
Check your child’s student agenda daily and have a conversation with him/her about what he/she is learning. It may be a good idea to sign your child’s planner when you review it.
What is AVID?
AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other postsecondary opportunities. For more information about AVID, visit their website at avid.org.
Required Contents:
- Good quality 3-ring, 3” binder / Case It
- Agenda/daily planner
- (provided by the school)
- Colored tab subject dividers to separate all classes
- Three-hole pencil pouch
- 2 or more pens
- 2 or more pencils with erasers
- Loose-leaf notebook paper for each class
- Single subject notebook for Thoughtful Log/Literacy
- 1 or more highlighters
- 1 or more dry erase markers
- 1 glue stick
- Hole reinforcement stickers
- Post-it notes
- Colored pencils or markers
- Earbuds or headphones
Suggested Contents:
- 3 hole punch
- Index Cards
Please take a few minutes to hear from a student’s point of view how valuable her organization system is.
Sophia’s Video
Thank you for your partnership and support. If you have any questions about the binder, do not hesitate to contact us.
Safety Drills Practice
Now that September is over, we are finished practicing our announced safety drills. Students were taught how to handle the following situations:
Fire drills: exiting through the nearest door, continuing to stay socially distant, waiting outside in a designated area for the building to be cleared and deemed safe before re-entering
A Classroom hold: this is when there is a situation in the building that requires the halls to be cleared, for example, broken glass, illness, a hallway spill. Classroom instruction continues without allowing students to leave the classroom until the situation is resolved.
Lockout: This is when there is something dangerous happening in the community. No one is allowed to enter or leave the building. Classes continue as usual until the situation is deemed safe by the police department
Lockdown: There is danger in the building. Students move to a place in the classroom that is not visible from the classroom door. Doors are locked and lights are turned off. Students are not allowed to be on their devices and are asked to sit in silence. Please see the slideshow presentation that is being shared on your child’s iPad English version here Spanish version here.
We are very proud of how our students have responded to these safety drills. There has been good discussion within advisory and we are seeing respectful behavior during the drills. This respectful behavior will help us all to react calmly in the event of a real emergency. Please reinforce this at home as you talk about safety drills and their importance.
Annual Asbestos Notification
School District of Waukesha
Annual Asbestos Notification
October 2020
As a result of the federal law AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) all primary and secondary schools are required to develop and implement a plan for managing all building materials which contain asbestos. Included in the AHERA Act is the requirement to notify all parents, guardians and staff members, as well as organizations representing them, of activities and events with the asbestos containing building materials annually as well as make them aware of the availability of the districts asbestos management plan.
Asbestos has been used in many building materials due to its outstanding insulating and strengthening properties. When it is undisturbed or intact, it poses little hazard to human health. It is only when damage has or may occur that the quality of the school’s management program becomes an issue.
In 1988, all buildings owned, leased, or “under the control of” the School District of Waukesha were inspected by EPA accredited inspectors, with building material samples analyzed by an independent laboratory. Based on the inspection, the School District of Waukesha prepared and the state approved a comprehensive management plan for administering the asbestos located within its buildings, safely and responsibly.
Once every three years, certified inspectors must re-inspect remaining materials. In addition, the rule requires a periodic walk-through (called “surveillance”) in each area containing asbestos every six months.
Short-term workers (outside contractors e.g. telephone repair workers, electricians, etc.) must be provided information regarding the location of asbestos in which they may come into contact. All short-term workers shall contact the lead maintenance person before commencing work.
The School District of Waukesha has a list of the location(s) and type(s) of asbestos containing materials found in the building and a description and timetable for their proper management. A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available for review in the school office. Copies are available at twenty-five (25) cents per page. Our goal is to be in full compliance with AHERA. It is our policy to maintain a safe and healthful environment for our students and our staff members. This shall be accomplished by strict enforcement of the policies regarding asbestos by the asbestos manager and the school officials.
The School District of Waukesha also requires that all new building materials introduced into the School District of Waukesha are free from asbestos. For all new buildings/additions, the architect responsible for the design certifies that to the best of their knowledge, no asbestos containing materials are used. If new buildings are acquired, they too will be inspected.
Within the last year, the School District of Waukesha has completed a 6-Month Asbestos Surveillance of remaining materials. Asbestos removal has been conducted in cooperation with the on-going construction activities at:
Lowell Elementary School
Butler Middle School
Horning Middle School
Les Paul Middle School
South High School
Lindholm Administration Building
Mr. Tim Williamson
Asbestos Designated Person
262-970-4311
SDW to Provide free Breakfast and Lunch Starting September 8th
SDW: Mask Expectations
All staff members will be wearing masks and face shields while teaching.
COVID-19 Parent Letter
- What is being done in the schools to reduce spread
- What you and your student can do to reduce spread
- Quarantine guidelines
Athletics and Activities
Our website, https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/horningms will have a current calendar of our co-curricular activities for your planning purpose and a Guidebook that will help you learn more about our offerings.
Please contact Ms. Inkmann with questions at sinkmann@waukesha.k12.wi.us.
Email: sinkmann@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Phone: 262-970-3450
Join Horning Site Council!
The 2nd Thursday of each month starting in September is reserved for our Horning SIte Council meetings. More information will be provided regarding the format.
Horning Site Council's mission is to build community among families, learners, teachers and staff. We WANT people like you to get involved to help improve communication, support school needs, and plan activities to bring the Horning community together.
Site Council was formed in the 2016-17 school year, so we’re fairly new and trying to build our family involvement here at Horning. For the 2019-20 school year, we are looking for members to fill the following roles:
Please join us at any meeting, or contact us any time for more information!
Site Council Representatives:
Families:
Lori Loeschmann
Faculty:
Haley Draeger
262-970-3363
Administration:
Robert Blessington
262-970-3305
Connect With Us!
Horning Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/horningms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorningMSHawks/
Twitter: @HorningMiddle