Houston Middle School May News
Go Hawks!
Contact Information
Email: hms@matsuk12.us
Website: www.matsuk12.us/hms
Location: 12801 Hawk Lane, Big Lake, AK, United States
Phone: (907)-892-9500
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HMSHAWKPRIDE
Twitter: @HMSHAWKPRIDE
Principal Howard's Monthly Message
It's hard to believe that May is already here! Every year at this time, I often reflect on how quickly time passes. This is especially true when I consider working with students at Houston Middle School and my own children at home. I read a phrase several years ago that succinctly characterizes my thoughts and feelings during this reflection, "The days are long, but the years are short." This strikes true even more so as children grow older and they transition to their next grade level. It seems they go from needing us every step of the way in Kindergarten to walking alone across a graduation stage to receive a high school diploma. It's also an important reminder to cherish and enjoy as many moments as we can.
As the school year draws to a close, I'd like to thank the entire staff for their incredible work this year. Every staff member at Houston Middle School does his or her part to make sure that this is a great place for students: that they are safe, well cared for, and have the opportunity to learn each and every day.
Also, I'd like to thank the parents and guardians of our students who truly are their first teachers. Without your support, encouragement, and commitment to education, nothing would get done. Your participation and relentless advocation for what is best for your child are essential to his or her success.
Finally, I'd like to thank all of our students who come to Houston Middle School everyday and keep the fire of public education burning bright. You are the reason we exist in our daily roles as teachers, classroom assistants, custodians, food service staff, secretaries, counselors, and school board members. The educational community is built for you.
Have a great summer everyone! We'll see you all back in August.
- Ben Howard
HMS School-Wide Behavior Data
Each week during the school year, we actively monitored our school-wide behavior and attendance goals. The intent was to have conversations with our students about behaviors and attendance based on data rather than hunches and impressions. We discussed why data trended certain ways and asked for ideas on how we could improve. Below is the most current school-wide behavior & attendance data for the 2016 - 2017 school year. We will keep tracking data until the last day of the school year so the data will change. However, as of May 1st, 2017 the data is as follows:
Historical Moments That Happened in the Month of May...
May 7, 1915 - The British passenger ship Lusitania was torpedoed by a German submarine off the coast of Ireland, losing 1,198 of its 1,924 passengers, including 114 Americans. The attack hastened neutral America's entry into World War I.
May 20, 1927 - Charles Lindbergh, a 25-year-old aviator, took off at 7:52 a.m. from Roosevelt Field, Long Island, in the Spirit of St. Louis attempting to win a $25,000 prize for the first solo nonstop flight between New York City and Paris. Thirty-three hours later, after a 3,600 mile journey, he landed at Le Bourget, Paris, earning the nickname "Lucky Lindy" and becoming an instant worldwide hero.
May 5, 1961 - Alan Shepard became the first American in space. He piloted the spacecraft Freedom 7 during a 15-minute 28-second suborbital flight that reached an altitude of 116 miles (186 kilometers) above the earth. Shepard’s success occurred 23 days after the Russians had launched the first-ever human in space, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, during an era of intense technological competition between the Russians and Americans called the Space Race.
May 22, 1972 - President Richard Nixon became the first American president to visit Moscow. Four days later, Nixon and Soviet Russia's leader Leonid Brezhnev signed a pact pledging to freeze nuclear arsenals at current levels.
Growth Mindset
"In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. Virtually all great people have had these qualities."
-From mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/
Failing = Growing
Big Ideas!
The Learning Pit
Upcoming Dates
5th Graders Visit HMS
The following 5th grade classes will be visiting Houston Middle School this week. We are excited to have them tour our school and will do our best to help them feel welcome.
Willow Elementary- May 2nd 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Meadow Lakes Elementary - May 2nd 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Big Lake Elementary - May 9th 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Pastries for Parents
Spring Band Concert
Band students will be having their Band Luncheon on May 11th during band classes. Please contact Ms. Carroll for more information.
Spring Choir Concert
Choir students will be having their Choir Luncheon on May 16th during choir classes. Please contact Ms. Carroll for more information.
No School for Students!
8th Grade Promotion
Houston Middle School Field Day
Did You Know?
May 27, 1937 - In San Francisco, 200,000 people celebrated the grand opening of the Golden Gate Bridge by strolling across it.
School Nurse News
- Nurse Burger 892-9507
HMS Counselor's Corner
Attached below are four website resources that offer suggestions to parents and guardians to help avoid the summer backslide, while still allowing for students to enjoy their summer. Enjoy the tidbits.
-Ms. Overfelt, HMS Guidance Counselor
Remember...
So, what is bullying?
Bullying ?
"When someone says or does something unintentionally hurtful and they do it once, that's RUDE.
When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they do it once, that's MEAN.
When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they keep doing it - even when you tell them to stop or show them that you're upset - that's BULLYING.
When someone tries to use their power (physical and/or emotional) to try to control the actions of another person - that's BULLYING."
Weekly Progress Reports
Middle Years: Working Together for School Success
http://www.rfecustomer.com/Pubs/201705/483299_MY0517E.pdf?ID=8353