Hocker Grove Family Newsletter
September 5, 2022
SECTION 1: NEW/UPDATED INFORMATION THIS WEEK
Suicide Prevention Week
8th Grade Counselor- Mendy Brents MelindaBrents@smsd.org
7th Grade Counselor- Kendall Toren KendallToren@smsd.org
Social Worker- Rachel Moore RachelMoore@smsd.org
PBIS- SOAR Store
Late Start Continues Through April
Our first Late Start Thursday went well for the first time out of the gate. Late start will continue every Thursday that school is in session. A few reminders:
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Eagle Hour - our homeroom period (mascot hour) will not take place Thursdays from 9/1/22 - 4/27/23, and school will begin with 1st hour at 9:19 a.m. Teachers will collaborate from 8:05 - 9:05 a.m. each Thursday.
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Students may still arrive at the normal time to be supervised from 8:20 - 9:10 a.m. until released to go to 1st hour at 9:10 a.m.
Breakfast will still be served for students that want to take advantage of that option at school.
Buses will continue to run at the exact same time as they do on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Your student will show up at normal time (8:20 - 8:35 a.m.) if they choose to take the bus on Thursdays.
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Although not required, your student has the option of taking advantage of a late start each week because the school day will technically begin at 9:19 a.m. each Thursday.
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A tentative weekly schedule is pictured below:
Internet Hot Spots Available for Checkout
Hocker Grove continues to have Hotspots available for check out to students/families in need of internet support. Families with a demonstrated need may check out a hotspot for home access. The first step is to complete the application: http://bit.ly/smsdhotspot
Need is established by an inability to secure internet access in the home and one of the following:
National School Lunch Program qualification (District letter confirming qualification should be shown to establish this need.)
Academic need - the student is at risk of failing or at least 1 academic year behind peers for their age.
Children with Limited English Proficiency
Immigrant children/youth or Migrant Educational Program participant
McKinney Vento or Youth in Foster Care
Parent experienced recent job loss/unemployment/financial hardship
Checkout will be for a semester. If a device is not actively used, the district will request it be returned and reallocated to another student in need.
SECTION 2: Previously Announced, Still Relevant, Information
Student Arrival and Drop Off for Car Riders
While we encourage car riders to take advantage of the car rider loop here on campus, which usually clears about 10 minutes after dismissal, some families choose to drop off at the Shawnee United Methodist Church parking lot just to the west of Hocker Grove or on a side street, allowing their student to walk the rest of the way. This is typically quicker and is certainly allowed, but please keep in mind that we aren't able to provide off campus supervision.
Hocker Grove PTA Facebook Page
Does Hocker Grove Have a PTA?
· Fund Teacher Grants Applications for materials not provided by the SMSD
· Provide support for school field trips
· Assist with events for student and family activities
· Host Staff Appreciation Events for our AMAZING faculty and staff
There is no wrong or right way to be involved – anything you can give, whether it’s time or money, will support your child’s potential. We invite you to join because we can do more together than apart. It only takes 5 minutes: https://hgms.new.memberhub.store/store
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