The Timberwolf Times
August 31, 2020
School Mission and Vision
Harding Mission: Harding exists to ensure a safe space in which each student is afforded unique opportunities to learn and grow.
Harding Vision: Harding will become an innovative school that empowers each student to be academically, socially, and emotionally prepared for life.
Back 2 School Update
Harding MS Administration
Chris Schmit
Principal
Mike Pentek
Associate Principal
Shannon Camodeca
Associate Principal
2020-21 School Year
1st DAY OF SCHOOL: School begins for all students on September 8. All students will begin with virtual learning.
STUDENT SCHEDULES: Student schedules can be found Infinite Campus. Small changes may still take place. Please be sure to check Infinite Campus at least weekly to stay updated on any changes.
PARENT COMMUNICATION: Please stay connected with Harding MS announcements by signing up and checking School CNXT. This is a free app for parents that staff will use to communicate with families. Staff can send messages to the whole school, a class of students and parents, or to 1 family as needed. Parents can also directly message staff to ask questions as needed. If you have School CNXT from previous years in DMPS, you will not need to change anything. For help setting up your account, please call the school at 515.242.8445.
VIRTUAL LEARNING STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: A virtual learning school day will look different than a typical school day. Teachers will maintain a schedule where they teach students from 8:30-3:30; however, students may choose different times of the day to access their learning because lessons will be recorded and posted to Canvas. Classes will be 45 minutes long. Pack Meetings aka Advisory will take place 12:15-12:30 before lunch takes place. Following lunch, teachers will work with individual students, small groups, and host office hours to help students with questions they have about the content. Please see the attachment to find grade level class schedules.
STUDENT LUNCHES: At Harding, lunches will be available to be picked up 11:00-1:00. They may also be picked up 4:00-6:00. Families will only be able to pick up at one of the times. Lunches may be picked up at any school BUT student IDs or ID numbers are needed to pick up lunches. Please see the attachment about school lunches for more information.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE: Students should engage in class activities each day of school even if it is not during the regularly scheduled class time. Participating and completing work will be important for all students. If your child is sick, out of town, or unable to participate, please contact Harding MS at 515.242.8445 to report the absence.
STUDENT MATERIALS: Harding student materials will be available to pick up throughout the day on Thursday, September 3. Student materials can be picked up by coming to Harding during the following hours 9:00-11:00, 1:00-3:00, and 4:00-6:00. Staff will bring materials to you.
Activities Corner
Please take the time to have your Harding Student fill out the following survey on their activities interest for this school year.
https://dmschools.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cOzlsszdPz8siS9
If you have questions or feedback on arts, activities or athletics, please email me at cassandra.kendzora@dmschools.org
Technology Support
Calendar of Events
Tuesday, September 1
- Virtual Parent Information Meeting 4:00-5:00
Wednesday, September 2
Thursday, September 3
- Student Material Drive Up at Harding MS 9:00-11:00, 1:00-3:00, and 4:00-6:00
Monday, September 7
- Labor Day - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, September 8
- 1st day of school - virtually
- school begins at 8:30 for all students
Harding Middle School
Email: christopher.schmit@dmschools.org
Website: https://harding.dmschools.org/
Location: 203 East Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA, USA
Phone: 515.242.8445
Facebook: facebook.com/hardingwolfpack
Twitter: @hardingwolfpack