Hawk Nation
Back to School Edition: August 2nd to 24th
The official newsletter of Horning Middle School
Contact Us
Main Office
Principal: Mr. Robert Blessington 262-970-3305Principal Secretary: Rebecca Stark 262-970-3305
Associate Principal (A-G): Mrs. Veronica Leshok: 262-970-3311
Dean of Students (H-Z): Mrs. Kenyell Floyd-Hutchins 262-970-3450
Attendance/Associate Principal Secretary: Pamela Craig 262-970-3317
Attendance Line: 1-866-490-7371 or 262-970-3316
Athletic/ Activities Director: Mrs. Kenyell Floyd-Hutchins: 262-970-3450
Student Services
Counselors
Mrs. Angie Jackson (A-K), 262-970-3327
Ms. Natalie Ramirez (L-Z), 262-970-3326
Social Worker: Angie Krueger, 262-970-1699
School Psycholgist: Jeff Ludowissi 262-970-1093
Health Room: TBD 262-970-3315
Email: rstark@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
Welcome Back!
August 2018
Dear Horning Students and Families,
I would like to welcome you to Horning Middle School, home of the Hawks. I want to extend a special welcome to all new and returning HMS students and their families. As we embark on another new school year, my goal is that we work together as a school community to create a dynamic learning environment for students to learn and grow. As Principal, I am honored and excited to be part of the Horning community.
During the 2018-19 school year we will start a new house structure, which means learners will be organized into smaller learning communities supported by core teachers. These smaller communities, or “houses,” will attend all core classes together (English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies) allowing for greater creative connections. We are very proud of the strategic work and planning that our HMS team has done to create houses that will better serve the needs of all students.
Advantages of a house system:
Learners will attend elective courses outside of their assigned house times--meeting personal student interests and needs
Advisory teacher will serve as your family/student point person
Emphasis on relationship building within smaller learning communities
Strong interdisciplinary connections between subjects and electives
Allows for flexible scheduling (interventions, enrichment, passion projects)
Please note that the “A” and “B” designation below is for schedule purposes only. It does not indicate the level of programming that students will receive. For example, students were not placed into houses based on achievement and all students will continue to receive instruction at their “just-right” level no matter where they are placed.
6th Grade (6A, 6B)
7th Grade (7A, 7B)
8th Grade (8A, 8B)
Multi Age: Dual Language, 6th and 7th grades
Multi Age: FLIGHT Academy, 6th to 8th grades (application process)
At the heart of the house structure at Horning is an advisory period. Your child’s advisor will be you and your student’s point person within the house system. Your child’s advisor will be there to help you navigate through any questions and concerns that may arise. As you view your learner's schedule, the advisor’s name will appear in the “SOAR” section. Please note that this will be finalized later in August and may not appear on your learner’s schedule at this time.
I look forward to a successful year for all of our learners. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the main office at 262-970-3305.
Respectfully,
Mr. Robert Blessington
Principal
#1Horning
@HorningMiddle, @R_Blessington
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: @R_Blessington
SAVE THE DATE
August 13: Annual Registration, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (all grades)
August 14: Annual Registration, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (all grades)
August 30: Hawk Nation "Back to School Night," 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
September 4: First Day of School
September 13: Horning Site Council, iCenter (Library) 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Annual Online Registration Information
Beginning August 1st, 2018 the School District of Waukesha's Annual Registration needs to be completed online in Infinite Campus via the instructions listed here. Items that you will find online include:
Verification of household information
Updating of health information
Payment of Student Fees
Students schedules
NEW this year; Free and Reduced Forms can now be filled online via these instructions.
August 13th -All Families (10 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) in the Cafeteria
Information Sessions for 6th Grade and New Students
Session #1 12:30-1:15 p.m. in the Auditorium
Session #2 5:00-5:45 p.m. in the Auditorium
(both sessions will provide the same information)
Gym uniforms and locks can be purchased
Student fees paid (cash or check only, credit card payments must be made online only)
August 14th - All Families (8:00 a.m.-3:30pm) in the Cafeteria
Gym uniforms and locks can be purchased
Student fees paid (cash or check only, credit card payments must be made online only)
Picture Day will take place during school hours on Friday October 19th.
Hawk Nation "Back to School Night"
Take this time to learn more about the houses, meet teachers, receive course information/syllabi, etc. House presentations will last approximately 20 minutes.
Session #1: 4:30 p.m. to 4:50 p.m.
Session #2: 5:00 p.m. to 5:20 p.m.
Session #3: 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Please check your child's schedule for house room location.
6th Grade (6A, 6B)
7th Grade (7A, 7B)
8th Grade (8A, 8B)
Multi Age: Dual Language (6th and 7th grades)
Multi Age: FLIGHT Academy (6th to 8th grades)
Horning Middle School Supply List
Please click on the supply list below for 2018-2019
*ALL STUDENTS are asked to have their own set of headphones/ earbuds and stylus.
A cover or case is required for their iPads.
*Please note: This is a basic list. Individual teachers may require additional supplies*
Bus information
Communication Remindrs
Horning Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/horningms
Twitter/FacebookAs part of our communication efforts, we are encouraging that parents sign up for Twitter, www.twitter.com.
We will utilize the twitter handle @HorningMiddle to disseminate useful information about Horning (i.e. school news, testing, school events, etc). The best part is, once you have signed up to follow the updates, you receive these messages instantly to your Twitter page as well as your cell phone (standard text rates apply) if you have it set up in that manner.
If you do not wish to sign up, you can still view the profile and any updates by going to the site listed here and bookmarking it: twitter.com/HorningMiddle. Our Twitter feed is linked up to the Horning Facebook page as well so you can follow any tweets there.
You can like or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HorningMSHawks/. By “liking” this page, important information and updates will come directly to your newsfeed. Thank you for staying connected! I hope you will find these new communication updates useful.
Hawk Nation: Please note that the family/parent newsletter will come out during the school year once approximately every 2 weeks.
Are you signed up to take BAND in middle school?
On Monday, August 27 from 6:00-7:30 pm the Waukesha Middle School Bands are hosting a Super Lesson to help all of our beginning band students get off to a successful start.
The event will begin with a brief overview of the band program for parents and students. Following the introductions, we will break up into smaller groups with other students that play the same or similar instruments. Parents are encouraged to sit in on the lessons as well!
During the regular school day, all of the instruments are in the same band class, so this is the best opportunity for students to receive instruction specialized for their instruments. In previous years, the students that received this specialized instruction have always appreciated learning these basics ahead of time.
Online Enrollment is the easiest method. https://tinyurl.com/SuperLesson2018
Please enroll by August 17.
If you do not have internet access at home, please complete the attached form and mail or deliver it to the middle school your child will be attending.
Super Lesson Form and Flyer
If you have any questions please email Kimberlie Nettesheim at khillmer@waueksha.k12.wi.us
Athletic and Activities
Our website, https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/horningms will also have a current calendar of our co-curricular activities for your planning purposes.
Please contact Mrs. Floyd Hutchins with questions.
Phone: 262-970-3450
Calling all Runners
Do you like to run? Do you want to start the school year as a part of our team? Horning’s Cross Country season starts September 6th. We want kids to challenge themselves and have fun, and we work throughout the season to help them improve their times and aim for their full potential as athletes, while at the same time experiencing the many benefits of physical activity/running. We want students to enjoy the sport and to experience the camaraderie of being on the team.
Come check out our table at open house on August 30th for more information!
The Cross Country Coaches
Ms. Kozicke, Mr. Mertes, Mr. Riley, and Mr. Kuntz
Horning Site Council (Family/Parent Advisory Group)
Welcome Families in August – Please Sign Up
August Site Council agenda:
Click here
Please help Horning welcome our learners and their families in August! You're invited to sign up for a SHORT shift at the welcome tables during the August ""Back to School"" events – Orientation, Registration and Open House. Students, alumni, parents, guardians and staff are all encouraged to sign up. It's a great opportunity to see friends you've missed all summer, and for parents, guardians and staff to connect with each other.
Duties: Sit at the welcome table and hand out fliers. Direct families and students to different areas of the school, possibly assist as a tour guide (optional). You're more than welcome to sign up for more than one time slot!
If you have any questions, please contact horningsitecouncil@gmail.com.
Meet the New Staff
Noemi Voskuil
Kristina Brill
Hello! My name is Kristina Brill. I’m from Menomonee Falls and have lived in Wisconsin my entire life so naturally I’m a diehard Packers Fan and love cheese curds! I grew up visiting the Milwaukee area and enjoy walking by the lakefront and exploring the Third Ward. Working with students of all ages gives me great joy as I enjoy seeing them grow and learn! I come with experience in family services and child development through Cap Services where I worked as a Home Visitor, as well as teaching experience from the Kohls Corporate Child Development Center. I’m also a board member for the Wisconsin Council of Family Relations, a state-wide organization designed to connect and educate professionals in the Family and Consumer Sciences field. In years past I‘ve served as the secretary and conference coordinator for this group.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time outdoors, being active, and reading. Some of my favorite outdoor activities are kayaking, hiking, camping, swimming, cycling, running and playing tennis. I’m also an active triathlete. My greatest accomplishment was completing my IRONMAN 70.3, but I soon hope to compete in a full IRONMAN 140.6
Jacob Seflow
I have spent the past few years coaching Wrestling at Waukesha South High School and look forward to working with both South and Horning Wrestling in the upcoming year. When i'm not working or coaching I like to go camping, hiking, and spending time on Pewaukee Lake. Feel free to stop in and say hello anytime!
Josh Repovsch
My name is Josh Repovsch. I’ve spent the last 6 years at Silver Lake Intermediate in Oconomowoc. While there, I spent the first three years teaching not only Phy Ed but also Health and the last three years Health. Prior to that I spent one year right here at Horning Middle School. I’m extremely excited to be back!
I reside in New Berlin with my wife and two dogs. I enjoy spending most of my extra time outdoors gardening, working on my house, running, hiking, camping and going on walks with my wife and dogs. I’m always up for a talk about our wonderful National Parks!
I am passionate about teaching and building positive relationships with my students, parents and colleagues.
Garreth Langley
My name is Garreth Langley. This is my 6 th year working in schools, and my 2nd year teaching. I live in Delafield, WI, with my wife, Meghan, and our two dogs. I love most outdoor activities, including hiking, walking the dogs, kayaking, walking dogs, and most outdoor sports. I also enjoy cooking, music, and attending sporting events.
I have worked with students at the middle school and high school level. Most recently I taught classes for students with intellectual disabilities at Parker High School in Janesville,
WI. I am looking forward to working with new staff and students at Horning Middle School this year!
Natalie Ramirez
I am committed to both Education and Counseling. As an undergraduate, I majored in Social Work and received a certification for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. I then went on to pursue my master’s in Counseling (MA) from The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (Go Panthers!). I received considerable experience in school counseling during my internships and worked in an Alternative Education Program for Franklin High School my past two years. I completed the requirements for state licensure and am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Wisconsin, I am also in the process of attaining national certification to become a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).
My free time includes spending time with my family and friends. I am married to my best friend Gerson and we have two wonderful children. Violett age 8 and Zachary, age 1. I am also a cat mom, I have two cats, Kitty age 19 and Mew age 15.
My school counseling philosophy is to build healthy professional relationships with students of all multicultural backgrounds. I strongly believe that all students have the right to success in their education. I will strive to apply Academic, Career and Personal/Social goals when working with students. Lastly, I would like to announce that I am bilingual in Spanish. If there are any families that are Spanish Speaking only, I am more than happy to assist.
Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions or if there is something that I can do to better support your student's learning.
Thanks,
Mrs. Ramirez
Jamie Dittman Rebholz
I have 18 years of experience in teaching and instructional coaching at the elementary and middle school level in a variety of traditional and dual language programs. I have earned Reading, English as a Second Language, and Spanish Teacher certifications and enjoy participating in new learning opportunities.
I like swimming, reading, traveling, gardening, yoga, spending time with family and friends, and creating consumable science projects in the kitchen.
I am so happy to be a part of the Horning Team! Please contact me with any questions about ACCESS, Academic Language Learning, or English Language Development. Contact info: jdittman@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Lisa Lawrenz
I am the Bilingual Literacy Coach at Horning Middle School. I also support Bethesda Elementary School and Les Paul Middle School. Previous to becoming a coach, I was a Kindergarten Dual Language teacher in the Madison Metropolitan School District. I grew up in Madison and attended the University of Wisconsin for undergraduate and graduate school. I have a Master's in Bilingual Education and my certifications in ESL and Bilingual Education. I am so happy to be working for the School District of Waukesha and am looking forward to my 5th year in the district.
I have wonderful husband Justin, who is a police officer in the area. I also have a daughter named Sadie and a son named Chase. We enjoy spending time outside including grilling, camping, fishing, and going for walks. We also love spending time with our family who live in Madison and Janesville.
I LOVE Wisconsin sports and I am a huge fan of the Badgers, Brewers, and Packers.
I support teachers and classrooms in literacy. I also work with teachers in the district to implement the Comprehensive Literacy Model by Linda Dorn. I love being in the classroom, teaching, and getting to know the wonderful students in Waukesha.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns!
Connect With Us!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ SDW Horning
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorningMSHawks/
Twitter: @HorningMiddle