HMS Weekly Update #28
Friday, March 22nd, 2024
Good Afternoon Tiger Community,
I hope everyone had a great week. Please take some time to review the newsletter so you are aware of all of our upcoming events. As a reminder, next Thursday, March 28th is a single session day. Hoboken Public Schools' Spring Break will begin on Friday, March 29th through the week of April 1st, 2024. All students will return to school on Monday, April 8th.
Have a restful weekend.
Enjoy,
Principal Sorafine
Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns at ryan.sorafine@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Please take some time to read through the updates below to learn some more about this past week and upcoming events. Some highlights are:
HPS Spring Break: March 29th; April 1st-April 5th
HMS Warm Weather Dress Code & Uniform Reminder
Hoboken Public Education Foundation Corner
HMS Welcomes Ms. Padilla
- 8th Grade Cap & Gown Photos Retakes Thursday, March 28th
- Physics Olympiad ~ Week of March 25th
- HMS Moving Up Ceremony ~ Cap & Gowns/Diploma
- Tiger Team Winners Enjoy Pizza Recess!
- Heroes and Cool Kids Visit HMS
- Tiger's Got Talent Back at HMS!
- Grade Level Dances Information
- PTO Corner - HMS Staff/Parent vs Student Basketball Game information
- The Office of Special Services Corner
- CTY Corner
- HMS Clubs & Activities Corner
- HPSD and HMS Theater Department Corner
- Our corner's that highlight areas within our school community
- Grade and content level summary to give you a peak into the classroom
- *NEW* 2023-2024 School Year Information for Families Corner (Daily Procedures, Help Desk, FAQ, OnCourse Connect, Lunch Information, Student Information Center)
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- Students should bring a full water bottle to school everyday. We have water hydration stations in the building on the 1st floor and 3rd floor so they can fill up their bottles.
- Chromebooks must be charged each night at home. Please check in with your child to remind them to charge their Chromebook at night.
- Please communicate any health issues to Nurse Kirwin (NKirwin@hoboken.k12.nj.us). You may also share any documentation with her that the school would need.
- Here is the HMS Student Handbook for your convenience
- Please find the HMS School Uniform Guidance information
As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Have a great weekend!
Mr. Sorafine
HMS Warm Weather Dress Code & Uniform Reminder
As the Spring weather approaches and warmer weather is near, please continue to remind your child of the HMS Uniform and Dress Code. Students are encouraged to dress comfortably but must still abide by the school dress code. Please note warm weather school uniform guidelines below:
- Shorts and Skirts - Please note they must be appropriate length
* Khaki (Tan or navy blue in color) Bermuda style shorts (knee length), skirts (knee length), and jumpers (knee-length) are permitted.
* Not Permitted: shorts/skirts that are too short; spandex shorts; bicycle shorts
* School Spirit Option – School issued athletic shorts that display the HMS Logo Shirts – Must be worn with arms through sleeves.
* Polo-style collar shirts or t-shirts (short or long sleeve) - SOLID navy blue, yellow, gray, or white,
* Not Permitted: tank tops, cut-off shirts, crop tops
* School Spirit Option – School issued t-shirt (long or short sleeved) that displays HMS Logo, HMS Activity or any other approved HPSD Activity (i.e. Theater, Band, etc.)
Please take the time to review the HMS Uniform Guidelines. If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Baskinger (robin.baskinger@hoboken.k12.nj.us)
Hoboken Public Schools Celebrates Women's History Month
Hoboken Public Schools Celebrates Irish Heritage Month
A Message from the Hoboken Public Education Foundation
Girls in Gear
HMS Welcomes Ms. Padilla
Ms. Padilla, Grade 7 Math
8th Grade Cap & Gown Photos Ordering Information & Makeups
Grade 8 Cap and Gown Makeups are scheduled for Thursday, March 28th during the Single Session Day prior to Spring Break. See ordering information below.
Dear Hoboken Middle School Grade 8 Families,
As the end of the school year quickly approaches, we would like to begin planning our Moving Up Ceremony for our 8th Grade Class. Though this may seem far away, it is important that we plan Cap and Gown sizing, as well as how student names should appear on their Grade 8 Diplomas.
Please complete the information below to order your child's cap and gown and their diploma for the HMS Moving Up Ceremony in June. If you have any questions, please email me. Further information about dates and times for the Ceremony will be shared with families at a later date. Please complete this form if you have no done so already.
Google Form: Diploma & Cap/Gown Information (click me!)
Thank you,
Dr. Baskinger
(robin.baskinger@hoboken.k12.nj.us)
Physics Olympiad ~ Week of March 25th
HMS Students to Compete in National Physics Olympiad
All Hoboken Middle School students will participate in the 4th annual U.S. Physics Olympiad for Middle-School Students. The competition will ask students to answer questions and solve problems in the fields of mechanics, optics, and electricity & magnetism which is directly correlated to our Physics Program taught at HMS.
The first part of the competition will give students 90 minutes to answer 25 multiple-choice questions. They will be delivered electronically to the coaches. The second part of the competition consists of six, open-response, pre-algebra-based physics problems to be completed within 90 minutes.
The competition will be overseen and judged by a team of internationally renowned scientists and distinguished school educators. In the past, Hoboken Middle School has placed first nationally; competing with more than 1,000 participants from across the nation and 700 schools. We are excited for our amazing Tigers to shine again this year!
Tiger Team Winners Enjoy Pizza Recess!
Heroes and Cool Kids Visit HMS
Tiger's Got Talent
Tiger's Got Talent School Wide Event (Click Me!)
The Fine & Performing Art Department at Hoboken Middle School proudly presents “Tiger’s Got Talent” on Friday May 3rd. This will be formatted as one schoolwide assembly that showcases the talents of both students and faculty. It is a great way to build Tiger Pride in our school community.
Information:
This is open to all 6-8 grade students in Hoboken Middle School.
We are also looking for faculty acts to join in on the fun.
Talents welcome include but are not limited to: singing, dancing, acting, martial arts, playing an instrument, poetry, doing magic tricks, performing stand-up comedy, juggling, gymnastics, cheerleading, sports tricks/skills, Rubik’s Cube or any other unique talent!
Sign up on this google form to participate (both students and staff) Tigers Got Talent Form
Only 1 Form submission is needed per act. Meaning if you have 4 students singing a song, only 1 needs to fill out to form.
This year acts can be a mixture of students from any grade levels.
There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards for the top acts.
There will be three judges scoring from a range of 5-10 points per act in the categories of Creativity, Effort, Stage Presence, Organization/Preparedness, and Audience Participation.
Requirements:
All acts must be 5 minutes or less
No more than 12 students per act
No profanity or insensitive subject matter will be permitted, this includes lyrics of songs
Costume may be worn for the performance but must be school appropriate. (No tank tops, crop tops, biker shorts, slides, or face coverings of any kind are permitted) You need to bring these in on the day that your act is screened.
Props may be used but are the responsibility of the performer to obtain
Music used must be a karaoke instrumental track and needs to be submitted in the google form
Each participant may only perform in one act
Screening of Material:
All performances will be screened for appropriateness by the Tiger’s Got Talent Committee
You must pre-register in order to participate in the google form
Screening of material will take place during lunch periods on the following days in the auditorium
Monday March 25th, Tuesday March 26th, and Wednesday March 27th
You will be emailed a timeslot/date to come get your act approved by the showcase committee in the auditorium.
Dress Rehearsal:
There will be dress rehearsals in the auditorium on
Tuesday April 23rd & Wednesday April 24th periods 2, 3, and 4.
Performance:
Friday May 3rd at 9am
HMS Grade Level Dances
HPS Theater Department Corner
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Production
Upcoming Fundraisers
HMS PTO Corner
A Message from Your PTO President
I'm excited to kick off spring with some really fun events. Information and links to volunteer are all attached to this newsletter.
We will begin planning for Field Day very soon, if you would like to be part of the committee please reach out to us at hobokenmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com
The district wide golf outing is also being planned, as well as the different grade dances. Lots of opportunities for you to get involved. More information to come soon.
I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events, and as always thank you for your support and cooperation.
Sheillah Dallara
HMS Faculty/Parents vs Students Basketball Game Recap
We are the Champions, Again: HMS Staff & Parents Victorious!
On Monday, March 18th, Hoboken Middle School held its annual Faculty/Parents vs Students Basketball Game at Hoboken High School. The game started off intense, with many HMS Tigers showing off their ball skills and trying to outrun and outsmart Faculty and Parents. To many people's surprise, Faculty and Parent Players took the win YET AGAIN beating our ever promising Tigers. Perhaps next year our students can try again and do their best in beating our extremely talented and surprisingly athletic HMS Faculty and Parent Community! Enjoy some great moments below.
All Schools 6th Grade Dance
The PTO is co-hosting and All Schools 6th grade dance on April 19th at Hoboken High School. This dance is open to all our 6th grade students, a permission form MUST be filled out in order for your child to attend this dance. If you child CANNOT self dismiss please email hobokenmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com so that we can add him/her to our pick up list.
Link to register and flyer with more information below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDj5yl2I72LaF9QnL_6LQjnySmssPEbagQ8Atg2btQk1Hv8Q/viewform
Booster Sale!
Thank you to everyone that has purchased a booster to go towards the 2023/24 school year!
If you haven’t purchased one yet, no worries! We are accepting boosters throughout the year. Just Venmo us any amount to @HobokenMiddleSchool-PTO and we will fill out a booster card for you! Money raised from booster sales go towards Field Day!
See below for our second booster wall and help us fill it up by purchasing one!
And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook “Hoboken Middle School PTO” and if you have any questions please reach out to us at hobokenmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com
PTO Calendar 2023-2024 School Year
Jibbitz!
The Office of Special Services Corner
SEPAG
Spring Youth Service Day 2024 at Stevens Institute of Technology
Reading Specialist Corner
The Hoboken Public School District is proud to have a certified Reading Specialist in each of our three elementary schools and Hoboken Middle School. Teaching children to read requires that every child receives excellent reading instruction and that children who are experiencing reading difficulties receive early intervention and additional instruction from professionals specifically prepared to teach them. The role of the district Reading Specialist is to provide research-based, small group reading instruction using the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education’s (IMSE) Orton-Gillingham (OG) methodology.
The purpose of the Reading Specialist Corner is to provide families with at-home literacy tips to ensure strong home-school partnerships. This week, the Reading Specialist Team is excited to share creative ways to practice spelling words at home.
The Importance of Spelling
According to the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (2020), “Spelling is one of the most important and most forgotten aspects of literacy development.” Furthermore, the article goes on to express, “learning to spell enhances reading, writing, and literacy skills for young children in elementary school.” Therefore, to continue to build spelling concepts, students should be practicing at home as well. Students do not need to practice with just a paper and pencil; but rather they can have fun while practicing spelling words! Use the link below to find creative ways to practice spelling. For students in third grade and above, these creative ways can be used to build students’ vocabulary and high frequency word knowledge.
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Corner
Individualized Learning Pathway - Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
International Olympiads Global Academic Competition
This week, students who have qualified for either Verbal CTY or Math CTY had a wonderful opportunity to participate in the International Olympiads Global Academic Competition, along with students from other school districts, states, and even countries. CTY Students displayed remarkable concentration in answering questions from a variety of disciplines, including General Knowledge, Reasoning, Science, English, and Mathematics with many of the problems being quite challenging. (I don’t suppose you would happen to know the percentage of the earth’s water that is freshwater.) During the Reasoning Olympiad, students drew analogies, solved visual problems, used codes, and discerned patterns. For the Science Olympiad, students answered questions pertaining to earth science, physical science, and environmental science. In the English Olympiad, students saw questions concerning grammar, point of view, spelling, synonyms/antonyms, inferences, and more. It is certainly heartwarming to see kids savoring intellectual challenges and striving to do the very best they can. Kudos to all of them!
HMS Clubs and Activities Corner
National Junior Honor Society: Pulchra Varietate
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Membership in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a middle school student. Our chapter strives to give practical meaning to the Society’s standards of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These four ideals are considered as the basis for selection. The National Junior Honor Society strives to recognize the whole student—one who excels in all of these areas. The standards used for selection are:
A grade of 90 and above in all subjects for three consecutive marking periods
Exemplary Attendance: less than 10% for each of the three marking periods (less than 14 absences total)
Punctuality: less than 15% tardiness for each of the three marking periods (less than 21 tardies total)
Leadership and Character: Consistently following the rules and setting an example for others to follow (no code of conduct violations)
INDUCTION INFORMATION
6th Grade Students will be inducted in June 2024 based on their grades, attendance, punctuality and overall good standing for the first three marking periods of the school year.
Weekly Update
This week NJHS Members assisted with the concession stand at the HMS Student vs. Parent/Faculty Basketball Game alongside our Best Buddies and Student Council friends. At our meeting this week members brainstormed ideas for Autism Acceptance Month (April).
HMS Student Council
Student Council gladly helped Best Buddies at two events this week! Student Council assisted Best Buddies and the Elementary Schools PTO Game Night at HMS on Friday, 3/15. Student Council also helped at the Concession Stand at our Staff/Parents vs. Students Basketball game! Student Council truly enjoys helping other HMS clubs and organizations with special events! HMS Tigers also had the opportunity to vote for our dance theme during their lunch periods on Wednesday. If any student did not get a chance to vote, please use the Google Form on the grade-level Google Classrooms to vote!
If any student is interested in joining Student Council, please reach out to Ms. Falcone
Best Buddies at HMS
What is World Down Syndrome Day?
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) , 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
#WorldDownSyndromeDay #EndTheStereotypes
On March 21st we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.
On Thursday March 21, our Best Buddies Friendship Chapter asked our Hoboken Middle School Community wore their most unique socks. In preparation for Thursday, our members spent some time decorating their own unique socks at our Wednesday Friendship Chapter meeting. One of our members even created a custom design for Mr. Sorafine!
The idea is to start a conversation, so when people ask you about your socks you can tell them, “I’m wearing them to raise awareness of Down syndrome”.
Want to learn more about World Down Syndrome Day? Click the links below!
#EndTheStereotypes Presentation
A very special thank you to our HMS PTO for supporting our fundraising efforts!
On Monday March 18, 2024 we joined Student Council and National Junior Honor Society and worked the concession stand at the Staff/Parents vs. Students Basketball game. Thank you PTO for always supporting Best Buddies and our students!
Upcoming Events: Best Buddies
Friendship Walk Information
GSA
Academic Team
Newsletter Club
Junior Thespians
Chorus Club
Partners in Prevention
On Thursday, 7th grade students participated in the WE'RE NOT BUYING IT (WNBI) program. This is a prevention education strategy program, aimed to reduce early first use of alcohol, marijuana, and prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as bullying behavior. The primary focus is on raising awareness of messages about substance abuse and bullying that are included in popular, non-advertisement media.
This program is offered by Partners in Prevention of Hudson County.
WNBI will be offered to your child's Social Studies Class for six consecutive weeks. Thursday's second lesson was centered around the health consequences of underage drinking. Students were able to identify state laws pertaining to underage drinking. Students also learned how movies portray underage drinking vs. reality of underage drinking.
If you have any questions or need further information about WNBI please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Falcone (sfalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us).
Ms. Falcone's Guidance Counselor Corner
I hope our HMS Tigers had a great week
Marking Period 3 Interim Reports are available to view on OnCourse. If you would like to schedule a conference with your child's teacher(s), please reach out to me. Additionally, if you would like for your child to have weekly or bi-weekly check-in's, feel free to email me.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me
Email: sfalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us Phone: 201-356-3600 ext.3746
Move This World
This week in Move this World, 6th and 7th grade students’ exercises focused on Strengthening Empathy, while in 8th grade focused on Understanding & Communicating Emotions. Move this World allows students to take 5-8 minutes of their day to reset, take a breather, and focus.
If you would like to learn more about Move this World, please visit movethisworld.com or reach out to Ms. Falcone
HMS Nurse's Corner
SICK GUIDELINES
In an effort to safeguard your child’s health and the health of all the children in our schools, the following will help stop the spread of infection among students and staff. Children who are
recovering from an illness should not return to school until they have been free of symptoms for 24 hours. Please contact your school nurse with any questions.
*Please make sure you or a designated adult can pick up your child within 30 - 45 minutes from receiving a phone call from the School Nurse or Principal.
To report a student’s absence, please notify Ms. Falcone and Ms. Wanda Vasquez via email at sfalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us or wvasquez@hoboken.k12.nj.us.
HMS World Language Corner
Spanish
Below are videos of Jaden Folmert Klein (grade 8) and Alexandra LaPiana (grade 7) reading dialogue:
French
Mandarin
In Mandarin class, 6th grade students continued with Unit 5 part two related to topics about time. Students learned how to ask and respond to questions about the date. In terms of culture, we compared the modern calendar with the Chinese traditional lunar calendar and the 24 solar terms. 7th grade students learned many lucky symbols' meanings in Chinese such as dragon, phoenix, fish, or bird. Afterwards, students used all these lucky symbols for the design of "Han Fu", which is one of the traditional Chinese clothing items. 8th grade students have learned how to ask and respond to what class they have taken this year and what class they like to take.
Grade & Content Level ~ What Have We Been Learning?
6th Grade
Language Arts
This week ELA students had their LinkIt! Final Assessment! Throughout the year students have been learning reading strategies that have helped them do their very best on the assessment and we are so excited to see their growth! ELA students also continued to work diligently on their Unit 3 Informational Essays. First, they created effective thesis statements, and then, they thoroughly examined the unit 3 novel and StudySync texts to identify text-based evidence to support their thesis statements. Next, students introduced their points, provided an analysis for all of their text-based evidence, and connected their analyses to their thesis statements. We can’t wait to see their final products!
Math
To begin the week, the sixth grade mathematicians completed their last LinkIt assessment for Math. Students were able to demonstrate how much they have grown since they took the first assessment at the beginning of the school year. After students completed their testing we continued our Geometry unit. We started looking at three-dimensional shapes and the 2D shapes that make up these shapes. We also started looking at surface area and how to find surface area of a three dimensional figure. Next week, we will learn more about surface area along with finding volume of various shapes.
Science
This week in science, we finished up our water cycle unit, and started our Weather and Climate unit with solar energy on Earth and atmospheric and oceanic circulation. On Monday, students defined key terms of the water cycle and designed their own water cycle diagrams. On Tuesday, students completed a lesson review on the water cycle and finished their posters. On Wednesday, students completed a lab to test the thermal energy absorption and release of water versus land. Students formed hypotheses, and explained the results using their knowledge of specific heat. On Thursday, we learned about ocean currents by plotting data from a cargo spill in the 1990s. We closed out the week with some discussion on oceanic circulation.
Social Studies
The students learned how political parties were established in the United States. Did you know that the first two political parties were the Federalist and Republican parties? The students did a bit of role playing and took the positions of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. Hamilton was a Federalist and Jefferson was a Republican. Hamilton wanted a strong national government while Jefferson wanted strong local/state governments. These differences lead to the creation of political parties. The Framers were opposed to the idea of political parties because they saw them as factions.They also learned that Hamilton came up with the plan to create a national bank. Jefferson was against the use of a federal power to create a bank but George Washington decided that the nation needed a Bank of the United States.
7th Grade
Language Arts
This week, seventh graders outlined and drafted their argumentative essays for Unit 3. Students chose a club, class, or activity that would benefit the HMS community. Students gathered research from credible online sources, and some students even made surveys which they sent to peers and teachers at HMS in order to include relevant data. Some students are advocating for a club or class, like Film Club or a Personal Finance course, while others are advocating for new, relaxing spaces in our building. Next week, students will revise, edit, and share these essays with the HMS community as we wrap up Unit 3!
Math
This week in math class, students completed their final LinkIt! Form of the school year. With NJSLA right around the corner, we will keep up with test prep after Spring Break. In addition to the assessment, students further explored techniques for gathering a sample. They reviewed headlines produced from different samples of data and explain whether or not a given sampling method is likely to produce data that is representative of the population. Next week, students will wrap up Topic 6: Probability and Sampling with a culminating project!
Social Studies
This week the 7th graders continued their Unit on Mexico. Students spent the week reviewing the geography and started to discover the history of Mexico, focusing on the Mayans and the Aztecs. Students also spent time working in pairs researching specific Mexican States. Students researched their state’s history, culture, geography, and other information that they will share with the class. Next week, the 7th graders will take more time to look at Mexico’s history, specifically looking at how European settlers affected the Indigenous people.
Science
This week the 7th grade classes were introduced to synthetic materials. The classes were able to explore how synthetic materials help with the conservation of natural materials. They will continue to explore the positives and negatives of synthetic materials, and will then be introduced to nano technology. We also had a few of our STEAM Tank groups present to the judging panel and will have more groups presenting in the weeks to come.
8th Grade
Language Arts
This week in ELA, students continued reading Alcott’s Little Women. We began to interpret themes that are unfolding in the story. We also analyzed the point of view of different characters and how it contributes to the plot. While “getting to know” the characters, students realized how timeless this novel is; recognizing what the March sisters went through in the 1800’s and making connections to their own lives in 2024. On Thursday, students completed LinkIt! for ELA. To finish the week, we practiced combining sentences by utilizing coordinating and subordinating conjunctions. Next week, students will take the List 7 Vocabulary quiz!
Pre-Algebra
This week in Pre-Algebra students started talking about congruence and rigid transformations. Students were able to make arguments to explain if two images are congruent. We learned that congruent figures have the same area and angles regardless of transformations. On Tuesday we decided to start a friendly competition for March Madness. Students in all classes completed a Men’s and Women’s March Madness Bracket. Whichever class earns the most points will win a prize. Unfortunately most brackets got busted last night due to Kentucky's loss, so stay tuned to figure out who wins! Additionally, we had Linkit Form C this week. Students look at how much they grew from Form A to Form C and were very impressed with themselves. We celebrated our improvements on Friday!
Pre-AP Algebra
This week we learned What Happened to the Kids? Students shared their findings about function transformations with each other and with some 7th grade classes as well. We then solidified our notes on transformations and will continue to practice the art of sketching different graphs using these. We will now jump into a study of quadratic functions. We are starting by taking a look at how to recognize quadratic sequences by playing a game in which students needed to switch the positions of coins on either side of a board in the fewest moves. In addition to our explorations algebra students took Linkit C this week. We will be using the results from this assessment to help us think through areas for focus and review as we move into this last part of the year.
Science
This week in Science, students reviewed the human body systems by completing a study guide and played review games. Students also completed their STEM Women's History Month assignment which consists of researching a woman in STEM and describing their contributions in STEM. They created a visual to showcase their findings and shared it with their peers. Next week, we will review some physics topics before the Physics Olympiad!
Social Studies
This week in Social Studies, students created study materials and reviewed all key topics of our unit. Students demonstrated an understanding of modern European global affairs by completing our cumulative unit exam. Students worked hard all week taking LinkIT to show student growth throughout the year. We celebrated Women’s History Month by researching a selected individual and created a pendant for their person to display.
Pre-AP World History
This week in Pre-AP World History and Geography, students created notes using content summaries to prepare for our Ancient Period learning assessment.. Students demonstrated an understanding of the Ancient Period by applying their analysis skills to reading passages and images. Students worked hard all week taking LinkIT to show student growth throughout the year. We, also, celebrated Women’s History Month by researching a selected individual and created a pendant for their person to display. Lastly, students were introduced to our next unit: classical empires in east Asia.
Fine and Performing Arts Corner
Pre-AP Visual Arts
The Art Room Owl
Pre-AP Theater
Creative Writing
This week students in Creative Writing designed their own Island. They worked together to write about what would be offered there and what would make their island unique. Students also made drawings of what the Island would look like from above. Students started to brainstorm inventions as well this week that they think could impact their lives in a positive way.
Pre-AP Dance
In Pre-AP Dance class 6th grade students are closing their next product with a modern and lyrical dance sequence based on the short story narratives they have analyzed. Students in the 7th grade are learning their Ballet dance sequence and practicing it for their next product grade. Students in the 8th grade learned about Fusion Dance this week and will begin learning their dance sequence next week!
HMS Band
In Advanced Band, 7th & 8th graders were introduced to their second concert piece, "The Batman Theme." The iconic work from film composer Danny Elfman has really got us excited as it starts in a slow and dramatic build, which transitions to a fast, galloping ride through the city. We also strengthened our playing on "Afterburn," pushing further in the song and solidifying shaky parts from the beginning.
For their analytical activity, 7th graders examined Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusic (A Little Night Music). Students were able to determine the modality (major/minor), while referring to sheet music, after reviewing musical terms. Our eighth grade scholars looked at the repeating sections of "Afterburn" to determine if they were ostinato or strophes.
Health & Physical Education Corner
HMS Physical Education
2023-2024 School Year Information for Families
The Hoboken Public Education Foundation launched its #ElevatingLearningTogether Online Giving campaign! The funds raised will support a variety of initiatives across the Hoboken Public School District including: Musical Instruments, Educational Field Trips for grades K-8, College Tours and SAT Prep Classes for Hoboken High School, and more! Please consider donating via the Facebook campaign or website today to help HPEF reach its goal of $50K. Every donation makes a difference and thank you for your support!
Hoboken Public Education Foundation
Arrival & Dismissal Information
The entrance on the 4th street side of the building is open to all students from 7:30 - 8:15. If your child arrives early, they should report to that door and enter the building. Students will then report to the HMS Cafeteria where breakfast will be served. The grade 6 (Garden Street) and grade 8 (Bloomfield Street) entrances doors open at 8:15 each day. Any student arriving after 8:15 is to report to the Bloomfield Street Door.
Parents/Guardians that must pick up their child from HMS prior to the end of the school day must call the Main Office (201) 356-3754 at least 15 minutes prior to pick up. All early dismissal pickups are to report to the Bloomfield Street Security Entrance to sign out their child.
HMS Lunch Information
SCHOOL LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Hard Copy of the Free/Reduced Lunch Applications are available in the Main Office.
If you are not interested in applying for free or reduced lunch, we kindly ask that you submit a hardcopy of the free/reduced lunch application by filling out your child’s name on Step 1 and note anywhere on the application that you are not interested in applying for free/reduced lunch.
What is for Lunch?
We offer hot school lunch daily in our cafeteria through Chartwells, our district’s food provider. You do not need to order lunch in advance, however, you can preview the daily lunch menu using the following link and then clicking on Connors School. Each day, we offer a vegetarian option. Lunch is $3.35 per day per child, however it is at no cost for all students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. https://hoboken.nutrislice.com/menus-eula
How can I pay for Lunch?
Please ensure that you made a Pay Schools Account. Use the link below for the instructions that will walk you through the process of making a payschools account. https://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us/district_resources/food_services
The online lunch applications are not available yet, but as soon as they are available, I will let you know.
Is there School Breakfast Available?
Morning Breakfast is from 7:30-8:10 am in the cafeteria. Breakfast is $1.75 per child per day, unless your child qualifies for reduced or free breakfast/lunch, in which both breakfast and lunch will be at no cost for you. All children who would like breakfast should enter through the front door. There will be staff at the front door to greet you and your child. Additional staff members will escort your child to the cafeteria. There will be additional staff members supervising morning breakfast in the cafeteria. At 8:10 am, students will be escorted by our staff members to their designated homeroom line up location. In order to receive morning breakfast, please ensure that you have filled out the online lunch application when it is available as well as created a payschools account. https://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us/district_resources/food_services
Technology & Programming
Oncourse Connect ~ Parent Information
Parents/Guardians/Caregivers:
Here is the link for parents to sign up for Oncourse Connect:
https://hoboken.oncourseconnect.com/login
I am also including the link that has FAQ's and videos to assist parents logging in:
https://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us/log-_in_options/on_course_connect_parent__student_login_portal
Technology Assistance and Chromebook Insurance
My child forgot their gmail password. Can you please reset their gmail account?
Call/email the HMS Main office for assistance.
My child’s Chromebook is broken. Who do I contact?
Fill out Hoboken Public School Technology Help Request for Parents, Guardians and Students
Return the broken Chromebook to Ms. Munoz in the main office as soon as the damage is apparent.
Do not wait to turn in a damaged Chromebook!
Ms. Munoz will send your Chromebook for repair and will arrange for your child to receive a loaner Chromebook until their Chromebook is repaired.
HMS Help Desk
Here are some helpful items for our families:
My child is going to be absent...what do I do?
Email WVasquez@hoboken.k12.nj.us and SFalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us to inform us about the absence.
I need to pick up my child early...what do I do?
Call the main office 15 minutes prior to pick up so your child can be waiting at the Bloomfield Street entrance. The main office is (201) 356-3754. You will need to come into the security area to sign the book for your child to leave.I have an issue with my Chromebook...what do I do?
Please visit the HPS-Tech in Our Schools Site for any tech related questions or problems with Chromebooks.
I have a question about dress code or purchasing...what do I do?
Email Dr. Baskinger (robin.baskinger@hoboken.k12.nj.us) for information
I have a question for about my child making up work if they are absent...what do I do?
Email Ms. Falcone for assistance (SFalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us)
How to Navigate Tech in our Schools
The Hoboken Public School district created the Hoboken Public Schools-Tech Apps in Our Schools Google Site to assist families on how to easily navigate technology and apps utilized in our schools. Please take the time to review the shared link to become familiar with varying sites and programs the Hoboken Education Community implements into the school day and school year.
The follow information reviews:
Common Sense Media
Our Digital Citizenship Family Night Presentation
Device Tech Support
Chromebook Tips
Connecting to WiFi
Purchasing Insurance
Guides to Google Classroom, Submitting an Assignment, and other tutorials
District Calendar
OnCourse Login
District Login Options
Creating a Workspace
School Directories
Digital Books
Parent Resources for Technology and Cellphone Usage
Most children today have a cellphone on hand and use it extensively to do homework, communicate with friends, and view social media platforms. It is almost unimaginable to think of a modern-day child who doesn’t take full advantage. These rapid advancements in technology have been proven to be a recent challenge. Below are two suggested cellphone monitoring services that include activity monitoring, location services, filtering, and screen time management. Though not offered through Hoboken Public Schools, these resources may be helpful in managing cell phone usage. Click on each link below below to be taken directly to the resource website.
https://sites.google.com/hoboken.k12.nj.us/guardians?usp=sharing
Qustodio: The All-In-One Parental Control and Digital Wellbeing Solution
Student Information Center
Locks and Lockers at HMS
HMS Tigers received new locks and lockers for the 2023-2024 School Year. Every student is assigned a locker and a school issued lock. Both the locker and the lock are considered school property. Students may not share lockers. Lockers are school property and, as such, may be inspected periodically. It is the student's responsibility to take proper care of the locker, its contents and the lock. If a locker does not work properly, a student should notify Dr. Baskinger immediately. If a student loses his/her lock a $10 fee will be charged for a replacement.