HMS Bearcat Bulletin
August 2017
A Note from Ms. Buschmann
You can feel the buzz in the air around HMS as everyone is getting ready for the first day of school! I know it hasn't been very long since I sent the "Back to School" newsletter, but I have more information to help you be completely prepared for the beginning of the school year and to help make Open House run as smoothly as possible.
Enjoy the newsletter. We will see everyone Monday, August 14 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. for Open House. Don't forget that there will be a parent meeting for 5th and 6th grade students regarding the Chromebook insurance program at 6:30 that evening and a parent meeting for those of you who will have a 7th or 8th grade child playing a school sport at 7:00. See you there!
Online Registration
We will be able to setup usernames and passwords at Open House if you do not have one yet. You'll find the parent portal is an easy way to stay on top of school information through announcements as well as to monitor your child's grades, lunch accounts, and use online pay. We will also have some computers available at Open House if you need assistance completing registration or need the larger screen of a computer rather than trying to do it on a phone or tablet.
Solar Eclipse
Solar Eclipse and HMS
On August 21, 2017, for the first time since 1918, a solar eclipse will be visible on a path across the United States. Our community and District will be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse. The District has been busy planning to make this once in a lifetime event a unique learning experience for our students.
On August 21, 2017, Middle School students will be allowed to go outside and participate and view from the beginning of the eclipse through the period of totality (“Solar Eclipse Viewing”).As always, student safety is our top concern. Looking directly at the sun is unsafe. The only safe way to look at the uneclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filter, such as “eclipse glasses”. The District has purchased and will provide all students and staff glasses to wear during the eclipse event. Although there is no way to fully guarantee student safety during such a rare event, we will take precautionary measures including pre-education to make students aware of the risks involved in directly looking at the sun. At no time should students or participants remove their eclipse glasses and look directly at the sun as it could cause permanent eye damage or other unknown affects. There is no way for the school to guarantee that your child will not remove their eclipse glasses, so please speak with your child about the importance of keeping their eclipse glasses on at all times during this event.
*If you do not want your child to participate in outdoor viewing activities planned on August 21st, please obtain the appropriate form from the Middle School office and return it to the office as soon as possible. By allowing your child to participate, you are acknowledging that you are aware of the risks associated with this event, are freely assuming those risks, and waive the right to pursue any and all claims against the District, its agents, employees, Board of Education members, insurers, and others acting on the District’s behalf (collectively, “Releasees”), of and from any and all claims, demands, causes of action and/or legal liabilities for eye injury, property damage, injuries to or death of me/my son/daughter occurring during, or resulting from the Solar Eclipse Viewing, even if the cause, damages or injuries are alleged to be the fault of or caused by the negligence or carelessness of the Releasees.
Online Pay Option
You can pay for meals, athletic fees, chromebook insurance, and more. It is our intention that this will make it more convenient for parents to pay their child's fees. There is a $2 processing fee per transaction to cover the cost of the service.
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and what it means for us this year
All foods provided to students must now comply with USDA Smart Snack guidelines. Therefore, we are encouraging non-food items or single servings of healthy snacks like fruit, cheese sticks, or baked chips or crackers. More information about those guidelines can be found in the USDA Smart Snacks PDF. To see if a particular snack is acceptable, you can use the Smart Snacks Calculator.
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SW-PBIS or PBIS)
During the 2016-17 school year, a committee was formed to look at research-based methods of processes to create consistency in behavior expectations from class to class and between grade levels. In researching, the committee determined it would like to explore School Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SW-PBIS). The committee met with the PBIS consultant from the Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC), went on school visits to Williamsburg Elementary and Fulton Middle School, and explored the PBIS materials. In a nutshell, PBIS is a process for developing common expectations and language, developing a flow-chart for handling failures to meet expectations, and rewards students for making good choices. PBIS can be adapted to fit the individual needs of our school and students. Beginning this school year, the RPDC will provide training for the PBIS team and faculty, as well as assist in the development of a matrix of expectations, appropriate reinforcements, and the flow-chart for handling discipline issues.
Ongoing Fundraising Efforts
Please keep in mind a couple of easy ways to raise funds for HMS.
1. Boxtops for Education
2. Shutterfly- start your order at our storefront and 13% of each purchase will be sent to HMS.
Visit our Storefront: hermannmiddleschool.ShutterflyStorefront.com
3. Best Choice UPC's
Hermann Middle School
Email: nbuschmann@hermann.k12.mo.us
Website: hermann.k12.mo.us
Location: 164 Blue Pride Drive, Hermann, MO, United States
Phone: 573.486.3121
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HermannMiddleSchool/
Twitter: @HMSBearcats