HMMS Happenings!
August 4, 2023
I hope this early August installment of HMMS Happenings finds you well and enjoying summer! Now that our information systems have been updated for the 2023-2024 school year, this is the first official newsletter being sent to our new Horace Mann Middle School families!
Welcome to the HMMS community!!
The HMMS Happenings newsletter will be sent monthly throughout the school year to provide timely information and to give you a glimpse into life at Horace Mann Middle School.
Included in this newsletter are reminders about summer reading and math opportunities, and recommended supply lists. In addition, we have updates on student schedules and locker tryouts. You will also find information regarding Aspen password resets, student medication, and bus transportation for 2023-2024.
At the end of this newsletter you will always find "Important Dates to Remember" listed.
I have updated the list for August, September and October so far.
Our first day of school for students is Wednesday, August 30th!
I will look to send another newsletter mid-August with more information regarding the start of the 2023-2024 school year. This will include a list of teaching teams and helpful information to prepare students for the first day of school.
In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful summer sunshine! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the main office. HMMS Office: 508-541-6230
You can also reach us directly at:
Ms. Motte, HMMS Principal: motter@franklinps.net phone ext. 2816
Mr. Jeffers, HMMS Assistant Principal: jeffersk@franklinps.net phone ext. 2846
Take care,
Ms. Motte
Principal
Summer Reading & Math Information
It is important for students to continue to maintain routines and engage their brains! Please see the information below regarding summer math and summer reading work for our middle school students.
SUMMER READING
- Franklin Middle School students are required to read at least two books this summer.
- Use this log to record the books you read and return to your ELA teacher in the fall.
- Students will share one of their summer reading books in the fall. This is a great way to connect with new teachers and peers!
- We recommend that students take brief notes on their favorite title to keep their memory fresh.
- Acclaimed author Jordan Sonnenblick is scheduled to visit us in October! Students are encouraged to read or listen to one of her books this summer.
- Review the attached Summer Reading Recommendation List for a list of great titles.
- Visit our HMMS Books to Go table in the HMMS lobby on Aug 8, 15 and 22 to select a great summer reading book!
SUMMER MATH
Franklin Middle School students are also required to participate in a summer math review program. Please refer to the letter that corresponds to the grade level your child will be entering in the fall.
Incoming 6th grade students have a practice packet to complete (solution key include in link). Incoming 7th and 8th grade students will use Delta Math to complete their summer work.
2023-2024 Supply Lists
If families need any assistance in purchasing a backpack or school supplies for your child please contact Ms. Motte motter@franklinps.net or Mr. Jeffers jeffersk@franklinps.net.
August 22nd: Schedules Posted in Aspen!
Aspen Information
All students have Aspen student accounts created for them. Parents/guardians can also request a separate family Aspen account. Families and students should check to make sure their accounts are active in order to view team placement and schedules. To request a password reset for your existing Aspen account or to create a new family account, please complete this form.
The link for Franklin's Aspen portal is:
https://ma-franklin.myfollett.com/aspen/logon.do
**We encourage you to try accessing your student and family Aspen accounts prior to
August 22nd to prevent a high volume of password resets on that day.**
Locker Tryouts August 24th!
Stop by HMMS during one of the following locker tryout times:
Thursday, August 24th - 10:00am - 11:00am
Thursday, August 24th - 5:00pm - 6:00pm
While students will not be practicing their own individual locker, many have found it helpful to at least go through the process of opening one. Additionally, this will give students an opportunity to walk our 6th grade hallway (and maybe even peek into a classroom or two!) prior to the first day of school.
2023-2024 Bus Registration
For more information regarding bus transportation:
Bus passes will be distributed to students during the first week of school.
A reminder that we do not currently have late buses scheduled for the 2023-2024 school year.
Health Office Update: Medication
Medication Orders for 2023-2024
Medication order forms need to be completed by both the physician and parent for medications to be administered for the 2023-2024 school year. Information regarding medication processes and paperwork be found by clicking here. Please arrange for your child’s physician to complete these forms during the summer. They must be dated on or after July 1, 2023. Medication orders need to be renewed every school year.
Important Dates to Remember...
August
- Tue Aug 22 - Team Placement Information released on Aspen
- Thu Aug 24 - Locker Tryouts (for new students) 10:00am -11:00am & 5:00pm-6:00pm
- Aug 28 & 29 - Teachers Return to School (PD Days).
- Wed Aug 30 - First Day of School for Students!
September
- Fri Sep 1 - No School, Labor Day Weekend
- Mon Sep 5 - No School, Labor Day
- Thu Sep 14 - Fall Picture Day
- Mon Sep 25 - No School, Yom Kippur
- Tue, Sep 26 - Early Release Day for Students, dismissal at 10:45am
October
- Oct 4-6 - Grade 6 YMCA Field Trip (more info to come...)
- Mon Oct 9 - No School, Indigenous People Day
- Thu Oct 12 - HMMS Open House, Back to School Night! 6:00-8:00pm
- Thu Oct 26 - Fall Picture Retakes
- Wed Oct 18 - Early Release Day for Students, dismissal at 10:45am
- This Month - HMMS Visiting Author Day with Jordan Sonnenblick!
About HMMS
508-541-6230 ext 2816
Mr. Jeffers' contact information
508-541-6230 ext 2846
jeffersk@franklinps.net
Email: name@franklinps.net
Website: https://www.franklinps.net/horacemann
Location: 224 Oak Street, Franklin, MA, USA
Phone: 508-541-6230
Twitter: @HMMSLightning