News from Panther Headquarters
February 2023
From the desk of the Principal
Hello Panther Parents/Guardians,
Things are moving right along here at HIJH; we hope the information provided this month will be helpful as you plan to engage in our activities. Please note the flex day on the 21st will be used to make up the snow day we used this past week. There is also an E-learning day on that Friday before, February 17th. I want to make a plug for our Musical next month, March 3-4. Our students will be performing Newsies and we are excited, as we are every year, for this incredible production. Please make plans to attend! If there is anything we can do to better support your student or family, please let us know.
Jagga Rent
Principal
Please note the February calendar has been updated to reflect the use of the Flex day.
Attendance/Early Release
Attendance Line
Please call the attendance line, 317-594-4126, by 9:00 am to report all attendance including early dismissals, all day absences and late arrivals. This allows the staff adequate time to facilitate the requests. We will send your student a pass and have them waiting for you in the office at the time requested.
If you do not call ahead, the parent/guardian will need to show identification to have the student dismissed. This is for the security of our students.
Please be aware that it may take time to locate students who are at lunch, recess, outside for P.E., etc. The more notice you can give the school, the smoother this process becomes. We appreciate your assistance!
Early Dismissal and Car Rider Line
The car rider line forms quite early. Dismissals after 3:30 pm may be difficult to maneuver.
Drop Off Area Reminder
Drop off area is located at the entrance of the building.
Please continue to drop off your student's items on the drop off table in the main lobby. If you circle that you have texted your student, a note will not be delivered to them. Our student aids bring the items into the office for students to come and pick up.
Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to work on protecting our class time and safety.
Message From The Clinic
District Policy for Illness
- Fever of 100.4 should stay home for 24 hours and remain home until fever is normal without the use of medication.
- Vomiting should stay home for 24 hours and remain home until vomit free without help of medication.
- Diarrhea should stay home for 24 hours and remain home until diarrhea free without use of medication.
Medications
The clinic does not stock allergy medication.
Immunizations
Please have students bring a copy of immunizations to the nurse. We will enter them even prior to any school deadlines.
Injuries
Any injuries that need restrictions from a doctor, please let us know. We are happy to allow students to use elevator and to have a book carrier with a doctor's note showing the restrictions.
Covid
If your student tests positive for Covid, please call the clinic at 317-594-4120 extension 3.
Attention 8th Grade Parents and Guardians
8th Grade IMPORTANT DATES
High school scheduling for your 8th grade student will be in person during the school day at HIJH. In Please watch for ParentSquare announcements to schedule an appointment with your student's high school counselor.
HSE High School - March 1 and 3, 2023
Fishers High School - February 28, 2023
ParentSquare
In the upcoming months, we will be sending out communication regarding the 8th grade transition to High School via ParentSquare. We will share information regarding Parent Meetings, Scheduling, and other important dates. Any questions regarding ParentSqaure can be answered here: https://www.hseschools.org/happenings/parentsquare.
Notes From The Guidance Office
Snack Attack
Fishers Youth Assistance Program (FYAP) offers a free weekend snack program for any student attending Hamilton Southeastern Schools who qualifies for the reduced lunch program or has an increased need currently. Snacks are delivered to schools each week and sent home with students.
To be part of this free program, you must sign up your family online. https://forms.gle/xrKNaxRaLypSqKvV8. Please contact fyapfood@gmail.com with questions.
21st Century Scholars
The 21st Century Scholars program helps eligible students who meet certain high school requirements attend college for free. Applications for 8th grade students are due by June 30, 2023. https://learnmoreindiana.org/scholars/enroll/
Withdrawing Your Student From School
If your child is withdrawing from Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate/Junior High School, please notify the Guidance Office or Kristen Weitzel (kweitzel@hse.k12.in.us) or 317-594-4124 at least two days in advance of your child’s last day. Withdrawal forms must be signed by the parent/guardian.
Message From Your School Social Worker
Local Food Pantry
Northview and Grace Church of Fishers have teamed up to create a food pantry to serve the Fishers community. Some items available are meat, milk, fresh bakery items, fresh produce, pharmacy, and hygiene products. You are free to grab a cart and shop for the items that meet your family’s needs.
Below is the link to sign up. This resource is available to ANYONE. It will alternate between Northview and Grace church parking lots, every Wednesday evening. (mobilepantry.info)
Parent Project
Empowering Parents. Transforming Teens. • Learn how to never argue with your child again! • Prevent or intervene in alcohol or drug use! • Improve school attendance and performance
The Parent Project is a 11-week course focused on empowering parents to take back their homes and improve their relationships with their children. Class begins February 7, 2023. To register, email a completed registration form to Parent.Project@HamiltonCounty.in.gov or call 317-776-5856 with questions.
Library News
Book Club
Book Club has started back up! We meet before school in the library every other Wednesday. It's not too late to join. See Canvas or Mrs. Boudreau for more details!
HEPL Winter Reading Program
Join the library’s Winter Reading Program during the month of February this year with a For the Love of Reading Bingo Challenge. Readers of all ages are welcome to participate!
March Library Events
We are looking forward to some March events! Former student, published author, and current high school junior Jason Funk and artist Yuri Duncan will be our author visit this year and talk to students on Monday, March 6. Additionally, Spring Book Fair will be March 20-24.
World Read Aloud Day
World Read Aloud Day is Wednesday, February 1. The HIJH Library is scheduling some author Zooms with classes that day. Find out more about World Read Aloud day here and consider reading aloud to someone or having someone read aloud to you on February 1!
Music Department
The HIJH Music Department has been preparing for the kick-off to our 2023 FanPledge Music Fundraiser. We will host a Kick-off Party for all HIJH 6th-8th grade Band, Orchestra and Choir students on Wednesday, February 8th from 4-5:30 pm in Panther Hall!
We hope you will be able to join us in support of our Department!
Choir News
Congratulations to our HIJH students who performed with the 2023 Indiana Music Educator’s Association’s Middle School Honor Choir on January 12 & 13 in Fort Wayne! They auditioned last fall and were chosen to join other students from around Indiana, prepared the music on their own and met up to rehearse and perfect their concert. The experience was capped off by a grand performance in the Embassy Theatre!
These six young ladies represented our Panthers well! Ashlin Patterson, Emma Vanlandingham, Quinn Bottorff, Izzy Ellis, Jillian Anderson, and Charlotte Breitwieser (left to right).
News from the Art Department
Congratulations to the following 8th grade students who were recognized in this year's Regional Scholastic Art Awards contest. Works receiving a Gold award will advance to Nationals in New York City!
Ella Beattie-- Gold, ceramics
Savannah Kayemba-- Silver, ceramics
Sameeksha Kumbum-- THREE Honorable Mentions, photography
Melize Ledwaba-- Silver, ceramics
Beau Prchal-- Silver, photography
Izzy Schmitt-- Honorable Mention, photography
Arlean Singh-- Honorable Mention, photography
Cansu Sirca-- Honorable Mention, photography
Addy Stasiak-- Gold, photography and Silver, photography
Meera Venugopal— Gold, photography and Silver, photography
Mia Zabel-- Honorable Mention, sculpture
Leah Zaradich-- Honorable Mention, photography
Wesley Zimmerman-- Gold, photography and Honorable Mention, photography
Congratulations Science Bowl Team!
The team earned the title of State Runner-Up for 2023 Indiana Academic Science Bowl Elementary Blue Class category!
2023 Washington D.C. Trip
7th grade parents: The early discounted registration has closed but we can still squeeze your 7th grader in this epic Washington D.C. trip: a 26-year HSE tradition!
Over 175 students have sign up! Just go to https://worldstrides.com/custom/hamilton-intermediate-jhs-204897/
If you have any questions, please contact Eric Brown ebrown@hse.k12.in.us or visit my website at www.dctrip.info
*Tickets will be available to purchase during all HIJH lunch periods the week of the show or at the door of each performance.
PTO Meeting at HIJH on Monday, February 6 @ 11am
Black Heritage Celebration Returns to Fishers High School
The 15th annual Black Heritage Celebration takes place on Feb. 15.
Since 2008, a special tribute of culture, achievements and connection has been held during the month of February at Fishers High School. What was originally developed by parents to unite the Fishers community, The Black Heritage Celebration has evolved into a student-led community event. Attendees of all ages and backgrounds are invited to take part in the free event on Wed., Feb. 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The event will feature interactive displays, student performances and presentations. Representatives from different historical black colleges and universities will be available to answer questions for prospective students and families. There will also be a ‘step and stroll’ featuring members of the Divine Nine sororities and fraternities.
According to organizers, the Black Heritage Celebration has grown in attendance throughout the years. Students hope to continue the tradition, exposing more families throughout the community to highlight the accomplishments and contributions of black people, especially in Fishers.
The Black Heritage Celebration will be held inside the College and Career Academy at FHS. Attendees should enter through door #19, located off Promise Road.
Mudsock Youth Athletics Updates
Spring Program Registration is Open!
Get moving with us the spring! Registration for baseball, softball, soccer, boys and girls lacrosse, rugby, boys volleyball and track and field is open at myathletics.com. Learn about each of our programs here. Remember to register between January 1st – 31st to guarantee your place on a team and receive the best pricing.
Spring Program Scholarships
Families who qualify for free our reduced lunches within the district are also eligible for program scholarships with MYA. Families can apply for one per season per child and must apply and be accepted during our open registration period. For spring sports these dates are 1/1 – 1/31. Email info@myathletics.com.
Rugby Try-It Days (Open to 5th – 8th Graders with Female Only Times)
Calling all 5th – 8th graders who live within the HSE School District. Attend one of our free try-it days, including female only sessions, to learn about the sport. We are specifically trying to grow our junior high girls team! Sessions offered on Sundays at RJH (Feb. 5th) and HIJH (Feb. 26th). Learn more here.
R.A.V.E. Reviews
Help us in recognizing and appreciating our talented, hard-working, and dedicated employees by submitting a R.A.V.E. (Recognizing All Valuable Employees) Review. All HSE staff members are eligible for nomination and may be recognized multiple times. To submit a R.A.V.E. Review, click here to fill out a quick and easy online form and share why the individual is a 5-Star employee.
Recipients will receive a R.A.V.E. Review window cling to proudly display their nomination in their workspace, a certificate and letter of recognition with their review. Each month, one R.A.V.E. Review recipient will be selected at random by the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation for a $100 gift card. Thank you for your support!
HSE Intermediate & Junior High School
Fishers, IN 46037
Main Line: 317-594-4120
Attendance: 317-594-4126
Counseling: 317-594-4124
Fax: 317-594-4129
Permitted use of school newsletters as required by the Equal Access Act is not an endorsement of this group or this group’s beliefs by Hamilton Southeastern Schools or the Board of School Trustees.
Email: swahlstrom@hse.k12.in.us
Website: https://hij.hseschools.org
Location: 12278 Cyntheanne Road, Fishers, IN, USA
Phone: 317-594-4120
Twitter: @HIJPanthers