Hopkins Middle School Newsletter
September 17th, 2021
“Devious Licks”
Parents,
We need your help!
Please have a conversation with your HMS student about a tic-toc fad known as “Devious Licks”. Students across the country are filming themselves stealing or defacing school property, especially in the restroom. The goal is to walk out of the building with the largest object.
We are already seeing destruction of our soap dispensers. We need your help this weekend!
Please tell your students this will be considered vandalism and could result in restitution, suspensions, and/or legal action.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Scott Stockwell
HMS Principal
Character Strong Family Character Dare
Two weeks ago, we released our first Family Character Dares. These are discussion starters and challenges for families to do together that will encourage communication and sharing of family values. These Character Dares are split into four categories: C onversation Starters, A cts of Kindness, R ecreation and Rest, and E xpressions of Love (C.A.R.E.).
This weekend, our challenges fall in the Conversation Starter Category:
Please feel free to reach out to me and share your positive family Character Strong experiences. You may just be featured in a newsletter!
I wish you all a great weekend!
NWEA Testing
September 17, 2021
Dear Parent,
During the month of September, your student will take a MAP® Growth™ test from NWEA® on a computer or tablet. MAP Growth scores help teachers check student performance by measuring achievement and growth. Teachers use results to tailor classroom lessons and set goals for students.
MAP Growth tests are unique, and it adapts to your child’s responses to measure your child’s skill level. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. These results will provide a more complete picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn—whether it is on, above, or below their grade level.
Since MAP Growth tests provide immediate and accurate information about your child’s learning, it’s easy for teachers to identify students with similar scores that are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics, and then plan instruction accordingly.
MAP Growth reports also provide typical growth data for students who are in the same grade, subject and have the same starting performance level. Each school year, students in grades 6-8 take the tests in September, January, and April/May. Following each testing period, you will receive a Family Report showing a summary of how your child is performing academically.
We are truly excited to focus on your child’s individual growth and achievement. For more information about MAP Growth, visit NWEA.org/familytoolkit or contact the office.
Sincerely,
Scott Stockwell
Principal
Hopkins Middle School
Picture Re-Takes
Picture Re-Take day is October 15. Pictures can be ordered online at: https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/59448C we also have order forms in the office.
5th & 6th Grade Fall Basketball Program - Rising Stars League
REGISTRATION:
Register ONLINE using this link: https://forms.gle/kmraSXmY4QM5Lcqo9
The deadline to register is Monday, October 4.
Payment: Please bring payment (Cash or Check) to the first practice. Checks payable to Hopkins Girls Basketball.
Community Events
National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program
We are pleased to inform you that HOPKINS PUBLIC SCHOOLS will be participating in the Seamless Summer Option as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the School Year 2021-2022.
The GREAT NEWS is that ALL students enrolled at our school can receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at NO CHARGE to your household each day.
We still need your household to fill out and sign the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application. This information is critical in determining the amount of money that our school receives from a variety of State and Federal supplemental programs like Title I A, At-risk (31a), Title II A, E-Rate, etc.
These supplemental programs have the potential to offer supports and services for our students including, but not limited to:
- Instructional supports (staff, supplies & materials, etc.)
- Non-instructional services (counseling, social work, health services, etc.)
- Professional Learning for staff
- Parent and Community engagement supplies and activities
- Technology
- Pandemic-EBT
We are asking that you please complete and submit it as soon as possible to ensure that additional funding for our school is available to meet the needs of our students. All information on the application submitted is confidential. Without your assistance in completing and returning the attached application, our school cannot maximize the use of available State and Federal funds.
If we can be of any further assistance, please contact us at 269-793-7286 X4530
Sincerely,
Rhonda Sapp, Food Service Director
Hopkins Public Schools
Hand2Hand
Dear Parent/Guardian:
We would like to offer your student the opportunity to participate in a program at Hopkins Middle School called “Hand2Hand”. This program helps provide a student with food for the weekends and is intended for families who currently may be experiencing a financial burden. The first backpack is set to be delivered on September 24, 2021.
Here’s how Hand2Hand will work: At the end of the week students who are signed up for the program will receive a minimum of 10 food items in a black school logo drawstring bag that will be provided at the first week of participation. These food items will be a combination of breakfast, snacks, lunch and/or dinner items. While the food items are meant for the student, they can be shared among the family as well. (Please note: if your student or another family member has food allergies it will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to check the contents of the backpack each week to ensure the food doesn’t contain ingredients which could cause an allergic reaction).
There is no cost to participate! If you sign your student up to receive Hand2Hand, they will continue to receive the weekly bags each week they are at Hopkins Middle School. However, if down the road you no longer need the assistance, simply write a note expressing your desire to discontinue receiving Hand2Hand bags and give this note to the school office. This opportunity is being provided by LifeChange Community Church. To learn more about Hand2Hand, please visit their website: http://h2hkids.org.
If you feel your student would benefit from this opportunity, please complete the response form at the bottom of this letter and return it to your student’s teacher by September 20.2021 and we will make sure that your student’s name is then added to the list. Your response will be kept confidential.
Sincerely,
Scott Stockwell
Hopkins Middle School
Upcoming Events
ATTENTION HMS ARTISTS
HMS ART CLUB IS BACK!
Art Club is moving to Tuesdays after school starting Sept. 14.
Art Club membership is open to all Hopkins Middle School students!
If you are interested in applying, then please see the information, rules, and membership form below:
Thanks and see you soon!
Ms. Dana
FFA Ice Cream Social
Experience the Excitement of FFA!
Join us for an ice cream social and kick-off meeting Monday, September 27th at 5:30 pm in Room 1104 at the High School (South end of the HS - You may enter through the Greenhouse)
Come see what we are all about!
Open to grades 7-12
6th Grade Camp
Dear Parents/Guardians of Sixth Grade Students:
Welcome to Hopkins Middle School and the Sixth Grade Team! We hope you and your student experience a smooth transition to sixth grade. One of the things sixth graders are most looking forward to, as they start middle school, is sixth-grade camp. Due to COVID-19 restrictions during the 2020/2021 school year, we were unable to offer the camp experience to sixth graders last year. However, we are excited to announce it has been successfully reinstated as a part of the sixth-grade curriculum for this school year.
Hopkins Middle School sixth-graders will attend the Outdoor Education Center from Tuesday, October 19 to Thursday, October 21. This year our camp experience will be a DAY CAMP experience. Half of the sixth-grade students will attend camp Tuesday, October 19, while the other half will remain at Hopkins Middle School for a day of learning. On Wednesday, October 20, the other half of the students will attend camp, and the other half will stay back. Then ALL sixth graders will attend the OEC on Thursday, October 21.
The cost for the day camp experience is $120.00. $100 covers the OEC cost and $20 covers the busing of students to and from camp. All students will need to have a sack lunch. Sack lunches will be available from the HMS cafeteria at no charge. Students may also bring their own sack lunch from home. We will provide water bottles for students, as well as a snack.
More information will be forthcoming once school starts. The purpose of this communication is to inform you of the dates and the cost. In the next few weeks, please look for the registration and medication forms to be sent home. Please be aware of their due dates. Any concerns or questions can be directed to the sixth-grade team or the building principal.
Thanks so much for your interest, support, and understanding. Let's make this a truly memorable year!
The Sixth Grade Team
Mrs. Aleman
Mr. Barry
Mr. Rynsburger
Ms. Weick
Electronic Devices
Cell phones are to be turned off and kept in their lockers during the school day. Cell phones that are used during the school day will be confiscated and must be picked up by a parent.
If a student needs to contact a parent/guardian, they can go to the office to either use their cell phone or call from the office phone. If a parent needs to reach a student, they can leave a message for their student with the office.
Additional Resources
Andy Mains (andrmain@hpsvikings.org) or the Athletic Secretary, Kelly Smith (kellsmit@hpsvikings.org) at the Athletic Office. 269-793-7616 ext 1511/1504
Hopkins Middle School
Email: stepcaul@hpsvikings.org
Website: hpsvikings.org
Location: Hopkins Middle School, 215 Clark Street, Hopkins, MI, USA
Phone: (269) 793-7407
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HopkinsMiddleSchool/
Twitter: @hpsmiddleschool
The Hopkins Public School District Board of Education complies with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, marital status, height, weight, or disability in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Mr. Gary Wood Superintendent of Schools, Hopkins Public Schools, 400 Clark Street, Hopkins, MI 49328 Phone 269-793-7261.
The Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law), religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes") that are protected by Federal civil rights laws in its programs and activities.
Office Business
ATTENDANCE
Please call the Middle School office at (269) 793-7407 within 24 hours of your students' absence. You may leave a message on our voicemail system day or night. When reporting illness, please inform the secretary of the type of symptoms your child is experiencing (fever, sore throat, ect.). If your child is absent 2 days or more, you may request homework. If your student is absent only 1 day, homework may be picked up from their teachers the following day. You may also email absences to jennhitc@hpsvikings.org.
PHONE CALLS
Telephones in the office are to be used for illness and emergencies only.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Please report all immunizations that your child has had so we are able to keep our school records up to date. All new students and all 6th graders must be completely up to date on all immunizations. Contact the HMS office if you have any questions.
MEDICATION
ALL medications needing to be dispensed to students must be supplied from home. The school does not provide any type of medication. All prescription medication must be provided in a pharmacy labeled bottle. Tylenol/Aspirin must be brought to the office in an unopened bottle. All students requiring any type of medication must have a medication form completed by their parents and on file in the office.
CHANGES in Phone Numbers, Home Address & E-Mail
Please inform the office any time there are changes in your address or phone numbers. We need to have this information so we can update our records and successfully contact you if needed.
Hopkins Middle School Contact Information
ADMINISTRATION: E-mail Address
Scott Stockwell, Principal scotstoc@hpsvikings.org
Pat O’Dell, Assistant Principal patrodel@hpsvikings.org
Todd Crook, Counselor toddcroo@hpsvikings.org
Tamara Johnston, Counselor tamajohn@hpsvikings.org
Jennifer Hitchcock, Secretary jennhitc@hpsvikings.org
Stephanie Caulder, SRC Coordinator stepcaul@hpsvikings.org
STAFF:
Aleman, Kathleen kathalem@hpsvikings.org
Barg, Megan meganbarg@hpsvikings.org
Barry, Joseph josebarr@hpsvikings.org
Byville, Suzanne suzabyvi@hpsvikings.org
Dana, Katie kathdana@hpsvikings.org
Dudick, Nikole nikodudi@hpsvikings.org
Dykstra, Krystal krysdyks@hpsvikings.org
Fisher, Mark markfish@hpsvikings.org
Hazen, Rick rickhaze@hpsvikings.org
Irwin, Julie juliirwi@hpsvikings.org
Kerber, Brian briakerb@hpsvikings.org
Klumpp, Molly mollklum@hpsvikings.org
Kok, Wendy wendkok@hpsvikings.org
Lutz-Wilkens, Tara taralutz@hpsvikings.org
Oaster, Jacob jacooast@hpsvikings.org
Osborne, Craig craiosbo@hpsvikings.org
Powell, Kim kimpowe@hpsvikings.org
Reszka, Richard richresz@hpsvikings.org
Rynsburger, T.J. tjryns@hpsvikings.org
Schoonveld, Missy missscho@hpsvikings.org
Scudder, Mack mackscud@hpsvikings.org
Smith, Julie julismit@hpsvikings.org
Tomaszewski, Katelyn katetoma@hpsvikings.org
VerMerris, Steve stevverm@hpsvikings.org
Weibel, Alexis alexweib@hpsvikings.org
Weick, Pat patweic@hpsvikings.org
Williams, Jessica jesswill@hpsvikings.org