All the Buzz
News and Info from HCS -- September 22, 2023
Hornet Nation,
On October 12, the adults in our students' lives will have the opportunity to meet with teachers and confer around the academic and social progress being made. Each school will be reaching out shortly.
This collaborative time is just one of many ways in which we partner with you. No matter how much time we spend with your child, you will always know them better. Many times teachers will ask you about your child’s activities at home and your views of your child’s strengths and areas where help might be needed. Even if the teacher does not ask, feel free to speak up and provide your observations and any concerns.
Even when we have concerns, you can count on us to share positive news about your child. If you feel this is not occuring, it is perfectly okay to ask directly, “What does my child do well?” And remember that teachers often hear only negative comments, too. Be sure to try to offer a compliment, a thank you to let the teacher know you appreciate what they are trying to do to help your child - even when what the teacher is trying to do may not be working yet.
If you do not understand something or feel your concerns are not being addressed, then ask the teacher. Teachers and other educators easily slip into jargon and forget that many parents are not familiar with the terms they use every day. Ask what test scores mean and what the results mean for your child. Stop and ask for explanation of unfamiliar terms or programs. Not understanding can quickly lead to misunderstanding, and we want to avoid that if at all possible.
In partnership and with Hornet Pride,
Judy
989.539.7871
HCS Mission Statement
The staff of Harrison Community Schools, in the spirit of a growing and changing community, pledge to educate all students by teaching the District Curriculum and beyond, ensuring the development of responsible learners prepared to take an active role in a complex society.
Social Media Use
Data highlights students’ social media usage as schools’ concerns grow
Published Jan. 31, 2023 (https://www.k12dive.com/news/Student-social-media-use-school-concerns/641573/)
- YouTube was the most common app used on a weekly basis by 4th-12th graders and for 9th-12th graders, email was the second most common app, according to a survey issued by The Social Institute, a company that provides curriculum addressing social-emotional learning, social media and technology.
- As students increasingly rely on social media to connect with peers, learn about world news and engage with academic resources, school systems continue to weigh the social benefits and mental health harms these platforms can have on youth mental health.
Additionally, The Social Institute and Common Sense Education offer strategies and lessons to help young people have safer and more positive social media experiences.
Harrison Community Schools has joined litigation against the social media companies behind Facebook, TikTok and other platforms, alleging the companies specifically target teens and that their platforms cause social, emotional and mental harms. We are also reviewing our cell phone policy because of potential distraction and harms.
HS
MS
Larson
When Should My Child Stay Home Due to Illness?
- With a positive COVID test, 5 days from either the onset of symptoms, or if no symptoms, from the test date. Onset of symptoms or test date = day zero, and student may return on day 6 with a mask assuming symptoms are improving. This is the same as employees.
- For 24 hours after fever, diarrhea, or vomiting ends, without medication.
- Contagious diseases such as chickenpox, measles, strep, pinkeye, flu, etc. Ask your doctor or health care provider when they can return to school. Generally, the following apply: chickenpox (no school until all spots /lesions are dried and crusted), lice (no school until after the first treatment), strep throat or other strep infections (can return if they do not have a fever and have been on antibiotics for at least 12 hours).
Bus/Vehicle Pick Up and Drop Off
Board of Education Meeting
Monday, Oct 9, 2023, 05:30 PM
Hillside Elementary School, North 4th Street, Harrison, MI, USA
DISTRICT INFORMATION
Upcoming Calendar Events
September 27: Picture day at HS & Hive
October 3: Half day for students (teacher professional learning in the afternoon)
October 4: Count Day
October 6: Homecoming
October 10: Picture day at PreK, MS & Larson
October 12: Half day for students (parent/guardian conferences with teachers in afternoon and evening)
October 13: Half day for students and staff
School Contact Information
- Early Childhood & Larson Elementary, 989.539.3259 (Principal Andrea Andera, aandera@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal Sandy Hargraves, shargraves@harrisonschools.com)
- Middle School, 989.539.7194 (Principal Jennifer Thrush, jthrush@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal Brad Carlstrom, bcarlstrom@harrisonschools.com)
- Hive, 989.539.7417 (Principal Stacey VanAntwerp, svanantwerp@harrisonschools.com)
- High School, 989.539.7417 (Principal Joe Ashcroft, jjashcroft@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Brad Carlstrom, bcarlstrom@harrisonschools.com)
District Contact Information
Superintendent, 989.539.7871 (Judy Walton, juwalton@harrisonschools.com)
Special Education (Stacey VanAntwerp, svanantwerp@harrisonschools.com)
Homeless Child/Youth Services (Andrea Andera, aandera@harrisonschools.com)
Bus Services, 989.539.7082 (Kelli Whitaker, kwhitaker@auxilioservices.net)