Each year, we are presented with the challenge of communicating with our school community in the most efficient and meaningful manner possible. Communication at the middle school level is different from what most have experienced in elementary schools.

The means by which we communicate school-wide information are briefly described below.

School Messenger: School Messenger is a vital tool for communication. If you have not already done so, sign up for notifications through RCPS, https://www.rcps.net/en-US/parents-189af40c Click on, Subscribe to Notifications. Make sure you text the letter y or the word YES to the short-code number 67587 from all cell phones you plan to register for text notifications.

This link contains complete information regarding school notifications through School Messenger: https://bit.ly/3PuIUXO

JFHMS produces a weekly electronic newsletter that is distributed through the RCPS notification system. The weekly newsletter includes calendar updates and announcements for many school activities.

Students view announcements through the Hawks News broadcast and certain time-sensitive announcements are made via the PA system during the morning "R' block time. Much of the information is also included on the news scroll on the TV monitor in the cafeteria during lunch and through the Hawks' News Instagram feed.

Most school events are listed on the school's JFHMS Google Calendar (https://bit.ly/3dL37LS) Special events pertaining to certain classes or grade levels may not be listed. Instructional teams and/or individual teachers should communicate directly with parents. See your child's syllabus from each class for specifics.

Daily class life and school events are often captured and communicated through social media outlets. The school maintains a Facebook page and an Instagram feed. Some Hillyard staff may also utilize the Hillyard hashtag #hmshawks on Twitter to communicate and share class activities. Facebook: JFHMS Hawks Instagram: jfhms_hawks Twitter: @Hillyard Hawks

JFHMS teachers will continue organizing classes this year in Schoology. Students will have access to class materials and directions electronically at school and at home. Grades are maintained in Power School. Parents will continue to have access to Schoology through the parent portal. The RCPS website includes a resource "Getting Started with Schoology for RCPS Parents" that provides a nice video tutorial.