HEMLOCK MIDDLE SCHOOL
Jan. 30th - Feb. 5th
Weekly Update from our Superintendent
This is our 21st week of the 2020-2021 school year. It remains our goal to provide you with regular updates.
It is exciting to report that we have not had any new school-related cases of COVID-19 or school-related quarantines since our return to school after the holiday break. However, we did have a student at our middle school diagnosed with a non-school related case, COVID-19, that did not generate any school quarantines.
Our staff will have the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine with a clinic hosted by our partners, St. Mary's Hospital and Saginaw County Health Department (Thursday/Saturday/Sunday this week).
Click here to review our COVID-19 Dashboard with data updates in real-time. This link brings pertinent information together into one easy to access place.
Also, I have included our tentative calendar for February/March and understand that our proposed 2021-2022 start date has caused a stir with some of you.
Please click here to share your thoughts with me regarding adding four school days to the front of our proposed 2021-2022 calendar and taking a week off in February for a winter break. At the end of the day, if this is the most frustrating thing some people have to say about Hemlock Public School District, after managing pandemic education, we are in good shape.
As always, If you should have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 989.642.5282.
All the best,
Don Killingbeck, Supt.
STAFF RECOGNITION HIGHLIGHT
“Hemlock Public School District is very lucky to have a famous singer on our staff. The middle school has one of the Saginaw area’s best-kept singers. Who could I be speaking about? The one and only English Language Arts teacher Ashley Helmer. Ashley was once a musician,” shared Principal Chase.
Mrs. Helmer is in her fourth year teaching at Hemlock Middle School. She teaches 6th and 8th Grade ELA, along with 6th Grade MTSS. She is a very dedicated teacher and contributes to more than just the bare minimum. Mrs. Helmer is also one of the Faculty Advisors to the middle school’s student council.
Principal Chase went on to say, "Mrs. Helmer does a fantastic job daily in our ELA department. Her dedication to education is nothing short of remarkable. She is a valued member of the Middle School staff, and we are blessed to have her!"
Mrs. Helmer has a plethora of experience in many interesting settings. Upon graduation, Mrs. Helmer, along with her husband Chad, moved to New York City. While there, she taught at the New York City Public School District in both West Harlem and Chinatown for six years. Her next opportunity took her to Beaver Island, where she taught for two years. After a short tour in the Saginaw Public School District, she finally landed in her destination here in Hemlock.
Mrs. Helmer said, “I grew up and went to school in a very tight-knit community with pride for the school, and that's exactly what I've found in Hemlock Schools. The students and staff at the middle school are top-notch!”
Helmer received her Bachelors of Arts in Secondary English Education and Master of Education in Principalship, both from Saginaw Valley State University.
Mrs. Helmer grew up in Saginaw and attended school at Carrollton Public Schools. Ashley has been married to her husband Chad for six years, and together they have three kids: Finn, 7, Hudson, 4, and Tilly, 1. They also have a six-month-old Shih Tzu named Link.
When asked about her proudest moment, she had this to say, “Aside from having my awesome children, earning my Master’s Degree in Principalship was my proudest moment.”
She enjoys getting the chance to read for enjoyment, listening to podcasts, and relaxing up north all summer! Her favorite author is Ray Bradbury, and her favorite quote is, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” --Henry Ford
Oh yeah, one last thing. The best-kept secret about Mrs. Helmer… She used to be the lead singer in a rock band! Rock on, Mrs. Helmer!
Thank you for everything you do, Mrs. Helmer! You are a valued staff member here at Hemlock Public Schools.
Richland Township Park News
The ice rink is ready to enjoy and plowed. Weather permitting it should stay good for a while. The Park Supervisor has programmed the lights to come on from 5:30pm - 10:00pm.
Enjoy and stay safe.
Basketball 2020-2021 Season
Dear Parents and Student Athletes,
It is with a heavy heart that I regretfully inform you that on Friday, January 22 the TVC-W determined that it was in everybody’s best interest to cancel MS Winter Sports for the 2020 season. If you are anything like me, you are heartbroken by the loss of opportunity to practice and compete for your child and other middle school athletes.
If we have learned anything throughout this last year, it is that we will continue to press forward and work through the challenges that are presented to us. Please take this opportunity to find ways for your child to be physically active and develop the skills necessary to compete in not only the spring sports season but in the years to come.
Together we have demonstrated that there is nothing that we cannot overcome. As your school leader please know that we will continue to work together to make things better for your students.
Regretfully,
Joshua Chase
Hemlock Middle School Athletic Director
Hemlock Middle School Principal
Hemlock Youth Basketball
Unfortunately, the Hemlock Youth Basketball season has been cancelled due to the Governor's orders regarding contact sports. Please continue to follow the Hemlock Youth Basketball Facebook page for updated information. We look forward to a great season next year!
WANNA DRIVE A SCHOOL BUS??
New Business in Town
Beating those Winter Blues
The sunshine has been limited and the cold weather months are here, so there are a lot of people out there with something called the Winter Blues.
Besides feeling sad, here are some typical symptoms of winter blues:
- Your energy is low and you sleep more than usual.
- You feel apathetic, unmotivated, and bored.
- You are less interested in friends and activities you usually enjoy.
- You feel irritable, moody, and your relationships suffer.
- You overeat, gain weight, and especially have cravings for carbohydrates.
Winter blues is a type of depression that occurs during the shortest, coldest, and darkest days of the year, but dissipates come spring.
Its causes are not completely understood, but it’s generally thought to be a biochemical result of lack of daylight.
Don't fear there is something you can do to get you out of this funk....
Eat A Serotonin-Boosting Diet
Take The Right Supplements
Practice Meditation
Get Comfy and Cozy
Get Some Physical Exercise
Plan Something To Look Forward To
Cross An Item Off Your “To-Do” List
Express Gratitude
Stop Idealizing The Holidays
Clean Up Your Diet
Cut Yourself Some Slack
A variety of these lifestyle modifications have proven to be very effective, but if they don't bring you the relief you seek .....try one of the approved medical treatments — light box therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or the use of a dawn simulator.
"When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile."
Emily Reiber, 1/30
Xavier VanWagner, 1/30
Parker Kazmierski, 2/1
Brooke Gustin, 2/2
Payten Williams, 2/2
Mackenzie Hubble, 2/4
Kiley Brady, 2/5
WHAT'S COMING UP NEXT ..................
- Friday, 1/29: Virtual day for everyone!
- Tuesday, 2/2: Sports Picture Day! - Boys & Girls Basketball and Wrestling
- Wednesday, 2/3: Picture Day for ALL students! (Face-to-Face and Remote)
- Friday, 2/5: Virtual day for everyone!
- Friday, 2/12: Virtual day for everyone!
- Monday, 2/15: No School
HEMLOCK MIDDLE SCHOOL
Email: kienitz.kris@hemlockps.com
Website: hemlockps.com
Location: 525 North Maple Street, Hemlock, MI, USA
Phone: 989-642-5253