Harwood Union Middle School Blog Update 21-22 school year
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Sunday, December 19, 2021
Harwood Middle School blog update, December 19, 2021
**What is Samsung Solve for Tomorrow?**
Each year Samsung hosts a $2 million national competition for public schools grades 6–12 in which students are asked to consider how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) can be used to create change in their communities. With the help of their teachers, students can apply to the contest and compete to win up to $100,000 in prizes for their school, plus the opportunity to work with Samsung employees to develop their prototypes.
View our our first edition of the Harwood Underground here: https://harwoodunderground.wixsite.com/home/post/harwood-union-middle-school-restarts-student-newspaper |
HUMS is a Caring, Connected and Curious School!
Topics | Information/Links |
Health Office
| Surveillance testing for students: Sign-up here. Dates: Each Monday that school is in session Times/Locations:
Please remind your student that they are signed up and to come to testing even if they do not get a pass from their TA. Information about other testing options (close contact test to stay, symptomatic response testing) CDC, FDA Sign Off on Pfizer Boosters for 16- and 17-Year-Olds "The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized booster doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for 16- and 17-year-olds today, clearing the way for millions of older teenagers to get a third dose of vaccine starting 6 months after their second dose."
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/964495 Student Health Issues If your student is experiencing a long-term illness, having surgery, or sustained an injury outside of school, let the health office know so that we can coordinate and communicate with faculty and staff, if necessary. Supporting documentation (discharge paperwork, letter from provider) helps us determine accommodations to support students' learning. Feel free to contact the health office if you have any questions or would like to discuss. |
Please note: When students are going to miss school, it's important that they reach out to their teachers to let them know and to inquire about work they will be missing. HUMS teachers can be reached by using their email or you can email Mr. Pierson at dpierson@huusd.org to help you connect. |
Condom Availability Programs | Effective July 1, 2021, all secondary schools in Vermont shall make condoms available to all students in grades 7-12, free of charge. Vermont Statute: Provision of Contraceptives HUUSD students in grades 7-12 will be able to access condoms in designated locations in our high school and middle schools. These locations will be staffed by individuals qualified to provide information and answer any questions. Please see our school nurses or our school's health educator (Mr. Moody) for questions or concerns. Additionally, information will represent the needs of all students, inclusive of gender identity, sexuality, and ethnicity. Curricular goals are guided by the National Health Education Standards and the National Sexuality Education Standards. Specifically, units and lessons are guided by the 3R's Curriculum and the Center for Disease Control. Please direct any questions to our Principals, Nurses and Health teachers. |
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Harwood Middle School Blog update, November 21, 2021
SNOW DAY DREAM CRUSHER The Vermont Agency of Transportation sponsored a “Name the Plow” program allowing students from across the state to name their fleet of snowplow trucks. This past Wednesday, students had the opportunity to see the trucks in person and meet their drivers. We think our plow name is the best! |
Harwood Middle School has partnered with UP for Learning to bring Cultivating Pathways to Sustainability (CPS) to the 7th and 8th grades. There is a group of 11 students who have joined the team, building leadership skills in a youth-adult partnership to create change in our community. CPS uses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a foundation for identifying an area in our community that they would like to see change and then using an inquiry-based model create a project to make change happen. |
HUMS scientist sailors at work. How many pennies can an aluminum foil boat support before sinking? Ask your 8th grader about this fun project! |
Topics | Information/Links |
Winter Sports Sign Ups | Sign Ups are Now OPEN for the 2021-22 Winter Sports Season! Please follow the correct link and sign your student-athlete up for Winter Sports today! Remember, the athletic department will need a physical dated within the last 2 years for your student-athlete to be eligible on Day 1. Do not wait to sign up! |
Updates from the Health Office | Please review the updates on COVID Testing Programs available in our district. Reach out to the health office if you have any questions. The HUUSD Nurse team has been in contact with the Outbreak Prevention and Response Team at the Vermont Department of Health this week. At this time, Harwood Union High School cases have NOT been investigated as outbreaks occurring within the school community.
We continue to see evidence that mitigation strategies including masking and distancing, are effective tools for reducing the risk of spread within the school setting. Thank you to all for your support in keeping our school community safe. As we head into the holiday season, we wanted to make you aware of opportunities for support. Thanksgiving:
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Calendar Reminders:
November 24th - November 26th - Thanksgiving Holiday -
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Harwood Middle School Blog Update, November 7, 2021
8th Grade Scientist examining the effects of heating gas. |
Another 8th Grade Scientist measuring volume of different masses. |
- Cell Phone Policy. The school's recent uptick in discipline/behavioral challenges can be attributed(in large part) to the inappropriate use of cell phones during the school day, both in and out of the classroom. Given this information, we have implemented a clearly articulated and reasonable cell phone policy for all HUMS students. This past Wednesday each Teacher advisory took time to review and discuss the importance of following this expectation. Listed here is the cell phone policy reminder:
- Please note: there are times when home- student communication via text is necessary - in these cases we have asked students to specifcially ask an administrator/teacher for permission to utilize their phone during the school day.
- Teacher Advisory Circles. This past Friday, HUMS held its first of a series of Teacher Advisory Circles to engage HUMS students in creating a school community where everyone feels heard and respected. Our circle process (a guided teacher and student lead discussion) focused student perceptions of our community and ways needed to more our community in a positive directtion - together.
- Upcoming Screening of the film"Screenagers". This coming Wednesday, our school community will view the film "Screenagers" An award-winning film that probes into the vulnerable corners of family life and depicts messy struggles over social media, video games and academics. The film offers solutions on how we can help our kids navigate the digital world. Use this link to view the film brought to our community by Hanah's House. "https://www.eventcombo.com/e/Screenagers-NEXT-CHAPTER-Presented-By-Hannahs-House--HUUSD-44148 We will use the film to continue our dialogue about creating a positive and engaging learning community.
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Upcoming Science/Environmental Opportunities for middle school students:
Nov 13 - Teen Science Cafe (in-person), Intro to Virology, Microbiology and Drugs
Nov 14 - Bovine Bonanza
Nov 8 - TRY for the Environment, application to be a teen teacher are due
Nov 30 - Teen Science Cafe (virtual), Radio Frequency Engineering & How It Relates to Climate Change
Dec 14 - Teen Science Cafe (virtual), Digital Phenotyping; Leveraging Machine Learning, Statistics, and Creativity to Model Human Health
Learn more about these programs and register at:
https://www.uvm.edu/extension/youth/announcements
The Winning TA from our recent HUMS Harvestfest Week The week consisted of autumn themed activities, treats and competitions. It is one of HUMS traditions that always brings out the smiles. |