Harwood Middle School Blog update, December 13, 2020

Curious
An 8th Grade Scientist investigating the relationship between 
mass, volume, floating and sinking.  

Curious 
7th Grade Mathematicians using natural light as a way to 
begin a unit on understanding scale/proportion through
scale factor posters.  

Curious 
7th grade scientists are making connections about how our units of time correspond to astronomical events. Student noticed how the position of the Sun changed from the beginning of class to the end of class.

Curious  Starting Monday - December 7th we will be moving screening inside.  Harwood doors will continue to open at 7:45.  Upon arrival students will need to remain 6 feet apart while waiting to be screened.  Screening will be done inside the doors of the south entrance, back stairs and main lobby.  Please note that if you leave after drop off or your child arrives on the bus and needs to leave due to the screener a parent will need to come to pick up.   Why are social gatherings prohibited right now?              Vermont is seeing a surge in new COVID-19 cases. Recent data have shown that social                gatherings, both inside and outside, at homes, bars and social clubs, and among sports teams              are currently driving outbreaks in Vermont. This is why there are restrictions on social                gatherings at this time. This is what you cannot do: You are not allowed to gather with people you don’t live with. This includes all inside and outside social, recreational and entertainment gatherings, and in public and private spaces. For example, this means you cannot go over to a family member or friend’s house or go to a restaurant with someone you don’t live with. Visitors to Vermont cannot gather with Vermonters or with people from another traveling group. This includes sharing lodging with another household or traveling group. Travelers may not stay with a Vermont host or stay in a Vermont lodging establishment or short-term rental with another household. Even if they have completed a quarantine, or intend to quarantine with another household, they may not gather with another household in Vermont. This is what you can do: People who live alone may gather with people who live in one other household. People can take in and shelter those from another household who are living in a dangerous, unhealthy or otherwise unsafe situation. You can do outdoor fitness activities with one other person from another household. However, both of you must stay at least 6 feet away from each other and wear a mask at all times. For example, you can bike, hike, walk or run with one of your neighbors. Visitors to Vermont can socialize only with the people they are traveling with. More information can be found here and answers to FAQ’s can be found here.

 

Connected 7th graders "get to know each other" friendship lunch group in the new Wellness Center with Jen! All 7th graders will have a chance to be invited with Jen and a small group during middle school lunch.

Connected Intradistrict School Choice for 21-22 is now open. Link to form is on this page: https://huusd.org/apply-for-intradistrict-school-choice Please remember to remind your HUMS student to complete the question of the day on asychronous so that he/she can be counted a present for this school day. As we continue to prioritize safety and wellness at Harwood we ask you to complete this absence google form for every day your child is absent.  This provides us the information needed to follow up accordingly and support our ongoing decision making.  Calendar reminders: IMPORTANT - CALENDAR changes: in order to balance days of instruction please note that the week of Thanksgiving will have a different schedule: 12/21 - Black cohort day (students who usually attend Mon/Tues) 12/22 - Gold cohort day (students who usually attend Thurs/Fri) 12/23 - 01/03 - December Vacation - NO School 1/29 - Last day of Semester 1/Quarter 2  Expectations for students when absent Students are responsible for: sending an email to all their teachers when they are absent. communicating if they know they will be out multiple days they will let the teacher know and update as needed checking google classroom to see what they need to complete completing asynchronous assignments signing up for an ELO to work with their teacher communicating with teachers if absent for more than three days to discuss what they need to complete to keep up with classroom expectations.

Caring   Dear HUUSD Parents/Guardians, Students and Staff,   During this time of additional and potential stressors, we want to offer care and support. To put it simply; it's a lot… but we can do difficult things. Students and/or families may be struggling with increased time at home, depression and anxiety, financial stressors, isolation from their friends and decreased access to their traditional support systems and activities. During stressful and uncertain times, there is potential for increased use of ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug) substances, suicidality, and other mental health conditions. As reported by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers have reported experiencing disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal ideation.” There are many issues that can interfere with one’s ability to engage in their community and school. In addition to the other supports offered for student well being at this time, the Harwood Unified Union School District would like to remind families and caregivers of services and resources available to them. Please access a list of local resources here. For additional resources and information, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram @harwoodschoolcounseling. Please contact Mara Urban with questions about ATOD resources or your students school counselor with specific questions or concerns about your student. With gratitude and appreciation, Mara Urban, Student Assistance Professional, (802) 882-1111 in collaboration with the CBMS and HUMS/HS School Counselors Tara Cariano, HUHS School Counselor (802) 583-8152 Erin Dezell, HUHS School Counselor (802) 583-8149 Jen Dremiller, HUMS School Counselor & Wellness Center Counselor, (802) 583-8155 Jennifer Hempey, CBMS School Counselor (802) 583-8071  Sally McCarthy, HUHS Director of School Counseling, (802) 583-8175 Everyone Eats!  Everyone Eats is a program that engages local restaurants to make to-go meals for anyone who has been impacted by COVID 19. Pick up is at Sugar Fish VT (not Sugarbush) on Saturdays from 11-1:00, 168 Fiddlers Green by the laundromat. You will receive one individually packaged frozen dinner for each person in your household.  Also, Farmers to Families Boxes are available first-come, first serve.  Sign up using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/vee-enrollment  You will only need to enroll once.  Please come each week to pick up meals. If you have questions, call Jess Tompkins at  802-793-1116 or email ShareMRV@gmail.com

We have posted revised bus routes which went into effect on Friday, 12/11. There are several changes throughout the district, so please take a moment to look at your students' routes.  If you have questions about the routes, please contact First Student at 244-6422.  The new routes are at https://huusd.org/bus-routes

Harwood Introduces Transit Cards for All Bus Riders

Beginning Monday, December 14, Harwood Union Middle/High School Bus riders will be issued Harwood Transit cards (ZPass System) to assist school staff with identifying what students ride which bus each day regardless of any change in the bus they take to or from school.   This is more important than ever given during this  COVID school year.  Harwood will pilot this system in December with the goal of full implementation beginning January 2021.  Please contact Duane Pierson at dpierson@huusd.org with any questions.  

What is Zpass?  

ZPass is an innovative student electronic ridership system which provides school staff with the time, date and location that a student enters and exits a school bus. The program software is widely used and trusted by school districts across the nation. Each school bus is equipped with a Transit Card reader. As students enter and exit their bus, they simply tap or swipe their transit cards in front of the card reader located at the bus entry door. (See the pictures above) The system then records the time, date and location of entry or exit. This data is transmitted to a secure database only accessible to school administrative staff and authorized transportation staff. 

How will we use the Zpass system at Harwood?  

All Harwood bus riders will be required to swipe their Harwood Transit Cards when boarding, riding or departing a school bus. In the event a student loses their ID or it is damaged, they will receive an additional ZPass ID free of charge during our pilot time period.   If a student loses their ID, they will not be denied transportation; however they will need to obtain a replacement ID from the main office in a timely manner. Daily bus students will be required to use their Transit Card each time they enter or exit a bus.  At this time we are only utilizing this system for daily school bus transportation.  

When will Students begin using this system? 

• On Monday, December 14, the Monday/Tuesday Bus Students (Harwood Gold Group)  will receive their cards (with a Harwood Lanyard) 

If a student does not receive a Transit Card they should see Nancy in the front office.  

• On Tuesday, December 15, the Harwood Gold Group will use their cards as they board and exit their pm bus.

• On Thursday, December 17, the Thursday/Friday Bus Students (Harwood Black Group)  will receive their cards (with a Harwood Lanyard) during TA.    

If a student does not receive a Transit Card they should see Nancy in the front office.  

• On Friday, December 18, the Harwood Black Group will use their cards as they board and exit their pm bus

Community Announcements

Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.

Book Club for Parents: Never parented during a pandemic? We haven’t either! Join the MRV Libraries as we work towards adding some tools to our parenting toolkits with a new bookclub. During the first series we will read and discuss the book Respectful Parents, Respectful Kids: 7 Keys to Turn Family Conflict Into Cooperation which explores creating an environment based on mutual respect, emotional safety, and positive, open communication in our families and beyond. Through the generosity of co-sponsor Hannah’s House, copies of the book will be made available to participants. When registering, you are committing to the 3-part series. To encourage conversation, the group will be limited to 12 people. Tuesdays, December 15, December 29, January 12 at 6pm. Register here: https://forms.gle/66U78gixu5swPQc76

"Among Us" with the MRV Libraries: Fridays, 4-5:30pm, 11/20-12/18. Calling all crew and imposters! The MRV Libraries invite students in grades 5-8 to play the online game “Among Us” in a trusted environment. Can you spot the imposter and stop them before they destroy your ship and crew mates? Participation is limited to 10 players. You may register for one or more of the Friday sessions. When you register, you will receive a Zoom link and instructions for downloading the game before your session. Registration: https://forms.gle/72257dmWvmeb8g658

Harwood Middle School Blog update, November 8, 2020

Curious About our Water
7th grade scientists continued their water quality investigation by collecting water samples and testing for different variables, including, pH, phosphorous, nitrates and dissolved oxygen

Dear HUMS Families;

   

The end of quarter one is upon us and it is time to hold our first family conference meeting.  In our conferences, we hope to build upon our August welcome meetings, continuing to celebrate what is working well and consider what remains challenging for your child.  Our 7th grade students will share reflections on their transition to HUMS, and share samples of school work and progress made thus far. Our 8th grade students will reflect on their return to a very different HUMS as well as their learning so far this year.   The conversations will be a time to reflect on strengths, and areas in need of support, allowing you to see what your child has been learning and share in their accomplishments.

What: Student Led Conferences

Who: Student, Parent/Guardian, Teacher Advisor

When: November 12th from 3:30-6:00 or 17th from 3:00-6:00

How: Through Zoom meetings

Sign Up:  

• 7th Grade TA’s will be sending out a table to sign up for these conferences

                 

•  8th Grade families should use this link to sign up for family conferences:   

                   LINK:  8th grade sign up for conference 11/12-11/17 

Thank you for the ongoing support of your student’s growth and learning.

 

HUMS pictures will be taken this coming week.
 
11/9 - 7th Grade - Renz and Selvaggio (Black Group) 
11/10 - 7the Grade Potts/Gordon/8th Grade (Black Group)
 
11/12 - 7th grade (Gold Group) 
11/13 - 8th grade (Gold Group) 

Message from our Health Office Regarding Traveling 

What are you planning for the holidays this year? It’s hard to imagine breaking with tradition and celebrating at home, but that is what a lot of Vermont families are deciding to do in 2020. Travel does increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, and the way you celebrate this year will have an impact on your family, community, and Vermont. Consider the level of risk you are willing to take and make plans to safely gather with loved ones or think creatively about how to connect remotely. Don’t make plans to travel or gather until you take these steps:  

 

1. Check the map to find out the risk of COVID-19 infection at your destination,  

2. Decide if the risk is worth it for your family,  

3. Plan to have a safe trip or gathering, remain flexible and get your flu shot and  

4. Quarantine when you return. 

 

More information can be found on the Health Department website and you can email with questions.

Be prepared for Winter Weather.. HUMS is going outside!  

Monday and Tuesday... 

Thursday and Friday..

  As we transition into cooler weather (and days when the weather is totally unpredictable - see the pictures above, taken last week)   students need the following items each day: 

• Hat, Boots, Mitten/Gloves, Warm Coat and if there's a sign of snow, snow pants. If rain is predicted, raingear, including boots and/or extra shoes is key.  It is MUCH more fun to be outside when you stay dry.  

• Extra masks. Colder temperatures lead to masks "freezing up" and a wet, cold mask not only isn't comfortable, it doesn't work well either.

• Extra clothes Pants, socks…  

• We hope to offer some Winter activities during recess to keep our HUMS students active during the upcoming winter months. 

Community Announcements

Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.

"Settling into This New Normal" w/ Kevin Gallagher. Hannah's House is hosting an online event with psychologist Kevin Gallagher on November 13 at 4pm via Zoom. "Settling Into This New Normal" will bring an uplifting perspective along with hope and helpful ideas to get better acclimated to this new normal of living in the time of a pandemic. He is a trusted source of guidance for families and his sense of humor is very engaging! He will be live on Zoom and will take your questions in the Zoom platform or you can email your questions in advance to: chrissy@hannahshousevt.org or call them in in advance to: 802-496-9715. 
       RSVP to this free event by emailing chrissy@hannahshousevt.org or by calling 802-496-9715 and the Zoom link will be sent to you.
       Kevin Gallagher is a psychotherapist in private practice in Burlington. He primarily works with adolescents, couples and families.
       *This event will be recorded by MRVTV and available online afterward. 

Everyone Eats!  Everyone Eats is a program that engages local restaurants to make to-go meals for anyone who has been impacted by COVID 19. Pick up is at Sugar Fish VT (not Sugarbush) on Saturdays from 11-1:00, 168 Fiddlers Green by the laundromat. You will receive one individually packaged frozen dinner for each person in your household.  Also, Farmers to Families Boxes are available first-come, first serve.  Sign up using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/vee-enrollment  You will only need to enroll once.  Please come each week to pick up meals. If you have questions, call Jess Tompkins at  802-793-1116 or email ShareMRV@gmail.com 

Harwood Middle School blog update, October 23, 2020

HUMS UNITY DAY

This past week, HUMS students and staff united to celebrate

kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Each Unity Day, students around the world wear orange to demonstrate unity against bullying. Pictured above is a orange paper chain stretched between our 7th and 8th grade cores aras that containe committments of all of our students and staff to stop bullying.

Coming Soon:

• This coming week TAs will compete in a cornhole tournament to see who will hold the TA Spirit Trophy for the month of November. 
• School pictures are tentatively scehduled for the week of November 9th. More information soon.
• Student Conferences will be held on November 12 and 17th. Within the next week families will recieve information regarding our on-line scheduling program, Canyon Creek, to reserve a time/day for your conference.

Update:

• HUMS would like to welcome James DeLizza to our staff for the 20-21 school year. Mr. DeLizza hails from Brooklyn NYC and recently was teaching middle school Language Arts in New Hampshire. He has traveled and taught extensively in the United States. We look forward to having him join our team for the school year..

Middle School Students never cease to amaze!  

Feattured above is a HUMS student's electronic backpack 

broadcasting Unity Day for all to see.  

(You can also play 1980's video games on it as well) 

Unity Day, the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month, has been  recognized in the United States since 2011. To participate in Unity Day, individuals, schools, communities, and businesses wear or display orange to show support for students who have been bullied.

7th graders collected macro invertebrates in the Lozelle Brook! They will meet with a scientist from VT EPSCoR on Wednesday to learn more about what information the macroinvertebrates can give us about the water quality of the Brook.

On Tuesday and Friday, students are encouraged to dress up for Halloween if they would like with appropriate costumes (only school-approved face masks; nothing covering the eyes)

REMINDER:   All HUUSD is  returning to full (not HUBS) morning bus runs.
Riding the bus insures your child will be on time and cuts down on vehicles on the road and in the parking lot. The revised morning bus routes can be found online here.

Reminder:  No School on November for Election Day 2020.  Please Vote!   

HUUSD Board Meeting Recap, October 14 - The HUUSD Board met remotely on Wednesday, October 14. The meeting began with questions for Superintendent Nease about Return to Learn planning and an update from Harwood’s student representatives. 

The meeting centered around the district’s preK-12 plan. The Board approved a motion to “move forward with the implementation of middle school consolidation in FY ‘22-23, for 7th and 8th graders at Crossett Brook Middle School.” Many details will be fleshed out in the coming months and the Board expects to use time at its next meeting to discuss plans for bringing the merger to fruition and a bond to voters. 

In other actions, the Board approved hiring a law firm to assist in negotiating new collective bargaining agreements with the teacher and support staff associations; approved several agenda topics for discussion at future meetings; developed a committee to explore reducing the size and changing the configuration of the Board; and accepted the report of an independent investigator who found no merit to the claim that, in 2016, the Superintendent acted inappropriately during a purported conversation regarding an incident of racism.

The next regular Board meeting will be October 28th, at 6:00PM. Remote meeting requirements have made it easier than ever to participate in or view School Board meetings, and we hope you will consider joining us. You can also email the board with your thoughts at cen-huusdboard@huusd.org

-- To participate live through Zoom, simply click on this link at the meeting’s start time: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/386460007#success

-- To view either live or after-the-fact on YouTube, use this link: tinyurl.com/huwebapp-youtube-live

-- To view on Mad River Television, use this link: www.mrvtv.com

Thank you for continued support,

The HUUSD Board

Community Announcements

Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.


ELECTION DAY CHILDCARE Neck of the Woods(NOW) will be offering childcare on November 3rd, 7:30-3:00 for $40/child.  There will also be care 3:00-5:00 for $15/child. Please email Catrina at neckofthewoodsNOW@gmail.com to sign up.
 

Talking with Kids About Racism   Tuesdays, October 13, 20, and 27, 6-8pm. Hosted Online by the MRV Libraries and the Peace & Justice Center. Talking about race and racism can be difficult -- especially with children, but that does not mean we shouldn't have these conversations. This three-part program is for all people concerned about the impact of racism and/or white privilege on children. Learn tools to discuss these issues with children in a meaningful and age-appropriate way through resources, discussion, and role playing. Participants are expected to attend all three sessions unless other arrangements are made in advance with the facilitators. If the workshop fills, priority will be given to those who can attend all sessions. Registration is required and space is limited.
Register Here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/muwMTeQ0vVyOqyDPpBJNIQ

4-H Enrichment Opportunities    Are you looking for enrichment activities for your students on remote learning days? UVM Extension 4-H can help!   Check out our offerings at www.uvm.edu/extension/youth/announcements
All programs are FREE but registration is required. Programs are developed for certain ages but please inquire if interested. Some options include: 

• 4-H Speak Up Contest (grade 3-12):

Part of civic engagement, a key mission of the 4-H program, is helping young people use their voice to drive change in their communities. The 4-H Speak Up contest encourages youth to explore and share their thoughts and ideas. Enter a video for a chance to be heard! Contest ends November 30; a $50 gift certificate will be awarded to the winner in each age category.

           FREE DIGITAL THERMOMETER

Text FLUENCY to 900900 to connect with this program being offered by Kinsa; you will receive a digital thermometer in the mail, free, and be guided in downloading an app that syncs to the thermometer.