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8th Grade Scientist examining the effects of heating gas.
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| Another 8th Grade Scientist measuring volume of different masses. |
Hello Harwood Middle School Community,
During our recent inservice our middle school staff had the opportunity to reflect on how the school year was progressing academically as well as examine some of the recent behavioral challenges we have experienced. From our conversations we have taken the following steps to assist with creating a positive and engaging school environment.
1. Improved Communication - In the past HUMS published a bi-monthly family blog to connect families to the ways that students were being curious, connected and caring as learners. Given our need to publish COVID information as a 7-12 school, we have not published a strictly middle school blog for the several months. At this time we feel the re-introduction and use of a HUMS blog would help reconnect and revitalized this very essential link between home and school. Please note that our 7th and 8th grade team will continue to publish their weekly newsletters for the most up to date classroom information and updates.
2. Focus on Climate: The middle school staff reviewed recent discipline/behavioral incidents concerns that we have experienced over the past few weeks. We have initiated three measures that we expect will have a positive influence on reducing the number and severity of concerns that we have recently faced. These are:
- 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:
- 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.
CURIOUS |
Topics | Information/Links | Contact(s) | Superintendent Search | Did you know our district is embarking on a search for our new Superintendent? Over the next 3 months, our HUUSD board will be working with search firm McPherson & Jacobson to recruit, interview, and select a leader who will assume the role of Superintendent on July 1, 2022. We need your input! On Nov 8 and 9, Dr. John Gratto of McPherson & Jacobson will lead stakeholder conversations organized around 4 key questions: What makes our community a good place to live? What makes this a good school district - for students and staff? What are the issues that a new superintendent needs to know about as he or she comes into the district? What skills, qualities and characteristics will the new superintendent need to be successful?
Please join one of our community stakeholder meetings via Zoom on Monday November 8th (11/8 Zoom link) or Tuesday November 9th (11/9 Zoom Link) from 7:00-8:30 PM.
There will also be an online survey open from November 1st - 10th where you can answer the 4 questions above. This will be posted at https://huusd.org/superintendent-search and shared in our community bulletins.
Dr. Gratto will synthesize findings from the survey and stakeholder meetings with teachers, staff, administrators, high school students & community members into a report for the Board. The Board will use the input to finalize qualifications for the new superintendent at the 11/17/21 Board meeting.
Please join us to share your thoughts. We will continue to update the Superintendent Search page throughout this process so all community members can monitor the work to date. | Caitlin Hollister
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CARING |
| | | Resources from our Substance Abuse Coordinator | Talking with Teenagers about Marijuana Actually, Weed is Addictive | Mara Urban | An important message to keep us all healthy | All students should stay home from school if they show the following symptoms of COVID: Runny nose Cough Headache Fatigue Sore throat Muscle pain (muscle or body aches) Loss of taste or smell Fever (100.4F or greater) Congestion Shortness of breath Chills Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Please understand that we can not differentiate between COVID symptoms and other viral illnesses. If these symptoms last longer for 24 hours, they will need a COVID PCR test to return to school. One of our school nurses will contact you if your student is out sick to help determine the next steps. Please review this document from the Vermont Department of Health.
Please reach out to our school nurses, Magge or Phil, at HUHS-nurses@huusd.org if you have any questions. | Meg, Laurie and Duane | Wellness Center update | We are so pleased to announce the reopening of the Wellness Center for the 2021-2022 school year! Our space has moved a few doors down the hall from last year and is filled with lots of regulation tools for students, as well as a calm, welcoming environment to help students to get the most out of their school day. The Wellness Center is open to all students during certain times of the school day to take up to a 15 minute, tech-free, self-regulation break. The breaks need to be at an appropriate time and with teacher permission. Students also have the option of talking to a counselor while visiting the space.
Prioritizing student social, emotional and mental health has been reported by the US Department of Education as a top priority this 2021-2022 school year in addition to accelerating academic achievement. Taking time during the school day to care for yourself and learning how to manage stress is needed this year more than ever. Please encourage your Harwood student to check out the Wellness Center if they have not done so already.
One other addition is that Jen will have designated time on Wednesdays for individual student follow-up appointments in the Wellness Center. Please reach out with questions to Jdreimiller@huusd.org | Jen Dreimiller | Health Office Update | First, as we head into the holiday season, we wanted to make you aware of opportunities for support.
Thanksgiving:
National Life and Sodexo are providing a free Thanksgiving meal to their neighbors in Washington County. They partnered with Just Basics, Hannaford, Central Vermont Medical Center, Hunger Mountain Coop, Cabot Cheese, the Vermont Foodbank, and Vermont Creamery to offer traditional turkey and vegetarian meals to-go.Since we’re still navigating the impact of Covid-19, they will once again provide a free pick-up or delivery of Thanksgiving meals to those who need one. To reserve a free meal, call 802-229-7300 or email giving@nationallife.com by Nov 17.
Gift Giving Holidays:
We will pass along other opportunities as we learn of them.
Other updates:
We have seen an uptick of students with upper respiratory symptoms in school. Please keep your student home if they are sick. Whether they are vaccinated or not, if symptoms last longer than 24 hours, they will need a COVID test to return to school. The district is following the guidance from VDH here.
If your student has an injury or illness, please let the health office know and send in supporting documents (discharge summary, MD note, activity restrictions, orders that can be done in the health office) so that we can support your student.
Please email HUHS-Nurses@huusd.org with any questions. |
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CONNECTED |
Winter Sports Registrations are OPEN!! | MS Winter Sports Signup Link Winter Sports will begin on November 29th!! Register now!! | Chris Langevin | Family/Student conferences | Please note that family/student conferences will be held this month. Check your 7th or 8th grade team newsletters for specific information on how to sign-up for time. If you have questions please contact Duane Pierson at dpierson@huusd.org. |
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**Additional Middle School Opportunities:
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
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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.
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