• A Message from Dr. Clapp

• Classroom Peeks

• Happenings

• Drive to Thrive

• Get involved!

• Community Clicks

• and Upcoming Events

“When you do nothing you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better."

~ Maya Angelou

Dear HKMS Families,

Happy last day of summer! Meteorologically speaking, the first day of Autumn is tomorrow and signifies not only a change in the amount of daylight, but provides us with a milemarker on the journey through the school year.  We have now completed four weeks of school and we are moving from the "honeymoon" period of the school year into the deep and meaningful academic, social, and emotional teaching and learning that defines a rigorous middle school education. My favorite parts of this time of year are watching students define and often redefine who they are, seeing what interests they pursue, watching their styles and interests change, and witnessing friendships evolve.  This may be best demonstrated through the extracurricular opportunities students choose to join. This week we saw the debate team, ultimate Frisbee, and the garden club all coming together  with a very high level of participation. In the coming weeks the homework club, yearbook club, school climate committee, the art club, and newspaper club will all have their first sessions.  

The benefits of involvement are vast. Young adolescents who engage in extra curriculars have shown improvement in academic performance, improved attendance, and better standardized test scores. These students feel more connected to school and have a wider array of friends. Extra-curriculars like debate and student leadership help to improve research, communication and critical thinking skills. "Similarly, participating in theatre can improve reading comprehension– including youth who have learning disabilities. Teens who get involved with music education may find they’re improving their math skills" (Fremont, 2021 link here). And remember, all the HKMS clubs and activities are free and usually do not require a sign up, just show up and get involved!  Check out the "happenings" section below for a complete schedule of the clubs and activities that are already planned for this year, with more activities in the works!

Getting involved is not just for our students, we want our parents, guardians, and caregivers involved too! In a message below from Mrs. Mohr,  she describes and is inviting members of our adult community to join the important work of our school climate committee.  The committee is made up of several students, teachers, and parents. They look at school climate data and develop plans to target and improve defined areas of growth.  Please see the message from Mrs. Mohr in the "get involved" section.  If you haven't already, please consider joining and get involved in the PTO.  You will be joining a great group of parents who help make all those "extra" aspects of middle school life possible. From running picture day and fundraisers, to coffees, book clubs, and celebrations, we could not create such a wonderful learning community without their ongoing support and involvement! Joining is simple , just follow this link. 

A quick reminder that Chromebook Insurance is due by the end of school on Friday 9/29. For just $30 you can buy piece of mind that one cracked screen or lost device doesn't set you back $285! Please make checks payable to the HKMS Activity Fund, and send them in to Mrs. Rudy in the main office. for  more info about the insurance program see the document linked here. 

This edition is chock full of the wonderful teaching, learning, and joyful moments that made up this week.  For all those celebrating the holiday, may you have an easy fast and a Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend! 

Sincerely,

Steven Clapp, Ed.D.

Grade 7

Grade 8

FPAs

Save the date: Wednesday, October 4th

For the third time in as many years we will be participating in the "walk, bike, & roll" to school day!   If you don't live in walking distance, no problem! We are partnering with Jesse Lee Church to offer parking for you and your family to participate.  You can also choose to "drop" your child off on Ridgedale Road.  Mrs. Mohr, Dr. Clapp, and members of the EPD will  be on hand to make sure everyone is safe and having fun!  More info to come in next week's newsletter. 

Plan on dropping or parking between 7:30-7:45 to make sure everyone is on time for school! Please fill out the Google form linked here so we know how many to plan for.

The Flags of HKMS!