Weekly Newsletter HMS: Week of April 14th

Statewide Assessments – Please Plan Ahead

As we approach this year’s statewide assessments, we kindly ask for your help in ensuring students are present on these important days. Whenever possible, please try to avoid scheduling appointments during testing dates so students can focus and perform their best.

We appreciate your support in making sure our students have every opportunity to succeed! Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Assessment Dates Below

• April 16, 2025 PSAT 8
• April 17 & 21 M-STEP 6 & 7
• April 22 & 24 M-STEP 8

How to Prepare Students:

• Good night sleep the night before

• Avoid all appointments on test days:  If they miss school or arrive late, they will have to test on a make-up day, missing that day’s instruction- We start testing at 8 am

• PSAT Information for Parents and Students-  https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/psat-8-9-student-guide.pdf 

Testing Day: 

● Cell Phones: It is imperative that students leave their cell phones in their locker, at home, or turned off in their bag (not on vibrate). It is SAT policy that if any electronic device makes a noise during testing, then that student must be removed from the testing room and their scores invalidated. This situation is considered a SAT irregularity and as a testing center, we must follow their rules. 

● Food: Students may have a snack in their bag, but there will be no eating or drinking in the testing room. Students will have a break during testing, but any snacks must be consumed outside of the testing room. 

● Watches: Programmable watches or smart watches are not allowed. Like cell phones, if a watch makes a noise, then the student will be removed from the testing room and his/her score canceled. 

● Calculators:Students may use their own acceptable calculator on test day or take advantage of the graphing calculator built directly into the testing application.. Please use this site to check your calculator. 

● Pencils: No mechanical pencils are allowed during testing. Students should plan to bring two or three sharpened #2 pencils on test day for use on scratch paper.

● Breakfast: Please try to make sure your student eats a substantial breakfast on test days. It is important to properly fuel the body and mind. 

Important Dates:  

• April 16: PSAT 8

• April 17 M-STEP 6 & 7 READING

• April 21: M-STEP 6 & 7 MATH

• April 22: M-STEP 8 SCIENCE

• April 24: M-STEP 8 SOCIAL STUDIES

MAY

• May 1: MAP Reading 

• May 2: Pep Assembly for spring sports (WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE)

• May 6: 6th grade field trip to John Ball Zoo  

• May 7: MAP MATH (ALTERNATE SCHEDULE)

• May 8: ½ day Tulip Time 

• May 12: Choir Concert 6-8 at HHS 7:00

• May 19: Orchestra Concert 6-12 at HHS 7:00pm

• May 20: Band Concert 6 at HHS 7:00pm

• May 26: no school 

• May 28: 8th grades to Michigan Adventures  (DAVIS= admin)

• May 29: 

  • Parent Appreciation Donuts and Coffee 7:30-7:50

  • Band Concert 7-8th HHS 7:00pm

• May 30: 8th Grade Dance ( DAVIS= admin)

JUNE

• June 2: Parent Engagement afterschool event RESCHEDULED 2:45-4:45  (Focus is how to help your student over the summer!)

• June 4: 8th Grade Awards

Club Updates: 

No robotics April 14th.  Last Robotics of the year April 21st.  

Chess starts back up! 

• April 18, 25

• May 2, 9, 16, 23

Drama Club is canceled indefinitely:(

Summer Opportunities: 

STEP UP SUMMER CAMP: 

 June 16-July 31st, Monday-Thursday 8:30am-12:45pm, (no camp June 30th-July 3rd). Free breakfast and lunch each camp day. This free 6 week camp will focus on science that includes enrichment activities based/focused on leadership, community engagement, visual and performing arts, literacy, STEM and recreational activities, and will include some field trips and college visits. Application: https://forms.gle/S7jNrvF6YD8V59gb6

Escape Summer Bridge- for 8th graders entering 9th in 25-26 school year

As one of our top school partners, I wanted to reach out to share an exciting summer opportunity with you. We are currently hiring summer school teachers for our Summer Bridge Program, which focuses on preparing 8th grade students for their transition into 9th grade. 

We’re looking for two dedicated educators who are passionate about helping students succeed as they get ready for high school. If you know of any amazing staff / colleagues who might be interested in joining our team for the summer, we would love for you to pass this opportunity along. The link to apply

ESCAPE JOBS

Applications are open for Escape's Career Connections summer jobs program, a fun and purposeful way for youth ages 14-17 and adult team leaders to spend the summer!  APPLY

8th Grade Events for the Remainder of the Year

Michigan Adventures Field Trip- May 28

8th Grade Dance- May 30th

8th Grade Graduation- June 4th

Nurses Corner:

As Spring Break approaches, it is crucial to be aware of Measles, a highly contagious viral illness.  Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, continuing to infect others. Symptoms typically begin 7–14 days after exposure, though they can surface as late as 21 days after exposure, and may include:

• High fever (may spike to over 104°F)

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

• Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of mouth (Koplik Spots) 2-3 days after symptoms begin

• A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin

Anyone experiencing symptoms is urged to call their healthcare provider before seeking in-person care to prevent further spread.   The CDC recommends being fully vaccinated against measles for at least two weeks before international travel.  

For more information on measles, please visit the MDHHS website.