Good evening, Hugh Mercer Students and Families,
Reminders from last week:
October is Bullying Prevention Month, and we continue with activities and events to support our students by demonstrating positive and empathetic behaviors towards one another.
Due to large numbers of tardy students and late arrivals, we wanted to remind families that school starts promptly at 8:20am. Your late arrival is even impacting our bus drop-offs because so many families have to drive around to the front of the building delaying the arrival and access to the bus drop-off area by our buses. Please understand that tardy arrivals are not tolerated or overlooked, and it can negatively impact your child’s academic performance and their ability to participate in school events.
Instruction and Assessment
We finished the first nine weeks of school on Thursday, October 10. Report cards will be sent home on October 23. Parent/Family Conferences will be on October 29. In addition to report cards, each class will be celebrating students who have earned Excellence in Academics and Attendance awards. These certificates will recognize students in Grades 3-5 who have achieved all A's or A's and B's, and in Grades K-2, with all E's or E's and S's. We will also celebrate students who have missed no more than 3 days of school these nine weeks. Certificates will be sent home with report cards and announced on the morning announcements next week.
We also started remediation and support for students not demonstrating proficiency on their grade level SOL standards and grade level skills. Remediation and support are given during our intervention blocks during the day and during our after-school support sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Safety and Behaviors
Families, please encourage conversations about conflict resolution with your child(ren). HMES does not allow students to settle conflict by using hurtful words or physical touch. Integrity and empathy are essential skills for your child to have when dealing with conflict or social situations that may cause anxiety. When students choose to hit out of anger or fight, we will be contacting parents, those students will be sent home for remainder of the school day, and if warranted a multiple day suspension may be given.
Our students are here to learn and prepare for their future, not to disrupt the classroom environment. I encourage you to review our Patriot Pride expectations with them, emphasizing what respectful behavior looks like in the classroom, cafeteria, hallways, and on the bus.
Upcoming Events:
October 23: Report Cards Sent Home
October 23 @ 5-6:30 PM: Treats in the Street (Trunk or Treat event)
October 29 @ 5-7 PM: Family/Teacher Conferences (Please reach out to your child's teacher if you need to schedule a time.)
October 28 @ 5-6:30 PM: SEAC Meeting @ LES
November 4: School Board Meeting
November 5: School Not in Session (Election Day)
November 11: School Not in Session (Veterans' Day)
As always, we are looking forward to another productive and positive week ahead. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Your partnership is essential, and working together ensures the success of every Hugh Mercer student.
I hope you enjoy your evening and look forward to a wonderful week ahead.
Patriot PRIDE, always,
Mr. Snyder