Principal Snyder's Weekly Update

Good evening, Hugh Mercer Students and Families,

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend and excited for the upcoming holidays. With this week being our last full week of school before the Thanksgiving Holiday break, there will not be a Sunday message or newsletter next Sunday, November 24. We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving break and get time to spend with those that matter most to you and your family. We will resume weekly updates and newsletters on Sunday, December 1.

Reminders from last week

Thank you for helping Hugh Mercer increase its average daily attendance and thank you for helping to decrease student absences from school.  Please remember that school starts at 8:20 AM and that students arriving by car need to be dropped off before 8:20 AM.  

It is not too late to submit a suggestion for the Gladys West Elementary School Mascot. The new elementary school will open in August 2025 and is looking for mascot suggestions. The last day to submit a mascot suggestion is this Wednesday- November 20.

https://fxbg.link/gwes-mascot-survey

Instruction and Assessment

The Hugh Mercer Administration is excited to announce that we have hired a new Assistant Principal that will be joining us on December 2, 2024. Mrs. Connie Malmgren is an experienced elementary school educator, and we will be sharing more information and her welcome/introduction letter later this week.

Remediation and support for students not demonstrating proficiency on their grade level SOL standards and grade level skills has begun. 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. 

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:

  • November 26 @ 12:45 PM: Early Dismissal

  • November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday Break

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