Good evening, Hugh Mercer Students and Families,
Welcome to the final week of school for 2024. I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. Tomorrow, we are ready to start a great week of learning and fun together as we prepare for our Winter Break.
This week we have a full day each day from Monday, December 16 through Friday, December 20. FCPS’s Winter Break will start on Monday, December 23 and continue through Friday, January 3. Monday, January 6 will be a Teacher Workday, and students return to school on Tuesday, January 7.
Reminders from last week:
Last week was the final week in 2024 for after-school learning support and HMES clubs. There will be no after-school activities for remediation and clubs this 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. Returning from an extended break it is important to get back into routines right from the start.
Instruction and Assessment
Starting December 12, we will have our Q2 Benchmarks given for grades 2 through 5. Math and Literacy benchmarks will be given for each of those grades. 4 and 5 grades will also take a Science benchmark and 4 will take a Virginia Studies benchmark. The Q2 Benchmark will conclude by December 20. These assessments are used to guide your child’s teacher’s instruction and to help assess what academic supports and resources your child may need based on their current mastery of the content for their grade level.
December 12: 2nd through 5th grades Literacy Benchmarks
December 13: 4th grade Science Benchmark
December 16: 3rd Math Benchmark, 4th Virginia Studies, and 5th Science Benchmark
December 17: 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades Math Benchmarks
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:
Spirit Week:
December 16: Candy Cane Day (wear red, white, and stripes!)
December 17: Ugly/Holiday Sweater and Shirts Day
December 18: Winter Character Day (dress up as an elf, Frosty, Elsa, etc.)
December 19: Australian Christmas (beach theme)
December 20: PJ Day (must wear appropriate pajamas for school and weather)
December 18-19: Grades 3-5 Spelling Bees
December 20: End of Q2
December 20: Last Day of School before Winter Break
December 23 - January 3: School Not in Session (Winter Break)
January 7: Return to School (start of Q3)
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.
This will be the last Weekly Principal’s Message for 2024. The weekly updates and messages will resume in 2025 on January 5.
Patriot PRIDE, always,
Mr. Snyder